Winter 2025 Contents
LAGNIAPPE STAFF
Editor:
Megan Kurtz
Assistant Editors: Katie Odell and Erica Jackson
Writer: Cree Jourdain, Reynecia Ricks, Erica Jackson, Tara Waldron, Elyse Toplin
Photographers: Delana Lynn Photography, Dale O’Neill, Natalie Baudouin
PUBLISHER STAFF
Art Director: Ali Sullivan
JLNO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Tara Waldron
President-Elect: Michelle Clarke Payne
Secretary: Melissa Nunn
Treasurer: Paige Farrell
Assistant Treasurer: Genevieve Anderson
Business Council Director: Shelby Wynne
Communications Council Director: Carol O’Connor
Community Council Director: Catherine Rigby
Membership Council Director: Tabitha Mangano
Planning & Development Council Director: LeeAnn Moss
Ways & Means Council Director: Christine Rigamer
Nominating Committee Chair: Erica Washington
Sustaining Advisor to the Board: Brandy Whisnant
On the Cover:
More than 30 former JLNO presidents joined the Junior League of New Orleans for its Centennial Gala on Friday, May 31, 2024 at the historic Orpheum Theater.
Photo by Delana Lynn Photography
Production Manager: Rosa Balaguer
Production Designers: Ashley Pemberton and Czarlyn Ria Trinidad
Chief Executive Officer: Todd Matherne
President's Message
Serving as the 100 th and 101st presidents of the Junior League of New Orleans , we are honored to have shared the experience of leading the organization during its centennial milestone celebrations throughout 2024.
The mission of JLNO is to “advance women 's leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action , collaboration and training ." Our members live our mission through key projects and partnerships We have plenty of upcoming opportunities for the community to get involved , from our 5th Annual Women’s Leadership Summit and the JLNO Diaper Bank , to our Woman Entrepreneur Fellowship Pitch Competition and Run Walk Give , to joining the ABOLISH Movement to educate the area community about human trafficking , particularly with Super Bowl LIX on the horizon Our organization is already working hard on these and other engaging , fun and impactful programs as we close out our Centennial year and continue to work toward closing economic and societal gaps that create barriers for women in our region to grow educationally and financially
We look forward to working alongside our members, partners and the Greater New Orleans community as we step boldly into our second century of service
Tara Waldron
JLNO President , 2024-2025
Ashley Cangelosi - Llewelyn
JLNO President , 2023-2024
Photo by: Delana Lynn Photography
JLNO Awards $100,000 in Community Assistance Fund Grants to Empower Local Nonprofits
For more than three decades, the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) has supported local nonprofit organizations with its Community Assistance Fund (CAF) grants In honor of its centennial year, JLNO pledged to distribute $100,000 of grant money in 2024 to eligible organizations that advance the League’s mission of empowering women and families Specifically, any CAF funds awarded to an organization must support at least one of three categories: Economic Opportunity, Family Assistance or Physical/Mental Health Jasmine Monique Lewis, CAF Co-Chair, shared the impact CAF funds make in the Greater New Orleans community, “New Orleans is a city where 23 percent of our citizens live in poverty I think our Community Assistance Fund is uniquely positioned to grant funds to organizations often overlooked or operating with less resources ”
After awarding $50,000 in the spring of 2024, JLNO recently opened its fall application to distribute the second half of funds for the 2024 year The fall round resulted in 32 applications, and ultimately three local nonprofits received grants from JLNO
One Happy Mama, whose mission is to support and empower young mothers, received $19,000 in funding to provide monthly stipends to cover the cost of transportation to doctors’ appointments and educational workshops for new mothers
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans received $16,000 in CAF funds to bolster its family support services The funds will help provide essentials like umbrella strollers, baby wipes, car seats and baby clothing for the families they serve
“We are grateful for the partnership we have with the Junior League. Our initial collaboration began in 2014 with a diaper drive Catholic Charities receives approximately 40 percent of its diaper donations from the Junior
League of New Orleans, and with this CAF grant, we can increase our pregnancy services programs,” said Michelle Black, Director of Pregnancy Services at Catholic Charities of New Orleans
Metro Centers for Community Advocacy also received $15,000 to aid victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, offering rental assistance and household essentials to survivors of domestic violence transitioning out of shelters These awards concluded the 2024 CAF grants
Earlier this year, recipients included St Thomas Community Health Center, who was awarded $15,850 for a colposcopy machine and other medical equipment to assist with the early detection and treatment of cervical cancer; STEM Heads, who received $13,250 to facilitate science, technology, engineering, art and math summer programs for children in grades K-12 in the New Orleans East community; Emergency Legal Responders, who received $7,500 to aid in their mission to provide disaster-related legal preparation services and workshops; New Orleans Women’s and Children’s Shelter, who received $7,150 to provide their student workers with stipends and program materials and to cover fees for their residents to open checking accounts; The Bright School for the Deaf, who used its $5,000 award to give tuition assistance to four single mother, head of household families with children under 5 years old with hearing challenges; and Teresa Talks, who was awarded $1,200 towards its monthly empowerment sessions and outreach programs for area women’s shelters and girls’ homes. Interested in learning more about JLNO’s CAF grant program? Visit our website at jlno org/caf for the most up-to-date information
Recognizing a Century of Service and Leadership
