Indianapolis, IN – May 14, 2026 – The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) proudly honored outstanding Leagues and individuals at the 2026 Annual Conference, held May 14–16 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
As part of the celebration of 125 Years of The Junior League Movement and 105 Years of The Association of Junior Leagues International, more than 650 women leaders from across the United States, Canada, Kenya, Mexico, and the United Kingdom gathered for a weekend of learning, networking, and recognition. The annual awards ceremony celebrated the extraordinary achievements of Leagues and Members who are advancing women’s leadership and creating meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.
Individual Awards
Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award
Sue Mecklenburg, Junior League of Seattle, WA
Rising Star Award
Jennifer Ludwick, Junior League of Birmingham, AL
Dorothy Payne Whitney Innovation Award
The Training Collaborative
Excellence in Service Award
Jessica Cataldo
Excellence Award
Junior League of Dallas, TX
Circle of Distinction
• Junior League of Dallas, TX
• Junior League of Houston, TX
• Junior League of Raleigh, NC
• Junior League of Miami, FL
• Junior League of Phoenix, AZ
Public Policy Advocacy Award
Junior League of Las Vegas, NV
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging & Accessibility (DEIBA) Award
Junior League of San Jose, CA
Leadership Development Award
Junior League of Las Vegas, NV
International Find the Good Day® Award
Junior League of Las Vegas, NV
Community Impact Award
• Division 1: Junior League of York, PA
• Division 2: Junior League of DeKalb County, GA
• Division 3: Junior League of El Paso, TX
• Division 4: Junior League of Dallas, TX
Fund Development Award
• Division 1: Junior League of Binghamton, NY
• Division 2: Junior League of Columbus, OH
• Division 2 Honorable Mention: Junior League of Corpus Christi, TX
• Division 3: Junior League of Raleigh, NC
• Division 3 Honorable Mention: Junior League of Phoenix, AZ
• Division 4: Junior League of Fort Worth, TX
Marketing & Communications Award
• Division 1: Junior League of Asheville, NC
• Division 2: Junior League of Reno, NV
• Division 3: Junior League of San Antonio, TX
• Division 4: Junior League of the City of New York, NY
Membership Engagement & Retention Award
• Division 3: Junior League of San Antonio, TX
• Division 4: Junior League of Washington, DC
Sustainer Connection Award
• Division 2: Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, VA
• Division 3: Junior League of Charleston, SC
Membership Growth Award
• Division 1: Junior League of Perry, GA
• Division 2: Junior League of Douglas County, GA
• Division 3: Junior League of Huntsville, AL
• Division 4: Junior League of New York, NY
These exceptional Leagues and Members exemplify the Mission of The Junior League and demonstrate the power of trained women leaders to strengthen communities, address critical needs, and create lasting change. Their accomplishments reflect the enduring impact of a Movement that has been developing women civic leaders and advancing meaningful community impact for 125 years.
For more information about AJLI or to learn how Junior Leagues are driving change in communities worldwide, visit AJLI.org.
About The Junior League
The Junior League is one of the oldest and largest premier women’s organizations, committed to advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Since 1901, The Junior League Movement has addressed community issues through hands-on projects, partnerships with local organizations, and advocacy efforts.
Through leadership training, community collaboration, and service projects, we Develop Women to Do a World of Good™, making a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
Today, The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) is powered by over 113,000 women in 295+ communities across the United States, Canada, Mexico, France, Kenya, and the United Kingdom.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.ajli.org.
