FALL 2018 ISSUE
LEAGUELINES THE NEWSLETTER OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF AUSTIN
Welcome to the
NEWSLetter Contents EDITOR’S NOTES
1
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
2
SUSTAINING PRESIDENT’S LETTER
3
85 YEARS OF TRAILBLAZING
4
HAPPY TRAILS: MEMBERSHIP UPDATES
5
JLA SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
6
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
7
Edition of LeagueLines!
MEMBERSHIP VALUES SURVEY
9
JLA Trailblazers are members who exhibit excellence
EMBRACING OUR SHARED VALUES: DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
10
inside the League and/or outside in our community.
LEADERSHIP FOOTPRINTS
11
JLA MEMBER UPDATES
19
COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHT: PROSPECTING COMMITTEE
22
of trained volunteers.
FALLING IN LOVE WITH OCTOBER SMALL GROUP MEETINGS
23
Do you know a JLA Trailblazer?
A CHRISTMAS AFFAIR 2018
25
JLA MERCHANDISE
26
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
27
She is a model of our mission in promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and/or improving the community through the effective action and leadership
Click here to nominate her! Trailblazer nominees will be recorgnized at general meetings throughout the year.
EDITOR’S NOTE
WELCOME TO LEAGUELINES! The 2018-2019 JLA League year is off to a galloping start, and I’m pleased to release the Fall Trailblazers Edition of LeagueLines. This year, the LeagueLines Committee decided to create each edition of LeagueLines around important themes for the year. We dedicate this current edition to Amy’s theme for the year - Trailblazers. Follow along in Amy’s and other JLA leadership’s footsteps starting on page 11, as we acknowledge The Junior League of Austin’s Trailblazers who established our League on its current path and who are paving the way for our future. This is a big year for JLA as we celebrate our 85th year and grow into our new Community Impact Center home. As JLA’s internal publication, we hope to follow the trajectory of the League year and reflect our accomplishments and values, and most importantly, celebrate our unique and impactful membership that makes our League and city shine. Along those lines, I hope you will take a minute (it really only takes a minute) to click on the survey link on page 9 and give us some LeagueLines feedback. We want to make sure we truly reflect you, our membership. You could win some JLA swag! Your responses will be included in the Winter edition of LeagueLines. I am very proud of this year’s LeagueLines Committee as the assembly of this edition truly took a team effort. I’m grateful to serve with such dedicated, flexible and positive members who got everything produced while juggling hospitalized family members, sick children, births and leave of absences. It has truly been a collaborative effort with members stepping up and assisting others. I know we are all looking forward to a smoother ride as we celebrate JLA’s anniversary in our winter edition. Happy Trails,
Kate Saul Kate Saul 2018-2019 LeagueLines Editor
2018-2019 LEAGUELINES COMMITTEE LeagueLines Editor Kate Saul
Art, Design and Layout Editor Lauren Ivey-Muniz
Copy Editor Kristiana Butler
Photography Editor/Photographer Anja Vuk
Art, Design & Layout Assistants Alana Alexander Christine Penksa Diana Bolding Julie Humble Stephanie Webster
Literary Assignments Editor Katherine Thome
Sustaining Advisor Rebecca Blaker
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Writers Courtney Ainsworth Jennifer Naumann Lauren Leigh Zengilowski Nicole Olvera Tricia Noyola
LETTER FROM THE
PRESIDENT
The 2018-2019 League year is off to a great start! I want to thank all of you for the work you are doing in the community. I am so proud of the amazing things you are doing for Austin and the League. I enjoyed seeing you at the September General Meeting. It was such a great way to kick off the year! Some of the highlights from the last 4 months include: • Partnering with over 30 non-profits • Great conversations, both in League and with the community around diversity and inclusion • Our Community Impact Center building is vertical and has a roof • Securing our first partner of our new program – KICS - Kids in Cool Shoes • Training and Ed can’t miss events It takes all of us to make these things happen. Our League is only as strong as our members and because of each of you we continue to make an incredible impact in our community. I am looking forward to having some fun with all of you at A Christmas Affair, and I am excited to volunteer with you at Coats for Kids. Thank you for being trailblazers in the community and great ambassadors of The Junior League of Austin.
Amy Hurt 2018-2019 JLA President
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LETTER FROM THE
SUSTAINING PRESIDENT Over the past eighty-five years The Junior League of Austin has been forward thinking and responsive to the needs of our community...Trailblazers. Sustaining members have always played a critical role in that impact. Sustainers are a highly motivated, and well-trained group of women who regularly “ignite the spark, and blaze trails” to help those in need. Many of the most successful non-profits in the Central Texas region grew out of JLA projects, have Junior League leadership on their staff or Board, or have been a partner agency with us at some time. The strength and success of the Austin Non-Profit community is a reflection of the remarkable training and dedication of our trailblazing membership. Through the League there continue to be opportunities for sustainers to be reinvigorated and continue to lead our community to face the challenges ahead. Many of our sustainers serve as advisors on League committees and councils and they have played a critical role in fundraising for the Community Impact Center. The sustainer engagement committee has already hosted several events this year including a coffee, game night, and hard hat tour of the new Headquarters. As we approach the busy League and Holiday season there will be more opportunities for sustaining members to work a shift at Coats for Kids, A Christmas Affair, FIT-Food in Tummies, KICS-Kids in Cool Shoes, or Done in a Day projects. And don’t forget to sign up for some of the awesome monthly training and education events. Now more than ever sustainers continue to play an important role in the health of our League and community. Thank you for blazing the trail and for your continued support and membership!
