JLA Inside Out: Recent Episodes
Junior League of Atlanta, Inc
We’re proud to bring you JLA Inside Out - Stories from inside and outside of The Junior League of Atlanta. Join us as we explore how our members and community partners have made an impact in the city of Atlanta through service, volunteering, and advocacy for more than 105 years, and how we’re continuing our legacy today.
In this episode of the JLA Inside Out podcast, Anne Brody, Vice President of Advocacy and Initiatives, and Vanessa Calhoun, Coalition Representative for the Healthy Housing Coalition, discuss their impactful advocacy work. Anne shares insights on JLA’s key advocacy areas and driving social change. Vanessa explains the mission of the Healthy Housing Coalition and its efforts to improve housing conditions and equity in Atlanta. Together, they emphasize the importance of community partnerships and engagement in creating meaningful and lasting change.
In Episode 2 of the JLA Inside Out podcast, titled "Empowering Engagement: Keshia Appkins on Leading JLA's Membership Outreach Efforts," host Mia Wells sits down with Keshia Appkins, JLA’s Membership Outreach Director. Keshia shares her journey with the Junior League of Atlanta, detailing how she leads membership outreach to grow and engage the community. From strategies to attract new members to fostering stronger connections with current ones, Keshia dives into the challenges and successes of her role. She also offers valuable advice for those looking to get involved with JLA and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Welcome to Season 4 of the JLA Inside Out Podcast! We're kicking off this exciting season with a special episode featuring the 2024-2025 JLA President, Chelsea Ulrich Tarnoff. Join us as Chelsea shares her vision for the year ahead, key initiatives, and how the JLA is continuing to make a meaningful impact in our community. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, service, and empowering women to create lasting change.
Tune in to the latest episode of JLA Inside Out! Join us as Camille Kesler, past president and current Sustainer Chair, sheds light on the profound impact Sustainer members have within the Junior League of Atlanta. Gain valuable insights and discover the lasting legacy of Sustainers in our community. Don't miss this enlightening conversation!
Tune in to our next episode of JLA Inside Out, featuring Cassandre Jocirin, our esteemed Placement Chair. Cassandre will be giving us exclusive insights into the highly anticipated placement expo, highlighting the incredible benefits and opportunities it presents for our members and the broader community. Join us as she shares her firsthand experiences as a vital member of the JLA, reflecting on the valuable connections and personal growth that being part of this dynamic organization has brought her. Don’t miss out on this enlightening conversation with Cassandre.
Join us on "JLA Inside Out" as Shawn O'Neill and Dr. Kynesia Bishop from the Junior League of Atlanta's Advocacy and Initiatives Council discuss their mission and the push for the Safe at Home Act (HB 404). This legislation, which promotes habitable housing, is a focal point of our discussion as we explore how it could transform living conditions for families in Georgia.
Legislative Update: The Georgia Senate has passed House Bill 404 with a decisive 44-2 vote, advancing tenant protections significantly. The bill, as highlighted by Matt Reynolds in "Senate passes bill aimed to boost protections for Georgia tenants" from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, mandates essential standards for rental homes. It provides a three day grace period for rent payments before evictions and caps security deposits. Now returning to the House for final agreement, HB 404 promises to make Georgia's housing market fairer and safer.
In this episode of JLA Inside Out, Cassandra Martin-Frazier, VP of Membership for the Junior League of Atlanta, shares her role in driving membership growth and engagement. She highlights the opportunities for development and community impact available to members, emphasizing the League's mission to empower women as leaders. Cassandra extends a warm invitation to listeners to explore the Junior League of Atlanta, showcasing how joining can enrich both personal and professional lives while contributing to meaningful community service.
Marschelle, Mia and Jocelyn McGriff-Bensley discuss AJLI's mission to empower women for community impact. Joslyn details the DEIB initiatives, including the Equity Challenge, to promote diversity and inclusion. They explore how fundraising supports the mission, with new programs like the EduQuest Grant for member education. Joslyn advocates for joining the Junior League for community engagement, highlighting the sense of belonging and empowerment it offers.
