LeagueLines
The Newsletter of The Junior League of Austin Winter 2014-15
Tips for Selecting a Placement By Cynthia Keel and Stacey Mather Each year, The Junior League of Austin makes a tremendous impact on the community by providing trained volunteers and needed funds into local non-profits. The League is able to do this because of our members who serve placements within the League and community, with each Active Member typically contributing a minimum of 50 hours within their placement.
both executive and placement-appointed positions. Active members interested in an In-League Placement will select four placements from both executive and placement-appointed, submitting their choices through the online form by the January deadline.
Currently, we have a little over 500 members serving in community placements, and a little under 400 serving in our InLeague placements. – Placement Chair Carrie Semple League members may choose to complete a Community Placement or an In-League Placement. There are three types of In-League Placements: nominated, executive, or placementappointed. The placement selection process begins in September, when Active Members have the option to complete the Leadership Interest Survey to nominate themselves and others to serve in leadership roles. The Nominating Committee, elected by the membership, selects individuals to serve in key leadership roles, including the President-Elect, Council Vice Presidents, and Treasurer-Elect. These nominated positions are voted on by Active Members as a slate in the Spring, along with members’ selections for the Nominating Committee and Board Members-at-Large. While the Nominating Committee is selecting the leadership slate, the Placement Committee is preparing the placement portfolios for members. The In-League Placement Portfolio opens to Active members in December and contains 1 | LeagueLines
Placement Chair Carrie Semple explains, “For the In-League portfolio, any placement that is designated an ‘Executive Placement’ is placed by our Executive team at their retreat after the January meeting.” Examples of Executive Placements include A Christmas Affair Parties Co-Chair, Done-in-a-Day Chair, Council Treasurers, and Researchers. After executive appointments are made, an algorithm that takes into account multiple factors including seniority makes the placement appointments. Examples of placement-appointed placements include Coats for Kids Volunteer Coordinators, Food In Tummies Pantry Team Members, LeagueLines Writers, and Training Month Program Coordinators. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
The In-League Placement Portfolio is now available at the Member Home Page for Actives through January 6 at Midnight!
IN THIS ISSUE Tips for Selecting a Placement
EDITOR’S NOTE
1, 5
In This Issue
2
Editor’s Note
2
A Message from the President 3 Sustainer Lessons on Leveraging JLA Experience 4 LeagueLines Asks…
5
Name That Council-Membership
6
Projects in the Community
7
How to Give a Successful Elevator Pitch 8 The JLA in Your Words
9
Telling Others About JLA
10
Suggested Key Words
10
Developing Your League Pitch
11
Placement Corner
12
Member Profiles
13-15
JLA Babies & Weddings
16
JLA Updates
17
Mark Your Calendars
18
LeagueLines
The League year is almost halfway over, and the winter months are typically when we select our placements for the following League year. In this issue, we hope to help you prepare by sharing about the placement process and the ways some members have leveraged their League experience in their careers. We also hope to help you become more confident in discussing The Junior League of Austin with the people you meet. Tips for giving a successful elevator pitch are included, along with a handy worksheet to help you draft your own! We would love to hear from you. Please forward any thoughts or comments to leaguelines@jlaustin.org and they could be included in the next issue! I would like to extend my thanks to our phenomenal LeagueLines team – it is an honor to serve with such an amazing group of women. Together we hope that you enjoy this issue and wish you a very merry holiday season! Stacey Mather LeagueLines Editor, 2014-2015
The LeagueLines Committee at their holiday party
The Newsletter of The Junior League of Austin
Stacey Mather, Editor Kaela Lewis, Design Editor Jennifer Rieck, Literary Assignments Editor Graphic Designers: Leslie Gandy Frances Hansen Poppy Poth Meredith Sturgeon Writers: Darby Berra McKensie DeRocher Alexandra Kastelic Cynthia Keel
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Board of Directors 2014-2015 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 For most people, the start of a new year is a time to reflect on the achievements of the past year, perhaps, a renewal of energy toward a goal not yet achieved or even a brand new goal to work toward. Although the holiday season is busy, I believe this time of year, more then any, is energizing and invigorating as it reminds us to “dream big” as we plan for the year ahead! What are your goals and dreams for the new year? Is there anything new you care to learn or try? Something you’ve put off for a future day? As you consider your plans for 2015 remember your membership in The Junior League of Austin may offer you many opportunities to support or further your goals and dreams. Maybe it’s a placement you’ve always wanted to try? Maybe it is outside of your comfort zone and will expand your skill set? Maybe it is an opportunity that offers a glimpse into a new career path? Whatever your goals or reasons remember your League career, experiences and placements are great training grounds to spread your wings and try new things. Over the years I have heard many testimonies from League members who say they are in their current career or started a new one based upon the training and skills they learned in their League placements. So, as you