Melissa Greenwood Morrow Melissa Greenwood Morrow 2018-2019 JLA Sustaining President
2017-2018 JLA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Amy Hurt
Assistant to President Lisa Kaspar
Recording Secretary Rachel Zander
Member-at-Large Earind Carter
President - Elect Carrie Semple
Treasurer/Finance Genny Hill
Community VP Laura Robinson
Bylaws Lisa Filemyr
Administrative VP Julia Null
Treasurer-Elect Michelle Lupton
Communications VP Sharon Morgan
Nominating Chair Hadley Hempel
Fund Development VP Keri Bellacosa Walling
Strategic Planning Chair Jolie Cypert
Membership Development VP Araminta Sellers
Sustaining President Melissa Morrow
Member-at-Large Courtney Clark
Technology Chair Rachel Pry
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85 YEARS OF TRAILBLAZING The Junior League of Austin is celebrating its 85th anniversary by recognizing trailblazing women in the community. League President Amy Hurt explains her decision behind this year’s theme. by: SHERIDAN BUTLER Each year, the President of The Junior League of Austin (JLA) chooses a theme to inspire their year of service. The theme serves as a rallying point. It is promoted within the organization to give vision and inspiration to the members to accomplish the group’s annual goals. This year, in honor of the JLA’s 85th anniversary, President Amy Hurt’s theme is “Trailblazing.” “Through this theme, I want to honor the trailblazers who paved the path for the successful League we have today and inspire future trailblazers in our organization and community” Amy said. Take, for example, Mary Harriman, who founded The Junior League in New York in 1901. She started the League when she was 19 years old because she wanted to improve living conditions for immigrants. “For a young woman in that day and age to raise funds and organize volunteers to improve her community, it was a bold step. She was truly a trailblazer who left an incredible legacy,” Amy said.
But Hurt wants the world to know a Trailblazer doesn’t have to be president of a company or someone who founded something as enduring as The Junior League. A trailblazer can be anyone. “My grandmother wasn’t well known, but she was a trailblazer,” Amy said. “She was a single mother and opened her own daycare center to make ends meet. She was a small business owner in a time when women weren’t known for that. I didn’t realize until I was much older just how pioneering, brave and resilient she was.” Amy wants to use her year as leader of the League to inspire more members to be trailblazers in their own right. “The Junior League of Austin members are trailblazers because they all donate their time and treasures to serving their communities,” Amy said. “They want to make a positive impact in the world. They believe in the leadership development of women, improving the community, and promoting volunteerism. What is more trailblazing than that?”
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HAPPY TRAILS! TRANSFERS IN
TRANSFERS OUT
Ashley Heard (Baton Rouge) Gigi Goodall (Dallas) Kristin McKim (Palo Alto) Lindsay Kaplan (San Francisco) Vinhya Ganhewa (Washington DC) Madeline Currie (Colorado Springs) Katherine Shuffer (Forth Worth) Allison Kumata (Palo Alto) Charlotte Warren (Santa Barbara) Deborah Sonnenschein (Boston) Lauren McCarver (Dallas) Karen Goodman (Houston) Sarrah Sheppard (Tampa) Lisa Cozad (Denver) Brittany Faske (Houston) Angela Torres (Long Beach) Lindsay Durr (Tyler) Virginia Haynie (Palo Alto) Lara MacGonigle (McAllen) Rebecca Brown (San Antonio) Denise Del Aguilla (Alburquerque) Laura Snavely (Little Rock) Sophia Prisco (San Francisco) Raeann Murray (Bell County, TX) Ashlen Smolik (Bryan-College Station)
Kara Roberts (Houston) Courtney Williams (Dallas) Kelly L. Pettersen (Nashville) Brooke Grimes (Seattle) Tyne Burris (Fort Worth) Tarah Nypaver (Northern Virginia) Katie Hall (Dallas) Kathryn Bonner (Houston) TyMeka Reeves-Sobers (Houston) Mishka King (Chicago) Shannon Lucas (San Antonio) Katherine Bruchmiller (Houston) Catie Oberg (Greenwich) Jasmine Kyles (Seattle) Elizabeth Han (Houston) Morgan Weiss (Omaha) Heather Stanley (Denver) Erika Kerstin Lueker-Tarango (Chicago) Jennifer Whiteley (Nashville)
*MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION OBTAINED: JUNE 2018 - SEPTEMBER 2018
WELCOME TO THE 247 PROVISIONALS JOINING THE LEAGUE THIS YEAR!
