Celebrating 50 Years of Northwest Art - Junior League of Seattle

Impact 

INSIDE: 

Celebrating 50 

Years of Northwest 

Art – BAM Exhibit 

and The Art of 

Discovery 

Empowering 

Women and 

Children Focus 

Area Update 

Brands & Bowman 

Sisterhood or 

How Caitypo, 

Shannibop and 

Devi Set Up a Tent 

Fall 2010 

jrleagueseattle.org

A Letter from the President 

Hi everyone, 

Welcome to the 2010–2011 

Junior League year! 

Junior League of Seattle 

Mission Statement 

The Junior League of Seattle is an organization of women 

committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential 

of women and to improving the community through the effective 

action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is 

exclusively educational and charitable. 

Right off the bat, the Junior help author ‘The Declaration 

League of Seattle has had a of Equality’ through a decade- 

The Junior League of Seattle, Inc. 

very high profile summer. The long gender equality initiative 

4119 E Madison Seattle, WA 98112 

‘Art of Discovery’ exhibition of that will coincide with the 100th 

TEL (206) 324-3638 

our Northwest Art collection 

at the Bellevue Art Museum 

was a wonderful success and a 

perfect celebration of the fiftieth 

anniversary of that program. 

Very soon we will be releasing 

‘The Art of Discovery’ book 

which features our art collection 

and notes about the work and the 

artists. On August 5th, the Junior 

League of Seattle was honored 

as the Community Spotlight 

non-profit at the Seattle Storm 

game. In addition to hosting 

over 200 kids from our partner 

organization at the game, the jls 

public service announcement 

played before the game and jls 

members were on hand to talk to 

Storm fans about the Junior League. 

And most impressively, one of 

our own members, Bernadette 

Merikle, a first year Active 

was selected to be one of only 

102 delegates to Vision 2020, 

a national project focused on 

advancing gender equality by 

energizing the dialogue about 

women and leadership. She will 

anniversary (in 2020) of the 

passage of the 19th Amendment, 

which gave women the right to vote. 

If this summer is any indication of 

the year we have to look forward 

to, I am even more thrilled 

and honored to be entrusted 

with leading this wonderful 

organization for the next year. 

I look forward to meeting more 

of our amazing members. This 

year kicks off the first year of 

our new focus area – education 

and empowerment of women 

and children. Kicking off a new 

focus area takes a great deal of 

work and planning, over the next 

year you will hear about the great 

opportunities that exist for us to 

really make an impact in Seattle. 

A great overview of our approach 

is in this newsletter on page 13. I 

want to say thank you to Jeanette 

James, Marion Holder and the 

Project Development committee 

for spearheading our work in the 

new focus area. 

Here’s to a fabulous year! 

FAX (206) 324-0811 

Vision Statement 

www.jrleagueseattle.org 

Shaping the Future of Community Service through Voluntarism, 

impact@jrleagueseattle.org 

Training and Leadership. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MANAGEMENT COUNCIL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 

SUSTAINER COUNCIL 

PRESIDENT 

PRESIDENT-ELECT 

Linnea Fichter 

DIRECTOR 

Natalie Bowman 

Renee Hartnett 

Beth Cosker 

PRESIDENT-ELECT 

TRESURER-ELECT 

MANAGER 

Renee Hartnett 

Carleton English 

INTERNAL PUBLICATIONS 

Laura Garcia Pendergrast 

COMMITTEE 

TREASURER 

SECRETARY 

Jennifer Loy 

Jill Jackson 

Chris Lewis 

Danielle Loesch, Chair Marilee Ahalt 

SECRETARY 

NOMINATING MANAGER Ginger Ahn 

Electa Anderson 

Mary Ingraham 

Martha Belmont 

Ginger Carter 

Elizabeth Arganian 

Michelle Coe 

SUSTAINER DIRECTOR 

MEMBERSHIP MANAGER 

Carolyn Bender 

Beth Cosker 

Katie Betz 

Susan Evani 

Patti Betz 

Caitlin Haedicke 

Darcy Dawson 

NOMINATING DIRECTOR 

COMMUNITY MANAGER 

Amy Cunningham Stacy Chalfont 

Staci Hatcher 

Patty Flynn 

Leah Knowles 

Cindy Forrest 

Ashley Baerwaldt 

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER 

Devki RajGuru 

Michelle Cahill 

Linnea Fichter 

Amy Fortier 

CONTRIBUTORS 

Susan Georgulas 

Heather Goldsmith 

OUTREACH MANAGER 

Meghan Hardy 

Jeanette James 

Heidi Rogers 

Christine Heine 

Amy Cunningham Arden Hofler 

Jessica Schneller 

FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT 

Caitlin Echleberger JoAnne Jones 

MANAGER 

Kate King 

Pamela Jacobson 

Jill Keto 

Julie Westerman 

Bonnie Larson 

SUSTAINER MANAGER 

Andrea Mann 

Laura Garcia 

Pendergrast 

Mariah Mason 

Christine Miller 

FUNDRAISING MANAGER 

Carole Ann Milton 

Rebecca Wilson 

Sally Onetto 

Judy Lynn Rice 

Heidi Sadler 

Karen Sehrer 

Stephanie Selin 

Faith Sheridan 

Kara Stout 

Tricia Tiano 

2 FALL 2010 | JRLEAGUESEATTLE.ORG FALL 2010 | JRLEAGUESEATTLE.ORG 3

Contents & News 

A Letter from the President 

Junior League Info 

Contents & News 

Calendar Recap 

Calendar of Events 

President-Elect Letter 

Short Blurbs 

Board of Director Profiles 

Member Profiles 

Member News 

WEDDINGS 

BIRTHS 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

8 

9 

10 

12 

Natalie Migliarini to Jonathan Jewett on June 5th 

Sara Wood to Josh Halpin on July 10th 

Natalie Bow to Jake Bowman on September 3rd 

Laura Myers & Mark Myers welcome Elisabeth 

“Betsy” Myers, born January 10th 

Shanna Woo Ganem & Damon Ganem welcome 

Liam Mekhi Woo Ganem, April 8th 

Chris Lewis & Matt Lewis welcome Tilton Lynn 

Lewis, born April 23rd 

Colleen Pearce & Steve Pearce welcome Samantha 

Grace Pearce, born June 6th 

Noelle Nelson & Chris Nelson welcome Hannah 

Rose Nelson, born June 28th 

Heather Swerk & Ben Swerk welcome Elizabeth 

Muldary Swerk, born June 13th 

Wendy Gibbons & Tim Gibbons welcome Brooke 

Bailey Gibbons, born July 2nd 

Applause 

Save the Date: Premier Event! 

Provisional Class 

Northwest Art 

JLS Scholarship Winner 

New Focus Area Update 


A Personal Story 

PROMOTIONS AND OTHER LIFE EVENTS 

Please send birth, wedding and other announcements to the office – your jls friends want 

to see!! Please send electronic announcements to impact@jrleagueseattle.org. 

14 

15 

16 

18 

22 

24 

25 

26 

Sarah Mosley & Greg Bucci welcome Dominic James 

Bucci, born July 13th 

Christine Treece & Bart Treece welcome Weston 

Jacob Treece, born September 1st 

Kelley McLaughlin & Hughes McLaughlin welcome 

Elizabeth-May Hale McLaughlin, born Sept. 10th 

Emily Garnish & Jamie Garnish welcome Sinclair 

Garnish, born September 10th 

Annie Shimotakahara & Tim Shimotakahara 

welcome Ryan Hudson Shimotakahara, born Sept. 17th 

Jeanette James received a promotion, she is 

now the Director of Admission & Advancement 

at Seattle Girls’ School! 

