The Junior League of Austin

This League embodies the mission of AJLI.  Last year, they sought to create a meaningful experience that enables each member to grow individually and to work alongside other women to make a tremendous impact in their community. Through intentional programs, initiatives and collaborations, they continue to break down barriers and build a stronger, more inclusive and engaged League. Their commitment to empowerment, both within their League and in the broader community, reflects their dedication to excellence and their unwavering belief that when women come together, they have the power to make lasting change.  Their impact can be seen in the lives of their members, who amplify the work through their professional careers, philanthropic involvement, elected offices, board positions, entrepreneurial endeavors, leadership roles, and personal giving. This League is committed to offering year-round training and educational opportunities for members.  Their Leadership Development Initiative has transformed the League’s ability to equip its members with the skills, confidence and resources to excel as leaders in both their professional and personal lives.  They offer Leadership Bootcamp, an intensive program focused on strategic thinking, effective communication, conflict resolution, and team management. Members also gain experiential training through the various programs and fundraisers they execute.   Through multiple large scale fundraisers, to introducing Annual Giving Circles and the 1934 Society for planned giving, this League is offering hands on training to its members while securing the Leagues financial sustainability for the future, raising over $115,00 in Grants, over $220,00 in corporate contributions, over $203,000 in individual contributions, and over $1.2 million (net) through their signature events. They also run various signature community impact program which led to them receiving the Association of Fundraising Professional Foundation/Organization of the Year. Based on feedback from their membership, they recently introduced a Communication Matrix in order to choose the right channel and timing for information to go out.  They reinvested in their recruiting efforts to increase diversity, resulting in a 28 % increase in their leadership class in the last year. As you have already heard, their sustainers are fully integrated into their membership experience, providing essential mentorship and partnership to the League. This year’s Excellence Award goes to The Junior League of Austin!   

The Junior League of Washington, DC (JLW) epitomizes a mission-driven organization with a steadfast commitment to community impact and member development. In an exceptionally transient community, JLW has achieved steady membership growth through focused efforts on member engagement and retention. With provisional classes of over 300 women annually, JLW boasts a strong 80% conversion rate from New Members/Provisionals to Actives, alongside an impressive 80% retention rate year over year.

JLW’s excellence extends beyond its size. The League has established impactful partnerships and collaborations with external organizations and community partners, broadening their reach and enhancing their ability to serve and support the community. Their community impact initiatives focus on creating pathways to opportunity across the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area, including projects centered on childhood and adult literacy, supporting women in transitional housing, and mentoring at-risk youth. Through a proactive approach to training and engagement, JLW fosters meaningful connections and delivers impactful outcomes in the communities they serve.

Committed to developing leaders, JLW offers comprehensive training programs that empower members with the skills and knowledge needed to advance the League’s mission and create lasting impacts. These leadership training initiatives prepare members to lead both within the League and in the broader Washington, DC community.

JLW has also implemented innovative strategies to fulfill their commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), expanding the focus to include Accessibility based on member feedback. These principles are now deeply integrated into their organizational structure and long-term strategic plan.

In marketing and public relations, JLW excels at promoting their events and initiatives to members, the community, potential new members, and the media. By maximizing the power of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, JLW crafts intentional content that reflects the diversity of their League. These efforts have enhanced JLW’s visibility and reputation in the greater Washington, DC area and beyond, contributing to successful member recruitment and retention as women see themselves represented in their materials.

JLW exemplifies the mission of the Association by advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Congratulations to the Junior League of Washington for their outstanding achievements and continued dedication to their mission!