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GETTING SOCIAL AROUND THE CAMPFIRE JLA SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS DON’T FORGET TO FOLLOW US ON
INSTAGRAM @thejuniorleagueofaustin FACEBOOK @JLAustin.org TWITTER @ JLAustinorg
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COMMUNITY PARTNERS The Junior League of Austin provides volunteers and funding to area non-profit agencies for the benefit and enrichment of the Austin Community and the development and education of our League volunteers. Each year, The Junior League of Austin invests thousands of vounteer hours to community agencies and programs. This year, more than 1,200 League members will provide more than 100,000 volunteer hours to the League’s projects and programs. Below are the JLA’s 2018 - 2019 Community Programs & Number of JLA Volunteers at each Community Program. Austin Humane Society (15)
Mobile Loaves & Fishes (12)
Austin Plastic Surgery Foundation aka Austin Smiles (6)
Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin (16)
Austin Zoo (30) Ballet Austin (8)
Partnerships for Children (20) ROCK, Ride On Center for Kids (5)
B.I.G Love Cancer Center (10)
Rondald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas (47)
BookSpring (20)
Settlement Home (9)
Children’s Diabetes Camp of Central Texas (16)
Shoal Creek Conservancy (8)
Con Mi MADRE (21) Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Travis County (14) Creative Action (12) Dress for Success Austin (28) Drive a Senior Network (27) Drive a Senior Northwest (5) Generation Serve (9) Girl Empowerment Network (8)
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Sustainable Food Center (31) Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (7) Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (11) The Arc of the Capital Area (8) The Christi Center (5) The SAFE Alliance (13) The Thinkery (16) Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center (8) Zach Scott Theatre Center (43)
JLA SUMMER PLACEMENTS
YMCA CAMP IN MOTION TEXAS SCHOOL FOR BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED
SUSTAINABLE FOOD CENTER FARMER’S MARKET
ZACH SCOTT THEATRE
CAMP BLUEBONNET
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MEMBERSHIP VALUES SURVEY
Is there something you want LeagueLines to know? Here’s your chance to sound off on why you joined The Junior League of Austin (JLA), and how and why you continue to serve the community as a JLA member. While you are at it, please tell us what you enjoy about LeagueLines so we can bring you information that is useful and interesting to you. Even better—help us out by answering five questions (one is just your name) so we can enter you in a drawing to win some sweet new JLA merchandise! We will feature your responses in our next issue celebrating 85 Years of The Junior League of Austin. Click here to take the survey!
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EMBRACING OUR SHARED VALUES:
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION Diversity - Cultivate the
representation of racial, ethnic, religious, LGBTQ and socioeconomic diversity
Inclusion - Create an engaging environment where all members feel they belong
by: KATHERINE THOME This year, The Junior League of Austin (JLA) added a Diversity & Inclusion Committee in order to formalize and more fully mobilize the already dynamic and diverse strengths of our League. Leagues across the country are taking up the call to place the diversity and inclusion conversation front and center. The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI) supports these efforts with staff, webinars and an online toolkit for Leagues looking to lead the way on diversity and inclusion in community non-profits. With that being said, LeagueLines set out to hear more about our new committee and its goals, and asks the question, “Diversity and Inclusion: What does it mean to JLA?” We sat down with Diversity & Inclusion Co-Chair Dionne Barner to talk about the exciting ways that JLA continues to lead the way forward by capitalizing on the strengths of our dynamic membership. As part of her vision for the League, President Amy Hurt spearheaded the creation of a committee to formalize, improve upon and celebrate the diversity and inclusion efforts happening throughout the League. The new committee comprises six members, including two Chairs and a Sustaining Advisor. But where to start? Dionne explained the four strategic objectives the JLA Board set forth to guide her committee’s work going forward.
Communication - Ensure that Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, actions and results are transparent to the membership and the Austin community Accountability - Hold
leadership accountable for achieving meaningful Diversity & Inclusion objectives and recognizing accomplishments Specifically, the committee is working on a data-gathering exercise to show how diverse our League really is. We have women from across the socioeconomic spectrum. More than 80% of members work for pay outside the home (although with remote work trending, they’re looking into how this trend affects our members). We have many members who have transferred from other places and bring broad perspectives on internal and external League issues. We have bilingual members and members on their way through the League’s Spanish Immersion program. New and more complete information about our membership will help guide the League’s activities in the coming years. With all the discussion about diversity and inclusion, LeagueLines wondered, “What does diversity and inclusion actually mean? Moreover, what does it mean for The Junior League of Austin?” Luckily, Dionne was able to point to a simple quote by Vicki Clark, who has served as a trainer and consultant for many Leagues and AJLI since 2001, to help make the distinction. “Diversity is the mix, and inclusion is getting the mix to work together.” In other words, we have a dynamic group of women with different ideas, life experiences
and perspectives. In order for the League to fulfill its mission to the community, we need to make sure every member feels that she can bring her full self to her work on behalf of the League. We are better when we are our best and whole selves. While it’s great to know we have a committee focusing on diversity and inclusion, if we want our League to build this concept into the culture, it needs to come from all of us. So, as members, how do we support this new and important committee’s work in our everyday League responsibilities? Dionne suggests starting by checking in with yourself:
Ask yourself the question - Am I being inclusive? • Do I encourage everyone to speak up in meetings? • Do I help my fellow members celebrate milestones in and out of the League? • Do I take pictures of everyone in the room to show the diversity already here? • Do I ask people if they feel included? “We want people to be comfortable talking about diversity and inclusion. It’s about our members feeling like the League is a place where each and every member feels like it’s a place where she belongs,” Dionne said. That sense of belonging will help us as we reach out to the great diversity of non-League women in Austin and encourage them to consider serving the community with us. We look forward to enhancing and growing our diversity in an authentic way. We are a diverse and inclusive group of women, we just don’t always discuss it as an intentional way of being. This committee reminds us to celebrate what we already do well and bring it to the forefront of our discussions by naming it and making it visible to our community partners.
