Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties Participated in Little Black Dress Initiative

The Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties, Inc. (JLGNF) participated in the Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) from February 20-24. This was the second year the league participated in the initiative. League members wore one black dress or ensemble for five consecutive days to raise awareness about the issue of poverty in Georgia.

Originated by the Junior League of London, the LBDI seeks to make “poverty unfashionable” by illustrating the effects of severe financial hardship, low self-esteem and limited access to resources and opportunities for women and children. Advocates also wore a pin that says, “Ask Me About My Dress,” to generate discussion about the initiative and its objectives. Other organizations that joined the crusade included the Junior Leagues of Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Cobb-Marietta, Columbus, DeKalb County, Douglas County, Gainesville-Hall County, Macon and Savannah.

This year, the Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties had over 40 members participate in the program, and each shared a picture of themselves with their little black dress on social media. Each member used the hashtags “JLGNFdoesLBDI” and “TheLBDI,” and by the end of the campaign, we had over 135 social media posts shared to help generate awareness of poverty issues in Georgia.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, Georgia has one of the highest poverty rates of children in the United States at 24.7 percent. The following statistics typify the severity of this problem in the areas surrounding JLGNF:

-         More than 1.7 million Georgians are impoverished.

-         6.5 percent of Forsyth County’s overall population and six percent of its children are living in poverty.

-         17.6 percent of Fulton County’s overall population and 23.8 percent of its children are living in poverty.

-         12.6 percent of Gwinnett County’s overall population and 17.9 percent of its children are living in poverty.

To exemplify their support for LBDI, JLGNF continued its partnership with Sweet Repeat Dresses to collect new and gently used prom dresses. Local teens in need can shop for a dress of their choosing during Sweet Repeat Dresses’ semi-annual free dress event. This year, JLGNF donated more than 75 dresses throughout the campaign that were then donated to Sweet Repeat Dresses.

"Principals for a Day"

During the week of November 14 – 18, nearly 100 schools across Fulton County hosted business and community leaders to participate in “Principal for a Day.” The program is held during American Education Week, and aims to educate leaders on what it takes to successfully manage a school, while establishing relationships with the community.

This year the Junior League of Gwinnett & North Fulton Counties had Ashley Shoemaker, President; Molly Stone, VP Community; and Penny Sibley, Secretary act as “Principals for a Day.”  

Molly Stone, VP Community; “Principal for a Day” at Elkins Pointe Middle School in Roswell

Molly shadowed Kindra Smith, who has been the principal at Elkins Pointe Middle School for the last two years. Throughout the day, Molly visited several different classes, where it was apparent that Ms. Smith’s dedication and leadership style has helped shape the school.

A highlight from her time as principal was the opportunity to serve as a judge for a seventh grade Japanese class’ Iron Chef Competition. The students cooked traditional Japanese foods and then presented them to the class before Molly and Johnson sensei, the Japanese teacher, tried each dish and chose a winner.

Penny Sibley, Secretary; “Principal for a Day” at Crabapple Crossing Elementary School in Milton

Penny shadowed Dr. Rachel Williams and Ayo Richardson, who are the principal and assistant principal of Crabapple Crossing Elementary School.

Penny was fortunate enough to be principal during Crabapple’s Thanksgiving celebrations. She watched kindergarteners perform for their parents and attended fifth grade “Pioneer Day,” where she saw students learn how to make homemade butter, play with marbles and learn more about steam energy.

Ashley Shoemaker, President; “Principal for a Day” at Crabapple Middle School in Roswell

Ashley shadowed Dr. Rako Morrissey who is in her third year of administration at Crabapple Middle School.

During her time at Crabapple, Ashley spoke with the graduation coach who has created a small after-school program dedicated to promoting girls’ self-esteem. The group consists of girls who have been recommended by teachers or other staff members and promotes positive life choices and empowerment. The graduation coach uses her own time and resources available to take the group on outings, like hiking, and graduates of the program are brought in as mentors to current students.

Fulton’s “Principal for a Day” program is a partnership between the Fulton County School System, the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, South Fulton Chamber of Commerce and Sandy Springs/Perimeter Chamber of Commerce. Click here to watch a video about “Principal for a Day” and learn more about the program.

Congratulations to our Member Spotlight, Brooke Patrick!

Brooke Patrick was nominated and selected by the current JLGNF Board of Directors as our fourth spotlight in our Member Spotlight Series based on her dedication and enthusiasm.  Brooke's awesome personality and drive shines through her placement, Recruitment Chair. 

