The Junior League of Cincinnati hosted the first General Member Meeting (GMM) of the 2023-2024 League year on Tuesday, September 5. The meeting began with a welcome from René Robers, League President, who expressed her excitement as “first day of school feelings.” She introduced the 2023-2024 Core Team and reviewed the JLC’s mission statement, values, strategic plan pillars, diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging (DEIB) organizing plan, and the League’s 2023-2024 priorities. 

The meeting was then handed over to Rebecca Bryson, VP of Community Impact, and Program Acceleration Chair and Vice Chair, Gina Ryan and Emily Keller who shared details of the JLC’s partnership with Family Nurturing Center, which is in its third and final year. FNC’s services reach over 12,000 people a year through school-based abuse prevention education, counseling services, and foster care visitation programs. During the meeting FNC Director, Jane Herms, was presented a $75,000 check, signifying the three year financial commitment made by the JLC to FNC.Similarly, the moment highlighted the progress over the past two years of the relationship, and the impact plans for this year.

Next, the guest speaker, Vitale Buford of The Hardin Group, trained the membership on combating perfectionism, leadership, and embracing change. Sharing insights and tips from her book, “Addicted to Perfect” she took members through an insightful journey: Perfectionism is a trait often misunderstood. This meeting aimed to demystify it by exploring how perfectionism can be harnessed as a powerful yet often harmful tool for personal and professional development. Members were eager to learn how to cultivate this quality positively. Having the author there brought a sense of immediacy and authenticity to the discussion. Members were privileged to hear firsthand experiences and anecdotes that enriched the learning experience.

Vitale engaged in an interactive debate, addressing questions, concerns, and real-life scenarios related to perfectionism. This personalized interaction allowed members to connect on a deeper level with the book’s content and gain practical insights into its application. Her presentation concluded with a book signing session where members could get their copies personally signed by the author. This provided a keepsake of the event and symbolized the personal connection between the author and the JLC community. 

The meeting emphasized the JLC’s commitment to personal growth and development. Members left with a renewed perspective on how to apply the trait of perfectionism constructively in their lives while similarly helping remove it where it is a hindrance. As the JLC continues its mission of service and self-improvement, the insights gained from this meeting will undoubtedly shape future endeavors and build into the success of the League’s leaders. The organization remains dedicated to providing opportunities for its members to learn, grow, and impact their community. 

Following the training from Vitale, the Nominating Chair and Vice Chair, Byrd Bergeron and Meg Anacker, presented on the application process for the leadership positions that are available for the Fall Slate for the 2024-2025 League year. Applications are due on Sunday, September 24 and members can reach out to any current leaders or Nominating@jlcincinnati.org with any questions.

Kelly Barber, President-Elect, closed the meeting with a special note celebrating recent community award winners. VP of Sustainer Council, Marty Humes, has been honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Greater Cincinnati as Volunteer of the Year. Marty has raised over $6 million for the Greater Cincinnati Community through her involvement in numerous Cincinnati organizations. The Junior League is so fortunate to have Marty as a leader in the JLC for more than 40 years!! Kelly also highlighted the recognition of the League’s four members who have received  the Cincinnati Business Courier’s Forty Under 40 Award recognition for 2023. These recipients are Megan Busam, Deanna Hillard, Nazly Mamedova, and Meggan Thompson. Another congratulations to all five of these impactful women in the JLC and Cincinnati Community!

The Junior League of Cincinnati’s September General Member Meeting, featuring an in-person discussion with an author on perfectionism, was a remarkable event. It highlighted the organization’s commitment to personal development and its dedication to offering unique learning experiences. This was a positive and inspirational kick-off to the 2023-2024 JLC year!