In this podcast episode, we talk to Cassandra Seibles, who served as the 106th President of The Junior League of Atlanta, Inc. Cassandra shares her experience and insights from her time as president, emphasizing the importance of engaging with the community and fostering connectivity within the organization. She highlights the vast number of people actively working towards positive change in various areas such as poverty alleviation, human trafficking, education, healthcare, and housing. Seibles discusses the importance of collaborative efforts and strategic planning in achieving impactful outcomes. She stresses the significance of building genuine, lasting relationships and the power of collective action in making meaningful and lasting changes in the community. Seibles also reflects on personal growth, learning to embrace public roles and realizing the importance of every voice, including her own, in driving positive change.
Introducing, Ayesha Adams, the incoming Director of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee for the 2024-2025 League year. Ayesha discusses the Committee's mission to foster an inclusive environment that honors diversity and promotes equity among its members. She emphasizes the importance of ongoing DEI training and open dialogues to ensure all members feel welcomed and valued. She also showcases the Committee's commitment to making a tangible impact within the organization and the broader Atlanta community.
The Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) awareness and fundraising campaign, a signature program of the Junior League of Atlanta, is running its annual campaign from January 22-26, 2024, in partnership with Northside Hospital (Atlanta, GA). LBDI Chair, Tonya Plear, discusses how this campaign positively impacts the lives of women and children in Metro-Atlanta . The LBDI advocates are positively impacting the self-determination of women and children in the Metro-Atlanta area by amplifying and actively addressing the root causes of inequities experienced through our collective work as community leaders, active volunteers, advocates, and coalition builders and supporters.
In this episode of JLA Inside Out, co-producer Marschelle Weeks welcomes Chris Brodnan, President of the Junior League of Atlanta, for an insightful mid-year update. Chris shares the League's significant achievements, spotlighting over 500 hours of dedicated service across various community placements and collaborations with numerous non-profit partners. The episode also delves into engaging membership events, fruitful corporate partnerships, and the anticipation around the upcoming Little Black Dress Initiative. Join us as we celebrate the impactful work and vibrant community activities of the Junior League of Atlanta.
In the latest episode, join cohosts, Mia Wells and Marschelle Weeks, as they welcome Debbie Newsholmes and Lenora Patterson. Discover how their work with the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and Agape Youth & Family Center placement enriches our community. From the enchanting Garden Lights event to the unique Agape holiday store, get inspired by the powerful impact of year-round volunteerism. Tune in to explore how the Junior League of Atlanta shapes transformative community service.
In our latest podcast, we chat with Shermika Dunner and Precious Boudouin, co-chairs of JLA community placement, Atlanta Mission. They share their heartfelt dedication to the Atlanta Mission, discussing the mission's impact on over a thousand individuals and families facing homelessness. Tune in to learn how their advocacy and community support bring warmth, hope, and love to those in need.
In this episode host Mia Wells speaks with Cameron Turner, the Executive Director of the Atlanta Children's Shelter. They discuss the impactful work being done to support homeless children and families in Atlanta. Cameron shares insights into the shelter's mission, their current initiatives, and future plans, offering a deep dive into how they are making a significant difference in the community. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that sheds light on the challenges faced by homeless families and the inspiring efforts to provide them with hope and assistance.
Did you know that a recent study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation revealed that 36% of third graders across Georgia are not reading at grade level? In this episode, we converse with Venetia Herring, Chair of the 2023 JLA Literacy Walk, to discuss the critical importance of literacy and why your presence at the 2023 JLA Literacy Walk matters. Stay tuned for an exclusive promo code, specially created for our podcast listeners to use when purchasing tickets for the literacy walk taking place on Saturday, November 4.
