NEW YORK, New York – March 18, 2026
The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc. (AJLI) is proud to announce the 2026 class of 40 Under 40 Honorees, recognizing outstanding Junior League Members who are making a significant impact in their careers, communities, and through their leadership. Selected from across six countries and nearly 300 Leagues, these honorees exemplify the next generation of changemakers advancing the mission of The Junior League.
The 2026 honorees will be celebrated during the AJLI Annual Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana on May 16, 2026.
As AJLI celebrates 125 years of the Junior League Movement, this recognition highlights emerging leaders who are driving innovation, strengthening communities, and shaping the future of women’s leadership.
“On behalf of The Association of Junior Leagues International, I am proud to recognize this year’s 40 Under 40 honorees. As we celebrate 125 years of the Junior League Movement, these women represent the strength, innovation, and future of our organization. Their dedication to leadership and community impact is truly inspiring, and we are honored to celebrate their achievements.” — Melanie Schild, CEO, AJLI
Honorees were selected based on the following criteria:
• Empowerment: The nominee has empowered both herself and others through her work and community involvement, with initiatives that uplift and inspire individuals to reach their full potential.
• Leadership: The nominee has demonstrated outstanding leadership in her profession or area of service, with notable accomplishments, innovations, or a commitment to driving positive change.
• Community Impact: The nominee has actively created a lasting, positive impact in her community through contributions to local organizations, volunteer work, or initiatives that address critical community needs.
2026 40 UNDER 40 HONOREES:
• Ashley Barnett, Junior League of Greater Lakeland, FL
• Ashley Beaton, Junior League of Boston, MA
• Kristin Bernhard, Junior League of Atlanta, GA
• Meghan Bradshaw, Junior League of Charlotte, NC
• Lee Canup, Junior League of Huntington, WV
• Allyson Chapa, Junior League of Austin, TX
• Oto Ekpo, Junior League of Dekalb County, GA
• Nicole Gabler, Junior League of Galveston County , TX
• Kyle Evans Gay, Junior League of Wilmington, DE
• Stephanie Gibson, Junior League of Columbia, SC
• Kelsey Habermehl, Junior League of Buffalo, NY
• Bethany Forseth Hanson, Junior League of Kansas City, MO
• HannaLore Hein, Junior League of Boise, ID
• Brianna Hickman, Junior League of Wheeling, WV
• Lydia Higgs, Junior League of Roanoke Valley, VA
• Mary-Katherine Hooper, Junior League of Lafayette, LA
• Ansley Howze, Junior League of Savannah, GA
• Mary-Neil Jackson, Junior League of Greenville, SC
• Laura Johnston, Junior League of High Point, NC
• Kara Kunkleman, Junior League of Flint, MI
• Rebecca Malzahn Mellos, Junior League of Los Angeles, CA
• Mary McConner, Junior League of Memphis, TN
• Shakea Miller, Junior League of Columbus, GA
• Alexis Murray, Junior League of Lansing, MI
• Marilyn Nevy Cruz, Junior League of Washington, DC
• Rebecca Noell, Junior League of Ann Arbor, MI
• Megan Pate, Junior League of Spartanburg, SC
• Rebecca Perrera, Junior League of Phoenix, AZ
• Leah Pezzetti, Junior League of Seattle, WA
• Camisha Boyd Powell, Junior League of Lexington, KY
• Amanda Sandoval, Junior League of Oklahoma City, OK
• Kelsey Snyder, Junior League of Great Lakes Bay Region, MI
• Dorothea Staursky, Junior League of Birmingham, AL
• Grace Steranko, Junior League of San Angelo, TX
• Megan Storie, Junior League of Wichita, KS
• Emily Suñez, Junior League of Pasadena, CA
• Samantha Taylor-Kaai, Junior League of Owensboro, KY
• Maxine Walters, Junior League of Mobile, AL
• Kylie Wang, Junior League of Miami, FL
• Katelyn Yarbrough, Junior League of Johnson City, TN
ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION OF JUNIOR LEAGUES INTERNATIONAL
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 297+ communities across the United States, Canada, Mexico, France, Kenya, and the United Kingdom.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.ajli.org.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Nicole Bergman, VP of Marketing and Communications, AJLI
212-951-8348