Amanda Venier is launching a new business, 

Iona Pathways – congrats! 

Calendar Recap 

Sustainers at May Celebration 

Jenny Diamond & Elizabeth Reilly 

Sustainer Garden Club on an outing 

May Celebration thank yous 

Leadership at May Celebration 

Members at the Sustainer Director Brunch 

DSB Award winner, Micki Flowers (middle) with trainer 

Vicki Clark & Elizabeth Arganian 


Calendar of Events 

Indicates Sustainer Event. 

OCTOBER 

Training – Social Media 101 

OCTOBER 25, 2010 | 6:30 PM 

Microsoft City Center Plaza 555 – 110th Avenue NE, Bellevue 

If Facebook were a country it would be the world’s 3rd largest 

with 500 million users. Britney Spears and Oprah Winfrey 

have more followers on Twitter than the entire population of 

Austria. Social Media has changed the way we communicate 

with one another. The power of an online community can build a 

global awareness for a brand, a cause, and organization and even 

an individual. This workshop will first focus on giving a brief 

overview on the different types of Social Media. You’ll learn tips 

on how to create an online following though social media tools, 

such as Facebook and Twitter, as it relates to social networking. 

Go to www.jrleagueseattle.org for more info and to RSVP 

“Ears & Wigs” Halloween Happy Hour 

OCTOBER 29, 2010 | 4:00 - 8:00 PM 

Vito’s Restaurant & Lounge, 9th & Madison, Downtown Seattle 

Disguise yourself in a crazy wig or prosthetic ears and join JLS 

for Happy Hour! Sponsored by Georgetown Brewing Company 

and Vito’s Restaurant & Lounge tbd 

NOVEMBER 

Training – Creating a Fund Development Plan 

NOVEMBER 3, 2010 | 6:30 PM 

Epiphany Parish of Seattle, 1805 38th Avenue, Seattle 

Come to this engaging training about fund development and 

how to help your organization make the ask for needed funds. 

Janet Boguch, a recognized speaker who founded Non-Profit 

Works, will speak to us about how to make a compelling ask 

for funding and support. We will also learn how to engage top 

donors, develop new and meaningful ways to thank donors and 

how to engage all those in your organization to be on board for 

success. Go to www.jrleagueseattle.org to RSVP. 

LeaderSIP Town Hall 

NOVEMBER 4, 2010 | 6:30 – 8:00 PM 

JLS Office 

Join our leadership team for an informal Town Hall 

to hear your thoughts and ideas on how we can make JLS a 

household name. 

Sustainer Council 

NOVEMBER 10, 2010 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 

jls Office 

Training – Choosing a Board 

NOVEMBER 10, 2010 | 6:30 PM 

Epiphany Parish of Seattle, 1805 38th Avenue, Seattle 

Go to www.jrleagueseattle.org for more info and to RSVP 

Sustainer Book Club 

NOVEMBER 11, 2010 | 10:00 – 11:30 AM 

“The Moonflower Vine” by Jetta Careton - please contact Karen 

Sehrer, 206-940-2530, karensehrer@comcast.net or Sally 

Casey 425-455-1309, jjc6263s@msn.com 

Tory Burch Shopping Party 

NOVEMBER 11, 2010 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM 

Tory Burch – The Shops at the Bravern, 110th Avenue NE, Bellevue 

Join the Junior League of Seattle for an exclusive shopping 

event at Tory Burch at the Braven. Attendees with enjoy hosted 

cocktails and appetizers while experiencing a mini fashion 

show and preview of the Tory Burch holiday collection, lauching 

in November. 

Not only will 10% of all purchases made during the event go to 

the Junior League of Seattle, but all member shoppers will also 

receive an additional 10% discount off full-priced merchandise. 

Make a purchase during the event and you’ll be entered to win a 

Tory Burch tote bag. 

November Unit Meetings 

NOVEMBER 14-20, 2010 | various 

Various locations 

Join your fellow members for informal group discussions and 

League updates in member homes and at the JLS office. 

DECEMBER 

Nordstrom Shopping Event & December GM 

DECEMBER 5, 2010 | TBD 

Nordstrom, 6th & Pine, Downtown Seattle 

Shop ‘til you drop as we unveil the new President-Elect! 

Sustainer Book Club 

DECEMBER 9, 2010 | 10:00 – 11:30 AM 

Bellevue Public Library, 1003 Lincoln Road, Bellevue 

“Little Bee” by Chris Cleave - please contact Karen Sehrer, 206- 

940-2530, karensehrer@comcast.net or Sally Casey 425-455- 

1309, jjc6263s@msn.com 

Pilot Project New Year’s Eve Event 

DECEMBER 31, 2010 | TBD 

Go to www.jrleagueseattle.org for more details! 

Leadership Information Sessions 

JANUARY 6, 10, 13, 20 & 26, 2011 | 6:30 – 9:30 PM 

JLS Office 

Informational Sessions for members interested in learning 

more about Chair and Vice Chair positions. Time slots will 

be posted in the eBlasts; sign up online through December 

and January. Members should sign up early as these sessions 

will be by appointment only and they are on a first come, first 

scheduled basis. 

Sustainer Council 

JANUARY 12, 2011 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 

jls Office 

All-Day Training 

JANUARY 22, 2011 | 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM 

Get all your training credits for the year in one day! Choose 

from a variety of topics, including Developing a Great Mentor 

System, Best Negotiation Practices and Strategic Planning 101. 

Go to www.jrleagueseattle.org for more info and to RSVP. 

January General Meeting (Voting) 

JANUARY 18, 2011 | 6:30 PM 

TBD 

Our mandatory voting meeting in January. Details at www. 

jrleagueseattle.org 

6 FALL 2010 | JRLEAGUESEATTLE.ORG FALL 2010 | JRLEAGUESEATTLE.ORG 7 

JANUARY 

FEBRUARY 

Training – Determining the Best JLS Path for You 

FEBRUARY 1, 2011 | 6:30 PM 

Dorsey & Whitney, 701 Fifth Avenue, Suite 6100, Seattle 

Wondering how to choose your next JLS placement? Do you 

want to be inspired? Use your current skills? This training 

will help you find the best JLS path for you. Go to www. 

jrleagueseattle.org for more info and to RSVP 

Northwest Exchange 

FEBRUARY 4-6, 2011 | TBD 

Save the Date for Northwest Exchange in Seattle! We are 

hosting this motivating training that attracts attendees from 

Leagues across our region. We will highlight our community 

involvement and positive role models in an innovative way, 

while encouraging an open and thoughtful exchange of ideas 

that provide a roadmap for implementation. Keep up-to-date 

with twitter @NWXSeattle or send an email to NWXSeattle@ 

jrleagueseattle.org. Registrations will be available in November. 

Training – Women in the Workplace 

FEBRUARY 9, 2011 | 6:30 PM 

Microsoft City Center Plaza 555 – 110th Avenue NE, Bellevue 

Explore why and how some women’s careers are on the fast 

track while others stagnate. Learn how to stay on the fast track, 

and how to reach your goals. This is a must attend training for 

women who are entering the workplace or trying to find ways 

to grow within their careers. Go to www.jrleagueseattle.org for 

more info and to RSVP 

Premier Event - All That Glitters! 