"I enjoyed having Brooke on the Membership Council this year as a friend and a great team member! She worked hard all year to ensure the growth of our league.  Her hard work paid off, resulting in two FANTASTIC new member classes!" - Alex Klein, 2015-2016 V.P. of Membership 

About Brooke:

Current League Placement: Recruitment Chair

Past League Placements (if applicable): New Member Advisor

Other volunteer organization involvement: North Point Church in the Baby Room

How long have you lived in the Gwinnett/ North Fulton Area: 3 years

Which city do you live in? Alpharetta, but Buckhead next month

How long have you been in a member of JLGNF: 3 years

What is your profession, title, company (if applicable)? Speech Language Pathologist with Pediatric Speech Therapy. Business Owner/Speech Language Pathologist of Play and Say Speech Therapy

Tell us about your family: My parents and my brother and his family live in Illinois, which is where I am from. I am a proud Aunt of my brother's two children, Sophia and Cooper.

Why did you join JLGNF? I joined to surround myself with positive influences and friendship. My ex-husband and I moved here and while he had lived here before and had many friends, I had never stepped foot into Georgia. I admire women who know what they want and go for it, and the members of JLGNF represent that well.

What is your greatest life accomplishment (personally or professionally)? My profession. Although I take it for granted, there is no greater feeling than walking into a room and giving a family the support and skill set that they need. I love that the root of my job is to help with communication and redefining what communication means to some people.  

What is your favorite activity or hobby? Does the Avalon count? Besides shopping and people watching, I kayak weekly.

What about “Strong Girls, Bright Futures” resonates with you? I haven't had very much hands on involvement with this yet, which is why I am so excited about my upcoming placement (IMPACT Chair). I love that we want to impact the lives of young girls. I was lucky enough to grow up under the wings of my mother, who constantly encouraged me to be independent, strong and educated. I hope that with Strong Girls, Bright Futures, we can give them a glimpse of what they can accomplish if they put their minds to it.

What’s your favorite part of JLGNF? I love membership! It is so great to meet every New Member and watch them grow as new members to a vital part of the league. It's exciting to see their desire to help and become involved grow and watch their leadership skills develop.

Tell us something unique about you: My middle name Rheann is from Fleetwood Mac's song Rhiannon. I could survive solely off of Champagne and Mexican food and be perfectly happy! :)

Congratulations to our Sustainer Spotlight, Lisa Winton

We're so grateful to have the consistent support and dedication from a core group of longstanding JLGNF women known as "Sustainers". The Sustainer Spotlight is the third spotlight in our Member Spotlight Series. 

Lisa Winton was nominated and selected as JLGNF's Sustainer Spotlight based on her volunteerism, dedication to JLGNF, and the knowledge and guidance she brings to our Members. Lisa has been an invaluable member of JLGNF for over 11 years! 

About Lisa:

Current League Placement: Sustainer

Past League Placements:  President, President-Elect, VP of Community, Mentor – Foster Care Program, Corporate Sponsorship Chair, Fund In A Day Chair (Murder Mystery Wine Tasting Fundraiser), American Girl Committee, Fund In a Day Committee (Golf Tournament)

Other volunteer organization involvement?  Chair of Suwanee Public Arts Commission, Member of the Fund Development Committee for the Gwinnett Shelter (Partnership Against Domestic Violence), Leadership Gwinnett Community Reflections Committee member, Board member for the Collins Hill Education Foundation, Board of Advisors for STEM program at Collins Hill High School, VP of Collins Hill Swim & Dive Booster Club, member of Suwanee Harvest Farm, and volunteer for Congregation Dor Tamid Social Action committee.  Member of the City of Suwanee Public Arts Master Plan committee.  Past chair for Leadership Gwinnett Outreach and Inclusion Committee, Past chair and member of the Leadership Gwinnett Economics Day Committee, Past Board member for the Turkish American Friendship Council, Past PTA High School treasurer.

Currently resides in: Lawrenceville. Has lived in Gwinnett/N. Fulton for 26 years

Have you received any awards or accolades? JLGNF Cynthia Tanner award, 2015 Inductee in the Partnership Against Domestic Legacy Society, Winner of the 2015 Gwinnett Movers and Shakers Award for small manufacturer, Leadership Gwinnett graduate

Current Profession: Co-founder and owner of Winton Machine Company (Manufacturing)

Tell us about your family:  My husband George and I have been happily married for 25 years this June and we have worked together for 17 years.  We have a graduating Senior, Amanda, who will be attending UGA this fall and studying neuroscience.  She grew up in the League volunteering and it’s stuck with her and built a great foundation of leadership and volunteerism.  Our son Andrew is 16 and is a High School Sophomore.  He’s an all- year competitive swimmer and will be earning his Eagle Rank in Boy Scouts later this year.

