LeagueLines
The Newsletter of The Junior League of Austin Spring 2015
Transforming from League Member to Community Leader By Stacey Mather and Alexandra Kastelic
One of the primary goals of The Junior League of Austin is to train women to serve as community volunteers and leaders in their community. The League provides many avenues to help achieve this goal. The League’s Training and Education Committee provides many training opportunities for members. Jennifer Ransom Rice, the League’s Training and Education Committee Chair, shares, “The Training and Education Committee exists to provide leadership training occupational experiences for women in the League. The mission of the League is to train the next generation of female leaders within our community.” In addition to the many programs offered during the February training month, the League also partners with Leadership Austin to offer the Emerging Leaders program. According to Julie Smith with Leadership Austin, the Emerging Leaders program is “a curriculum that we put together really just for the League using some elements of curriculum that we have regularly used.” The program helps prepare members to serve as leaders, both within the League and in the community. In addition to opportunities provided by the Training and Education Committee, the League’s placements also serve as training opportunities. League members learn about the community and develop leadership skills as they serve in Community and In-League Placements. Skill development varies by placement, and the League’s Placement Portfolios include lists of skills to be developed during those placements. As Sustaining President MariBen Ramsey shared in her interview with LeagueLines (starting on page 7), “You get trained and have experiences here. Women who have come through this League have made incredible changes in this community that otherwise may not have happened, from the children’s hospital to the hike and bike trails to the Wildflower Center.” The League’s many training opportunities prepare our members to make a difference in our community.
Learn more about how to transform from JLA member to a community leader in this issue!
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EDITOR’S NOTE
IN THIS ISSUE Transforming from League Member to Community Leader 1 In This Issue 2 Editor’s Note 2 A Message from the President 3 Sustainer Lessons on Engaging with the League 4 Capital Campaign Update 5 What the CIC Means to Me 5 Placements in the Community 6 Name that Council: Communications Council 7 Sustainer Community Leaders Interview 8-11 Central Texas Community Needs 12 Leveraging Your League Experience to Become a Leader 13 Advice on Becoming a Community Leader 13 Behind the Scenes at A Christmas Affair 14 Behind the Scenes at Coats For Kids 15 2015-2016 Nominated Placements 16 Member Profiles 17-19 JLA Babies and Weddings 20-22 JLA Updates 23 Mark Your Calendars 24
The League is a powerful organization that makes a tremendous difference in this community. For this issue of LeagueLines, we decided to focus on the League’s ability to help our members become leaders and difference-makers in our community. The highlight of this issue is our interview with three incredible Sustainers – Carole Keeton, Patsy Woods Martin, and MariBen Ramsey. It was truly an honor to be able to hear their words of wisdom and share it with our members. Portions of the interview are included in this issue, in addition to a companion article in Spring issue of Capitalines. There is one story from the interview that we weren’t able to add about the power of the JLA and the leaders we produce. MariBen shared that one year, when the National Guard assisted with Coats for Kids, one of their leaders said, “Well, all I know, is if anybody ever declared a war on Texas, I’m calling in The Junior League of Austin.” The League truly is about “the power of women, the strength of community.” On behalf of the LeagueLines team – we hope that you enjoy this issue. Please forward any thoughts or comments to leaguelines@jlaustin.org. Stacey Mather LeagueLines Editor, 2014-2015
Special thanks to our incredible LeagueLines team!
Board of Directors 2014-2015
LeagueLines
The Newsletter of The Junior League of Austin
Stacey Mather, Editor Jennifer Rieck, Literary Assignments Editor Graphic Designers: Leslie Gandy Frances Hansen Poppy Poth Meredith Sturgeon Writers: Darby Berra McKensie DeRocher Alexandra Kastelic
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Gregory Noack President
Debra Espinosa Communications VP
MariBen Ramsey Sustaining President
Casie Wenmohs President-Elect
Laura Robinson Fund Development VP
Anne Prentice Parliamentarian/ Bylaws
Renee Harvey Treasurer
Terri Broussard Williams Jenny Butterworth Membership Recording Secretary Development VP Becky Johnson Community VP
Jenè Bearse Member-at-Large
Ashley Hight Administrative VP
Lyndsey Crawford Member-at-Large
Nicole Elliott Treasurer-Elect Julie Hall Nominating Chair Camille Jobe Strategic Planning Chair Meredith Clarke Technology Chair
A Message from President Gregory Noack This issue of LeagueLines is timely for me and my League journey as I look toward a transition to sustainer status. I knew this transition was inevitable the day I became a member and it is hard to believe it is already here! I have eked out every last moment of Active membership and enjoyed every placement I have undertaken. While each placement had different tasks to be accomplished, they have all served to develop me as a more effective volunteer, worker, citizen and individual. Several times throughout this very busy year I have found myself thinking about what my new reality will look like not having an active placement in the League. It’s been interesting and exciting...processing and dreaming about the next step of my journey. I’ve listened to the sage advice of women I admire who suggest some of the many gifts we receive through our League training aren’t even apparent to us immediately. Rather, they become more apparent when we are out in the community, engaging in different capacities and serving in different roles. We are fortunate to live in an extremely engaged community surrounded by passionate volunteers; many of whom are JLA trained. Wherever the next leg of my journey takes me, I will be forever grateful for the treasure chest of opportunities and skills the Junior League of Austin has given me and I look forward to the day I find you sitting across a committee, board or work table from me; for I will know there sits a woman who knows how to get things done. With appreciation,
Gregory Noack President 2014-2015
President Gregory Noack, Councilmember Sheri Gallo, and President-Elect Casie Wenmohs at the site of our future Community Impact Center on April 26, 2015. www.jlaustin.org | 3
Sustainer Lessons on Engaging within the League By Darby Berra
Many women join The Junior League of Austin to meet other women who are interested in serving the community. We asked Cookie Ruiz, the 2013-2014 Sustaining President, to offer some advice to members on ways to engage and get connected within the League. “The wonderful part about our large organization and the opportunity to remain a member over one’s adult life means that one is always running into League members across board tables, within community work, parenting activities, etc.,” Cookie said.