As the Junior League of New Orleans ( JLNO ) marks a century of impactful service and leadership, it honors the 40 visionary women who founded the organization in 1924, creating what has become the 10 th - largest Junior League in the world and an enduring legacy
While faces have changed over the years , the League continues to serve as a vibrant space to advance women’s leadership and remains steadfast in its vision of a New Orleans where women can realize their full potential , driving transformative community impact
JLNO has left an indelible mark on the New Orleans community, from arts and education to health and empowerment, and has proven that as times change, the organization’s flexibility and adaptability allow JLNO to remain relevant and effective
For 100 years, the League has trained women leaders to understand community needs, envision solutions, and implement meaningful change JLNO remains a place where a woman can execute her commitment to voluntarism and welcomes all women who value its mission It strives to maintain a membership reflective of New Orleans’ diverse population Because of JLNO, New Orleans has more women founding organizations and businesses, more leaders serving on boards, more volunteers giving their time, and more donors valuing causes through financial support and championing their missions
The future looks just as promising as the past as JLNO steps boldly into its second century of service
JLNO’s focus on improving the lives of women and children in the Greater New Orleans area manifests through various programs, many of which still exist under JLNO today, while others now stand on their own Those initiatives and projects have created positive change in our communities over the past 100 years, and include the following:
1920s The Nutrition Center is created to address food scarcity and ensure that underprivileged children have access to proper nutrition JLNO also opens Bloomin’ Deals Thrift Shop
1930s
1940s
As 1/3 of women enter the workforce, the Nursery School is added to the Nutrition Center, filling a critical gap in childcare
JLNO commits to preserving the history of New Orleans by establishing various museum projects, beginning with the Delgado Museum, now the New Orleans Museum of Art
1950s
1960s
JLNO creates the Children’s Art Council, which later becomes part of the New Orleans Recreation Department
JLNO raises awareness of the mentally and physically disabled as it partners and volunteers with the Dr Russell Holman Vocational Center. Additionally, JLNO’s Bloomin’ Deals Thrift Shop moves from Royal Street to its Freret Street location and JLNO purchases Post Office Station B at 4319 Carondelet Street, where it still operates its Headquarters today.
1970s
JLNO organizes the Preservation Alliance , focused on preservation of city architecture and urban planning ( now the Preservation Resource Center ) and commits funding to research on creating an Environmental Study Center in New Orleans East ( now known as the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center ).
1980s
1990s
JLNO partners with Children’s Hospital New Orleans to help create The Parenting Center, which is still in operation today
JLNO works with the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court to develop New Orleans Teen Court, and with The Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital, brings Safe Sitter® workshops to New Orleans.
2000s
Post-Hurricane Katrina, JLNO restructures Rebuilding Together to become Rebuilding New Orleans and begins addressing leadership gaps through its Get on Board nonprofit board training program, which is still presented annually today
2010s
JLNO launches the JLNO Diaper Bank.
Unforgettable Memories
The Junior League of New Orleans Centennial Celebrations
Festivities celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) began in March as JLNO unveiled the preliminary findings on its commissioned Study on the Status of Women in New Orleans (see page 7) at the 2024 Women’s Leadership Summit, setting the tone for the year as JLNO began working on its new strategic plan, reflecting on its history and setting itself up for a successful second century of service
Generations of members gathered on Friday, May 31, for a 1920s-inspired party at the historic Orpheum Theater. One moment at the start of the evening particularly stood out: a ceremonial Passing of the Gavel of nearly 30 past presidents of the Junior League of New Orleans gathering on stage chronologically and passing the gavel to Tara Waldron, the 101st president of JLNO The Orpheum Theater shone brightly, with green and gold decorations, feathered centerpieces and a crown-shaped balloon installation for the occasion The evening featured the Bucktown All-Stars, providing a soundtrack of classic R&B, 60s, 70s and New Orleans live music, and Pigeon Catering, serving a delectable spread of beef short ribs, grilled cauliflower steak and exquisite desserts Attendees enjoyed the nostalgic atmosphere, dancing, laughing and talking about past and present memories of JLNO Centennial Gala Co-Chair and JLNO Past President, Liz Creel, remarked, “It was so much fun working with our sustainer committee … JLNO has meant the world to all of us, and it was such a pleasure to celebrate 100 years of community impact together ”
Guests departed with tired feet , full hearts and a commemorative stemless wine glass as a memento of an evening celebrating the League’s enduring legacy in New Orleans
JLNO continued its 2024 Centennial celebrations with Family Fun Night on Sept 7–
an opportunity for members and their families to connect and enjoy a New Orleans evening with fun rides and camaraderie at Carousel Gardens Amusement Park
“It was wonderful to have an event where my husband and children could meet some amazing women in the League and their families and friends,” shared Active Member Paige Farrell
“My favorite part was watching all our faces on some of the faster rides and laughing so hard there were tears,” Active Member Genevieve Anderson remarked. “It was great to have the park to ourselves, no lines, and to be able to meet up and catch up with other Junior League members and meet their families ” The evening was a joyous occasion, perfectly capturing the community spirit of the League.