plan for your 2015 don’t forget to think about how the League factors into your goals and dreams! While there is much work still to be completed in the current “League year” we will continue work to set the foundation and framework for the coming year. Starting in early January the Nominating Committee will announce the 2015-2016 Leadership Slate at our General Meeting and the 20152016 Executive Committee will begin work on appointed placements. (If you are interested in an In-League Placement but have not yet submitted your requests, the In-League Placement Portfolio is still available on your member home page!). And of course, “February Training Month” opportunities will be announced. This issue of LeagueLines shares information about the placement process and the impact and experiences various placements have made on members. I encourage you to grab a warm drink, settle in and read through the issue. It may just inspire a new goals and dream for you! With appreciation,
Gregory Noack President 2014-2015
www.jlaustin.org | 3
Sustainer Lessons on Leveraging JLA Experience By McKensie DeRocher
Julie Ballard has been with The Junior League of Austin since 1999 and became a Sustainer member three years ago. In Julie’s early career she was a busy management consultant with an overflowing work and travel schedule. Julie’s decision to join the League stemmed from her desire to engage with other volunteers and have the ability to meet other women with similar interests while supporting the Austin community on a consistent basis. As an Active, Julie’s placements included serving as a Researcher, Food In Tummies Chair, and Coats for Kids Chair. Regarding the skills Julie has garnered from her League experience, she shares, “I am comfortable tackling a project or challenge due to the multitude of project experience I achieved across my placements over the years. Given our placements are annual commitments, I reset my role every year–some supporting and some leading. I tackled a variety of responsibilities from logistics to fundraising and I am now comfortable serving other organizations in these roles including my church, children’s schools and other community non-profit organizations. I use the project structure I learned through events like Coats for Kids and Food In Tummies and can apply that approach to dissect and design new project plans.” Additionally, Julie says, “I had the opportunity to learn new skills and try on jobs and roles in a safe and supported environment. I also learned what I do and don’t like to do, and my strengths and weaknesses in these roles. For example, I learned that a skilled and committed Treasurer is a key to success on any Board or project, and that Project Chairs, Presidents and Vice Presidents depend on good information from Treasurers. I also learned that I don’t have the patience for that job! I have deep appreciation for those who are adept at critical skills and tasks that are not my gift and I’ve learned that some of my gifts are appreciated by others and where I can offer the most value.”
The work you do at the League offers you an opportunity to explore different jobs and roles. You are garnering valuable experience and an enhanced skill set through your volunteer work. Having experienced different work arrangements including full-time, part-time, and not working outside the home, Julie says, “The League has flexible placements and they work to survey and accommodate the diversity of our members and our work situations.” Julie stresses the importance of being realistic and honest with your time commitments and priorities. When asked what advice she’d give to members struggling to find work/life/League balance Julie advises, “Have a long term vision of your League experience. Don’t look at your commitments with the League from a meeting-to-meeting viewpoint. Yes, there are lots of meetings, and that is expected when you volunteer or support any organization, but if you are careful with the number of priorities and commitments you take on, you can make your League experience fulfilling and manageable.” Julie also advises that “When work or other volunteer commitments are heavy you may need to lighten your League load, and when work and life are lighter, you might have the opportunity to ramp up your League commitments and take on a big job that can be a significant personal growth opportunity.” 4 | LeagueLines
Selecting a Placement for the 2015-2016 League Year (cont’d from Page 1) Once the In-League Placements are almost completed, the Community Placement Portfolio is made available, typically by March, to Active and Provisional Members. These placements are made using the same algorithm that determines the In-League placementappointed placements. The Community Placement Portfolio typically only contains Community Placements; however, a small number of In-League Placements may be available if they are not filled during the In-League Placement process. In addition, there are leadership positions available in the Community Placement Portfolio as well. Carrie explains, as a Project Chair, “You will get to serve in a community non-profit (most likely of your choosing) but you will also get the benefits of the In-League aspects of being a Project Chair. We have quarterly training opportunities that allow you to talk to other Project Chairs and to learn more about the League.” During the In-League Placement selection process, members interested in contributing more to the League may request to serve as a Member-at-Large on one of the Councils or the Researchers Committee. These placements, selected by the Executive Committee and served in addition to your primary placement, allow members to serve as voting members of the group and learn more about the League. Regardless of your placement type, your contributions help the League to make a significant impact in the community.