The shared experience of League membership, once discovered, means an instant bridge is established. – Cookie Ruiz Cookie said, “As an Active member, the engagement came as a result of placements, council meetings, board participation, et cetera. As a Sustainer, it means an instant connection to those with whom I connect as I continue to put my years of Active training to work to improve the community.” When asked how she recommends people meet others in the League, Cookie said, “The most under-valued/under-utilized resource is the website and the member database. Many of our Sustainers did not connect digitally to the JLA as part of their League experience. So while most of our Sustainers are quite digital in their personal and professional lives, they do not have a digital ‘habit’ with JLA.” Cookie added that “the database can be sorted in every way imaginable, including by zip code. A quick zip code search will let you know immediately [which League members] might live blocks away and might love to get together with a small group for happy hour, to form an affinity group or for a great work out.” Cookie also shared how she has developed her League relationships into relationships outside of the League. “The Junior League of Austin offers an opportunity to develop closeness with women over the many chapters of our adult lives, if we choose to invest some energy in developing these relationships. My current volunteer work focuses on finding and working with those interested in addressing some of Austin’s most pressing and complex needs. As I continue this work, I find Sustainers and Actives everywhere I go. It’s a special bond and one that I consider a great asset in my life. I know when I look across a board table and recognize a League colleague, that there is a committed, organized, well-trained volunteer in the room with me.”
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Capital Campaign Update By McKensie DeRocher
The Breaking Ground…Building A Legacy Campaign is an initiative to raise $10 million to build The Junior League of Austin Community Impact Center, a training ground for the 2,500 League members and tomorrow’s leaders. To date, fundraising efforts have netted $6 million in commitments towards the $10 million goal. “For Actives and Provisionals, we have Capital Campaign Ambassadors who are reaching out individually to members to invite them to participate in the campaign. It’s an exciting and personal way to get everyone involved. Our goal is 100% member participation, at whatever level is meaningful to each member,” says Jené Bearse, Capital Campaign Coordinator. Once construction site issues with the city are finalized, construction drawings will commence. If we stay on track with fundraising, the Community Impact Center groundbreaking event will most likely will occur during 2015-2016. The Junior League of Austin Community Impact Center is a 48,000 square foot facility on a 10.2-acre campus that will feature: • Community events room-a flexible auditorium space that can be divided or used to entertain 400 in banquet seating • Catering kitchen • Signature Impact Rooms for Food In Tummies and Coats for Kids • Dedicated fundraising space for A Christmas Affair • Outdoor veranda • Sustainer gathering space • Member working area with Wi-Fi • Parking for 292 cars, including a 3-story garage. The Capital Campaign Committee is planning a Community Impact Center site visit on Sunday, April 26th from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
What the Community Impact Center Means to Me “The Community Impact Center is exciting to me because it will allow us to do even more to develop women as trained volunteers and leaders. There are so many needs in our rapidly growing region! The CIC will help us better support more women and organizations committed to meeting the needs and impacting the positive change in our community.” -Cara Fox, Capital Campaign Donor Cultivation and Stewardship Coordinator “The Community Impact Center is a building that will allow The Junior League of Austin to increase its positive impact on Austin. I’m excited that we will have space to more effectively run programs like FIT and Coats for Kids. It’s also a place where we will be able to meet as committees and councils without competing for meeting rooms. The CIC will also be a place for our community. We will have the opportunity to offer the building to our community partners and the community.” -Leslie Moore, Capital Campaign Gift Processing Coordinator
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Placements in the Community: A Day in the Life of a ZACH Theatre JLA Volunteer By Darby Berra
The ZACH Theatre community placement has always been a popular choice amongst League members. LeagueLines asked Kathryn Tucker, Project Chair at ZACH Theatre, to share about the experience. What do you typically do during your shift? There are a few different shifts that League members can participate in. The typical shift involves ushering for one of the many performances in ZACH’s three theaters. Generally, there is a quick meeting beforehand to go over details and then volunteers assist with greeting guests, passing out programs, and seating patrons for the performances. Once everyone is seated, volunteers are able to enjoy the performance as well as long as it is not a sold-out show. If that occurs, they give volunteers a pass to return another time to see the show. There are other shifts as well that may involve helping out at the theater gift shop selling items to patrons or assisting at one of ZACH’s parties or special events. Have you enjoyed the experience and why? I have greatly enjoyed this placement as it gives me a chance to not only help the ZACH Theatre but to also enjoy the spectacular performances that they offer. The ZACH Theatre staff and volunteers are very friendly and make the placement a very enjoyable and stress-free one. Any stories you would like to share? I have seen almost every performance that the ZACH has offered this year, and they were all phenomenal! I have gotten to know a lot of the other volunteers, and they give you hints and tips on where to volunteer for other performing arts venues around town and have been a pleasure to work with. My favorite part by far has been assisting with the children’s performances because their faces truly light up during the show.
