The Junior League of Washington (JLW) hosted the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) on August 9 at our headquarters (3039 M Street NW, Washington DC 20007). This event was more than just a gathering; it was a celebration of our League’s achievements, a showcase of its impact on the community, and a reaffirmation of its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging (DEIAB). Through a series of insightful discussions and recognitions, the evening highlighted the League’s ongoing efforts to make a lasting difference in the Washington, DC area.

Celebrating Success and Community Impact

Stephanie Driscoll, Community Affairs Council Assistant Council Director, shared with us her thoughts on the event. “Overall, the evening was a fun opportunity to meet the AJLI Board and show them the best that JLW has to offer,” Driscoll says. This gathering provided a platform for JLW to showcase its dedication to community service, particularly through the various grants offered by the Community Affairs Council. These grants play a vital role in supporting local initiatives, and the event underscored JLW’s commitment to investing in the community.”

In addition to celebrating the League’s community contributions, the evening provided an opportunity to discuss the extensive training programs available to JLW members. “We also had the opportunity to hear about the various training opportunities that JLW offers, specifically noting Get on Board,” Driscoll adds. These programs are crucial in developing the leadership skills of JLW members, ensuring that they are well-equipped to continue making a positive impact in the community – part of JLW’s mission.

Lindsay Jenkins, a member of the Nominating Committee, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of JLW’s mission. “My hopes for JLW are that we continue to provide our community with trained volunteers to support pathways to opportunity for all members of the Washington, DC area, and we build on these relationships to find more ways we can be of service,” Jenkins shares. Her vision for the League emphasizes not only the development of its members but also the strengthening of its relationship with the broader Washington, DC community.

DEIAB and Resilience Through Challenges

One of the standout moments of the evening was the recognition of JLW’s efforts in promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging. The League was awarded the 2024 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Award, a testament to the hard work and dedication of its members. “Over the past few years, JLW has really been making a concerted effort to focus on DEIAB and implement any changes and updates that were necessary to make members feel more included,” Driscoll explains. This award underscores the League’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment where all members feel valued and supported.

Jenkins further emphasized the alignment of JLW’s work with the broader mission of AJLI. “AJLI’s mission is ‘developing women to do a world of good,’ which aligns with what we hope to do in JLW—developing women to be leaders and give back to their community,” Jenkins notes. This alignment between JLW and AJLI is a cornerstone of the League’s success and is crucial for continuing to make a meaningful impact.

The evening also featured a panel discussion with JLW Past Presidents, who shared their experiences of guiding the League through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Driscoll highlighted the significance of this discussion by sharing, “Guiding a large league like JLW through the COVID pandemic was not an easy feat. However, JLW was able to pivot and ensure that members not only felt connected but were able to grow our  membership class in recent years.” The resilience and adaptability demonstrated by JLW during the pandemic are a testament to the strength and unity of its leadership and members.

A Historic Achievement: The AJLI Excellence Award

Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the first-ever AJLI Excellence Award to JLW. This prestigious award recognizes the League’s real and lasting contributions to the community. “AJLI awarded JLW the first ever AJLI Excellence Award,” Driscoll proudly shares. The AJLI Board acknowledged the significant impact JLW has made and posed a challenge to the League to sustain this level of excellence in the coming years. With other leagues now aiming for this award, JLW’s accomplishment serves as both an inspiration and a call to continue striving for greatness.

“We did get to celebrate JLW winning the first-ever Outstanding League Award and our DEIAB efforts,” shares Jenkins. This award is a testament to the League’s dedication to making a difference and highlights the importance of events like this in strengthening the connection between JLW and AJLI.

Looking Ahead: Building on Success

As the evening drew to a close, the sense of pride and accomplishment among JLW members was palpable. The event not only celebrated the League’s past successes but also set the stage for future achievements. The relationships forged with AJLI and the recognition received serve as a strong foundation for JLW to build upon as it continues to serve the Washington, DC community.

Reflecting on the future, Jenkins shared her hopes for the League, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration and development. “I also hope we continue to provide our members with professional and personal leadership development opportunities. The members of our league are smart, talented, creative, and fun women. I hope we continue to lift up both the community and our members. A strong relationship with AJLI is important for us to reach these goals,” she stated. Jenkin’s vision underscores the importance of nurturing the talents of JLW members while maintaining a strong connection with AJLI.

In reflecting on the event, Junior League of Washington DC has an open, active, and  supportive environment for members. As the League looks to the future, it does so with the confidence that comes from a history of excellence, a commitment to inclusion, and a dedication to making a difference.

The AJLI reception was a night to remember, and as JLW moves forward, it does so with the knowledge that it has the strength, resilience, and vision to continue making a lasting impact on the community it serves.

JLW Board members and past presidents pictured AJLI representatives attending the AJLI reception at headquarters.

Pictured, AJLI members and JLW President engage in fellowship. 

Pictured, panel discussion at AJLI reception. 

Pictured, President Charlyn Stanberry and President-Elect Christina Babcock engaging in a panel discussion with AJLI leaders Melanie Schild and Alice Glenn.

President Charlyn Stanberry pictured with AJLI Leaders. 

Gale Nemec, Sustainer Chair, and Fay Arrington, Rising Chair, pictured with AJLI At-Large Director Judith Jorgensen.

Pictured, AJLI CEO Melanie Schild gives final remarks to attendees. 

Pictured, AJLI President Alice Glenn sharing her experience with attendees.