On June 9, 2018, the Junior League of Northern Virginia (JLNV) will celebrate 60 years of developing women leaders and improving the community. During this time, the JLNV has trained thousands of volunteers to combat mental health issues, homelessness, teenage and women alcoholism, child abuse, and more throughout the Northern Virginia area.

The JLNV is a volunteer-driven organization, led by a diverse group of woman from across the region.  The 2018-2019 Board of Directors includes:

• President Celia Anderson, Fairfax
• President-Elect Shashuana Littlejohn, Alexandria
• Secretary Alyssa Smallridge, Falls Church
• Treasurer Erica McCants, Alexandria
• Treasurer-Elect Katherine Jenezon, Vienna
• Parliamentarian Emily Wyant, Alexandria
• Communications Council Director AnneMarie Gasparik, Alexandria
• Community Council Director Victoria Lee, Alexandria
• Fund Development Council Director Meg Keiley-Listermann, Fairfax
• Membership Council Director Tara McCook, Alexandria
• Nominating and Placements Chair Sharon Ballard, Falls Church
• Nominating and Placements Chair-Elect Lauren Heighton, Sterling
• Planning Council Director Robin Robinson, Falls Church
• Sustainer Representative Jennifer Bell, Alexandria

The JLNV focuses its community work on increasing the number of elementary age children in low-income communities who are empowered to make healthy eating and active living a priority. JLNV programs teach children and their parents where food comes, basic concepts of nutrition and healthy eating, and the importance of physical activity. Additionally, it works with area organizations to support access to healthy food options.

In order to achieve its mission, the JLNV is awarding $10,000 in grants to the following organizations for the 2018-2019 League year:

• Blessings in a Backpack – $1,200 for healthy weekend food packs for Mosby Woods Elementary School program and 15 volunteer hours
• Britepaths – $2,200 for The Daily Veggies Market Program and 55 volunteer hours
• Bridges to Independence – $2,200 for Bridges Run program and 55 volunteer hours
• Inova Health Services – $2,200 for the Healthy Plate club program and 50 volunteer hours
• Lorton Action Community Center– $2,200 for their run club, gardening program, and summer lunch meals and 75 volunteer hours

“Each year, I’m blown away by the leadership I see from our members and our impact on the community,” said President Celia Anderson. “I’m honored to serve as President of the JLNV and lead the organization into its 60th year. From our community programs and focus on leadership development, to our events like The Enchanted Forest and Monte Carlo Night,  I’m so excited to see what we will accomplish this year.”

JLNV began as the Service League of Arlington in 1958 and joined the Association of Junior Leagues International in 1985.

About JLNV

The Junior League of Northern Virginia (JLNV) is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. For nearly 60 years, the JLNV has provided hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours and more than $2 million to implement more than 25 community programs in Northern Virginia.