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Name That Council – Communications Council By McKensie DeRocher
The Communications Council is the next council to be highlighted in the “Name That Council” series. Per the General League Policies and Procedures, the Communications Council “shall be responsible for communication with the League’s membership and between the League and the community.” This Council has the authority to adopt, amend or modify procedures regarding the implementation of all marketing policies and communications strategies. The Social Media, PR/Marketing, Photography, LeagueLines and Capitalines Committees participate in the Communications Council. This year’s Communications Council Vice President, Debra Tate Espinosa, says, “We are charged with branding the League, and we do that in a lot of ways. We do this through our publications – the way that we speak about ourselves. As a large League with a lot of women who don’t always see each other and meet together, we strive to bring together all of these voices so that tone, messaging and overall communication are coordinated. We spend a lot of time behind the scenes working on this. We want consistent verbiage internally and externally, which is documented in our style guide, which presents talking points an a general overview of our program so members may speak cohesively about who we are. We want to appear as one organization, one unified voice. Part of how we do this is through our PR Toolkit, our style guide, where we have created talking points and a general overview of our program. This has ensured we can cohesively speak to who we are.” The following positions sit on the Communications Council: Communications Vice President, Council Assistant, Capitalines Chair, LeagueLines Chair, Communications Treasurer, PR/Marketing Chair, Social Media Chair, Photography ChaireBlast Coordinator, and two Members-at-Large. In addition to these positions, a Communications Liaison (from the Technology Committee) also supports the Council. When asked about the skills required for the functions on this Council, Debra says, “We have a diverse group of women with experience in marketing, PR and design, and some with zero experience. There are so many training opportunities available and real-world skills can be garnered including brand development, social media, Adobe inDesign, Apple products, QuickBooks, MailChimp, ISSUU, and Digital Cheetah. What we are doing is serious, important, and it’s incredibly professional.” This year’s Communications Council has focused heavily on branding and streamlining communications. Debra says “As Communications VP, this has been very exciting as we have created visual consistency – our collateral and approach are more unified in look and feel. We want our e-blasts and donor communications to look and feel the same – to create a unified view internally and externally. There’s more work to do on this, but with time, we can continue to improve our communications. As one of the largest leagues, and as a league in a hightech city, our communications standards should be top notch and an example of innovation and effectiveness.”
We have an important story to tell and we want to tell it well. -Debra Tate Espinosa, VP, Communications Council
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Advice from Sustainers in Leadership: An Interview with Carole Keeton, Patsy Woods Martin & MariBen Ramsey Active members Alexandra Kastelic and Stacey Mather were honored to interview three Sustainers who are amongst Austin’s leading trailblazers, who were generous to share their journey and advice on how to transform from a League member to a community leader.
LL: In your journey from League member to community leader, what League experience did you bring to your role as a community leader?
Patsy: I brought a wealth of experience from The Junior League of Austin when I went to work The Honorable Carole Keeton’s resume is at United Way, which is where full of “firsts,” including I began my journey. I canserving as the first female not overstate how valuable president of the Austin the experience I had in the School Board, the first League was and for my profemale Mayor of Austin (and still the only woman fessional development. While I was formally educated as a to serve as mayor of Austin), and the first female Texas Comptroller. Carole chemist, none of those skills realbegan her career as a public school ly transferred to a lot of the work teacher. She is currently the Founder I’ve done. Well, some of them and Executive Director of Austinites For did – the analytical aspects – but Action. on a day-to-day basis, what I Patsy Woods Martin is learned in the League is what I currently the Executive used when I worked at United Director of Annie’s List. Way, when I started I Live Here, Prior to that, she was the I Give Here [ILH, IGH], and even Founder and Executive now when I work as a volunDirector of I Live Here, I teer. Those were things like how Give Here®, which created the Amplify Austin fundraising event. Prior to found- to run a meeting, how to build ing the organization, she served in a consensus, how to work with variety of leadership roles, including as volunteers. When you manage a Regent for Texas Tech University and volunteers in your professional as Vice President of Resource Developbusiness, having worked as a ment for the United Way Capital Area. volunteer gives you a unique Patsy is a past recipient of the JLA’s perspective and I think provides “Volunteer Extraordinaire” award. a whole lot of insight into how MariBen Ramsey to work with them effectively. served as the Vice I really cannot understate how President and Chief valuable the experience of being Philanthropy Officer and General Counsel for a member of The Junior League the Austin Community of Austin is. It’s been a huge lifeFoundation. Prior to changer for me. that, she was a shareholder with the law firm of Graves, Dougherty, Hearon & Moody. She has served on numerous boards at the local, state and national level. She is a a past President and current Sustaining President of the JLA and is a past recipient of the JLA’s “Volunteer Extraordinaire” award. MariBen also served two terms on the AJLI Board, including one term as Vice President.
