Being Bold Member Spotlights (continued)

Active Spotlight:

Myriah Downs

Active Member Since 2020

2022-23 Placement: READ Chair

2023-24 Placement: PAT Advisor

Why did you join the Junior League? I joined the Junior League because I was interested in becoming more engaged in the Oklahoma City community with other women from different backgrounds. What is your favorite thing about JLOC? As cliché as it sounds, I have met some of my best friends through the Junior League. I firmly believe the things which survive us are our relationships. I will forever be grateful for the part the Junior League played in welcoming these wonderful people into my journey.

Active Spotlight:

Rachel Benbrook

Active Member Since 2018

2022-23 Placement: Kids on Track Project Manager, 100th Anniversary Signature Project Development Committee Memberat-Large, Nominating Committee, Education & Development Networking and Social Committee

2023-24 Placement: Project EmpowHer Programming Coordinator, 100th Anniversary Signature Project Development Committee Member-at-Large

What do you love about JLOC? I love the ability to serve my community and to be of service to so many nonprofits in a way that I never could have on my own. I love how JLOC builds us up as individual women and allows us to give back to the community through service. I have gained so many new friends and new skills through social events and interest groups.

What do you hope to contribute to JLOC and the wider Oklahoma City community? Through my past volunteering at the YWCA, I was able to get involved in their young professionals’ board, Y Lead, and I now serve as a sexual assault advocate. I would never have been able to do these things if JLOC had not given me the opportunity to engage with their mission.

What advice do you have for Provisional or Active Junior League Members? If something piques your interest, just give it a try! You may be able to find new skill sets and passions that can help you personally and professionally. Also, go to as many social events as you can!

New Active Spotlight:

Jessica Wilkes

2022-23 Placement: Provisional, Provisional –Communications Committee

2023-24 Placement: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Member-at-Large

Why did you join the Junior League of Oklahoma City? I joined the Junior League so that I could learn more about how to meet the needs in my community and to meet life-minded individuals along the way.

What is your favorite part of the Junior League so far? Aside from getting to be a part of some amazing volunteer events and learning new things outside of my typical sphere, I have met the most amazing new friends that I am so thankful for!

What do you hope to contribute to JLOC and the wider Oklahoma City community? I started my first-year active year as the Project EmpowHER Programming Coordinator. This coincided with the ongoing global pandemic which made Project EmpowHer’s mission all the more relevant. It was my goal at that point, to do everything I could to help Project EmpowHer thrive. I still very much believe in Project EmpowHer’s mission and am happy to have had the opportunity to be a part of the process.

What other organizations are you involved in? I currently serve as Co-Chair for the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition’s Momentum exhibition and as a member of the Plaza District Festival 2023 Artist Committee. I am also the Chair of the Oklahoma Bar Association Diversity Committee and am active in the Oklahoma City yoga community through my role as an instructor at Dragon Yoga.

What do you hope to contribute to the League as you embark on your first Active year? I hope to dedicate my time to embracing our current volunteer projects and learning more about how we can best serve our community.

What other organizations are you involved with? I am a part of the Women in Law division of the Oklahoma Bar Association, Zoofriends and Friends of Trivera.

New Active Spotlight:

Jennifer “Jen” Thomas

2022-23 Placement: Provisional, Provisional – Communications Committee, ProvisionalCommunity Committee, Transfer Committee

2023-24 Placement: Community Council Memberat-Large. YWCA

Why did you join the Junior League of Oklahoma City? When I lived in Florida, I volunteered at the local science center mentoring girls in their GEMS (Girls Excelling in Math and Science) club. While volunteering there, I learned that Junior League of the Palm Beaches originally founded that science center. That led me to learn more about the organization when I was moving to Oklahoma City in 2022. I was really excited to be able to join an organization of women that are passionate about serving our community. I couldn’t ask for a better way to start building a network here in OKC.

What is your favorite part of the Junior League so far? The women I’ve met through the League. Everyone has been so welcoming and kind! I must give a special shout out my Team Purple Provisional group. We’ve developed a very strong bond! Our PAT Advisor, Marcella Morgan, has really made this experience special for us.

What do you hope to contribute to the League as you embark on your first Active year? I’m excited to dive into my community placement at