Radiating with positivity and pride, Briana McNeil is the true definition of a #JLChangeAgent! She has so much to be proud of as she has been named to Georgia Southern University’s Class of 2021, 40 Under 40. Additionally, she is a dedicated wife and mother, and she currently holds the role of Education and Training Council Assistant Manager for the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC).
Briana’s Early Life & League Experience
I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and to this day, I still call Cleveland home. However, I moved to Charlotte in 2011, shortly after I married my husband. This past July marks 10 years of marriage to my husband, Marco, and together we have three phenomenal children. My family is my world! My family is my motivation to work hard each and every day. They are my biggest cheerleaders and always encourage me when I need it most. My proudest accomplishment is being a mommy. I am truly blessed for the lives I have been given to care for and raise, and they make me proud every day to be their mom!
In 2017, I joined the JLC. I wanted to join the Junior League because, as a transplant to Charlotte, I wanted to develop my leadership skills and meet other like-minded women to gain new friends. But I will have to say that one of the most valuable things I have gained from the Junior League is my friendships with the JLC women. So many of these friendships I made early on have continued to foster and grow over the years. These friendships have made my time with the League enjoyable. I have given the Junior League my time, commitment to serve, and dedication to creating an engaging environment for members to learn, grow in their potential, and foster new friendships.
I aim to make sure every person has a positive experience during their time with the Junior League. I hope that when people leave a conversation with me, they feel valued and respected.
The Junior League has provided many opportunities to develop my leadership skills by providing hands-on experiential learning. In addition, because of the training received while being a member of the Junior League, I have transferred these skills to other areas outside the League. Other areas include leadership placements in the Junior League, my career field, and different volunteer experiences. The Junior League has also helped prepare me for difficult conversations, taught me to be inclusive as a leader, and allowed me to impact the local community. I have enjoyed working with and learning from some of the most influential and remarkable women in the city of Charlotte.
I see myself as a JLC change agent because I can be my genuine self and transformative in my interactions with fellow team members. Ultimately, I contribute to a larger team in making a difference in the lives of others and our community. As a leader, the past two years have been filled with many changes in members’ personal lives and time with the Junior League.
I have dedicated time to make sure every person I interact with feels valued and heard, not just as a member but as a person. I try to always be understanding and supportive and provide a listening ear for those who need it.
I hope that this small gesture reassures the women I am in service with that their contributions and commitments are essential to the work we do for the Junior League, no matter how big or small.
Georgia Southern University’s Class of 2021 40 Under 40
This recognition means the world to me, and I am very humbled and honored. It means a lot to have fellow peers, family, friends, and the school community look at me and see the positive impact I have made, the footprint that I have left, both professionally and personally, and want to recognize me for these contributions. I often say this, but I do the work I do not for the recognition, but because it makes a difference in the lives of others. We have one life to live, and I have reminded myself of a quote that guides me with almost everything I do.
“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others” – Maya Angelou.
This award is not only a recognition of the work I have done, but for the people who have poured into me over the years and pushed me to be the best version of myself. This recognition I share with each person who believes in me and the work I do daily and without hesitation supports and encourages me.
Fun Facts About Briana
Some of my hobbies include baking, reading, watching movies and gardening. If I could choose to do anything for a day, I would choose to do absolutely nothing but watch movies all day long. I love to spend time watching movies (Christmas movies are my favorite) to help me relax my mind and reset.
I LOVE to sing (as a choir member … not as a soloist, lol). I attended the illustrious Hampton University and sang with His Chosen Sounds (HCS) Gospel Choir and the University Concert Choir. Instead of traveling and going home on spring breaks, I would spend time with my fellow choir members practicing and rehearsing for our concert choir tour. I rode on a tour bus all across the country, singing with the concert choir and helping to promote and raise money for Hampton.