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MariBen: All of them. I mean, really, because I was fortunate enough that most of the roles I had in the League were not necessarily things that I had always done or been comfortable with and so every one of them stretched me. I really cherish
the fact that the League just ignores what you’re good at or not good at; they’re going to put you in different places and let you try it out or keep putting you in places until you learn it. There is not one placement I ever had that I didn’t really enjoy, meet great people, learn some skills, learn about this community, so all of that I’ve taken everywhere with me. I really don’t think I would have done the job I had at the community foundation but for my experience as a Researcher and Focus Area Chair and sitting on the Researchers Committee and going through that whole process numerous times. Carole: I became a Provisional in 1968. The impact was both immediate and profound, with my experience in the League and my placements. After my provisional year, the League let me create and develop my volunteer placement for several years working with wonderful kiddos in Meadowbrook Housing Project in innercity south Austin. They were eager to meet voluntarily after school each week; I came with afternoon snacks and UT students to help, and on weekends we went on various excursions into the community. I also happened to be Laminating Chairman of my own sons’ Elementary School PTA then and was told the School Board cut off the funding for laminating materials. So I packed up my four very young boys and went to speak to the board members at the end of a lengthy public meeting. There were two East Austin activists in the room that I met that evening with a far more critical (cont’d)
Advice from Sustainers in Leadership (cont’d) cause to talk to the Board about than mine. Larry Jackson and Velma Roberts wanted to start a pilot school breakfast program in one of our East Austin elementary schools. We had school lunch programs back in those days for economically disadvantaged children, but we did not have any school breakfast programs. I knew from the kids I was working with in my Meadowbrook Housing placement that if you’re hungry you’re not going to learn. I insisted that Larry and Velma speak before me; they told the board members that they would do the entire pilot program at no cost to the school or the children, providing the food, doing the cooking, serving and cleaning up - they just wanted to use the kitchen facilities. Immediately one of the board members started grilling them about whether they were going to pay the depreciation costs from the pots and the pans that they would use to prepare the school breakfast program. I was outraged; never mind these children were hungry and couldn’t concentrate on subject matter. It was at that moment that I decided that I was going to run for the school board the very next year. I was still an active when I was elected to the school board and the League worked right with me. I was able to merge my public life and my placement and I actually served five years on the school board, was the first woman president of the school board, and was also elected the first woman Mayor of Austin, all while I was still an Active member of the League. It all interconnected. I spent years single parenting with four sons. Mothering was
#1, Mayoring was #2. And it was some of my good League friends who said, look, we may not be at all the political debates, but we can help in a big way. And they did during mayoral re-elect times. Those friends organized the troops, week after week, and brought hot weekday suppers for my growing sons at home so I could be out debating the hot issues in evening forums. We help others and we help each other. The League is life-changing experiences and life-lasting friendships. You learn to be a voice for those who have no voice in the League and I applaud the League of today that is doing that full force! LL: At any point did you see a clear training path that could get you from the League to your goal as a community leader? Patsy: No. I joined the League because I wanted to build a community of like-minded folks and I did that. I have dear friends that I might never have met had I not been involved in the volunteer work we did here at the League. But I had no idea that as I was going through my journey as a League Active member that I would be using those skills I built in a professional way. MariBen: That’s an interesting question. I don’t think I ever envisioned a goal of being a community leader. What I did know was how much I loved Austin. I know you do, too [speaking to the others]. Austin has had really wonderful things that’ve happened, but I think we have to be aware that while we’ve had an incredible economic time, not
all boats have risen the same in this community. I wanted to make Austin a better place and I didn’t really care what end of the spectrum I was on, whether I was a leader or I was down in the trenches. I think that in order to end up being a leader, you have to understand what it means to be the one who’s pulling the coat hangers out of the box and putting the coat on it and hanging it on the rack. Carole: I can’t agree more with everything you say. Sometimes you think you’re going down a path and then real life happenings make you shift to another one. LL: What advice do you have for a woman who sees herself holding a community leadership position in the future? Patsy: I would say really be open and that listening is really important. I think listening is highly undervalued and, to what I said earlier, you might you have a vision for where a project should go or where you want something to be, but you’ll never get there if it’s only your vision. So you’ve got to listen to other people and let go. And it’s always better when you have lots of people’s different perspectives. MariBen: My advice is to have a good sense of humor. Also, if you’re in a leadership role, be sure you give others the opportunities to do the jobs they’re supposed to do. Let them know that you support them and that you will be there to help them at any time, but let them have (cont’d)
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Advice from Sustainers in Leadership (cont’d) the chance so they can learn that they really could do the task. Also, learn as much about this community as you can. Carole: Care passionately, keep a sense of humor and do in your gut what’s right. You don’t take a show of hands. Whatever the tough issue is, gather all the information you can; listen to the people - those who agree with you, those who disagree with you - and remember that you represent all of those people when you’re decision-making or taking action in the community; and ultimately, you must act your conscience. Dad always told me two things that I repeatedly tell my kids and grandkids: “It’s not the dollars you make, it’s the difference you make,” and “Carole, if you don’t have somebody mad at you, you probably haven’t done anything.” It’s okay to have somebody mad at you if you are fighting for causes of human well-being and human decency. Nobody is Superwoman; we make mistakes. Sometimes you take a step back, sometimes you take two steps back, but then you take a big jump forward. Sometimes you fight battles over and over again. You’re doing it from your gut and you’re caring passionately. MariBen: Also keep in mind that this is a great place to attempt something because you’re not going to fail. You have people around you who are going to make sure that doesn’t happen. We’re a training organization and because you have that support, it gives a lot of people confidence to try a lot of new things. Then they go out and learn about the community.
