Centennial Milestone Luncheon
This year the Junior League of Columbia is celebrating our lasting leadership over the last 100 years through many events such as 100 Acts of Service, the release of a new cookbook, decorative keepsakes, and a Centennial Gala celebration on April 13th. On March 6th, the Junior League of Columbia held our Milestone Luncheon at Central Energy which aimed to highlight the work and dedication of many of our saustainers who paved the way to the present day. A group of six Junior League of Columbia sustainers made up a panel along with moderator Dona Ponepinto, the current President of the Association of Junior Leagues International. Ponepinto also previously served as President for two different Junior Leagues in the U.S. and is the current President and CEO of the United Way of Pierce County in Tacoma, WA.
Our panelists included current sustaining members:
- Mrs. Mary Ruffin W. Childs, Former Senior Director of Alumni Engagement at the Darla Moore School of Business
JLC member for 41 years - Dr. Traci Young Cooper, Former Chair, SC Board of Education
JLC member for 19 years - Mrs. Katharine “Kappy” MeNulty Hubbard, JLC President 1992-1993
JLC member for 49 years - Mrs. Divya Reddy, AVP, Healthcare Management, Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC
JLC member for 15 years - Mrs. Bett Williams, JLC President 2008-2009, AJLI President 2022-2022
JLC member for 34 years - Ms. Teresa Wilson, City Manager, City of Columbia
JLC member for 20 years
Panelists shared their experiences as Junior League of Columbia members, highlighting the lasting impacts made in the Columbia community utilizing tools gained during their membership. Their total years of service in the Junior League ranged from 15-49 years. An attendee of the Luncheon stated she appreciated the different perspectives of each panelist but was also moved by the camaraderie every “Junior Leaguer” seems to share; “we all want what is best for the community and we enjoy being a part of such contribution.”
We share a special thanks to our Milestone Luncheon Committee members for working diligently to bring our message of women in leadership to the Columbia community; especially our co-chairs, Nicki Wilson and Elizabeth Rasor. An equally large thank you to our Board and Executive Management Team for their commitment to fostering a successful organization.
To join in on our continued celebrations, you’re invited to attend our upcoming Centennial Gala! Follow this link to learn more and purchase your ticket by April 5th!