LeagueLines Asks…How Have You Leveraged Your League Experience in Your Career? Emily Konkle, Active Current Placement: Capitalines Ad Sales/Program Assistants
Andrea Bradford, Active Current Placement: Training and Education Committee Assistant
“As a stay at home mother, I have utilized my League connections and experience to impress upon my children the importance of giving and community involvement.”
“JLA has given me countless opportunities. Meeting other women in all walks of life has helped me grow my business and allowed for lifelong networking opportunities.”
How have you used your League experience to further impact the community? Email your answers to leaguelines@jlaustin.org and they may be included in the next issue. www.jlaustin.org | 5
Name That Council–Membership Council By McKensie DeRocher
The Junior League of Austin depends on its members in order to make a difference in the community, and the Membership Development Council works to ensure that members have a great experience. This year’s Membership Development Council consists of the Membership Development Vice President, Council Assistant, Admissions Chair, Food In Tummies Chair, Membership Advisors, Placement Chair-Elect, Provisional Chair, Membership Treasurer, Training and Education Chair, Enrichment Chair, Transfer Chair, a Sustaining Advisor (nonvoting), a Technology Liaison, and Members-atLarge as needed to carry out the functions of the Council. Per the General League Policies and Procedures, the Membership Development Council “shall oversee the development of the League’s membership potential by monitoring membership requirements, granting membership privileges, providing training and education opportunities to the League membership and community if so desired, and assisting with the maintenance of membership satisfaction.” In addition, “the Membership Development Council shall have the authority to develop policies
This is the Council that is responsible for helping keep members engaged and a part of an organization. We are here to serve the community but we are very member-centric. - Terri Broussard Williams, VP, Membership Development Council regarding membership satisfaction.” According to Terri Broussard Williams, this year’s Membership Development Council Vice President, “As a very large non-profit, the Membership Development Council is essentially the HR Department of the JLA. We ensure people have placements, help members take a leave of absence, or assist moving members to a sustainer status. The most important thing we do is making sure the member’s voice is infused in every aspect of the League. We have lots of conversations about ensuring member’s opinions are considered in every decision we make.”
Attend the January Membership Council Meeting on Wednesday, January 21 at 6:30pm to learn more! 6 | LeagueLines
Projects in the Community: Drive-a-Senior By Alexandra Hamilton
In Texas, teenagers often see the process of getting their driver’s license as a rite of passage that leads to adult independence. Later in life, a more distressing rite of passage happens to some seniors–the loss of the ability to drive. Without the option of driving oneself, a senior often becomes heavily reliant on others to take care of common tasks like grocery shopping or going to appointments. If they do not have a support network, or if they are unable to access public transportation, seniors may then lose the option to live independently in their own home. Drive-A-Senior, part of the Faith in Action Network, operates with the mission to return some of the mobility lost to seniors by connecting them with volunteers who help get them where they want to go. The non-profit evolved from a pilot program founded in 1985, which initially targeted West Austin. Their network has since grown to serve Austin, Elgin, Pflugerville, Round Rock and Southwest Travis County. In 2013, Drive-A-Senior volunteers provided more than 40,500 rides. The Junior League of Austin has had a relationship with Drive-A-Senior for many years. This year, the non-profit receives 26 League member volunteers among its volunteer driver pool and $15,000 in funding from the League. It is a perennial favorite among members for its immediately apparent personal impact volunteers have on the people they drive. League member Amanda Stuart says, “When my grandmother was told by her doctor that she could no longer operate a vehicle, it was very devastating to her. She told me, ‘It is like they cut off my left arm.’ I can see the huge impact I have on the people that I drive around.”