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Women who have come through this League have made incredible changes in this community that otherwise probably wouldn’t have happened. LL: The next question is, were you ever faced with doubts during your path to leadership and, if so, how did you overcome them? Patsy: Oh, yeah. When I started ILH, IGH, or anytime you start something new, I would say it’s probably a thousand times harder than you expect it’s going to be. I had a vision, I knew what we could do in this community, but not everyone was on-board with that. It takes a much longer time to build credibility than you expect it to. And I guess I was just stubborn enough to hang with it and, again, build a community that also believed in the project and understand that not everyone could give as much as I did, as far as time to it. But again, building that community, listening, tweaking the vision based on the people also interested in it, and then absolute persistence – it’s huge and it can’t be underestimated how important that is. We as women typically underestimate our skills, our wisdom, what we can accomplish. I would just say, take a deep breath and go for it. We’re always overqualified, over-prepared, and usually almost always demonstrate that we’ve got what it takes to get a job done. Carole: You always have challenges but I believe that as long as you are true to yourself, you can face those challenges. There are times when we shift gears because we
want to; and there are times that we shift gears because we have to. Don’t wait for an engraved invitation because it isn’t going to come. You cannot simply criticize, you must offer solutions and roll up your sleeves and work to make the situation better. As long as you’re true to yourself, you can lead with a strong consensus, never with unanimity. MariBen: I think doubt is just part of the human condition and I don’t know of anybody who doesn’t have doubts. I think that it is also important that, when you doubt, that you really consider what’s causing that. Doubt typically comes because you think you’ll fail. If you are giving it your all and it doesn’t work out to be as successful as you want, that’s not necessarily failure. It may be that you learned something in the process. But I also know that when people doubt, the focus comes back on them, because it’s about them doubting themselves. When you recognize that you’re really doing something for a reason that’s bigger than you, you realize there is no need to doubt because it isn’t about you. I think it really gives you the knowledge that you can forge ahead, because you’re doing it for something bigger than yourself. Whatever you accomplish along the way – whether it’s a lot or it could’ve been better – even if the needle has only moved somewhat, you should pat yourself on the back. I do think women don’t give themselves enough credit for what is done. They worry too much about what is left on the table. You should pat yourself on the back because, whatever you were able to make happen (even if it wasn’t (cont’d)
Advice from Sustainers in Leadership (cont’d) everything you wanted), chances are someone’s life will never be the same. You may never know it or you may find out years later, when someone comes up and tells you that something you did mattered to them. It could be giving out one of the Food In Tummies backpacks, and what it means to a child who remembers many years later. Carole: That is so true. You have to remember that it’s people, not events, that shape history. Trends give us a glimpse of the future, but they don’t predict the future. It is up to us to make it bright. What you may not see today, you will down the road. What you’re fighting for today may be right, but a majority’s not listening. But a decade later they are listening. They’ll pick up what you started building. LL: You’ve all been trailblazers that have given so much to the community. What has been your biggest challenge in deciding to create your own path? Patsy: I think the idea that it took longer to build credibility around the path or the vision than I expected it to. I think that was probably the hardest thing. I knew ILH, IGH was a good idea, I had a board who knew it was a good idea. But any time you do something brand new, it takes a long time to build buy-in and credibility. MariBen: That’s an interesting question. I’m pretty much a doer. I think plenty, but I think really fast. Probably some of my challenges are that I don’t have a lot of patience with over-processing,
in my opinion. I’ve had to learn patience, to understand that you have to bring people with you and they often process information at different times and in different ways. People are really different and, if you want to make a bigger difference, then you need to work with people where they are. Recognize that everybody has something to offer and it may look different. There isn’t anyone who doesn’t have something to offer, so give them that chance. Carole: Patience has never been one of my virtues. I’m a tell-it-like-it-is person and very up-front. But you have to understand and appreciate those who come from different perspectives, backgrounds and goals. Look for common ground; embrace one another and resolve to make the future bright for our most precious resource, all of our children. LL: What steps can League members take to determine their own path and next steps? Patsy: I would say embrace all the different opportunities that you have in the League, to learn not only about the community and different needs that are out there and then to learn about leadership. The Junior League of Austin is an incredible training ground and it offers all kinds of opportunities for personal growth. I would encourage women who are members to really open their eyes and ears and be willing to stretch with placements. It may turn out that it’s a terrible placement for you but you know what, you know that
now, if you do a placement that doesn’t work. But beyond that, there are many placements that will and they provide wonderful opportunities for personal growth and learning. MariBen: I think the first thing everybody should do is be themselves. Don’t let being different, however that might be, get in your way. Decide what you want to do, what you care about, find your passion. Because once you find your passion, you cannot be stopped on moving forward on it. And if anybody says you can’t do it, I would ignore them. When you’re in the League, take advantage of every opportunity you can. Get involved and self-submit for leadership roles. Find a mentor or a sponsor. I don’t know of any Sustainer who would not help someone who’s trying to make a difference in this community. We have amazing Sustainers who have done incredible things in all fields and they are right there. So take that chance – what are you risking? You have to put it out there enough to get it back. Everyone has been in a position where someone has helped them, either by simply being a role model or they gave them direct help. None of us could’ve done it without those special people in our lives. Carole: Absolutely. Amen to everything that you all have said. Care passionately, roll up your sleeves, make a positive difference. Today’s League is refreshing, reassuring and putting real meaning into work gloves, not white gloves in lifting all our children; FIT is an exemplary example.