JLNO concluded the month of September wearing yellow for its annual Find the Good Day as it kicked off its fall slate of programming and volunteer opportunities, including National Diaper Need Awareness Week, Get on Board, TOUCH-A-TRUCK® and Holly Jolly Market The final and full report on the Status of Women Study was released and convenings of area nonprofits to address the challenges identified in the study began, while JLNO’s Planning and Development Council presented the new strategic plan to the membership, charting the course of the organization for the next three to five years In addition, the League awarded its Fall 2024 Community Assistance Fund grants, bringing the total awarded to area nonprofits in 2024 to $100,000.00. All these events were capped off with the JLNO’s recognition as a 2024 CityBusiness Nonprofit of the Year honoree
2024 was a year of momentous occasions, thoughtful reflections and opportunities to honor and show gratitude to the members and partners of JLNO throughout its remarkable history in New Orleans
Milestone in Mission
JLNO
Diaper Bank’s 10-Millionth Product
Since 2014, the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) Diaper Bank has tirelessly worked to address diaper need and drive community impact Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the organization has distributed an astounding 10 million products to families across Greater New Orleans What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into the largest diaper bank in the Gulf South, adding period and adult incontinence products to its offerings along the way
Maria Huete, JLNO’s 2016-2017 president, helped introduce the idea as part of the league’s 2013 strategic plan and later served as the inaugural Diaper Bank chair. Reflecting on the milestone, she noted, “Reaching 10 million products distributed is truly remarkable This shows the profound impact dedicated volunteers can make in their community."
Operated exclusively by volunteers, the JLNO Diaper Bank sorts and distributes products and creates partnerships with area organizations such as early childhood centers, libraries, Title I schools and religious groups
“Support from companies, churches, school groups, and individuals has been critical to keeping our shelves stocked,” said Elyse Toplin, chair of inventory and sorts for the diaper bank
Since 2022, the JLNO Diaper Bank has partnered with the New Orleans Public Library to supply period kits and products at two locations Inspired by the success of this initiative, the library now provides free period products in bathrooms at 14 locations citywide “For those lacking access, these kits offer relief and dignity,” said Rachel Bailey, head of adult programming at the New Orleans Public Library
The need is clear With no federal assistance program available for diapers, the average family spends $100 a month per child a cost that leaves half of U S caregivers struggling to provide enough diapers This inability to afford necessities affects access to childcare, education, work opportunities, and economic growth
To address these challenges, JLNO is working to expand awareness about diaper need and period poverty through initiatives like a public “how-to” guide for organizing product drives and providing opportunities for non-members to get involved
Community members can support the cause by donating funds or products or volunteering their time Together, the JLNO Diaper Bank and its partners are making a tangible difference in the lives of New Orleans families
2013
JLNO identifies diaper need as a key issue affecting the well - being of women and children
2014
JLNO launches its Diaper Bank program with the goal of distributing 90,000 diapers to commemorate its 90th anniversary
2016
JLNO Diaper Bank partners with Baton Rouge shelters and organizations in response to the 2016 floods, resulting in the JLNO Diaper Bank becoming known for its ability to respond to natural disasters throughout the region moving forward
Get Involved
Donate: Visit jlno org/diaper-bank, or drop off products at JLNO Headquarters, 4319 Carondelet Street, New Orleans, LA 70118.