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The Drive-A-Senior website points out that “Many seniors who don’t drive consider themselves a burden to others, especially when they can’t access public transportation (and only 4% of the elderly use public transportation). Most people hate to ask for help, so they will just do without going out, and perhaps do without food for a while.”
When my grandmother was told by her doctor that she could no longer operate a vehicle, it was very devastating to her... I can see the huge impact I have on the people that I drive around.
”
When they do turn to Drive-A-Senior, there is one impression many clients take away. Long-time client, Jacq Siracusa, is driven weekly to a Philosopher’s Group meeting. “The nicest reason” for using Drive-A-Senior, she attests, is “they send such nice people to drive me.”
Drive-A-Senior is very organized and efficiently managed. Their online scheduling tool allows for advance planning, making it a good fit for people who have limited free time as well as for people who have a flexible schedule. Volunteers are given a detailed summary with each drive request, which aids in preparing for every drive in advance. The durability and vitality of Drive-A-Senior is a testament to the great need, and the long relationship between The Junior League of Austin and Drive-A-Senior provides additional support to the community. www.jlaustin.org | 7
How to Give a Successful Elevator Pitch By Darby Berra
Writing a successful elevator pitch is never easy, so I turned to our very own Jolie Cypert, the League’s PR/Marketing Chair, for some words of wisdom. Fortunately, she was able to give me some wonderful insight.
When giving a successful elevator pitch for any organization, it is important to focus on key messages you want to get across. Different experiences vary from person to person. - PR/Marketing Chair Jolie Cypert
The message may be slightly different from individual to individual, so you need to identify your audience and tweak your pitch according to whom you are speaking with. It is also important to keep your pitch short and sweet, and communicate exactly what you want to get across so people know what you have to offer. For The Junior League of Austin, “There are three key messages that come up time and time again,” Jolie said. The top three key messages that League members consistently develop each year are:
1) The Junior League of Austin is an organization of motivated women dedicated to serving the community in a way that makes a measurable impact. 2) League members provide the essential needs of deserving non-profit organizations with volunteer hours and financial support. 3) We are a powerful group of women who strive to be role models in the community, inspire future leaders and provide accountability.
“It is also important to remember the League is a training springboard for women to do other things,” Jolie said. Many of the skills garnered are skills women can use outside of the League in their personal and professional lives. For instance, members serving on the Grants Committee often learn how to write grants and can then take this knowledge and transfer it to other roles in the community. Members serving as designers receive design training that can also benefit them outside of their JLA placement. These examples demonstrate how the League not only helps the community but also helps League members develop new skills, keeping with the mission of the League. Members should take into account their own League experience and consider the ways the League has impacted their lives. Examples of personal elevator pitches are included on page 9.
Learn how to write your own elevator pitch on page 11!
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The League in Your Own Words By Darby Berra
A few members share their elevator pitches about The Junior League of Austin: Melaina Wilkin Active, Enrichment Chair You can learn so many new skills, network, and make many lifelong friends. I have often volunteered for positions I knew very little about. Through the League, I learned InDesign, basics of QuickBooks, budgeting, fine-tuned my fundraising skills, etc. All of these skills have carried over and helped me in my professional life. I have also made numerous life-long friends who are amazing women and whom I admire, look up to, and couldn’t imagine my life without. Sue Rubio Active, A Christmas Affair Public Relations Assistant The League is an awesome organization full of diverse, bright, positive women [who] devote themselves to bettering the community we live in…. For me, the League offers a place where I can directly see the impact I am having in the community - it is an incredibly rewarding experience and the icing on the cake is the friendships I have made with all different types of women. It is an organization that truly welcomes all, and it affords one the opportunity to learn and grow through a variety of placements year after year. Leigh Edgar Active, Coats For Kids Logistics Coordinator When asked about the League, I once told a non-League friend of mine that we are a group of women who quite simply...do a lot of good! It’s an oversimplification of what we as Leaguers do, but it’s almost impossible to explain the hands held, lives touched, hearts healed, and spirits uplifted by the work The Junior League of Austin does. It is about service to the community but it is more than that...it is about people. Connecting these women to people! People with critical human needs like food, shelter, clothing, and dignity. We connect our members with these people and collectively share our time, talents, and treasure.