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LEADERSHIP FOOTPRINTS JLA President
Amy Hurt
by: COURTNEY AINSWORTH Q: What was your first active placement? Can you recall a funny story or anecdote about it or the most memorable moment in that placement? AH: My first in-League Placement was Special Events for A Christmas Affair (ACA), which is now called Merchandise. I had this great pair of boots I wore all of the time. During the middle of ACA one day, the sole fell off, and I had to duct tape it together. Q: Who was your JLA leadership mentor who first encouraged you or inspired you to take a leadership role in the League? AH: I’ve had so many. Gregory Noack asked me to be Administrative Treasurer when she was Treasurer, which was the first role where I started learning about how the League runs. Julie Hall called me when she was Nominating Chair to ask me to be Treasurer. As Treasurer, you get a glimpse of many of the things happening in the League because they are tied to a budget line item. Sarah Valenzuela asked if I wanted to attend Organizational Development Institute (ODI), and I went. ODI was a real eye opener for me. I got to meet women from many other Leagues, and I realized how well our League operates. We have a very strong League thanks to our amazing members. Q: What was a particular placement or moment that launched you into League leadership? AH: I just kept saying yes to everything. I didn’t always know exactly what I was getting into, but I am so glad I am here. Q: Tell me about your placement selection process. How do you select your placements each year? AH: I signed up for things I thought sounded fun or interesting. Q: What is the best time-management tip, advice or hack that you use to help balance your commitments to the League with your other commitments (e.g., family, work, friends, etc.)? AH: My advice is to do the best you can, but don’t think you have to be perfect. Give yourself the grace you give others. Q: If you could time travel, what is the best piece of advice you would give yourself in your first or second League year? AH: I would tell myself to try to be a Researcher, on the Coats For Kids Committee and a Provisional Team Lead at some point. I would tell myself to go with the flow, but honestly, I wouldn’t change anything.
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Q: Did you ever imagine you would be the President when you joined the League? In other words, did you plan for this placement long ago, or has your career in the League developed more organically? AH: Never in a million years would I have imagined being JLA President. When I joined, I don’t think I even imagined being in leadership. I just wanted to meet people and give back to the community. I feel so lucky to have ended up where I am. It’s my favorite placement so far! I love JLA, our members, the friends I have made and all that I have learned. Q: Have you ever used the League to develop skills or experience specifically to change careers or take a new step in your work life, demonstrating that JLA really is a training organization? AH: I have not, but with all I have learned over the past few years, I am curious to see what’s next. Q: Where do you see your career in the League taking you next? AH: I hope to be a supportive Sustaining Advisor.
A WALK THROU AMY’S GH TR AIL
2010-2011 A Christmas Affair Committee: A Christmas Affair Merchandise Assistant
2011-2012 Finance Committee: Administrative Treasurer 2012-2013 PR/Marketing Committee: In-League A Christmas Affair PR Coordinator 2013-2014 Finance Committee: Community Treasurer
2014-2015 Finance Committee: A Christmas Affair Co-Treasurer 2015-2016 ODI Attendee Board of Directors: Treasurer-Elect
2016-2017 Board of Directors: Treasurer 2017-2018 Board of Directors: President-Elect
2018-2019 Board of Directors: President
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Board of Directors: Community Vice President
Laura Robinson
“Be kind to everyone. You never know what everyone else is going through and what they are struggling with, so I try to remember to give everyone the benefit of the doubt with kindness and grace.”
