Meet Alexandra Whitesell, the current Project Development & Evaluation Chair. She joined the Junior League as a Provisional in Washington DC and then transferred here to Charlotte in 2016. She loves exploring Charlotte with her husband and dog, traveling, reading, and cooking. Learn more about Alexandra below!
Q: Tell me about yourself.
A: I grew up in Northern Virginia, outside of DC, with my parents and younger sister, Christina. It’s crazy to see how much the area has grown since childhood – I remember driving 15 minutes to get gas, now it is a bustling suburb. Throughout my school days, I was involved in various extracurricular activities like music, yearbook, and newspaper. I swam in elementary, middle, and high school, and enjoyed working as a swim coach and lifeguard in the summer months. I attended George Mason University in Fairfax, VA and worked in the VA-DC area until I relocated to Charlotte in the summer of 2016. My parents have since moved to Florida, my sister now resides in Minnesota, where she is an active member of the Junior League of Minneapolis.
Q: What have you gotten from the Junior League?
A: From my provisional days in DC, I recognized this powerful organization would help me grow personally and professionally. In Charlotte, I was both a first-year Active and a Transfer. Regardless, between the two Leagues, I heard the same piece of advice, “you’ll get out as much as you want, based on what effort you put in.” I took this to heart, and I have found it to be truly accurate. I specifically seek out involvement in the JLC that is different from my professional track, which has afforded me growth in areas that I don’t encounter in my corporate position. From leading a team, to organizing initiatives and staying well-informed on strategic plan, policies, and procedures, I have become privy to the inner workings of a true nonprofit organization; and one that continues to be near and dear to my heart.
Q: What have you given to the Junior League?
A: I invest personally with my time, and financially by supporting the annual fund and various fundraisers (looking at you, LBDI!) with the Junior League, as I believe our mission is one of strength and influence that consistently brings about positive change in our community. Throughout my involvement, I have been an advocate for others, coaching and sponsoring women through their application process, have helped to make connections within our community, and have been a promoter of our community outreach.
Q: How has the Junior League helped to develop your potential?
A: It wasn’t until later in life that I realized many of my female friendships were unsupportive, mean, and bullying. The Junior League has been integral in helping to develop my potential because it helped me realize that those types of relationships aren’t normal, and they don’t help you grow. I am finally surrounded by women who believe in me, include me in conversations, challenge me in a healthy way, and genuinely make me feel wanted. The League has helped me recognize my worth, and has helped me move on from relationships that do not serve me by introducing me to women that have become friends.
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: Spending my summers at Lake Anna in Virginia. It was full of sunshine, laughs, water, and family – with little technology. It was a true escape.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
A: Recently, professionally, we opened an experiential pop up shop in Tampa. It was a lot of long hours and planning, but it was the first of its kind for our company. It was experiential in more ways than one. I would also say I am proud that I became a Certified Meeting Professional in 2016 and Certified Event Designer in 2019. I must credit fellow JLC member, Lisa Newth, for her insight into the CED program. Personally, I’m the founder of Charlotte Cookbook Club, a group that meets monthly where everyone cooks a recipe from a selected book. It’s basically a modern-day potluck dinner party. The women of the group are intelligent, kind, and hard-working. I’m so blessed to know each and every one of them.
Q: What is your favorite thing about your career?
A: That every day is different and I get to create a plan for the year and watch our markets perform and grow. I’m fortunate to have been involved, in some capacity, in the events world for the entirety of my career. I absolutely love planning and logistics and enjoy being “behind the scenes.”
Q: One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: I have a big fear of needles. It’s unlikely you’ll catch me in person at Big Shots for this reason– I’d probably pass out!
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I love to spend time with my husband and dog exploring Charlotte or traveling to explore other cities. I also enjoy cooking on Sundays and believe that Sunday can set the tone for the week, so when I’m home we try to have #sundaysupper – sometimes it’s fancy and other times it’s not but we really value that undisturbed time together. I am also an avid reader, and have a goal of finishing 30 books in 2020.
Q: How do you think your friends would describe you?
A: Self-aware, hardworking, loyal, and honest. I also like my workout routine, so some say that can be motivating to them.
Q: What motivates you to work hard?
A: 1. Being known as someone that a team can count on to get it done and perform at a high level.
2. Perfecting my craft in the marketing and events space.
3. Having the opportunity to learn every day and expand my knowledge base.