Sarah Stotts Active, Mothers Milk Bank Outreach & Education Assistant There are woman from all walks of life and all parts of town in the League. I am constantly impressed by the professionalism and attention to detail with which the League is run. I also appreciate that members are encouraged to try new things. You don’t necessarily have to know the skills required in your placement; there are lots of training opportunities. It’s also a great way to get to know some wonderful women!
Ashley Blythe Zachary Transfer The League provides the opportunity to volunteer in the local community, develop leadership skills, and meet the great women from around the area and beyond. As a recent transfer to Austin, it has provided me a way to plug in and get to know our city through these community partner outreach opportunities and meet new friends.
Kelly Bennett Active, Junior Achievement of Central Texas Classroom Volunteer Since I am going to live in Austin for the rest of my life, and I didn’t grow up here, I thought joining the League would be the perfect way to meet other women and get involved in the community. Right now, I love my community placement called Junior Achievement. I miss teaching and it gets me back in to the classroom, and allows me to teach children about money, family relationships, and neighborhood businesses. Also, I’m so excited about A Christmas Affair this year! I get to help with decorations during my shift and then come back a few days later with my son for Breakfast with Santa! Overall, I would say the League is the perfect place for young women in Austin to get connected with others!
www.jlaustin.org | 9
Telling Others about The Junior League of Austin By Darby Berra
Ask around town, and most people have heard of The Junior League of Austin. Folks know about A Christmas Affair, or have heard ads on the radio or evening news soliciting gently used coats for Coats for Kids. But many people are unaware what the League really does to help the Austin community. For instance, did you know that League members give over 100,000 volunteer hours each League year? This contribution by the League has a huge impact on the local community and those in need. For example, Food In Tummies packs 1,600 backpacks per week for 34 weeks during the school year so those who can’t afford a meal have something to eat. That is over 54,000 meals provided to hungry children thanks to our amazing organization and volunteers. Each year Coats for Kids provides approximately 35,000 coats to families in Austin who can’t afford a warm coat for their children. And last year’s A Christmas Affair raised more than $700,000! All of the money generated goes directly back into the community to help those in need. As a League we provide volunteers and, in some cases, financial support to 29 local non-profits through our community projects. League volunteers are always smiling while helping others, and we are lucky to have such an amazing group of women to learn from and foster friendships with while volunteering. So the next time someone asks you about The Junior League of Austin, you will be armed with amazing statistics to educate them on just some of what the League does to help the Austin area.
Worksheet–Suggested Key Words
(from handouts provided by Elizabeth Christian & Associates)
Words to Use: Ability to Mobilize Awareness Committed Community Developing Funds Give back Highly energetic Imagine Impact
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Inspire Leadership Learning Motivated Non-profit Open membership Opportunity Organized Power in numbers Professional women
Providing Resources Respected Serving Skills Supporting Team Trained Volunteering
Developing Your League Pitch
(from handouts provided by Elizabeth Christian & Associates)
Please fill in the blanks (optional-use suggested key words provided on page 10): I joined The Junior League of Austin because
As a League member, I am dedicated to
The League supports the Austin community by
The greatest strength of The Junior League of Austin is
You might be surprised to learn that The Junior League of Austin
Mission Statement/Elevator Pitch: The Junior League of Austin is a ______________________ organization committed to ____________________, _______________________, and _____________________. We fulfill our promise to the community by ___________________________________.