What was your first Active placement? Can you recall a funny story or anecdote about it or the most memorable moment in that placement? My first placement was A Christmas Affair Technology Liaison. My first placement was so long ago that I hardly remember anything about it except that I accidentally sent out a mass email to all of Central Texas. Even though I was mortified, Stacy Dollar assured me that it was no big deal and reminded me that the League is a training organization. Who was your JLA leadership mentor who first encouraged you or inspired you to take a leadership role in the League? Dawn Breyfogle, who was the Coats for Kids Chair the first year I was on the Coats for Kids Committee, is the only reason I am in leadership. She took the time to explain to me what her placement was, what she liked, what she didn’t like—she took an interest in me and spent time getting to know me and sharing her League experiences with me. During the same year, the Grants Committee Chair left mid-year and Dawn submitted my name to be Grants Committee Chair-Elect. Without Dawn, I definitely wouldn’t have joined leadership that year. I was excited about my placement as Grants Committee Chair-Elect and I enjoyed the leadership role, but I really wanted to be the
Chair for the Coats for Kids Committee. A few years later when I was selected as the Coats for Kids Committee Chair, Dawn was the first person I told. If it wasn’t for Dawn, I don’t think I would have entered League leadership and I wouldn’t have my role this year. If you could time travel, what is the best piece of advice you would give yourself in your first or second League year? Be kind to everyone. You never know what everyone else is going through and what they are struggling with, so I try to remember to give everyone the benefit of the doubt with kindness and grace. Did you ever imagine you would be the Community Vice President when you joined the League? In other words, did you plan for this placement long ago, or has your career in the League developed more organically? My process to my current position as Community Vice President was organic. When I joined the League, I volunteered at the Coats for Kids event, and that experience made me want to be the Coats for Kids Chair. Then, when I was the Coats for Kids Chair, I wanted to be in charge of all community events. I never expected that I would be in leadership because I’m in the introvert, but I kept following my interests and passions.
Board of Directors: Membership Development Council Vice President
Araminta Sellers
“I know my League experiences helped prepare me to forge a new path in a completely new field.”
What was your first Active placement? Can you recall a funny story or anecdote about it or the most memorable moment in that placement? My first active placement was the Drive a Senior program in 2010. It was a summer-concentrated placement with 30 required drives, so I did about three trips a week to all sorts of places—the grocery store, doctor appointments, beauty salons, etc. The most memorable drive was arriving at a lady’s apartment and discovering she was blind. She was so excited to have a ride to her hair salon, and knowing she could not have gotten to the appointment on her own, I realized then both the privilege it was to assist her and the responsibility we have to serve those in need. If you could time travel, what is the best piece of advice you would give yourself in your first or second League year? It seems kind of silly, but in my first couple of years as a member, I never went into the kitchen at JLA Headquarters because I thought only the Arrangements/General Meetings Committee members were allowed in there. It also took a long time to learn that the League had a second floor! All of that to say, my best
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advice would be: ask questions of leadership, explore headquarters, introduce yourself and talk with members you don’t know, and learn as much as you can early on in your League career. Nobody knows everything, but everyone knows something–seek out the advice of others and make connections with those whom you’d like to know better. Have you ever used the League to develop skills or experience specifically to change careers or take a new step in your work life, demonstrating that JLA really is a training organization? I love the League for training each of us to balance life with service to others. There is such comfort in knowing that we don’t have to know everything when we accept a placement and that the whole goal of our service is to prepare us for that specific timeframe and for whatever comes next. There are several intangibles that I credit the League for in my personal development: increased self-confidence, opportunities for public speaking, learning to better meet people where they are, looking for ways to recognize others, and improving skills such as budgeting, logistics, and planning. Three years ago, I left a 20-year career in politics and state government to begin self-employment as a consultant. Now, serving as executive director of a non-profit foundation, I know my League experiences helped prepare me to forge a new path in a completely new field.
2009-2010 Technology Committee: Project Manager - A Christmas Affair
2014-2015 Board of Directors: Fund Development Vice President ODI Attendee
2011-2012 2010-2011 Researchers Committee: Donor Development & Researchers/Community Projects Stewardship Committee: Communications Council: Donor Database Coordinator Communications Council Assistant Members-at-Large
2015-2016 Coats For Kids Committee: Coats for Kids Chair-Elect Texas Rio Grande Legal Aide: Clinic Volunteer Advocate Nominating Committee: Committee Member
2016-2017 Coats For Kids Committee: Coats for Kids Chair
2012-2013 Coats for Kids Committee: Graphics Designer Grants Committee: Grants Chair-Elect
2017-2018 Special Projects: Community Research Texas Rio Grande Legal Aide: Clinic Volunteer Advocate
2013-2014 Grants Committee: Grants Chair
2018-2019 Board of Directors: Community Vice President
by: NICOLE OLVERA
2011-2012 Drive a Senior - West Austin: Volunteer Driver (Summer)
2012-2013 Project Chair Committee: Project Chair Meals on Wheels and More: Groceries to Go Shopping Assistant Meals on Wheels and More: Project Chair
2015-2016 Sustainer Engagement Committee: Sustainer Engagement Committee Chair
by: NICOLE OLVERA
2013-2014 Training and Education Committee: JLA Emerging Leaders Program Coordinator
2016-2017 Headquarters Committee: Headquarters Chair
2014-2015 FDC Support Team Committee: Matching Gifts Coordinator
2017-2018 Special Projects: Crisis Management Plan Board of Directors: Member-at-Large
2018-2019 Board of Directors: Membership Development Council Vice President
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Researchers Committee: Chair
Haley Gardiner
“[As Researchers Committee Chair], I get to help make our internal processes better, which makes the League stronger…” What was your first Active placement? Can you recall a funny story or anecdote about it or the most memorable moment in that placement? My first placement was as a Wellness Clinic Staff Member at the Animal Trustees of Austin (now called Emancipet) where I worked in the spay and neuter clinics providing home-care instructions for people who were picking up their pets that had been spayed or neutered. My favorite thing about the placement was when the cats woke up from the anesthesia, they would bob their heads and it looked like they were dancing. It was so funny and adorable! What is the best time-management tip, advice or hack that you use to help balance your commitments to the League with your other commitments (e.g., family, work, friends, etc.)?