FEBRUARY 12, 2011 | TBD 

Four Seasons Hotel, 1st & Union, Downtown Seattle 

Our annual auction and gala--always a sell-out, make sure to get 

your tickets early. More details on page 15 and online at www. 

jrleagueseattle.org 

Junior Leagues of Washington Capitol Days 2011 

FEBRUARY 20–21, 2011 | TBD 

Olympia, WA 

This two-day training features advocacy-focused workshops 

and speakers with Junior League members from around 

the state. Attendees receive one training credit for each 

day attended. Look for more information in future eBlasts 

and on the Advocacy Committee website. E-mail advocacy@ 

jrleagueseattle.org with additional questions. 

APRIL 

JLS Impact Day 

APRIL 9, 2011 | TBD 

Save the date for our annual day of service! Location and details 

TBD.

President-Elect: Renee Hartnett Short Blurbs 

The 2010–2011 Junior League year is off and running! Similar to years 

past, this looks to be another exciting time for the jls. There are new 

things coming out of each wing of the League that will have a positive 

impact on our community as well as our membership at large. I could 

not be more excited for what this year holds for us as a League! 

To begin with, on the Membership front, we are welcoming our largest 

Provisional class ever of 180 women. This is amazing on several levels, 

but most simply that year after year, we continue to draw in more 

and more talented and eager women who want to be a part of this 

organization. On the Community side we have nearly doubled our 

diad & LifeSkills committees in size and with that will be pairing up 

with a few new community partners and expanding our reach in the 

community this year. I’m excited about several new events that the 

Fundraising wing will be introducing and/or bringing back and the 

new approach that they are taking with the Annual Campaign (stay 

tuned!) Finally, we have the Communications team to thank for this 

beautiful new publication that we hope will not only be informative 

for our members, but also for our community partners and potential 

donors. And to think, all of this is just the tip of the iceberg of what our 

League of amazing women will accomplish this year. 

I truly look forward to celebrating the success of this year and 

encourage you each to take the time to do so as well. It is easy to get 

caught up in details and at times overlook the impact we are making. 

My hope is that across all committees and wings of the League we 

stop and take the time to recognize the work that we are doing and 

celebrate it! 

As with everything in life, your League experience is what you 

choose to make of it. If you want to be more engaged, engage yourself 

by attending new trainings and getting involved in more of our 

community work. I look forward to meeting those of you that I 

have yet to meet; please do not hesitate to introduce yourself to me 

throughout the year and here’s to a fabulous year ahead! 

Best, 

Renee 

We are all about changes, changes, 

changes this year at the League! 

Here is a recap of some: 


MAGAZINE 

If you haven’t noticed, we are launching a new 

magazine! We’ve heard from you: you want a 

content-rich publication with in-depth information 

on our community focus area, how we are making 

an impact, profiles of our members and partners, 

and information about how to get involved and 

make your voice heard. While this publication 

is replacing the LeagueSheet, we are keeping 

the sections that everyone loves – member 

news, applause, events, etc. Switching to such a 

content-rich publication takes a bit more time 

– to accomodate for that, this magazine will be 

published seasonally (4 times a year). We hope you 

will enjoy! Please send any comments, questions or 

feedback to impact@jrleagueseattle.org – we want 

to hear your thoughts! 

As part of the new magazine launch, everyone, 

regardless of publication preference, is receiving 

a copy. If you have set your preferences to online, 

that will default with the next issue. If you prefer to 

read the magazine online, please go to your profile 

at www.jrleagueseattle.org to change it. 

GREENBOOK 

We heard, we heard! You’d like to see member 

pictures with the contact information. We 

will provide! Look for your newly formatted, 

much slimmed-down Greenbook coming out 

in early November. Due to the large cost of 

printing the Greenbook, and our desire to be an 

environmentally responsible League, you’ll notice 

that we moved a lot of the content to our website 

and the magazine. Please look there for datespecific 

events, thank yous and our annual report 

(among other things!). If you want a list of people’s 

contact information in your area, please contact 

Courtney. 

To further reduce costs (money that can otherwise 

be spent on our community projects), please consider 

receiving the online version of the Greenbook. 

We’ll provide a link when it is ready—and as always, 

you can search the Member Directory online 24/7. 

There’s even an iphone application for that! To set 

your preferences, please go to your profile at 

www.jrleagueseattle.org or contact Courtney 

at the League office for help. 

E-BLAST 

This, too, is changing! The submission deadline for 

is friday for the following Wednesday. Please note, 

you must have a link for signups if your listing is a 

jls event. Each listing will only run twice – once 

as a “save the date” announcement, and again as a 

reminder right before the event (Sustainer events 

excepting). 

PROCUREMENT PROCESS 

We finally have one! Have you been stuck asking 

a company for a donation, only to find someone 

else beat you to it? Couldn’t find the right 

documents? Had the right documents, but with 

the wrong dates? Enter the brand-spanking new 

jls Procurement process!!! Before you procure 

anything, go to www.jrleagueseattle.org and 

fill out the “Procurement Request Form”. This is 

located in the member section of the website, under 

“Fundraising”. Once you submit your procurement 

request, Courtney will email you the right forms 

within 48 hours. Then ask away. Please contact the 

Fundraising Team with questions. Thanks!

Board of Director Profiles – Fall 2010 

AMY CUNNINGHAM 

This will be my sixth active year with the jls. In the beginning, having just 

moved to Seattle from San Francisco, I joined to meet new people, as well as 

to be a part of an organized collective that is continually giving back to the 

community. I think those reasons are still valid today. 

As a Board of Directors member, I have been tasked with the honor of working 

with an amazing team (Nominating Committee) to create the slate and select 

the President Elect Nominee. Our ongoing goal, as a Committee, is to support, 

inform and encourage existing and potential jls leaders. The Nominating 

Committee is currently working on creating a solution for grievance issues 

and establishing mentoring channels. It is my personal hope that each member 

views themselves as part of the whole, working together as a team for our 

mission and to be a constant source of inspiration for our members. 

On a personal note, I am happily married and have three kids, aged 7, 4 and 1. 

I love to bake, garden and spend time with friends. I also run and do yoga, and 

am a voracious reader. My personal goal is to witness my kids embrace selfsufficiency 

and use their own unique skills and talents for the greater good. 

ASHLEY BAERWALDT 

I was a Provisional in the jl of Memphis in 2004, then transferred to the jls in 

2005. I have been in the League for a total of 7 years. 

Initially, I joined to help out at St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis. I wanted to 

hold and rock sick babies, but could not fit the intensive training and time 

commitment St. Jude required of all volunteers into my busy work schedule 

(since I traveled almost 50% of the time). The jl of Memphis was the perfect 

solution. I was able to make a huge impact directly with the community within 

my own time constrains. Now that I stay at home with my children, I suppose 

my interests are a little different, but not much. I truly enjoy meeting incredible 

women with the common goals and interests as myself in community outreach. 

My goal as a jls Board member this year is to be present and available to all of 

membership. Additionally, I would like to be a part of expanding the Strategic 

Plan to include identifying a substantial visionary goal, such as building or 

finding a locale to exhibit our art collection for visitors. The League is never 

short on fantastic ideas, but we could improve upon setting our vision and 

completing those goals, even if they are 5-10 years out. 

I am a mother of two children, a 3 ½ year old and one that’s 11 months 

old. I could not be as active and involved in the jls if it were not for the 

encouragement and support of my amazing husband of 5 years, Craig. When 

I have free time I enjoy cooking, traveling, dining, tennis, gardening and 

spending time with friends. 

