The Junior League of Charlotte is celebrating 95 years of service to the Charlotte community. 30 trailblazing women started the League back in 1926. Since then, thousands of women have joined the League, but less than 100 have held the title of JLC President. We chatted with several Past Presidents throughout the decades to learn more about their time as a leader in the organization.
What led you to run for President of the JLC?
I believed I could do some good for the League, and I saw that others were able to do the job successfully while balancing work, family and service. Their examples gave me confidence.-Arina
I did not run for President. The Nominating Committee knocked on my front door one Sunday evening, and they asked if I would serve as President. My husband just looked at me and said, “of course, you will say yes.”-Mary
How has the League changed since your year as president?
The league is much more diverse in every way, which is a beautiful thing to see!-Elizabeth
One big difference since my tenure is the use of technology. When I was president, you could not assume or count on someone reading an email you sent. In fact, many members did not use email on a regular basis. If you really needed someone to read an email, you called them to tell them to check their inbox. All meeting materials had to be printed, copied and mailed prior to the meetings. The CRIER, JLC Newsletter and any other JLC special communication were mailed in print format. -Mary
I was JLC President a little over a year ago, so while a lot is still the same, the pandemic certainly changed the way we operate as an organization. What hasn’t changed is our members. For 95 years the JLC has been attracting smart, dedicated, passionate, community minded women and that is still the case.-Alicia
The League has become more diverse and inclusive. Also, the membership requirements provide more flexibility.-Toni
What was your favorite part of being President of the JLC?
I loved seeing the hard work our members put forth, no matter their placements, and the results of their efforts – it’s so satisfying to help others thrive!-Arina
One of my favorite parts of serving as President of the JLC was the opportunity to work and to know the membership. The friendships formed as well as the training are memorable.-Martha
What challenges did you face during your time as President of the JLC?
We closed the WearHouse the year I was President Elect, and the shift away from relying on that revenue source was difficult. We re-examined our staffing model and our fundraising model that year, too, and those shifts were still settling when I became President. We worked hard to ensure that the JLC will be sustainable long into the future, given these changes. We also renovated the lobby, which meant months of construction in that oft-used space. We also wrapped up the Reid Park Cornerstone Initiative and the Healthy Families initiative during my President year while recruiting partnerships for the School Ready focus area.-Arina
I was the first person of color to serve as president, and many people were supportive. However, not everyone was happy. For example, someone painted racial slurs on the League building.-Toni
What advice would you give to members who are thinking about becoming the President of the JLC in the future?
If you’re considering it, go for it! While it’s a lot of work and energy, the payoff is tremendous in terms of relationships, satisfaction and making a difference.-Arina
Say yes! Serve in different areas of the JLC so that you have experience and knowledge of different aspects of the membership experience. Make sure your family supports you as it will take a village. Don’t sweat the big or small stuff as we have your back. -Mary
Serving as President of the Junior League of Charlotte was a great honor and an experience that challenged me in ways I never would have been in any other situation. I learned so much about myself. I had the opportunity to meet so many amazing Junior League women from around the world. Many of whom I still call friends. That said, it is a two-year all-in position. The JLC is a $3 million organization with staff, a headquarters, 1,600+ members, and over 55 committees. Be strategic about your placements and learn as much about the JLC as you can. Learn as much as you can about the Charlotte community and area nonprofits. Be sure to discuss this position with your employer and your family as there are weekday, weeknight and weekend commitments. Identify what you can bring to the position and how you hope to grow from the experience. Have any questions? I’m happy to discuss!-Alicia
Remember, you are not only serving members of the Junior League but you are serving the community-Toni
What was the biggest impact the JLC made during your time as president?
We had a very effective fundraising campaign that year (after a recession), and finished with a surplus, for which I was proud. That year, we launched the Annual Campaign (now Annual Fund), Lights Camera, Fashion; and the planned giving campaign for the JLC Foundation.-Elizabeth
One of the biggest impacts during my time as President was taking public stands. One was to support legislation in the North Carolina General Assembly concerning the improvement of enforcement of Day Care Center Laws and the other was to support the Children’s Bond Referendum for Spirit Square and Discovery Place.-Martha
What is something you learned from your time as JLC President?
I learned patience and to appreciate our differences. I had to remember that a diversity of ethnicities, backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, roles and responsibilities outside of the JLC, and stages in life are strengths that should be fully explored, sought out, and used to enhance and grow the JLC. Lastly, we are volunteers and are giving what we can and doing our best for the JLC. -Mary
During my time as President I not only continued to learn about our community, improve my skills, and to work with wonderful members, but it was also a time where I was able to be a part of the lives of members who were undergoing difficulties as well as happiness in their lives. It was indeed an incredibly special time. -Martha