lists, everything. I also keep lists of the pressing items that I need to talk about with certain people so I can prioritize my time when I am with them in person. Did you ever imagine you would be the Researchers Committee: Chair when you joined the League? In other words, did you plan for this placement long ago, or has your career in the League developed more organically? This position was not part of any master plan of mine but I really enjoy it. One of the things that appeals to me about the Researchers Committee: Chair is that I get to help make our internal processes better, which makes the League stronger; ultimately and most importantly, the community will benefit from these changes for many years to come.
I make a lot of to-do lists and I have a notebook where I keep all my to-do lists and other reminders together—it has all my League to-do lists, all my personal to-do lists, all my work to-do
A Christmas Affair Committee: Chair
Lyndsey Crawford
“I’m grateful for having someone see something in me that I didn’t see in myself.” Who was your JLA leadership mentor who first encouraged you or inspired you to take a leadership role in the League? My sponsor was Kat Bird, and she was great at helping me know what was out there. When I worked on ACA the second time, I was a decorations assistant, and the Decorations Co-Chair was Leslie Moore. She asked me if I had considered any leadership positions and told me I had strong leadership qualities. I was later nominated as Arrangements Chair. I’m grateful for having someone see something in me that I didn’t see in myself. And I’m not good at saying no, which has benefited me.
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If you could time travel, what is the best piece of advice you would give yourself in your first or second League year? Don’t assume already that you know who you are. Don’t assume that you know what your skill set is. Don’t pigeonhole yourself. I’ve never put my name in the hat for a leadership position. Be open to the process and open to learning something about yourself. Have you ever used the League to develop skills or experience specifically to change careers or take a new step in your work life, demonstrating that JLA really is a training organization? When I was on the Board, we spent the year working on redoing the strategic plan; the following year, I was asked to serve on the Board at my church, and we started working on strategic planning. Because of my work on the JLA Board, I was already familiar with the process and was able to be a more effective board member there. It also gave me the drive and confidence to get out and do more after being a stay-at-home mom for 13 years.
2010-2011 Animal Trustees of Austin: Wellness Clinic Support Staff
2014-2015 Coats for Kids Committee: Community Fair Lead
2011-2012 Spanish Immersion: Spanish Immersion Con Mi Madre Spring Support Team Volunteer
2015-2016 Finance Committee: Fund Development Treasurer
2012-2013 Partnerships for Children: Holiday Wishes Volunteer (Fall) Partnerships for Children: Project Chair
2016-2017 Grants Committee: Grants Chair-Elect
2013-2014 Placement Committee: Community Placement Coordinators
2017-2018 Grants Committee: Grants Chair
2018-2019 Researchers Committee: Researchers Chair
by: NICOLE OLVERA
2010-2011 FDC Support Team Committee: FDC Transition Team Member A Christmas Affair Committee: A Christmas Affair Auction Assistants
2014-2015 Board of Directors: Member-at-Large Provisional Committee: Provisional Team Leaders
2011-2012 A Christmas Affair Committee: A Christmas Affair Decorations Assistants
2015-2016 Nominating Committee: Committee Member Board of Directors: Administrative Council Vice President
by: JENNIFER NAUMANN
2012-2013 Arrangements: Arrangements Chair
2016-2017 Finance Committee: A Christmas Affair Co-Treasurer
2013-2014 Capital Campaign Committee: Capital Campaign Ambassador (Special Projects) A Christmas Affair Committee: A Christmas Affair Decorations Co-Chairs
2017-2018 A Christmas Affair Committee: A Christmas Affair Chair-Elect
2018-2019 A Christmas Affair Committee: A Christmas Affair Chair
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Coats for Kids Committee: Chair
Deanna Manford-Schobey
“I really wanted to find a place to give back, and [now] I want to create a legacy for people who come after me.” Who was your JLA leadership mentor who first encouraged you or inspired you to take a leadership role in the League? During my second or third year in the League, I attended a roundtable event on leadership in the League. I talked with Holy Gleason that day, and I told her I wanted to be FIT Chair. Later on – when I became the FIT Chair – she was the ACA Chair, and she asked to feature FIT during the event. We still visit and keep in touch with one another.
Where do you see your career in the League taking you next? I have precious few years left in the League – I joined the League when I was a bit older than the average provisional, because I wanted to wait until my kids were older and I had the bandwidth. I really wanted to find a place to give back, and [now] I want to create a legacy for people who come after me.