I have a personal bucket list: To make my own wine. I want to teach high school 

calculus, chemistry or physics. Having studied engineering at Texas a&m, I 

really enjoy problem solving and teaching. And, I would love to write a cookbook 

for kids and/or host a cooking show for kids, by kids. 

MICHELLE CAHILL 

This will be my 7th year in the jls. I joined in 2004 because I had just moved 

back home to Seattle from San Francisco and I wanted to get involved again 

in Community Service. However, after I joined the League, I have been most 

attracted to our Training and Leadership Development opportunities. This 

aspect of the League truly sets us apart from the other non-profits in our 

community - and I feel lucky to have the opportunity to volunteer and become a 

better leader at the same time. 

At this point in my League career, my goal as a Board member is to continue 

to inspire our new members to be effective and happy volunteers in the 

community. In the same token, it is my goal to help re-energize our more 

seasoned members, who may have forgotten all the many benefits our 

membership has to offer. A collective, happy and engaged membership is vital to 

the success and future of our organization. I hope to help inspire and create an 

atmosphere of passion and fun! 

Married to my best friend and high school sweetheart, Shawn, we have an 

adorable little boy who is almost 2 years old. I love to play tennis, water ski, 

snow ski and travel. Too bad those hobbies often take a back seat to playing with 

our son, but he is so much fun and well worth it! 

A few things I’d like to still do are going on an African safari, running another 

marathon after kids (which is quite different than before kids) and growing old 

with tons of grandkids! 


Member Profiles – Fall 2010 

SUSTAINER PROFILE: BONNIE LARSON 

One of Bonnie Larson’s memorable experiences was being Vice-Chair of the 

Community Task Force in 2000. Unlike most years when the League embarks 

on researching the focus area, nonprofit partners were unavailable to talk 

about community needs as they were tied up with the recent 9/11 tradgedy. The 

committee brainstormed alternate ways of collecting that information and 

reversed their strategy; instead of round tables or town hall discussions they 

talked directly with people like the Dean of Social Work at the University of 

Washington, a Superior Court Judge working in Juvenile Justice, etc. Through 

these interviews, they discovered real needs for services to children in foster 

care and for after school programs. 

Other memorable experiences were serving for two years as Chair of the Dorothy 

Stimpson Bullitt Award Selection Committee, and getting to know Dee Dickenson 

through the process (even sitting with her in New Orleans as she accepted the 

Mary Harriman Award!), serving as Vice-President in 2007, and as Sustainer 

Director of Community Programs as an active. When thinking about her League 

experience, Bonnie believes in the League’s vision of training women leaders. For 

her, the League “catapulted me into leadership when I thought ‘I can’t do this’. 

Well, I did!” She found the attitude was encouraging, “Do your best, learn as you 

go along, and practice it. We’re behind you. The League made me a leader.” 

So what is she doing now? Apart from spending time with her three sons and 

three grandchildren and their families, she is a Docent for SAM, lecturing on the 

Picasso exhibit, is spearheading the Sustainer Garden Club, and sits on several 

nonprofit boards, including the Governor’s Mansion Foundation (which helps 

preserve the building and art at the Mansion for the public). She also served on 

the board of the Pacific Northwest Region of the Metropolitan Opera Auditions, 

which gives students in 5 states the opportunity to audition for the Opera—even if 

not selected, many go on to very prominent opera houses or young artists training 

programs, a chance that otherwise wouldn’t be available if it weren’t for such a 

high-profile audition. How cool! 

ACTIVE PROFILE: KELLEY GARRETT 

Kelley Garrett is an Active and has been with the jls for eight years. She is 

currently one of the two President’s Assistants, which is a non-voting position 

on the Board of Directors. Her role is to support President Natalie Bowman with 

whatever tasks she needs throughout the year, and to leverage her jls experience 

in an advisory capacity as needed. 

Kelly has worked as an International Stock Plan Manager at Microsoft for ten years. 

She’s also involved in several other professional organizations in Seattle and loves to 

travel, especially in Europe. She was married in Italy last September, is a huge dog 

lover, and is a recent “mom” to her 5 month old Bernese Mountain Dog, Baron. 

How did Kelley get to where she is today in the jls? “I have always taken 

advantage of the leadership opportunities the jls has to offer, having served 

in leadership for each of my seven years, says Kelley. “I am a huge proponent of 

leadership - this is what has kept me engaged and connected to the jls.” 

Kelley started out as Board Secretary her first active year and then moved 

into training-first on ltc – a leadership training committee and then as a 

Training Chair. Kelley reflects, “I then had the amazing opportunity to serve as 

Provisional Vice Chair and Chair.” Her past two years were spent as a member of 

the Nominating Committee and most recently as Nominating Director. 

Kelley is a great example of someone who has taken full advantage of all the jls 

has to offer. She concurs, “The jls to me is an incredible opportunity to take on 

challenges and share experiences with dynamic and inspiring women. jls has 

been invaluable in enabling me to grow both personally and professionally.” 

PROVISIONAL PROFILE: VALINA McKINNON 

Valina is a Product Developer for Consumer Products at bda, a branded 

marketing material company out in Woodinville. A native of the Seattle 

area, she’s known about Junior League since college, and joining was always 

somewhere at the back of her mind. 

Two years ago, her friend, Shannon Corbin (current active jls member), 

suggested they look into joining together. Valina admits there was a general 

misconception about how to join the league – by invitation or sponsorship only 

– that delayed her joining sooner. “I’ve always liked how the organization is so 

civic minded, focusing on women and children, and the empowerment of both”, 

Valina says. “I had participated in other volunteer events where I kept running 

into jls members, so I did some research and joined!” 

Part of the Harmonia small group, encompassing Lynnwood, Kirkland and 

Bothell, Valia is intrigued by the Leadership branch, but hopes to learn most 

from the Fundraising arm of jls. “Admittedly, this is one area that kind of 

scares me, but I hope to gain the proficiency to be able to confidently ask for 

money for such great causes.” 

When asked to put into words what joining the jls means to her, Valina says, 

“I love the sense of community, and the ability to connect to areas that I never 

knew about before. I also like knowing that I will learn the skills to be able to 

make an effect in those areas going forward.” 


Applause! 

Thanks to the following individuals who went above and beyond the call of duty. 

Much gratitude and applause to you! 

• Staci Lille for the Sustainer Cocktail 

Party at DeLille Cellars. 

• Natalie Bowman for including 

Sustainer Council in the jls 

rebranding discussion. 

• Tricia Tiano, Bonnie Marshall & the 

nw Art Committee for launching the 

nw Art collection at the Bellevue 

Art Museum. 

• Britta Jones & the Provisional 

Committee for organizing a successful 

Rebuilding Together Project. 

• Taryn Pennau for spearheading a 

successful new project with 

Open Arms. 

• Celeste Donahoe and her team for 

taking Cookbooks and running with it. 

• Kellea Williams & Jen Gill for 

phenomenal work in producing an 

awesome Provisional Retreat. 

• Jill Jackson & Jenny Diamond for 

making the Treasury transition 

seamless, and helping Membership 

with all the gory details. 

• Courtney Laguio – for taking over all 

that is jls and rocking it! 

• Devki RajGuru, Susan Evani and Leah 

Knowles for making this first magazine 

issue happen! 

• The Provisional Committee, including 

Ally Athay, Dani Carson, Jen Gill and 

Tanya Goodman – you are awesome! 

Thank you for all your hard work with 

organizing the Provisional Kickoff 

Cocktail Party! 

• Jennifer Porto for stepping up into 

leadership, and for securing fantastic 

new venues for events this year. 

• Lora Lee for planning the Discover 

Wine event – it was a huge success! 