Volunteer: Non-Member Volunteer opportunities can be found at bit ly/JLNOdiaperbanksorts Interested in volunteering as a group? Email diaperbank@jlno org
Host a Supply Drive: Download the drive kit from JLNO’s website to collect and donate diapers, period supplies and/or adult incontinence products
2017
JLNO Diaper Bank moves to its current location in Elmwood
2018
JLNO Diaper Bank adds period supplies to its product lines
2021
Gov John Bel Edwards signs HB7, a bill championed by state representative Aimee Adatto Freeman, exempting diapers and period supplies from the state sales tax and the JLNO Diaper Bank begins distributing adult incontinence products to community partners
2022
JLNO Diaper Bank launches a partnership with the New Orleans Public Library to provide period supplies at two locations
2025
The JLNO Diaper Bank distributes a milestone of 10 million products to the community
The Status of Women in New Orleans Study
JLNO’s Centennial Gift to the Greater New Orleans Region
Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) President Tara Waldron warmly welcomed community stakeholders to the inaugural convening of “The Status of Women in New Orleans 2024” study on Friday, Nov. 15 at JLNO Headquarters Tara explained, “Having each of you in the room for these discussions has been the dream since the beginning This study and the data discovered by it is not the goal. The goal is to collaborate and collectively respond to the data in ways that create more impactful and positive change community- wide ” JLNO commissioned the report as a tribute to the Greater New Orleans area in honor of their centennial celebration. The Newcomb Institute at Tulane University, which focuses on gender equity research and training , developed the report, building on a previous report from 2016 focused on the status of women in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina . JLNO started discussions with an overview of the report, presented by Dr Anita Raj, Executive Director of the Newcomb Institute Her synopsis featured a description of the secondary data used, and highlighted the importance of the study, as women comprise 53 percent of the population in Orleans Parish Despite persisting gender and racial disparities, Dr Raj described some positive data coming out of the study: Women in the area have:
• Attained bachelor 's degrees at a growing rate (43 percent in 2021 versus 23 percent in 2000)
• Achieved an increase in median household income
• Now hold 44 percent of political seats in New Orleans, with 64.2 percent of these seats occupied by Black women
While these data points indicate positive developments for women in New Orleans, other findings are more troubling Current risks to women that threaten the advancement of women and our economy include:
• High rates of intimate partner violence
• Rising childcare costs
• Rising housing costs
• Increased maternal health issues
• Increased negative impacts on women due to climate change
Dr Raj described priority action items as supporting mothers, strengthening safety nets, and generating employment opportunities to mitigate these threats
Dr Toya Barnes-Teamer, CEO of Teamer Strategy Group, then brought the convening to its purpose when she facilitated small group sessions where participants brainstormed ideas and discussed how their organizations could commit to and use the information discovered in the study to combat risks and foster additional resources for women Common themes presented by the small groups during the plenary discussion included collaboration between community partners, messaging and brand awareness issues impacting women, and driving resources and funding to causes that impact women For example, the JLNO Diaper Bank exemplifies its commitment to allocate resources to women and children, by supplying diapers, period products and adult incontinence items (all primarily purchased by women) to communities in need
Throughout the day, community partners from industries such as healthcare, finance and higher education exchanged ideas and built connections Current JLNO Fund Development and Community Relations Administrator and past president (2016-2017), Maria Huete, concluded the day’s sessions by highlighting the League’s enduring service to Greater New Orleans, and emphasizing the broad range of women’s needs She ended the day with a call to action, describing the potential positive impacts a cohesive community movement could have with the aphorism, “A rising tide lifts all boats ”
Left to right- Dr Anita Raj, Dr Toya Barnes-Teamer, Maria Huete, Tara Waldron
League Faces
JLNO member volunteers lend a hand on Field Trip Friday during the annual TOUCH-A-TRUCK® on Friday, Nov 1 at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner Photo by Delana Lynn Photography
Active member and JLNO Diaper Bank Key Leader Dale O’Neill enjoyed JLNO’s Centennial Celebration Member Appreciation Night at the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park in New Orleans City Park with her family on Saturday, Sept 7, 2024. Photo by Delana Lynn Photography
(L-R) JLNO Active Members Melissa Simeon (Membership and Joint Council Meeting Experience Vice Chair), Sarah T Aucoin (New Member Engagement Chair), Gina Gendy (Membership and Joint Council Meeting Experience Chair) and Alexis Oufnac (Communications Council Secretary) enjoy catching up during September’s Find the Good Day General Membership Meeting on Thursday, Sept 19, 2024. Photo by Delana Lynn Photography
Former JLNO Communications Council Director Allison Shapiro Dandry moderates a panel on empowering future nonprofit leaders during this year’s Get on Board event a single-day nonprofit board training program, on Saturday, Oct 5 at JLNO Headquarters Photo by Natalie Baudouin
Dress for Success New Orleans and the Association of Junior Leagues International’s (AJLI) Board President Alice Glenn spoke to JLNO membership during the AJLI Find the Good Day General Membership Meeting on Thursday, Sept 19, 2024. Their presentation highlighted why the volunteer aspects of our leagues are so important Photo by Delana Lynn Photography
(L-R) New Members Virginia Lewinski, Martha Napier and New Member Engagement Vice Chair Terrica Turner participate in a new members diaper sort shift at the JLNO Diaper Bank on Saturday, Oct 12. Photo by Dale O’Neill