What was a particular placement or moment that launched you into League leadership? Julie Ballard was the FIT Chair when I was a Provisional. I thought it would be so cool to be in that position one day. The same was true for the Coats for Kids Chair position. I went to each of the chairs and asked how I could help out. I also joined the Emerging Leaders group, and that was a great place pick up skills.
Community Impact Center Planning & Oversight Committee: Sustaining Advisor
Sarah Valenzuela
“I never felt like I had a ‘League career path.’ I never thought I would be Nominating Chair or President, but looking back now, I can see the bridges.”
What was a particular placement or moment that launched you into League leadership? When I served as Placement Chair, because when you are in that role, you are basically HR and operations for the League. It touches every ember of every walk of life. It’s a high-focus role, but it teaches you so much about the people side of things. What is the best time-management tip, advice or hack that you use to help balance your commitments to the League with your other commitments (e.g., family, work, friends, etc.)? Be honest with yourself about what you can give. The years where I had heavy commitments in the League, I had to have objective conversations with myself about what I was OK with missing from other parts of my life. It’s important to have those conversations with yourself.
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Did you ever imagine you would be in this position when you joined the League? In other words, did you plan for this placement long ago, or has your career in the League developed more organically? My trajectory has been mostly organic. I never felt like I had a “League career path.” I never thought I would be Nominating Chair or President, but looking back now, I can see the bridges. I can see how the pieces and parts of those of those roles all came together.
2011-2012 FIT Program: Baty Portable Chair
2012-2013 FIT Program: Events Co-Chair
2015-2016 Nominating Committee: Committee Member
2013-2014 Capital Campaign Committee: Capital Campaign Ambassador (Special Projects) FIT Program: Project Chair Elect
2016-2017 Membership Development Council: Membership Development Council Members-at-Large Coats for Kids Committee: Offsite Lead
2014-2015 FIT Program: Project Chair
2018-2019 Coats For Kids Committee: Coats for Kids Chair
2017-2018 Coats For Kids Committee: Coats for Kids Chair-Elect
by: JENNIFER NAUMANN
2006-2007 Hispanic MotherDaughter Program Committee: Summer 2007-2008 2008-2009 Counselor/Fall Technology Committee: Coats for Kids Committee: Conference Community and Public Graphics Designer
2012-2013 Membership Development Council: Membership Development Council Administrative Assistant
by: JENNIFER NAUMANN
2013-2014 Board of Directors: Nominating Chair
2009-2010 Ad Hoc Done in a Day: Committee Member Coats For Kids Committee: Volunteer Coordinators Done-In-A-Day Committee: Done-In-A-Day Researchers
2015-2016 Board of Directors: President-Elect
2010-2011 Placement Committee: Placement Chair-Elect
2016-2017 Board of Directors: President
2011-2012 Organizational Development Institute Attendee Nominating Committee: Committee Member Placement Committee: Placement Chair
2018-2019 Community Impact Center Planning Oversight Committee: Sustaining Advisor
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WELCOME TO THE JLA FAMILY!
Levente and Jeff McCrary welcomed Margot Blake on June 5, 2018
Meredith and Josh Ankenbauer welcomed Hudson Luke on March 8, 2018
Diana and Clint Bolding welcomed Wellington Judd on August 7, 2018 Natalie and Austin Bradley welcomed Thomas Roland on April 23, 2018
Would you like to see your announcement in the next issue of
LEAGUELINES
Use the online form to submit your info and photo! 1 9 I L E AG U E L IN ES
Kate and Sean Saul welcomed Spencer James on August 27, 2018
Lindsay and Shaun Sims welcomed Emerson Sloan on September 22, 2018
Keith Statler and family welcomed Beverly Reid on August 10, 2018
Christine and Brandon Penksa welcomed Wade Shepherd on October 30, 2017
Ashley and Chris Whitt welcomed Hudson Staebier on February 27, 2018
Mary Quinn and Clint Moore welcomed Truett Quin on June 15, 2018
Britt Thompson and family welcomed Reid Chares on February 24, 2018
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Jordan Barley and Robert Lilljedahl married on September 13, 2018
IN LOVING MEMORY OF MEGHAN STILL Our condolences to the family and friends of Meghan Still, member of The Junior League of Austin who passed away on November 29, 2017 at the age of 33. Meghan was a member of the provisional class of 2016-2017 and first year active at the time of her passing.