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Central Texas Community Needs By Alexandra Kastelic
The Junior League of Austin’s members strive to understand the needs of the community we serve. Thanks to Community Action Network (CAN) and their useful Community Dashboard, you can decide what issue in Travis County matters most to you and find which organizations are working on it. Here is a taste of what data is available on the CAN Dashboard. Food Insecurity • Food insecurity is defined as “limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways. • 18% of Travis County residents (181,021 in 2011) live in food insecure households. People who live in food insecure households may experience a more limited ability to live an active lifestyle. They are at higher risk for both physical and mental illnesses. • 25% of children in Travis County (58,900 in 2011) live in food insecure households. Children who live in food insecure households may experience delayed development, chronic health issues, and educational challenges as a result of food insecurity. • Only of 11% of children in Travis County receiving lunch via the Free & Reduced Lunch Program during the 2011-2012 school year participated in the summer nutritional program. • 5 Travis County ZIP Codes do not have a single full-service grocery store. Housing Cost Burdens • 36% of Travis County households were cost-burdened in 2013 (pay 30% or more of income for housing). This proportion was equal to the Dallas area and higher than the four other Texas major metropolitan areas, including Houston and San Antonio. • The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development states that housing is “affordable” if no more than 30% of a household’s monthly income is needed for rent, mortgage payments and utilities. • Households that are cost-burdened may have difficulty affording necessities such as food, clothing, transportation, and medical care. Kindergarten Readiness • Kindergarten readiness is defined as children that are “school ready,” according to standards set by the E3 Alliance’s “Ready, Set, K!” measure. • Only 53% of central Texas children enter kindergarten school ready in 2013. This number fell from 56% in 2012. • Children are born ready to learn. What takes place between birth and kindergarten greatly determines whether a child will enter school ready for success. • Early gaps in competencies can lead to a wide range of problems that are significantly more difficult, as well as more expensive, to address later on. High School Graduation & College Readiness • 89% of the Central Texas Class of 2012 graduated high school. This number increased from 85% for the Class of 2011. • 30% completed post-secondary credentials (certification or Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree) from the Class of 2007 (within a six-year period). Of this number, 3% received a certification or Associate’s degree, and 27% completed a Bachelor’s degree. Data provided at the Community Advancement Network’s Dashboard (www.cancommunitydashboard.org).
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Leveraging Your League Experience to Become a Community Leader: How They’ve Done It By Alexandra Kastelic
Two League members share their experiences in their community placement contributed to their growth as community leaders. Elizabeth Simmons, Active Member President of the Board of Front Steps Simmons’ first community placement was with CASA of Central Texas, but it was when she was consulted about a transforming a Front Steps initiative into a League placement that she recognized what she had learned about volunteering. She learned that a volunteer opportunity, especially for League members, must be well-organized before the event, with defined tasks and time boundaries. She also learned that a community leader must be respectful of her valuable resource - volunteers. Martha Mashburn, Sustainer Member Development and Programming Associate at Austin Smiles Mashburn took a more direct trajectory from community placement to community leader. Martha was placed as Photographer on Austin Smiles’ medical mission trip to El Salvador. She was hooked. When the job opportunity with Austin Smiles became available, she knew it was time to return to work. The League developed Mashburn’s business skills as well as provided her with insights relevant to her notfor-profit position; she developed an insight into the good and the bad in volunteerism. That experience informs how she interacts with her volunteers. “I […] remember to always thank them for their time and talent!”
Advice on Becoming a Community Leader By Alexandra Kastelic
Know your leadership style. “Leadership starts within. The more that some somebody understands themselves and the [leadership] style they have, the values they bring, the passion they have, that’s something that can continue to grow in all areas of life.” Julie Smith, Leadership Austin Find your passion. “Figure out what you’re passionate about. I am extremely energized by working on things that I am passionate about, even if I am working really hard on them. Working with CASA, with kids in foster care, is something I am passionate about and that really helped motivate me to work harder, keep at it.” Elizabeth Simmons, Active, Grants Committee Find a mentor. “Because our League is so enormous […] you can get lost and it is so hard to navigate such a large organization and such a big system. Seek out a mentor who has been in the League longer; go to lunch with her, pick her brain and ask her questions.” Jennifer Ransom-Rice, Active, Training and Education Committee Chair Think outside of your comfort zone. “When nominating calls you to be in leadership, do it! When the committee chair calls and asks you to take on a different role, do it! Even if you think it’s not for you, how will you know if you don’t try? Try to do at least one In-League placement. Fill out an interest indicator for nominating, become more involved. Take advantage of all of the training the JLA has to offer. And finally, get to know your JLA friends, they will become your best friends.” Martha Mashburn, Sustainer www.jlaustin.org | 13
Behind the Scenes at A Christmas Affair By Tina McCutchin, 2014 A Christmas Affair Chair
With great gratitude I would like to thank each and every one of you for the success of A Christmas Affair. It would not have been a success without the support of my family, friends, A Christmas Affair committee, the Board, Members, Sustainers, donors, merchants, shoppers and the Austin community. This truly has been one of the my most amazing experiences! I look forward to 2015 A Christmas Affair and many more!