• Kate King for stepping in and 

managing the Storm Game – we 

received great recognition and the 

kids had fun! 

• Amanda Venier and Elizabeth Reilly 

for re-vamping the training program 

and offering more flexible options - 

great job! We appreciate it! 

League Updates 

Annual Campaign: It’s All About YOU 

By Julie Westerman, Annual Campaign Chair 

We all know about the requirement: every active member must give at least $1 towards the Annual Campaign. 

But why? First, the Annual Campaign contributes between 15-20% of the Leagues annual dollars, which 

helps the League support new programs and partnerships, especially as we expand our focus area to include 

Educating and Empowering Women and Children. Second, having 100% participation sends a strong signal to 

our community partners, potiential donors, and especailly nonprofit grantors, that our members care about 

the organization and are committed to its mission through our pocketbooks. (Some Foundations even require 

that nonprofits have a 100% giving rate before even being considered for a grant.) Finally, the Junior League 

is first and foremost a training organization, and requiring a gift to the Annual Campaign not only reinforces 

the practice within our ranks, but instilles the habit in our members so they continue to contribute to other 

organizations once they sit on theirboards. 

You can leverage your dollars by participating in your corporate giving program, if your company has one. 

Last year alone, corporate matches totaled over $16,000 in extra revenue for the League. By participating in 

your company’s matching gifts programs, you ensure that the League receives the full benefit of your time 

and financial support. Please contact the Annual Campaign Committee at annualcampaign@jrleagueseattle. 

org to see if your company participates. You can also find a list of companies that have participated in recent 

years on our website. Finally, you can contribute through your company’s United Way Pledge Drive. Select 

Seattle Junior League #91-0515069 as the beneficiary to ensure that we receive your designation. 

And, you ask, why now? Any gifts you contribute this year (through December 31, 2010) are deductible on this 

year’s return, so don’t delay! As an added bonus, anyone who contribures before December 1, 2010 will ALSO 

be entered in a drawing to receive a $150 Nordstrom gift card to use at the Nordstrom Shopping event on 

December 5th. The winner will be announced that night (so you must be present to win). 

Save the Date: February 12, 2011! 

YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR 13th ANNUAL GALA 

All that Glitters 

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2011 FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, SEATTLE 

We welcome a new sponsor this year! For five generations, Ben Bridge has been committed to offering the 

finest jewelry and unsurpassed personal service at the best value. They are a local, family-run company that 

has been reaching out to the Seattle community since 1912. They are excited to partner with us this year, and 

we are thrilled to have them on board! Visit www.benbridge.com for the latest trends, including their new 

fragrance, or follow them on twitter -- @BenBridgeGirl. Please let them know we appreciate their support! 


2010–2011 Provisional Class 

MEMBER STATS FOR THIS UPCOMING JLS YEAR: 

382 Active Members 

101 Emeritus Members 

180 Provisional Members 

708 Sustainer Members 

1,371 Total Members 

NOTE FROM KELLEA WILLIAMS, PROVISIONAL CHAIR: 

“Welcome 2010-2011 Provisionals! We are so excited 

to get to know you, work with you and guide you 

throughout this year.” 

Incoming Provisional Class of 2010–2011: 

Masha Bobrovskaya 

Tiffany Greco 

Sheena Murphy 

Leslee Weidenbach 

Rebecca Weaver 

Sarah Snider 

Amber Landies 

Mary Ellen Jilek 

Susan Sermons 

Stacy Kowalchuk 

Jennifer Harnish 

Katie Dunn 

Katie Kirkendall 

Caroline Robison 

Sara Patteson 

Jamie Williams 

Christi Olson 

Natalie Engel 

Tara Coffland 

Meghan McNaughten 

Archer 

Anna Davis 

Stefanie Rabay 

Kristen Graham 

Kelli McSherry 

Minda Brusse 

Jen Delong 

Christi Gerhardt 

Susan Challancin 

Ashley Clements 

Melissa Kreptul 

Mary Meredith 

Kimberly Brush 

Kim Thompson 

Anna Del Toro 

Liz Fairbanks 

Karen James 

Tae Kim 

Blair Ostrem 

Angela Pirkle 

Melanie Riddick 

Amy Rosenfield 

Katie Tolan 

Tina Tullus 

Ann Zech 

Farrah Zemke 

Whitney Pauley 

Amy Rushforth 

Stephanie Ries 

Jessica Anderson 

Lisa Simon 

Laura Keane 

Kat Taylor 

Adjua Dupree 

Ky Tan 

Emily Bedont 

Shannon Hunter- 

Kennedy 

Marie Henson 

Mallory Heritage 

Alexandra Torrance 

Okner 

Theresa Falcon 

Glatstein 

Carolyn Korfiatis 

Jessica Rubie 

Emily Streutker 

Kendra Bergstrom 

Laureen Hoo 

Laura Biege 

Nicole Edwards 

AngelaAllen 

Erica Buckley 

Monika Selnar 

Katherine Lowry 

Nicole Pietromonaco 

Heidi Hughes 

Ivy Wilson 

Lauren Beers 

Sara Stewart 

Jodie Davis 

Hilary Doherty 

Molly Dulmage 

Denise Stockwell 

Valina McKinnon 

Danielle Yedinak 

Jennifer Langbehn 

Toy Norwood 

Kristin Devlin 

Kris Benassi 

Laura Marchbanks 

Lindsay Carrara 

Claire Coburn 

Andrea Collins 

Lisa Crawford 

Amanda Foley 

Grace Gyurkey 

Brenna Holscher 

Tiffany Lee 

Megan Randleman 

Kristy Stell 

CorinnaSullivan 

Lyssa Thompson 

Hillary Evans 

Shannon Lee Bruce 

Brooke Davis 

Jill Richmond 

Courtney Fuller 

Brooke Thacker 

Molly Zeaske 

continued 

Tess Tabor 

Jenny Rogers Hurst 

Stephanie Garnett 

Nicola Kaye 

Amber Eckert 

Carly Bridge 

Carolyn Robbs 

Kristen Korthuis 

Kate Chaiarella 

Naomi Otto Berry 

Effie True 

Margaret Elliott 

Charm Wrencher 

Amanda Chapman 

Marisa Jenkins 

Kelly Singer 

Serena Xiong 

Alex Chaffee 

Marne Franck 

Malorie Hilscher 

Carol Virkelyst 

Michaela Baylous 

Melissa White 

Katie Ehrmantraut 

Trina Beade 

Julia Rachlin 

Heidi Nierman 

Amy Beatty 

Nancy Clark 

Elizabeth Rampson 

Lauren Baltzell 

Anne Stavrica 

Hayley Kirst 

Brittany Granger 

Saxon Green 

Alexa Licata 

Meghan Murphy 

Devon Parris 

Sarah Whittington 

Sally Lauren Nichols 

Vanessa Quiroz 

Jamie Nicely 

Harmony Mabrey 

Heather Kleiner 

Taryn Bishop 

Lindsay LeVeque 

Shara Smith 

Kristin S. Olson 

Jackie LePage 

Julie Rytand 

Megan Martin 

Hayley Bowman 

(Hubert) 

Brianne Jackson 

Ali Wheat 

Susan Wassell 

Dede Torrez-Elston 

Kathryn Weber 

Samantha Chan 

Ana Martinez 

Desiree Trister 

Kellie Ann Chainier 

Heather Rogers 

Ashbach 

Kari Wuotila 

Amy Dowell 

Neha Nariya 

Monica Torrez 

Nisha Nariya 

Jill Olson 

Danielle Raub 

Hazelruth Adams 

Colleen Lee 

This year, the small groups are Greek Goddesses – 

Artemis, Athena, Calypso, Calliope, Chloe, Daphne, 

Demeter, Harmonia, Hera, Hestia, Iris, Maia, 

Persephone, Philia, Selene and Theia. 