Get ready for a truly inspiring episode! In the third installment of the JLA Inside Out Podcast, we are privileged to engage in a profound conversation with Katha Blackwell, the CEO of the Partnership Against Domestic Violence, a pioneering and the largest domestic violence agency in Georgia. Katha's wealth of insight and experience shines a light on the vital battle against domestic violence and the organization's unrelenting mission to eliminate this grave injustice while uplifting survivors.
Join us for an enlightening conversation about the power of early childhood literacy with Georgia State Representative Deborah Silcox. Hear about her unwavering commitment to empowering women and children. Discover why she is passionately participating in Georgia Pre-K Week, an initiative close to her heart.
Hear from 2023 - 2024 JLA President Christine Brodnan in our inaugural episode of this season of JLA Inside Out. Join us as we discuss Chris' vision for The Junior League as well as her reflections as a member of The Junior League of Atlanta, Inc. and how its shaped her journey to becoming President of JLA's 107th year.
Throughout her time in the Junior League, Stacey Chavez raised her hand to serve in many different leadeship positions. Recently, she was appointed to the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI). AJLI helps to facilitate the efforts of not just the JLA, but all 295 league chapters in 4 countries.
Hear from Stacey and Marschelle Weeks to learn more about Stacey's journey to leadership and the advice she would give to aspiring leaders.
Join Laura Wagner, VP of Advocacy & Initiatives for a conversation around generational poverty, including Mindy Binderman, Executive Director at GEEARS (Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students), Katrina Dantism, Director ofPartnerships and Volunteer Services at Atlanta Mission and Cassandra Martin Frazier, Health Scientist/Senior Evaluator at the Center for Disease Control. The panel will look at and discuss the issue of generational poverty through the lenses of public health, housing as well as education.
Throughout her time in the Junior League, Zena Martin has served with 4 different Junior Leagues around the world, including leadership positions in many. Recently, she was appointed to the governance committee of the Associate of Junior Leagues International (AJLI). AJLI helps to facilitate the efforts of not just the JLA, but all 295 league chapters in 4 countries.
Hear from Zena Martin and Marschelle Weeks to learn more about AJLI, how it influences the JLA and Zena's experience with moving into leadership.
For over a century, the Junior League of Atlanta, Inc. (JLA) has served as a powerful advocate for women and children in the city of Atlanta and within the wider state of Georgia. The JLA’s nonpartisan advocacy takes a variety of forms, and is guided by the League’s annually approved Public Stands, a series of affirmative position statements that provide a framework for the League’s advocacy.
Learn more about the JLA's public stands and what the Political Affairs Committee is looking at during this year's Georgia legislative session in this conversation with Laura Wagner, VP Advocacy & Initiatives.
Be sure to check out our public stands.
Are you a member of the JLA? Register to attend Capital Day on March 8th.
The Grove Park Foundation is committed to revitalizing the Grove Park neighborhood and improving the quality of life by working with local partners, leaders and residents to create a healthy, equitable and vibrant community. With a history going back to the civil war, the Grove Park neighborhood has seen many changes over the decades. While a vibrate neighborhood through its early founding, Grove Park began to see a drain with districts redlining and suburban growth. Through the turn of the 21st century, the entire area witnessed a steady decline in population, property conditions and the local economy. In October 2015, the Grove Park Foundation was founded to help create a purpose built community in the area to revitalize this historic neighborhood while respecting the legacy of the area and its current residents.
Hear from Karen Rose, Director of Development to learn more about the Gove Park Foundations efforts.
Not sure where Grove Park is? Check it out on Google Maps and visit the Grove Park Foundation website to learn more.
One Child. One Mentor. One Book at a time.
Since 1997, Everybody Wins! Atlanta has been devoted to improving the reading skills and developing a love of reading in students who are reading below grade level, giving them a greater chance for success in school and expanding their life horizon. Hear from Tiffany Tolbert, Executive Director and JLA's Deanna Anderson to learn more about early childhood literacy and the efforts of Everybody Wins! in the fight to improve literacy rates amongst Atlanta's youngest residents.