Why did you join JLGNF?  I joined Junior League because I met a League member in my daughter’s gymnastics class who I really liked and I used to hear her on the phone talking about Star Ball.  She was chairing the fundraiser that year and after many conversations and attending Star Ball as a guest I decided that JLGNF was an organization that I’d enjoy getting involved with.

What is your greatest life accomplishment?  I never take for granted my husband and 2 wonderful children.  I am so thankful for all that they have accomplished and continue to accomplish.  The opportunity to create jobs and keep people employed is by far the most significant thing I can ever do professionally.  I’ve learned and am continuing to learn that life isn’t about one big accomplishment but rather the smaller things that we are able to on a constant basis that make the biggest difference.

What is your favorite activity or hobby?  I love spending time with family and friends.  I don’t really have any favorite hobby or activity.  I love being active but that might mean tennis, jogging, boot camp, kickboxing, yoga, or simply taking a walk or hike on a beautiful trail.  I love a challenge and I like diversity.  Traveling to new places and taking food tours is definitely high on my list as is relaxing at home and cooking a nice dinner.  I thrive on learning new things and continuing to grow as a woman, mother, wife, and entrepreneur.

What about “Strong Girls, Bright Futures” resonates with you?  My involvement with Partnership Against Domestic Violence has taught me how critical it is to foster self-esteem, strength, independence, and education in our young girls so that they can have the tools to be successful and love themselves for who they are.  Everyone will experience hardships but it’s how you deal with them that paves your own personal journey.

What’s your favorite part of JLGNF? The opportunity to meet and socialize with like-minded women and all of the great educational opportunities afforded to you.

Introducing our New Member Spotlight, Andrea Klockow

We're so happy to feature this outstanding New Member as part of our Member Spotlight Series! The New Member Spotlight is the second spotlight in our Member Spotlight Series. 

Andrea Klockow was nominated and selected as JLGNF's New Member Spotlight based on her volunteerism, enthusiasm and dedication to JLGNF and our Strong Girls, Bright Futures community impact focus. 

"Andrea is a shining star!  From the application process to today, she has put her whole heart into becoming a New Member!  She is very so thoughtful of others, engaged in the New Member program and is committed to the mission of our League!"  - Penny Sibley, 2015-2016 New Member Development Chair

About Andrea:

Current Placement:  JLU

Other volunteer organization involvement?  Memory Walk Committee Member for the Alzheimer's Association in Polk County, FL

Currently resides in?  Roswell, GA (moved from FL in May 2014)

JLGNF Member Since: September 2015

Current Profession:  Human Resources for FIS (Fidelity Information Services).  

Tell us about your family:  I am the only one in my family who was not born in Wisconsin, thus I have Packer and Badger football in my blood!  :)  My Mom and Dad live in the mountains of Blairsville where I love to spend time relaxing.  I have two daughters, well 4-legged daughters, who are basically my life!

Why did you join JLGNF?  I mainly wanted to get to know more people in my community as well as help out my local community.

What is your greatest life accomplishment (personally or professionally)?  I packed up everything I knew from Florida and moved to GA without looking back once!

What is your favorite activity or hobby?  Basically anything outdoors that involves being outside. I enjoy taking my dogs to the dog park, taking walks on the local trails, riding around in the warmer months with the top off of my jeep in the mountains. 

What about “Strong Girls, Bright Futures” resonates with you?  I was always the overweight kid that always got picked last when playing games in gym class.  I was always made fun of as a young girl so I know how hard it is for younger girls these days.  Even more so now than 20 years ago.  

What’s your favorite part of JLGNF?  Networking with like-minded women and meeting new friends

Tell us something unique about you:  I have a knack for renovating antique furniture.  I use power tools!  :)

Introducing our Active Member Spotlight, Rachael Gibbs!

We're so happy to kickoff our Member Spotlight Series! Throughout the 2015-2016 League year, we will profile specific Members who are kicking butt and taking names – those who exemplify the very best of the Junior League of Gwinnett & North Fulton Counties and our Strong Girls, Bright Futures community impact focus.  

Our first Spotlight features Active Member, Rachael Gibbs.