Some quotes from our provisionals: 

HILARY DOHERTY 

Q. Why did you choose to join the 

Junior League? 

A. I choose to join Junior League because my mom was 

very active in Junior League when she was younger 

and she has always had such wonderful things to 

say about her experience. Junior League has such a 

wonderful reputation for its philanthropic work, its 

group of strong women and the impact it has on the 

community. I also think that it’s a great opportunity 

to meet like-minded women in the community that 

reside outside our normal social and work socials. 


continued 

SAXON GREEN 

Q. What does the Junior League of Seattle 

represent to you? 

A. To me, Junior League of Seattle represents an 

amazing group of women who believe in improving 

the community as well as improving themselves. I 

think that Junior League members are very socially 

engaged, love being involved, and enjoy interacting 

with each other while being service-minded. It is clear 

that Junior League of Seattle has a strong mission; 

which is upheld daily in a multitude of ways. 

MONICA TORREZ 

Q. What are you looking forward to most in 

your Junior League provisional year? 

A. I am looking forward to the training sessions so that 

I learn more about Junior League and the amazing 

service opportunities that are offered. I am also 

looking forward to gaining more skills and knowledge 

about community organizations, leadership, 

fundraising, development, etc.; all skills that will help 

me make a positive influence in my community.


Celebrating 50 Years of Northwest Art – 

BAM Exhibit and The Art of Discovery 

By Heidi Rogers & Staci Hatcher 

This year the Junior League of Seattle proudly 

celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the the 

Northwest Art Project, the League’s longest running 

community program. Since the program began 

in 1960, it has traveled to public and independent 

schools in the Puget Sound region, where it has 

been introduced to more than 250,000 students. 

Trained docents help the children understand and 

appreciate these original works of art during the 

several weeks they are exhibited at each school. 

The Northwest 

Art Project was 

the creation of 

Dee Dickinson, 

an innovative 

educator, civic 

leader, and jls 

member. She, 

and others in the 

jls, felt that it 

was important 

for local school 

DEE DICKINSON & FRIEND 

children and the 

community to become familiar with and be inspired 

by the unusually rich artistic environment here in 

the Northwest. What better way to teach children 

and volunteer docents about Northwest art than to 

provide firsthand experiences with original works? 

In 1960, the first paintings, prints, and drawings 

were selected by a jury of art professionals and 

purchased by the jls. The selected works were by 

well-known Northwest masters. As the project 

continued, new artworks were purchased to provide 

further examples of important Northwest art. 

Today, the jls Northwest Art Project consists of 

more than 75 pieces of original art, containing 

NW ART 50TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS 

CELEBRATING AT BAM 

a mixture of paintings, sculptures, prints, 

photographs, mixed media pieces, and glass art. 

Included in the jls’s Collection are artworks by 

recognized Northwest artists such as Guy Anderson, 

Kenneth Callahan, Dale Chihuly, William Cumming, 

Marita Dingus, Morris Graves, Helmi Juvonen, 

Paul Horiuchi, Fay Jones, Jacob Lawrence, Spike 

Mafford, Alden Mason, Sherry Markovitz, Penny 

Mulligan, Catherine Eaton Skinner, Norie Sato, 

Mark Tobey, George Tsutakawa, James Washington 

Jr., and many others. 

Our docents use a multi-sensory approach to 

share the art with children in small class settings. 

Students are invited to imagine not only what a 

piece of art looks like, but also how it might feel, 

smell, taste, or sound. They are also encouraged to 

create their own works of art inspired by what they 

see. This develops curiosity, higher-order thinking 

skills, and the ability to see projects through from 

beginning to end—all skills in high demand in the 

world today. 

This summer, the Junior League of Seattle, had 

the opportunity to partner with the Bellevue Art 

Museum to display the collection for the first time in 

a museum. The exhibit, open June through September, allowed children 

and adults to experience art in an interactive manner. The exhibit 

included magnifying glasses, touch screens, a computerized chalkboard, 

adaptive techniques, and hands-on activities. It was designed to 

promote learning, creativity, and the understanding an appreciation of 

art. The exhibit was greatly received by children and parents throughout 

the community. During the Bellevue Arts Fair, jls staffed a table at 

bam’s Kids Arts Fair, showcasing the exhibit and providing art activities 

related to pieces from our collection to over 11,000 children over three 

days. Rough estimates from bam tell us that more than 20,000 people 

had an opportunity see our exhibit during the summer of 2010. 

This November, we are proud to debut The Art of Discovery. This book is colorful, engaging and instructive 

whose purpose is to educate, stimulate and inspire young minds through vivid images of art created by 

significant artists represented in the Junior League of Seattle’s Northwest Art Project and provides the 

volunteer-based community program with an on-going fundraiser in which profits from the sale of the book 

will be returned to the community through funding of the Northwest Art Project. The books are available for 

purchase through the Junior League website, through the jls office, and will be sold in select retail locations. 

“RODEO RIDER” BY WILLIAM CUMMING 

“WOLF SPIRIT” BY LAWRENCE BECK 

KAREN SEHRER AND TRICIA TIANO 



NW Art: Impact! 

By Pamela Jacobson 

Our second day at Pathfinder K-8 was going well. 

We had finished talking about the art in Exhibit 4 

that this Sixth Grade class was interested in and 

had moved onto a drawing exercise. I gave the class 

an open-ended assignment: I asked them to draw 

something that represented happiness for them 

personally – it could be anything. For the sake 

of variety, I provided black paper & white chalk. 

(In some of the other classes we used black paper & 

colored chalk.) 

During the last 5 minutes of our approximately 40 

minutes together, I invited the students to come up 

to the front of the class and share what they drew 

& why. Not only did we always have volunteers, but 

we also usually ran out of time before everyone who 

wanted to speak had a chance. It was really exciting 

to listen to the inspirations behind their artwork! 

That the students felt willing to open up at all about 

their illustrations was surprising to me somehow. I 

THESE CREATIONS WERE INSPIRED BY ARTWORK “WOLF 

SPIRIT” BY LAWRENCE BECK (SEE PRIOR PAGE) 

KIDS ART FAIR 

expected peer pressure & fear to kick in. They were 

all so eager and courageous – both the performers 

and the first timers whose voice trembled & body 

got fidgety when they had reached their maximum 

time in front of an audience. I had them introduce 

themselves, discuss their work, and their peers 

in the room (after a gentle reminder) listened 

respectfully, knowing that they might be up 

there next. 

The following accounts did not happen in the same 

class or on the same day, but over the space of our 

four days at Pathfinder. If you ever wonder if you’re 

being successful in the work you do on the nw Art 

Committee, the following will resonate with you: 

The boy who was totally absorbed in writing in his 

journal from the moment he walked into the room, 

put the pen down at some point, started listening 

& picked up a piece of chalk when it came time to 

create. I was as excited to see that he was exploring 

another way to express his feelings as I was 

impressed with his passionate desire to write! 

Another young man didn’t leave the library when 

the period ended because he wasn’t done with his 

drawing. He drew through his next class, lunch, 

while the detention lunch crowd came into the 

library to eat with the Principal. He ended up 

missing lunch because he was in a creative zone that 

had to be seen through to completion. I had left the room to prepare 

for the next group after lunch during which time he had finished and 

had to continue to his next class. I heard that he was looking for me & 

wanted to show me the completed piece. Fortunately, we were able to 

connect later and discuss it. His focus was inspiring! 

