Arina Kirk may be a former Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) president, but her commitment to helping others goes far beyond the League. She is taking the child adoption world by storm, making it easier for deserving families to find their happy endings.
Arina’s Early Life & League Experience
I grew up in Gainesville, GA as the youngest and only American child of immigrants from the Netherlands. We also spent a lot of time in the Netherlands when I was a child. My brothers are quite a bit older, but we’re still a close family.
My husband and I adopted a son, and found the process very paperwork-heavy. Since we’re both from the technology world, we knew we could improve the adoption process and set out to do so via our company eAdopt. Since 2010, we’ve worked with adoption agencies around the country to streamline both the process and communication.
The Junior League has given me so much more than I expected!
I joined the JLC when I moved to Charlotte, at the encouragement of friends in other cities. I’m so glad I listened – I’ve been able to learn new skills, polish existing ones and build a network of lifelong friends. I was lucky enough to serve as the 2017-2018 President of the JLC. The year before that, I ran the Management Team as President-Elect. I’ve also served as Foundation President, Human Resource Manager, in our WearHouse (our thrift store, which was retired in 2017), as Placements Chair and on various other committees and task forces. In all these roles, I worked to improve the JLC and its member experiences. I have learned from the people I’ve worked with in these roles. From examining investment policies to considering staffing needs and the hiring process, to re-evaluating the JLC’s fundraising efforts, I’ve broadened my skills and added to my comfort zones.
Most importantly, I’ve become comfortable with being uncomfortable and with asking for help.
Being an Agent of Change
In all my work with the JLC, I’ve focused on developing the potential of the women around me. Working together to solve problems and seeing them rise to the occasion has been motivating and exciting. When I took the StrengthsFinder assessment, I scored really high on responsibility. It made me laugh because it’s so true – if something is my responsibility, I’ll see it through, whether it’s work, volunteer or personal.
I love a challenge and will do my best to “under-promise and over-deliver.”
I rescued a dachshund, who was super sick with heartworm, and nursed her back to health. She’s a vibrant, happy little dog now, and I really think she knows that she’s got a second chance.
Fun Facts About Arina
I love to read! I’ve also started embroidery, which my mother would have loved for me to take up when I was little, but I only recently became a fan. I also started Scuba diving last year and have plans to do more of it. I speak Dutch, and no, I don’t wear wooden shoes!
If I could go back in time, I’m not sure that I would. Even the worst things I’ve experienced have led me to find my voice and be comfortable with who I am – so while I definitely don’t love some memories, I also think they were a crucial part of becoming me.
