President’s Letter

Friends,

Intentionally honored through service, versus fanfare or a large-scale celebration, our 95th Anniversary was one for the record books. With a focus on togetherness, connection, and community, our Members moved mountains while BOLDLY marching toward our Centennial!

In May 2022, I shared a quote a mentor regularly repeats: “Personal contact alters opinions.” It sticks with me daily and speaks directly to the importance of the Junior League. When likeminded, passionate women gather, they are mighty. When they work as a team, they are unstoppable.

When they are BOLD, they are change-agents!

With collaboration vital to personal growth and community impact, I’m proud that our League returned to 100% in-person operations this year. The benefit of doing so was obvious, with over 14,200 volunteer hours poured into our efforts, nearly 64,000 period products distributed through Project EmpowHer, 33 live training events, and 58 interest group and social opportunities.

We welcomed the hosts of Pantsuit Politics for a community-based evening of discussion centered around embracing differences of opinion, ushered in the return of Legacy & Legends as a membership-centric event in front of hundreds of attendees, and saw our in-person fundraisers thrive! From Mistletoe Market to Whale of a Sale, our inaugural The Little Black Dress Initiative to the Annual Campaign, the League interacted with record crowds and raised funds necessary for forward progress.

Our togetherness led to success otherwise impossible!

Looking back on our League’s accomplishments fills my heart with joy, gratitude, and a tinge of sentimentalism. Joy to have a front row seat watching our good work in action. Gratitude to serve alongside Oklahoma City’s best and brightest. And Sentimentalism because while the days may seem long, the year is so very short. It’s impressive how much we achieved in 365 days!

Even after 95 years, the story of the Junior League continues to develop. While it’s a tale based on the promise of building a better community, advancing the potential of women, and leaving an indelible mark on generations to come, it’s ultimately about the power of women investing in women. Undoubtedly, the coming chapters will talk of leaders who shattered glass ceilings to create the floor on which our future will stand, reminding the reader how important it is for BOLD women to consistently say the names of other BOLD women.

I can’t wait to read all about it!

Reaching Out Statement

The Junior League of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Inc. reaches out to women of all races, religions, and national origins who demonstrate an interest and a commitment to voluntarism. The Junior League of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion or national origin.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

The Junior League of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Inc. welcomes all women who value our Mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations and communities.

To the BOLDEST women I’ve ever known: Thank you for your commitment to our community and to each another. It has been a privilege to serve as your President, to proudly say your names, and to champion the influential work of the Junior League of Oklahoma City.

SPRING 2023

LINK VISION

To inform Members and increase awareness of the Junior League of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Inc.’s projects and events.

2022-23 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT Sheena Karami Hollander

PRESIDENT-ELECT Adrienne Nobles

ADMINISTRATIVE VP Zoe Butts

BYLAWS CHAIR Kelli Hilgenfeld Porter

COMMUNICATIONS VP Natalie Fix

COMMUNITY VP Stephanie Hinton

EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT VP Hayley Moore

FINANCE VP Leslie Crissup Sunnarvik

FUNDRAISING VP Tabitha Narvaiz

MEMBERSHIP VP Sarah Miller

NOMINATING CHAIR Kristin Van Nort

SUSTAINING ADVISOR Whitney Tero

CHIEF OF STAFF Heather Cook

LEAGUE LINK STAFF

EDITOR Jennifer Grover

COMMUNICATIONS VP Natalie Fix

CONTRIBUTORS Hayley Moore, Marcella Morgan

League Link is published by the Junior League of Oklahoma City, Inc.

HEADQUARTERS

The Junior League of Oklahoma City, Inc. 1001 NW Grand Blvd.

Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Phone (405) 843-5668

Fax (405) 843-0994 www.jloc.org

FUNDRAISERS

Little Black Dress Initiative

Mistletoe Market

Whale Of A Sale

Annual Campaign

PROMOTING VOLUNTARISM [ events ]

General Membership Meetings

Mistletoe Market

Whale of a Sale

CHANGING LIVES [ projects ]

Community Projects

Community Project Letters

BEING BOLD [ people ]

Pantsuit Politics

Legacy & Legends

Membership Report, Member Spotlights

Sustainer Scoop, Provisionals

Meet the 2023-24 Board of Directors

SCENE [ the year in photos ]

League Social Highlights

Newlyweds, Nearlyweds

Little Leaguers, Leash Leaguers

Annual Report

ON THE COVER (left to right):

celebrate Kelli Hilgenfeld Porter being elected as President-Elect Elect. 7. The 2022-23 Mistletoe Market Committee is captured together under the mistletoe. 8. Project EmpowHer Committee Members, Evalyne Kamau, Emily Isbill and Jenefar De Leon Cossey, meet for a Project EmpowHer fall fundraiser at the Wheeler District. 9. Provisional Members Jessica Wilkes, Aubrey Frazier, Anna Long, Jennifer Higley, Sharon Leveston-Sharpe and Rose Brady, volunteer at Infant Crisis Services.