Your personal elevator speech instructions: On a separate piece of paper, write 3-4 lines max about The Junior League of Austin. www.jlaustin.org | 11
Placement Corner By Cynthia Keel
It is hard to believe that we are almost to the half-way point of our League year, when we contemplate how we will best serve in the coming year. Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we do, but we make a difference by what we give.” The Junior League of Austin has a diverse portfolio of opportunities available so each of us can give of ourselves. 85% of The Junior League of Austin’s membership works outside the home. It remains important that there are placement opportunities that fit varied schedules and demands. When selecting a placement, it is advised to examine your own schedule limitations and personal desires. The 20142015 Community Placement Portfolio featured ninety-six different opportunities. The In-League Portfolio had just under fifty job titles. So, how does one know what to choose? First of all, do not be afraid to ask. Ask your own network of friends, read the descriptions published, and reach out to current individuals serving in those roles or, for Community Placements, ask the Project Chair. “These women [Project Chairs] are the first line of communication between the community non-profits and our members. They know what all the placements are for their particular non-profit and can tell you what it’s really like to be placed with the agency,” shares Placement Chair Carrie Semple. Also, Community Placement Coordinators are available to answer questions as well. The placement process varies based on the position(s) requested so an open mind and a willingness to take a risk is encouraged. But members should take the time to soul search and decide what will best work in the coming year. There are summer-concentrated placements, projectbased placements, those that are administrative in nature, and those that are hands-on with our community. Together we will make Austin an even better place.
Register for February Training Month Opportunities in January! Training month is around the corner! The Training and Education Committee is excited about the offerings they've put together for you! More than 40 trainings will be held through out Austin during the month of February. Educational opportunities include: personal wellness, technology, leadership, food, music, parenting, and many more! Be on the lookout for descriptions of these trainings to soon be posted on your Member Homepage. Sign-up for Actives will go live at midnight on Wednesday, January 7th, with Provisionals having the opportunity to sign up on Friday, January 9. For more information contact Lydia Valdes at lvaldes@austin.rr.com. 12 | LeagueLines
Member Spotlights Kenieshiear Czetty Active
Current Placement: Sustainer Engagement Events and Training Coordinator Education/Occupation: Event Coordinator Family: Husband, Stephen and Daughter, Julia Rose Pets: Dog, Molly Community Activities: Austin Centennial Rotary Your life philosophy on a bumper sticker: “Love your neighbor as yourself” Matt 22:39 What experience has changed you most? Taking in and caring for niece and nephew for a year. One thing people wouldn’t know about you: I can communicate in 6 languages. My advice to the provisional class would be: Connect with members and learn as much as you can.
Jessica Ray Active
Current Placement: A Christmas Affair, Parties Committee Education/Occupation: UT grad; Blackbaud Technical Support Manager Pets: Chloe, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Community Activities: Seton’s Miracle Book and Pi Phi Alumni I wish I knew how to: Be Crafty. My Pinterest items usually end up as a Pinterest fail. My favorite quote is: “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” Mae West My advice to the provisional class would be: Make friends! These people will be in your life a long time. Favorite JLA placement: A Christmas Affair (this is my 3rd year on the committee, so I can’t pick just one year).
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Member Spotlights Kaylee Sager Provisional/Transfer
Transferring from: Washington, D.C. chapter Education/Occupation: The George Washington University; Deloitte Consulting Family: I have two siblings, a puppy, and a lovely boyfriend. Community Activities: I raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society via Team in Training and running marathons. I regret: Not moving to Austin sooner! Three accomplishments you are proud of: Running a marathon and four half marathons, mounting a shelf by myself, getting my puppy Schatzi (her name means ‘Little Treasure’ in German). The best lesson I’ve learned from my JLA experiences is: The League is filled with such inspiring women. Your life philosophy on a bumper sticker: “Why be Type A, when you can be A+?”
