By: Charlitta Hatch
Nearly 30 years ago, Mayor Vi Lyles joined the ranks of Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) women, but the process was different. There were a small number of women in her class and they required 7 sponsors to join. While that would intimidate some, it did not intimidate our mayor. She was committed to do whatever it took to be a part of the organization because she was drawn to the mission – promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community – all things she has done through her involvement in the JLC and beyond. Like many League members, her first memory was working in the Junior League WearHouse (Mayors they are just like us…right?).
Fast forward to 2017, when Mayor Vi Lyles became the 59th and first, black woman mayor in Charlotte, North Carolina. She beams with pride knowing that she gets to impact change in our city, and represent the residents of Charlotte, including black and brown girls. She is motivated by her passions that all Charlotte residents can have a job, a home, and live in a great neighborhood. Her journey to the Mayoral seat included knowledge learned through programs offered by the JLC, including campaigning, never being afraid to make the ask, and always doing it with a smile.
As the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. continues to position itself to be a cornerstone organization in the Charlotte community, Mayor Lyles shares that her top 3 issues are housing, jobs, and transportation options for Charlotte residents. The League can continue to lead from the front with a collaborative mindset as Mayor Lyles believes that we can all blaze whatever trails are in front of us, but only if we are willing to collaborate.
Collaboration is at the heart of what the JLC does every day. Members constantly collaborate with internal committees, community partners, and donors. They collaborate when sharing the mission of the Junior League of Charlotte with families, friends, and colleagues. They collaborate identifying new members to join the organization to expand its footprint.
So, fellow and future members, learn from the leading lady in Charlotte, and continue to blaze the trails and do your part to collaborate, and make the city of Charlotte a better place.
Read this story and all the stories in the fall issue of the CRIER here.