Learn more at https://everybodywinsatlanta.org/ and follow at @EverybodyWinsGA.
Led by the Georgia Center for Nonprofits (GCN), Georgia Gives on GivingTuesday is Georgia's biggest generosity movement, designed to connect Georgians to its nonprofits. Since launching in 2012, the GAgives movement has helped raise more than $90 million for the benefit of thousands of nonprofits. In this special Giving Tuesday episode, hear from JLA's Deanna Anderson, 2016-2017 JLA President and Karen Beavor, CEO at Georgia Center for Non-Profits for a conversation around Georgia Gives.
Journey to Literacy is a hands-on literacy program presented throughout the community. Developed by the JLA in 2009, Journey to Literacy helps raise awareness within the community on the importance of early childhood education and teach parents effective methods to develop and increase early literacy skills. The program is presented at local libraries and special events presented by community partners. JLA's Colleen Cote joins Lauren Parkerson and Elizabeth Gauf for a conversation on Journey to Literacy.
Consider registering for the JLA 2nd Annual Literacy Walk this weekend November 19th.
Register here - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-jla-literacy-walk-tickets-416921632827.
Use the code Litwalk10 for $10 off the registration fee.
The Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (also known as GEEARS) is a nonprofit providing leadership for a statewide movement on quality early learning development for all children from birth to age 5. Established in 2010, GEEARS has helped business, civic and government leaders maximize their return on the state's investment in early care and learning. JLA's Kat Reynolds joins Brittany Collins for a conversation on GEEARS and how JLA's partnership is part of their story.
Motherhood Beyond Bars is the only nonprofit organization in the state of Georgia offering pregnancy and postpartum health education and support for justice-involved women, new mothers and caregivers in the state of Georgia. Founded in 2013, they've designed and delivered programs inside two state prisons, launched a statewide caregiver support program, built reentry services for parents and launched a pregnancy health and support program for women on probation and parole. They ensure a healthy start for infants born to incarcerated women by providing a network of comprehensive support for mothers and caregivers. JLA's Colleen Cote joins Amy Ard, Motherhood Beyond Bars Executive Director, for a conversation on Motherhood Beyond Bars and how JLA's partnership is part of their story.
During our fall General Membership Meeting, we discussed equity in education. Hear as moderator, Yvette Dupree discusses education in the city of Atlanta with Felisa Ford, Instructional Technology Specialist for Atlanta Public Schools; Michelle Neeley, President, State Charter Schools Foundation of Georgia; Alvin Glymph, Vice President, United Way of Greater Atlanta; and Comer Yates, Executive Director, Atlanta Speech School.
Hear from 2022-2023 JLA President Cassandra Seibels in our first episode of this season of JLA Inside Out. Join us as we discuss Cassandra's experiences as a member of The Junior League of Atlanta, Inc. and how it has shaped her leadership during JLA's 106th year.
In the final episode of the first season of JLA Inside Out, we’re taking a look at what we’ve accomplished over The Junior League of Atlanta’s 105th year and what’s to come in our 106th year. JLA Presidents Joy Dyess, 2021-2022, and Cassandra Seibles, 2022-2023, share their personal experiences and insights on JLA’s leadership process, how we ensure success and sustainability for the future of the League, and more.
The Junior League of Atlanta is a place to meet like-minded women, develop leadership skills, take on new experiences, and get out in the community to do some good through service and advocacy. Our members are encouraged to learn, grow and create their own path within our organization that focuses on the issues and learnings that matter most to them -- and this starts on day one as a new Provisional member of JLA. In this episode, JLA's Colleen Cote joins Deidra Johnson, who currently serves as part of our Provisional Development and First Year Active (FYA) Committees, and Latoya White, a 2021-2022 Provisional member, to discuss the membership experience for our newest members, what to expect when joining JLA, and how they are building their own path here at JLA. If you've ever been interested in what it means to be a JLA member, this episode is for you! And, you can find more information at https://www.jlatlanta.org/get-involved/.