"I'm thrilled that Rachael is being recognized! She has brought so much to JLGNF with her dedication to serve, enthusiasm for our mission and positive attitude!" - Molly Stone, 2015-2016 V.P. of Finance

About Rachael:

Current League Placement: Casino Royale 

Past League Placements: High Heels & High Times

Other volunteer organization involvement? GASPCA 

Currently resides in: Dacula, GA 

JLGNF Member since: Fall 2014

Current profession: Preschool/Daycare Owner

Tell us about your family: I have a husband (Derreck), two daughters (Kristen & Madelyn), and two dogs (Charlie & Oliver) 

Why did you join JLGNF? To meet like-mind, strong women that I can work closely with to make a difference in our community

What is your greatest life accomplishment? My family 

What is your favorite activity or hobby? Vacationing with my kids 

What about our community focus “Strong Girls, Bright Futures” resonates with you? The more girls who realize at a young age that they are strong, smart, and awesome, the brighter their futures will be. I know that women (including myself) could have benefited from having more self esteem and more activities geared toward building a brighter future for girls when we were younger. 

What’s your favorite part of JLGNF? Bonding while we work and give back!

Five Metro Atlanta Area Junior Leagues Unite to Train Each of its Leadership Teams

On Saturday, July 18, women leaders from five area volunteer organizations convened for a combined leadership training at the Atlanta Speech School. Members from Junior League of Atlanta, Junior League of Cobb-Marietta, Junior League of Dekalb County, Junior League of Douglas County, and Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties gathered to share ideas and enhance their skills to better serve their respective communities. Training topics included Leadership 101, Leadership 601, Personal Branding, Project Management, and Social Media Engagement.

Speakers and trainers were notable women from a variety of backgrounds and industries, including Ms. Anna Cablik, Owner and President of Anatek, Inc. and Anasteel; Ms. Charlotte King, President/Creative Director of Snowden & King Marketing Communications; Ms. Ginny Nickles, Director of Mission Mobilization and Innovation at Peachtree Presbyterian Church; Ms. Ursula Reynolds, PhD Graduate Program Manager at Georgia Tech; Ms. Charlotte Ros Terrell, Talent Management Consultant in Human Resources at Southern Company, and keynote speaker Ms. Kimberlyn Daniel, CEO of YWCA of Greater Atlanta. Ms. Daniel stressed the importance of equality and inclusion across gender and racial disparities in today’s business and non-profit worlds.

“Since its founding in 1901 by social activist Mary Harriman, The Junior League has evolved into one of the oldest, largest, and most effective women’s volunteer organizations in the world, encompassing more than 150,000 women in 292 Leagues in four countries,” says the Association of Junior Leagues International.

The Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties, Inc. (JLGNF) has approximately 125 Active and Sustaining members consisting of CEOs, entrepreneurs, mothers, and professional women from diverse backgrounds.

JLGNF is currently seeking new members for the Fall 2015 New Member Class. Membership in JLGNF offers opportunities for women of all races, religions and national origins women over the age of 22, who demonstrate an interest in and a commitment to volunteerism.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining JLGNF, email recruiting@jlgnf.org or visit www.jlgnf.org to apply online. The application deadline to be a part of this amazing organization is August 29, 2015. New Member Orientation will take place at Rainbow Village in Duluth on August 29, 2015.

The Power of Mentoring

“Mentoring is a power-free, two-way mutually beneficial learning situation in which the mentor provides advice, shares knowledge and experiences, and teaches using a low pressure, self-discovery approach.”

- Starcevich, Matt, 1999, “Coach, Mentor: Is There a Difference?”

Originally, I joined the Junior League of Gwinnett & North Fulton Counties to make a difference in the community and make friends.  I’ve been able to do both of these things, but I’ve also developed many great mentors along the way.

As a new Active Member, I was given the opportunity to co-chair High Heels & High Times, our League’s largest fundraiser. We had the crazy idea to bring our focus area, Strong Girls, Bright Futures, to the center of High Heels & High Times. As a new Active Member with BIG ideas, I needed mentorship.  I found that within the President and V.P. of Finance. Both of these women were true examples of mentors and empowering leaders and gave me advice and encouragement to take the reigns. The encouragement from these two mentors, along with the many friendships I’ve made, I found a support system that has cemented my commitment to JLGNF.

This year, JLGNF is introducing a structured Mentoring Program.  The intention is that this new program will help new Active Members the same way that my mentors helped me. My hope is that it will enable members to create friendships and find the direction to complete their league goals. As volunteers, I think it is of utmost importance to be fulfilled by what we are doing. Authentic conversations will be directed by the various topics of the month to create an environment of acceptance, friendship and support.

If you’re interested in joining JLGNF, please contact us at recruitment@jlgnf.org or visit our website to learn more at www.jlgnf.org.

-Alex Klein

V.P. of Membership, 2015-2016