There were fantastical accounts & geometric forms with no story; 

precise lines and smudged & blended spaces; animals and broken 

hearts (really). The range of artwork and general feeling of pride 

was wonderful. 

At the end of one of the classes, a teacher came up to us and said, “I just 

wanted to let you know that Steven* never really speaks much in class 

& has definitely never stood up and spoken in front of his class before. 

He is autistic. Know that you reached at least one kid today.” And then 

they were gone, and the next class was on its way in. I knew exactly who 

Steven was and was surprised to hear that he was new to speaking in 

front of an audience: he seemed so at ease today. 

* Name changed to protect privacy. 

VARIOUS PICTURES OF PATHFINDER’S 6TH GRADE CLASS DRAWING A PICTURE, THEN WET THE PAPER AND SEE WHAT 

HAPPENS TO THE INK/LINES” PROJECT WHICH WAS INSPIRED BY COYOTE’S “BLEEDING” LINES. ALSO VARIOUS PHOTOS 

OF THE CLASS CREATING WHITE & COLORED CHALK ON BLACK PAPER. 


Our 2010 Scholarship Winner 

Victoria M. Felgar is our scholarship winner. She is now in her second 

year at University of Washington-Tacoma. Here is her update from last 

year’s classes! Enjoy. 

What is one thing that attending college has opened your 

mind to? How has this enriched your college experience? 

Oh my stars for my first year of college, I would defiantly have to say 

that I discovered many new experiences that I had not received from 

high school. But the one thing that I have to say that really opened 

my mind to is the all the staff and students who are all very friendly 

and made college much for adjustable for me to get used too. I like to 

be able to go and talk to someone and know that they will always keep 

an open mind and always try to help me whenever I ask. I like how 

people at my college do not judge and they accept you for who you are. 

It makes everything so much more comfortable. 

When faced with a challenging situation, how have you 

motivated yourself to persevere and stay on track? 

At first, I do have to say that in college this year, I have been faced 

with many challenges for instance keeping up with all the homework 

readings and writing papers. I also visit a psychologist who gives me 

the extra encouragement to go on when I face some hard times and so 

far it has helped. I like to be able to talk with someone who knows how 

to deal with personal issues. I have been used to going to a counselor 

for the past 4 and a half years so through college, I noticed I needed to 

go back and let my feelings out and I am so happy my college provides 

a counselor that I can have this opportunity again. Just like I said to 

my school counselor, the best way to help me get through the toughest 

challenges is repeating to myself that I will continue to go on and 

finish up my college career because I am destined to move forward and 

learn how to forget some of my difficulties in the past. She also taught 

me to always make a list of things to do so I wouldn’t forget and that 

way I can get all my thoughts down on paper, and so far this technique 

has helped. 

What was your most significant learning experience from 

this past school year (keep in mind lessons learned in or 

outside of the classroom)? 

The most significant learning experience I gained was what I received 

from out of my core class this quarter that was Intro to Humanities, 

where everyone in the class had to get in groups of four, and create a 

film that would be shown at the end of the quarter as our final. Each 

group member had to pick a position that would like to be during 

the film process which was the camera crew, producer, director, or 

editor. So I decided to step out of my comfort zone and be the director 

(sometimes I am pretty shy). Our theme had to be something that was 

relevant to the class readings so our chosen theme was, Gentrification 

in Tacoma – Capital Reinvestment. I am so pleased with how the video 

turned out my professor told me at the end of the final viewing, that I 

totally nailed it and I did a great job directing the film. The director 

position was difficult at first because I seemed to become a little too 

bossy, but it paid off and my group members were very pleased with 

how I chose the perfect locations for shots and scheduled and made 

appointments for interviews to reinforce the theme of our video. The 

finished product made me feel so good that I kept thinking wow; I just 

made an impact on the viewers and really brought the message across 

so easily. The video ended up to be 8 minutes long, which was perfect 

because the range was supposed to be 4 to 11 minutes long. Anyway, 

if anyone is interested in see the video, I have it linked onto YouTube, 

just contact me and I’ll send the link. 

What are your plans for the summer? (working, internship, 

summer program, etc.) 

My plans for the summer is to work full time at subway near my home 

and save up money for the upcoming year of college. I especially love 

to travel and right now, I have plans for the end of June to go with a 

friend to l.a. for vacation for a week. And then when I am back at home, 

I would like to take a couple of road trips to some lakes to go swimming 

up in the mountains with my friends and family. I met a real good 

friend named Robin at college this year and we talked about summer 

plans and so she and I will be doing a lot of swimming and taking her 

family’s boat out in the water and do some water tubing. Other than 

that, working will be taking up a lot of my time. 

If after graduation you could work anywhere you wanted, 

doing whatever you wanted to do, where would you work 

and what would you do? 

Well my dream first of all is move to another state where there is a 

lot more sun and blue skies. Whatever that state may be, I would like 

to work at a medical center as a clinical psychologist so that is close 

to where I would be living. As a clinical psychologist, I will have the 

opportunity to help people with mental needs such as troops returning 

from war, and people suffering with severe personal dilemmas. I also 

want to minor in International Relations because I love politics and 

traveling and I could use my learned skills as I travel the world one day 

and then I would have a clearer understanding of the governments I 

will be dealing with as I go into other countries. 


League Updates 

Focus Area Update 

By Susan Evani 

We all get the question now and again, “So what does the Junior 

League of Seattle do?” The new short answer is, “The jls focuses on 

the education and empowerment of women and children.” There’s 

more to it than that of course. The jls has begun to implement a new 

focus area, and here is where we are in the process. 

In January, members voted on the high-level focus area of 

“empowerment of women and children”. The next step is research, 

which President Natalie Bowman and President-Elect Renee Hartnett 

are working on, along with the Board, Management Council and the 

Community Wing. It’s one of the biggest challenges our leadership is 

facing this year. “Implementing the new focus is going to take time,” 

says Renee Hartnett. “This will be a year of research for us, and where 

we will try out a few new partnerships through our community groups 

such as diad and LifeSkills.” 

The jls is moving from a project based community influence towards 

an issues based influence. This allows us to make a sustainable 

difference in the community, a major reason why some members 

join. This is also in-line with changes at the national level, what the 

Association of Junior Leagues International (ajli) is beginning to 

implement. The jls is stepping up and getting in pace with what’s 

going on in the world of volunteerism and community service. 

The research structure is multi tiered and a proven ajli process, 

called ‘Issue based community impact’. The method involves drilling 

through several levels to come up with a long-term solution that’s 

viable not just for the jls, but our community at large. This process 

helps identify both the broad issue we are focusing on as well as the 

specific results we are seeking to accomplish; versus jumping right 

to choosing what projects we want to do or partners we want to work 

with. (See Fig. 1) 

In the end, this research process will help bring lasting change to 

the jls as we decide which areas within the focus that the jls will 

concentrate on in the future. Renee agrees, “While this process is 

going to take some time to implement, in the long run it’s going to 

give us a focus that we have not previously had, and it will truly allow 

our members to highlight the amazing work we are doing in the 

community.” 