Isis Valencia Provisional
Education/Occupation: Bachelor of Arts from UTSA; Currently employed at Brigham Resources as a Land Tech Pets: Chewie, Collie-Shepherd mix Favorite thing about Austin: Nutty Brown Cafe. Just one or two miles out, and you get to see these lush, rolling hills, enjoy in great outdoor music, AND eat some amazing green chile cheese fries? Three accomplishments you are proud of: First in my family to attend and graduate from college; Living on my own; Getting out of middle school alive. You wish someone had told you earlier: Start saving for your retirement in your early twenties and you won’t have to contribute as much in your later years to compensate. The best lesson I’ve learned from my JLA experiences is: Every volunteer shift is an opportunity to help a different person each time; no shift is alike even though they may be at the same place, same time, and that the short hours I contribute to the mountain of time, combined with everyone else’s short hours, genuinely make an impact in the Austin area. www.jlaustin.org | 14
Member Spotlights Jennifer Bass Transfer
Transferring from: Oklahoma City, OK Education/Occupation: Abilene Christian University; Sr. Registered Client Service Associate at UBS Financial Services Family: Recently engaged (Oct. 24, 2014) to Mitch Holt Pets: Lulu (maltipoo); Bebe (silky terrier); Samson (Great Pyrenees/Husky mix) Community Activities: SXSW Film Quality Control team; Texas Great Pyrenees Rescue volunteer My favorite book is: The Secret Garden I wish I knew how to: Speak another language fluently. One thing people wouldn’t know about you: Tap dance is my favorite skill. I’ve danced for 25 years, and love it! You wish someone had told you earlier: High school math is nothing to stress about.
Vickie Bauerle Sustainer
Education/Occupation: Principal of Gorzycki Middle School (Austin Independent School District) Family: Four children and four grandchildren My favorite quote is: “ One good conversation can shift the direction of change forever” – Linda Lambert Your life philosophy on a bumper sticker: “Determination” Three accomplishments you are proud of: Opening a brand new middle school as a first year principal; raising four successful and happy kids; choosing family first when making career decisions in my life. Favorite JLA memory or experience: The collaborative work it takes to put on A Christmas Affair. The best lesson I’ve learned from my JLA experiences is: When you give back to the community through service, you also receive the gift of happiness and knowing you’ve helped to make a difference in someone’s life. www.jlaustin.org | 15
JLA Babies
Ruth “Ruthie” Mae Thompson born July 10, 2014 to Anna and Tommy Thompson Nash Hudgins Knight born September 9, 2014 to Meredith and Jamie Knight
JLA Engagements
Ellis “Ellie” Mae Compton born October 13, 2014 to Alta and Peter Compton
JLA Weddings Jennifer Bass and Mitch Holt were engaged on October 24, 2014
Sarah Willis and Don Hogan were married on August 23, 2014
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Member Spotlights WELCOME TRANSFERS Provisionals: Carlye Alderete – San Antonio, TX Kayla Mahdavi – Portland, OR Chenikica Martin – Baton Rouge, LA Susanne Ruff – New York, NY Kaylee Sager – Washington DC Actives: Catherine Carr – Dallas, TX Kimberly Chapman – Washington, DC Courtney Dieselberg – Springfield, MO Dana Harris – Washington, DC Jenni Hobson – Harrisburg, PA Kathryn Mazza – Washington, DC
(AS OF 10/30/14) Actives (cont’d): Hathaway McMillion – Shreveport, LA Sandifer Patia – San Antonio, TX Kendall Shiffler – Dallas,TX Reagan Smith – Denver, CO Audrey Walter – Des Moines, IA Lauren Williams – Wichita Falls, TX Kaci Wood – Shreveport, LA Meredith Young – Chicago, IL Sustainers: Debra Gauthier – New Orleans, LA Bradlee Roffers – Syracuse, NY Amy Seitz – McAllen, TX
REINSTATEMENTS Actives: Laura Black Regina Dargahi Anie Heynis
Sustainers: Meredith Holden Lauren Murray
TRANSFER OUT Thank you for your dedicated service to The Junior League of Austin and our community! Provisional: Chenikica Martin – Baton Rouge, LA Actives: Chylin Canterbury – Orange County, CA Jessica Gonzales – New York, NY Erin Lomers – Dallas, TX Desaree Vega – San Antonio, TX
Sustainers: Catherine Irons – San Angelo, TX Jan Kosmal – Houston, 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 January 6, 2015 January General Meeting at 7:00 p.m. – Dell Jewish Community Center
The In-League Placement Portfolio is now available at the Member Home Page for Actives through January 6 at Midnight!
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.
We’re getting pretty social around here! Facebook facebook.com/JLAustin.org Twitter twitter.com/jlaustinorg Pinterest pinterest.com/jlaustinorg/ Instagram instagram.com/thejuniorleagueofaustin YouTube youtube.com/user/JuniorLeagueofAustin Email prchair@jlaustin.org if you want to share something!
18 | LeagueLines