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Behind the Scenes at Coats for Kids
By Belynda Montgomery, 2014 Coats for Kids Chair On Saturday, December 13, 2014, thousands of families gathered at the Palmer Events Center – some waiting in line for hours – to have the opportunity to find just the right warm winter coat for their children. The 28th annual Coats for Kids was a truly moving experience for the thousands of volunteers who helped these families. Provisionals, Actives, and Sustainers, as well as individuals across Central Texas, helped unload coat racks, sort coats, and assist families with finding the perfect coat for each child.
...he loved his coat from last year so much that he took great care of it so that he could return it this year for another child to enjoy...
Moving stories abounded at this year’s Coats for Kids. One recipient, a mother who was eight and a half months pregnant, insisted on volunteering to help other families before accepting a coat for her child. A young boy told a Coats for Kids volunteer that he loved his coat from last year so much that he took great care of it so that he could return it this year for another child to enjoy. The spirit of thankfulness, cheerfulness, and love was palpable as you walked along aisle after aisle of coat racks. I am so grateful for the members of my committee and the volunteers who helped Coats for Kids to be a tremendous success again this year. Serving as the chair of this committee has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had as a member of The Junior League of Austin. I hope you will all consider volunteering for Coats for Kids in the future. Volunteering with Coats for Kids is its own reward.
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2015-2016 Nominated Placements Board of Directors President Casie Wenmohs Treasurer Nicole Elliott Treasurer-Elect Amy Hurt Community VP Lauren Price Membership Development VP Alicia Robertson Recording Secretary Ashley Kelm Administrative VP Lyndsey Crawford Communications VP Jolie Cypert Fund Development VP Leigh Edgar Technology Chair Rachel Zander Nominating Chair Michele Karp Strategic Planning Chair Melissa Threlkeld Parliamentarian/By-Laws Chair Heather Parsons Admin Council In League Events Arrangements Headquarters Communications Council PR / Marketing Capitalines Editor Leaguelines Community Council Coats for Kids Placement Chair Reseachers Chair Grants Chair Elect Focus Area Chair Focus Area Chair
ACA Nominated Roles Decorations Co-Chair Decorations Co-Chair Merchant Co-Chair Merchant Co-Chair
Keri Walling Katie Ogden Natalie Sheridan Krista White
Nominating Committee - Nominated Lyndsey Crawford Carrie Semple Claudia Legarreta Rachel Zander Laura Robinson Amanda Zukowski Megan Granaghan Deanna Schobey Carrie Benee Arndt Jennifer Robertson Board Member at Large - Elected Amanda Grantham Lisa Kasper
Lara Anton ODI Participants Tara Akins Shannon Creekmur Melissa Threlkeld Debra Doliner And finally‌. President-Elect Sarah Valenzuela Courtney Clark Amanda Zukowski Congratulations to next year’s leadership Jamille Ruebsahm team and thank you to the 2014-2015 Elizabeth Andrews Nominating Committee! Sylvia Ward Carden Audrey Morton
Financial Development Council ACA Chair Holly Priestner Grants Liz Neff FDC Support Team Tania Leskovar-Owens PR / Marketing Chair Elect Laura Lee Daigle Capitalines Editor Elect Mary Quin Matteson FIT Chair Elect Elissa Pate Coats for Kids Chair Elect Laura Robinson ACA Chair Elect Leslie Moore
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Membership Development Council FIT Chair Elizabeth Hadley Placement Elect Patricia Ephlin Training & Education Chair Shannon Creekmur Provisional Chair Carrie Semple
Member Spotlights Current Placement: Con Mi MADRE
Ar’Sheill Sinclair Active
Education/Occupation: Master of Public Administration Family: Nicholas Monsanto (husband-to-be) Community Activities: Leadership Austin’s Emerge Program I regret: Turning down an internship to work for Illinois State Senator Barack Obama What experience has changed you most? The birth of my nieces and nephew. I get to review the world through the lens of a toddler. My worst habit is: Over planning and spazzing out when things don’t go according to plan. My advice to the provisional class would be: Take time to learn as much as possible about the community and programs we offer. It helps you put things into perspective when things don’t run as smoothly.
Lauren Cronin Active
Current Placement: Communications Council Technology Liaison Education/Occupation: BS-Economics & Political Science, University of Wisconsin/Sales, FactSet Research Systems, Inc. Family: Husband, Drew Pet: Arthur, Blue Heeler/Lab Mix If I could, I would: Travel to a new country on every vacation. My favorite junk food is: Cool Ranch Doritos Three accomplishments you are proud of: Making a move from Boston to Austin, buying a home, and running three half marathons. You wish someone had told you earlier: It’s important to find humor in tough situations.
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Member Spotlights Lauren Shallcross Active
Education/Occupation: BA in Communication Studies from LSU/ Realtor with Hindsite 20/20 Real Estate, Restaurant owner Family: Husband, Stephen Community Activities: Women’s Symphony League of Austin, Ronald McDonald House Charities fundraiser, Hospice of Austin fundraiser, Understand Men Austin (PAX), Blue Throat Yoga I regret: Trying to grow up too quickly in my 20’s. Three accomplishments you are proud of: My marriage of 9 years, the renovation (rescue is more accurate) of my 100-year-old house and the personal growth/work I have done and continue to do. Your life philosophy on a bumper sticker: “Be kind, most importantly, to yourself”
Melissa Facundo Provisional
Education/occupation: Entrepreneur Family: 2 boys Pets: Myrtle the turtle I wish I knew how to: Speak French fluently. If I could, I would: Visit the Pyramids of Egypt. I regret: Nothing. Favorite thing about Austin: All the festivals we have. You wish someone had told you earlier: Have faith everything will work out like it should. The best lesson I’ve learned from my JLA experiences is: One person working alone can make a small difference but together we can change the world!