Founded in 1964 and expanding nationally since 1995, Horizons is a network of high-quality, tuition-free, immersive, academic and enrichment programs for children in underserved communities. In 2013, Horizons National made a strategic decision to invest in metro Atlanta. Their vision was to use two existing Horizons sites as a platform to grow into a Horizons region that served more scholars, increased efficiencies, accessed a broader range of funding sources, and fostered a more direct and comprehensive partnership with area districts. JLA's Kat Reynolds is joined by Christine Brodnan, Sharron McIntyre and Nikki O'Brien to discuss how Horizons Atlanta serves the Atlanta community and how JLA's partnership is part of their story.
This week, we’re sharing a conversation between three of our Junior League of Atlanta presidents. Joy Dyess, current JLA president for our 105th year of service, is joined by past presidents Deanna Anderson, who served as president during JLA’s Centennial year from 2016-2017, and Camille Kesler, who served as our 96th JLA president in 2012-2013. Listen to learn about their personal journeys into leadership and their advice for anyone interested in pursuing a leadership role with Junior League of Atlanta, at work, or with another organization.
More than 40 years ago several enterprising JLA members came together, recognizing the need to fill a gap in services for children and youth with behavioral and emotional challenges struggling in the foster care system. From this, the idea for CHRIS 180 was born. Since 1981, CHRIS 180 has continued to evolve and focus on youth and families in the Atlanta community. JLA's Colleen Cote joins fellow JLA member and CHRIS 180's Chief Marketing Officer, Chaundra Luckett, for a conversation on CHRIS 180 and how JLA's partnership is part of their story.
The idea of a garden inside of Atlanta --specifically a rose garden -- blossomed in 1973 through the inspiration of a few key civic-minded women in our city. Since then, the Atlanta Botanical Garden has expanded to incorporate 30 acres in the heart of midtown Atlanta. JLA's Kat Reynolds joins Ally Pratt, the Garden's Family Program Coordinator, to discuss the Atlanta Botanical Garden events as well as how JLA's partnership is part of their story.
Since their beginnings in 1965, Meals on Wheels Atlanta has tirelessly served one of the most underserved and vulnerable demographics in Atlanta, our seniors. JLA's Kat Reynold's joins Charlene Crusoe-Ingram, Chief Executive Officer of Meals on Wheels Atlanta, to discuss how Meals on Wheels Atlanta serves the Atlanta community and how JLA's partnership is part of their story.
As we head into JLA Capital Day, join us for a conversation with members of this year's JLA PAC Committee as they discuss the legislative agenda for this year's GA legislative session. Learn about some of the bills currently being considered, what JLA is advocating for and how you can help make your voice heard.
Would you like to stay informed on what is happening in the GA legislative session? Subscribe to our Advocacy in Action Newsletter using this link - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduPEvXGnrbibHa3u5BUFaHQxLH6prBoV0BV98k9Frg8Idajg/viewform
Throughout our history, the Junior League of Atlanta has taken a role as an advocate for the women and children in the city of Atlanta. Hear from Sarah Cadagin, this year's VP, Advocacy & Initiatives discuss a history of advocacy by the Junior League and what it means for us to be a nonpartisan advocate.
Founded in 2001, Wellspring Living is an Atlanta nonprofit that provides domestic sex trafficking victims and those at risk with specialized recovery services through residential and community-based programs. JLA's Kat Reynolds joins Mary Frances Bowley, Wellspring's Founder & Executive Director, to discuss how their programs provide transformative care through therapeutic services, education, life skills, and personal and professional development, and how JLA's partnership is part of their story.
Hear from 2021-2022 JLA President Joy Dyess in our inaugural episode of JLA Inside Out. Join us as we discuss Joy's experiences as a member of The Junior League of Atlanta, Inc. and how it has shaped her leadership during JLA's 105th year. We also touch on how COVID-19 has impacted JLA since 2020.