The Junior League of Columbia hosted it’s 2019-2020 new member class for a new member social at the Palmetto Club on Thursday, July 18.

New Member Chair, Abbey Sullivan (middle), and Co-Vice Chairs, Emily Braun (left) and Catherine Ava Kopiec, (right) did a fantastic job with planning and coordinating the entire event. We are confident they, along with the rest of the new member committee, will do an outstanding job with mentoring all of our new members this year!

Women from all across the greater Columbia area compose this year’s class. The 112 women are split into 12 smaller groups so that members have a smaller setting to get to know each other throughout the year. Each group has a leader who is an active member of the League.

New members will attend orientation later this month and start their monthly training meetings in September. These meetings allow new members to learn about the League. Topics covered include volunteer opportunities, committees, governance, and community partnerships. The trainings, along with monthly socials, encourage new members to make connections with other members.

Danielle Koerner (above) takes a picture with her new member group at the social. This is Danielle’s second year serving as a new member group leader.

Active member Sylvira Grady (left) posed with new members, Amber Lambert (middle) and Chinell Singletary (right). Both Chinell and Amber work in Education and are in the same new member group. When asked about the event, Chinell responded “At first, I didn’t know what to expect and was super nervous because I can sometimes be introverted. However, everyone was very welcoming and hospitable and I met so many wonderful women. I was really impressed with the organization of the event and I cannot wait to grow personally and professionally as a new member in the Junior League!”

New Member Susan Bernath (left) enjoyed the first event of her new member year. She commented, “Although initially intimidated to attend the New Member Social, I was immediately welcomed and instantly included, which relieved all prior nervousness. As soon as I put on my fresh new nametag, I felt inspired and empowered to continue the great work done by JLC with the women around me. I am eager to begin my journey and work not only with the enthusiastic women of this organization but with the greater community of Columbia!” Her sponsor, Maureen Grewe (second from left), introduced her to a fellow new member, Kate Champnella (middle), and active members Stephanie Simpson (second from right) and Hilary Dyer Brannon (right).

We are so excited to welcome this new member class to the League and hope they have a fantastic year!