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Member Spotlights Rachel Pry Active
Current Placement: Colorado River Alliance: Education Docent Education/occupation: Owner at 512 SNO, a sno-cone stand Family: My husband, Ross and 3 year old daughter, Claire Pets: We have 2 dogs, Beans and Marley Community Activities: I have played in an Austin women’s volleyball league for 8 years with my team, the Lovely Ladies. My favorite book is: “The Red Tent” by Anita Diamant. My favorite quote is: “I am standing on the shoulders of the ones who came before me” - Joyce Johnson Rouse My favorite movie is: Elf My favorite junk food is: Chips and queso I’m tired of: Pessimism
Mindy Montford Sustainer
Education/occupation: Attorney If I could, I would: Be in the CIA. I regret: Not living outside of Texas when I was younger for the experience (I’ve never really lived anywhere other than Austin, Texas!). One thing people wouldn’t know about you: I love Led Zeppelin. My advice to the Provisional class would be: Sign up for leadership roles outside of your comfort zone and enjoy meeting people outside of your “usual” circle of friends-they will be life-long friends. Favorite JLA memory or experience: Being on ACA committee. The best lesson I’ve learned from my JLA experiences is: Leadership around the Austin community and the friends I met as a provisional still remain my friends today as a Sustainer. www.jlaustin.org | 19
JLA Babies   Efrem Luis Garner born on May 7, 2014 to Melanie and Gentry Garner.
 
Evan King Frey born on December 1, 2014 to Jessica and Eric Frey.
Arthur Hendrix Karp born September 4th, 2014 to Michele and Stephen Karp.
Holz Harold Discher born on September 20th, 2014 to Crissalane and John Discher.
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Mary Margaret Edgar born on August 11th, 2014 to Stephanie and Clint Edgar.
Logan Russell and Lacey Margaret Chumbley born on January 3rd, 2015 to Lauren and Rob Chumbley.
JLA Engagements
Kristina Gisin engaged to Josh Cobb. Ashley Lottman engaged to Ryan Bruckner on December 6th, 2014.
JLA Weddings
Araminta Everton and Tom Sellers were married September 27, 2014 in Austin at Hyde Park Baptist Church.
Sustaining Member Toya Cirica Haley married Stephen Todd Bell on May, 25, 2014 in Austin, Texas at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden.
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JLA Weddings
Lexie (Whiteley) Worley married Doak Worley on November 1, 2014 in Saint Augustine, Florida.
Marie-Lynn Piscitelli married Jonathan Dunn on September 27, 2014 in New Haven, Connecticut.
Lane McCall Sealy married Eric Conley Green on November 15, 2014 in Galveston, Texas. Angela (Bertero) Quitmeyer married Douglas Quitmeyer on December 6, 2014.
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JLA Updates WELCOME TRANSFERS Actives: Ashley Aarons, New Orleans, LA Janette Connell, Dallas, TX Maggie Curtis, Charlotte, NC Casey Daly, Dallas, TX Kate Draughon, Grand Rapids, MI Sara Lewis, San Francisco, CA Amy Mitchell, Tallahassee, FL Bryn Sakonchick, New York, NY Sarah Teten, Houston, TX Regina Washburn, Dallas, TX
(AS OF 3/16/15) Provisional: Cicely Jackson, Little Rock, AK Sustainers: Tara Jane Arnold, Palo Alto, CA Kim Kenney, Lincoln, NE Sara Miller, Bell County, TX Susan Spies, Los Angeles, CA
REINSTATEMENTS Sustainers: Anne Byars Margaret Collis Tiffany McMillan
Actives: Crystal Kilpatrick Ilona Toole
TRANSFER OUT Thank you for your dedicated service to The Junior League of Austin and our community! Actives: Cyndy Bagley, San Antonio, TX Rachel Dawson, Houston, TX Jaime Denney, Atlanta, GA Brittney Doyle, San Francisco, TX Jamie Frahm, Chicago, IL Kelli McKinley, Houston, TX Suzanne Miller, San Antonio, TX Kristen Nesbitt, Bryan College Station, TX Bec Powell, Seattle, WA Shannon Smith, Houston, TX Lauren Williams, Dallas, TX
Provisionals: Scotti Hughes, Los Angeles, CA Lauren Forgie, Baltimore, MD Sustainer: Cynthia Guajardo, San Antonio, TX
Please share the following announcements that are taking place in your life with the JLA: births, engagements, weddings, condolences, notices of an illness of a League Member or their immediate family, community and business recognitions, new jobs, and/or job promotions. Send all details (including photos for births, engagements, and weddings) to Doris Nanez, Office Administrative Manager, dnanez@jlaustin.org.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS May 5, 2015 May General Meeting at 7:00 p.m. – Dell Jewish Community Center May 26, 2015 May Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
JLA Mission
The Junior League of Austin is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
JLA Vision
The Junior League of Austin will strengthen our community through creative solutions to current and future challenges.
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Email prchair@jlaustin.org if you want to share something!