Indianapolis, IN – May 14, 2026 – The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) proudly recognized Sue Mecklenburg of the Junior League of Seattle as the recipient of the 2026 Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award during the Annual Conference held in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Established in 1990, the Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award honors Junior League Members whose leadership, service, and commitment to community impact embody the legacy of Junior League founder Mary Harriman. The award recognizes individuals who have created meaningful and lasting change through civic leadership, volunteerism, and advocacy.
A member of the Junior League of Seattle since 1979, Sue Mecklenburg has dedicated her life and career to improving communities through innovation, collaboration, and purpose-driven leadership. As Starbucks’ first Director of Environmental Affairs, she pioneered the company’s Social Impact and Sustainability efforts and helped establish The Starbucks Foundation. Most notably, she led the development of Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) Practices, a groundbreaking model that transformed coffee sourcing worldwide and improved opportunities for millions of farmers and their families.
Sue’s impact extends far beyond the corporate sector. Throughout her career, she has championed initiatives that strengthen support for children and families, advance healthcare advocacy for youth, and foster community-driven solutions to complex social challenges. Her approach has remained consistent: listen carefully, collaborate broadly, and build systems that create lasting change.
Sue often credits her Junior League experience with providing the foundation for her leadership journey, equipping her with the confidence, skills, and vision to drive meaningful impact at both the local and global levels.
“Sue Mecklenburg exemplifies the spirit of the Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award,” said AJLI President Alice Glenn. “Her visionary leadership, commitment to service, and dedication to creating a better future for communities around the world reflect the very values upon which The Junior League was founded.”
For more information about the Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award or The Association of Junior Leagues International, please visit www.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.