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COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHT:
PROSPECTING COMMITTEE
by: COURTNEY AINSWORTH As The Junior League of Austin (JLA) continues to grow, so do the funding needs for our League programs and our community partners. Enter the Prospecting Committee. Some members may have never heard of this committee, but all members have surely seen the benefit of the work that they do. Their goal is to review ongoing fundraising needs in the League and strategically identify prospective sponsors or donors that would best satisfy the identified need. This committee then aims to foster long-term relationships with these sponsors so they are invested in the League for years to come. Keri Walling, Fund Development Committee (FDC) VP and Prospecting Committee lead, explained, “I am able to communicate the open sponsorship opportunities and needs from all of the fundraising in the League, and then bring that information to the Prospecting table. Think of Prospecting as the brainstormers, the strategists, and FDC is the group that secures the financial support.” There are 18 members of the Prospecting Committee. It is made up of leadership from any arm of the League that touches money. This includes the League President, President-Elect, FDC VP, FDC Support Team Chair, all of the event chairs or co-chairs, Capital Campaign Coordinator, Grants Chair, Treasurer and PR chair. They meet monthly to discuss any ongoing fundraising needs and to brainstorm what sponsors might be a good fit. As Lyndsey Crawford, A Christmas Affair (ACA) Chair, mentioned, “Finding the right donors that complement our programs and mission has had its challenges, but the Prospecting and FDC team have never shied away from a challenge.” ACA was able to secure its first ever ride share sponsor this year with Lyft. Lyndsey said this was made possible with assistance from the Coats for Kids Chair-Elect, Leslie Pardue. This is an example of the Prospecting Committee working with the various League committees to support the League’s common mission and goals. “Our league has continued to grow year after year in our membership and financial commitment to the community should continue to grow along with it,” Lyndsey said. “We continue to rethink our relationships with donors and have an enormous opportunity in the coming years to really grow these relationships. We are looking for new opportunities to grow with the culture of the city.”
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Stephanie Cooley Ashley Dietze Tedrah Robertson Jolie Cypert Lacey Pumphrey Ashley Hight Jillian Copeland Heather Bernard Seema Desai Sarabeth Peterson Hadley Hempel Missy Sharpe Monica Tucci Rachel Zander Tricia Tumlinson Tatiana Penney Amber Houmes Jessica Spencer
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Carissa Kell Faustine Curry Bita Hiller Leslie Moore Stephanie Stowell Sarah Gibbs Emily Willis Michelle Russell Abby Raines Keri Bellacosa Walling Kim Galloway Sara Jane Cantwell Claire O’Neal Tory Jones Elisabeth Spring Whitney Broughton
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For more than 40 years, The Junior League of Austin has kicked off the holiday season with A Christmas Affair. What began as 30 booths in the Driskill Hotel has grown into the largest League event of its kind in the nation. More than 25,000 patrons attend annually. Thanks to a variety of events, from the Preview Party Gala to Breakfast with Santa, and more than 200 merchants from across the country, this four-day shopping extravaganza allows Austin to share in the spirit of giving. As The Junior League of Austin’s largest fundraiser, A Christmas Affair funds our mission and programs and allows us to continue our work of elevating women and serving our community.
How can you help support our mission?
Stock up on your favorite A Christmas Affair attire by purchasing t-shirts, puffy vests, and more. Online or at the market. Orders can be placed on The JLA website or at A Christmas Affair at the JLA booth by the Main Tree. New this year, all merChandise orders benefit fit! Every five shirts purchased provides one shirt for a FIT kid. Looking for a unique way to recognize the impact someone has had on your life? Want to celebrate your community while helping The Junior League of Austin build a better community? buy a tribute loCk in honor of or remembrance of a loved one, friend, colleague, committee, or a special event like a wedding or graduation, and we will put your lock on the bridge at A Christmas Affair. Tribute locks can be purchased for $20 online or at A Christmas Affair.
Special Events & Children’s Events
We are pleased to kick-off The Junior League of Austin’s Coats for Kids coat drive with Cirque de demain on Saturday, Nov. 17. Don’t forget to bring a new or gently used coat to donate. As a thank you, you will be entered to win a door prize and your ticket will include all day access to market shopping. Circus fun and food with Santa Sightings! Come cozy and casual all weekend long to enjoy a variety of holiday-inspired aCtivities with Santa. Friday join Santa and his animal friends while you decorate donuts and enjoy live music. Saturday decorate a gingerbread house and play Christmas bingo while listening to a Christmas DJ spin favorite Christmas carols. Sunday features some of Austin’s premier ballerinas and hometown baseball heroes, while guests decorate gingerbread houses and play Christmas bingo to the tunes of our Christmas DJ. Santa will be available for pictures with guests. For more information please visit:
www.achristmasaffair.org
To celebrate the NEW Junior League of Austin (JLA) logo, we’ve rolled out a fresh and fun line of JLA merchandise! Show your league pride by sporting the new apparel and accessories now available in the JLA Member Store. (Access through your member homepage)
JLA Apparel
! r a e G A L Cool J
Visit the JLA Member Store I L EAG U ELINES to learn more about these2 6 fun products
Mark Your Calendar ACA Decorations Resale (November 30 - December 2) JLA Office Closed for Thanksgiving (November 21- November 23) Board Meeting (November 27) Coats for Kids Distribution Day (December 8) JLA Office Closed for Christmas & New Years (December 22 - January 2) General Meeting (January 8, 2019) Austin Entertains (February 28, 2019) Amplify Austin (February 28, 2019)