Fig. 1 

topic: Defines a broad area 

of interest 

exampLe: Children & Youth 

iSSue: Identifies a particular 

interest within the topic 

exampLe: Foster Care 

focuS: A particular aspect of 

the issue selected for impact 

exampLe: Aging out of 

foster care 

impact area: Broadest definition 

of the results/changes/ 

outcomes we 

are seeking 

exampLe: Ensure that youth, 

aging out of foster care, 

have access to healthy 

lifestyle options 

StrategieS: More detailed 

objectives of the impact area 

exampLe: Increase the number 

of foster children applying for 

college and scholarships by x% 

tacticS: The projects 

exampLe: Conduct courses and/ 

or deli to foster care, highschool 

aged youth, on how to 

apply for college & various 

college scholarships 


By Amy Cunningham 

I recently sat down with Natalie 

Bowman, Junior League of Seattle 

(jls) President, and talked a bit 

about the new brand and logo. I 

was continually fascinated by the 

brand building process and depth 

of thoughtful planning that went 

into the research and development 

of the new Junior League of Seattle 

logo. The following q&a includes 

highlights from our conversation. 

Q. Why is brand so important 

for an organization? 

A. A logo and brand represent 

a non-verbal symbol of who 

we are and what we do. For a 

substantial group of people 

outside of our organization, 

the logo communicated a set 

of values and ideas that did not 

appropriately reflect who jls is 

today. When asked, “What do you 

think this organization does?” 

while looking at our old logo, 

most people responded: “I think 

it’s a government organization or 

perhaps a youth group.” The goal 

was to communicate that we are a 

strong group of women, catalysts 

for lasting community change. 

We have to push through the social 

misconceptions of those outside of 

our organization. Many still view 

the jls as a social club and that is 

a challenge on many levels. Our 

jls works hard and sees itself as 

an extremely dedicated volunteer 

group. The foundation of the 

logo expresses our core values 

of leadership, growth, outreach, 

dedication and compassion. 

Q. Why did the Board decide 

to pursue the idea to change 

the JLS Logo? 

A. The jls logo has changed many 

times throughout our history; we’ve 

had our previous logo for almost 

20 years. jls needed a logo that 

clearly communicated who we are 

as an organization to potential 

community partners and donors 

outside of our general membership. 

The new logo makes the 

organization relevant and lasting, 

with a solid foundation that will not 

require substantial redesign in 

the future. 

Q. Tell me about the team that 

worked on the brand build 

and who was involved. 

A. jls selected Urban Influence, 

a Seattle based brand company to 

work collaboratively with the jls 

Board (2009–10) as well as surveys 

and feedback from all areas of the 

jls membership. 

Q. Where can I find out more 

about the brand change and 

the process that the JLS took? 

A. We have posted the case study of 

our brand and it’s transformation 

on the jls Web site. You can access 

it at: jrleagueseattle.org. We will 

also have a Leadersip November 4th 

at the jls office to answer 

any questions. 


A Personal Story 

Sisterhood or How Caitypo, 

Shannibop and Devi Set Up a Tent 

By Caitlin Echelbarger, Active Member 

“I have found out that there ain’t no surer way 

to find out whether you like people or hate them 

than to travel with them.” Mark Twain knew this 

surely pertained to friends, significant others 

and even random travelers you meet on the trail, 

however, what about your sisters? One of us had 

married, the middle had just left her first job 

and the baby had just graduated from College. By 

happy circumstance these disparate paths joined 

on the East Coast and would lead to California – 

thus “Farrell Girls’ Road Trip” or as we came to 

call it “The Adventures of Thelma and Louise and 

Sacajawea” was launched. 

My sisters and I are close, but we also have 

extremely different personalities that clash and 

complement at the same time (full disclosure: 

I’m the eldest, am always right and in charge, ha!). 

I approached our two-week road trip in a Jeep 

Grand Cherokee with a little bit of trepidation. Did 

I mention that we’re all over 6 feet tall? Someone 

was going to have to sit in the back seat, packed 

in with my sisters’ belongings. Thankfully, as a 

positive harbinger of things to come, we worked this 

out immediately. We would rotate every 4-6 hours: 

driver got the front seat to stretch out and relax, 

front seat moved to the back, back seat drove, peace 

reigned. Honestly, I think our parents were more 

worried about the outcome of the trip than 

we were. 

The goal was California but the road headed 

south through the Great Smokies and into terra 

incognito…the South. This was a map section that 

We’re experienced campers, we’ve grown up camping at least once a week every 

year. So thanks to our father’s training, we know how to set up a campsite. 

First is the tent. Maximum two-person job. Someone also needs to start the fire 

for dinner and get the rest of the family beers. Beers are a necessity. 

had previously been covered by a mythical beast 

in our minds, or perhaps a large ham. Dollywood, 

Dolly Parton’s version of Disneyland, was a quick 

preview of the South for these three Bay Area girls. 

A stop at Foss State Park in Oklahoma was even 

better, however. 

It was at Foss State Park that we met true Southern 

Gentlemen and had the opportunity to introduce 

ourselves as tough, Western, self-sufficient women. 

We showed up to the campground at about 5, in 

time to grab some charcoal and marshmallows from 

the camp store and get everything set up and cook 

dinner before the light went, a huge feat in our 

family. Foss State Park is a beautiful reservoir in 

the middle of nowhere with nice level campgrounds 

right on the water. There were a large amount 

of rvs in the campsite, which appeared to be the 

norm. Our tent, along with our California license 

plate and physical appearance (we’re girls) was 

an exact demonstration of the old Sesame Street 

segment “One of These Things is Not Like the 

Other.” We’re experienced campers, we’ve grown up 

camping at least once a week every year. So thanks 

to our father’s training, we know how to set up a 

campsite. First is the tent. Maximum two-person 

job. Someone also needs to start the fire for dinner 

and get the rest of the family beers. Beers are a 

necessity. So we commence our jobs: Shannon and 

Devon start the tent and I’m in charge of the beer 

and the dinner: bbq chicken on the grill, there’s 

nothing better while camping. Somehow we attract 

an audience from our monster rv neighbors (three 

cute, tall girls in shorts grilling and setting up a 

tent). This twenty-something guy offers to help 

my sisters with the tent and me with the grill even 

though we clearly don’t need it. Very kind of him 

but we thank him and say no. But he doesn’t leave. 

He just stands there and keeps saying “Wow, you 

got the grill going and the tent going” and then 

calls over another buddy, who then asks us what we 

were doing in “%&#* Oklahoma” which was in his 

estimation a “hellhole.” He then calls another buddy 

over so now we have quite the set of spectators. 

Shannon and Devon finish putting up the tent, 

much to our male spectators’ surprise, and I’ve 

started the chicken and we’re dragging on our beers. 

They looked at us like we had three heads each. It 

wasn’t until I put the chicken out that they finally 

got the hint to leave. Apparently it isn’t common 

for the women they know to be self-sufficient. The 

oddity of the situation made us giggle for days, for 

we had not encountered such overt serious sexism 

in a long time. 

There are so many other stories ( bbq and blues in 

Memphis, trying to find parking in Phoenix, getting 

blown over by wind at the Petrified National Forest, 

photos with our childhood stuffed animals at various 

sites) that made the trip memorable. Getting to 

know one’s sisters at an adult level was rewarding 

and unforgettable. Traveling as just the three of 

us cemented the fact that even as adults we could 

get along and travel together and enjoy who we are 

becoming as young women. 


The Junior League of Seattle, Inc. 

4119 East Madison Seattle, WA 98112 

TEL (206) 324-3638 FAX (206) 324-0811 

www.jrleagueseattle.org 

impact@jrleagueseattle.org

Celebrating 50 Years of Northwest Art - Junior League of Seattle

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