Our Member Spotlight features women from across the Junior League of Chicago, and we ask them to answer a set of questions to help our members and friends get to know them better. These incredible women volunteer their time – whether as members of leadership or on committees – to help bring our mission to life.

Spotlight on Shannon Weisz | FUNraising Committee Member

About

What do you do professionally? I am an accountant. I work in Tax (transfer pricing).

Fun fact about you outside of the JLC? I am training for the Chicago Marathon! And my goal is to read 50 books this year, but I already read 40… so will probably read more than that.

Experience in the League

How long have you been a member of the Junior League of Chicago? I transferred to JLC in May 2021, but was part of the JLSF since January 2020.

What is your role in the JLC? The FUNraising Committee puts on fundraising events throughout the year with local vendors that benefit our work in the community.

Why you are a JLC member?  I joined JLC to build a sense of community in Chicago.

What’s your favorite memory as part of the JLC? I was a transfer last year and I really appreciated all of the transfer events that the committee put on. It was such a welcoming atmosphere and it made my transition to Chicago seamless!

Spotlight on Grace Rumford | Transfer Committee Member

About

What do you do professionally? I have always worked in the energy industry and I am currently Director of Structured Origination for NextEra Energy, which is the largest generator of renewable energy in the world. I work with companies who have sustainability goals and help them determine the best path to use renewable energy to reduce their carbon emissions. NextEra then finances, builds and manages these renewable energy projects on their behalf.

Fun fact about you outside of the JLC? I enjoy sailing on Lake Michigan and playing tennis. I started the JLC Tennis Stars MLM so I encourage everyone to join!

Experience in the League

How long have you been a member of the Junior League of Chicago? Since February 2019. I joined in London and transferred to Chicago in 2021.

What is your role in the JLC? The transfer committee’s role is to welcome women who have moved to Chicago from other cities. The Transfer committee is very active, we plan lots of social and volunteer events to help transfer members explore their new hometown and make new friends.

Why you are a JLC member? I joined the Junior League in London as a way to get more involved in my community and to make friends while living abroad. I lived in London for three years and I knew a few other women who were in the Junior League so I decided to give it a try, and I’m very glad I did! I have made great friends both in London and in Chicago through the Junior League.

What’s your favorite memory as part of the JLC? In November last year I was really bummed out because I had to cancel a vacation at the last minute. I went on the JLC calendar to see what was happening, and saw there was a holiday happy hour that evening so I decided to go. It turned out to be super fun — I met two awesome new friends and then won a gift basket in raffle, talk about a turn in events! Without the JLC I would have just stayed home feeling sorry for myself that day, but because there are always events going on I was able to get out and make new memories.

How has the JLC helped you personally? The JLC has helped me broaden my social network and allowed me to meet all types of interesting women who I would not have otherwise met. It has also given me a feeling of greater connection to Chicago and provided me with opportunities to enjoy Chicago through lots of creative activities that I would never have discovered otherwise.

How has the JLC helped you in your career? Professionally, my previous placement on the Advocacy Committee helped me better understand how elected officials engage with their constituents. This was very relevant for me in my role at the time because I was leading a public-private partnership for my former employer.

Spotlight on Brianna Garza | Done In a Day (DIAD) Committee Member

About

What do you do professionally? I am a remote hospital pharmacist covering anywhere from 3 to 7 hospitals simultaneously. I assist in overseeing the care of patients in the hospital, communicating and collaborating with physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure all of our patients are on the best treatment plan.

Fun fact about you outside of the JLC? I love to run. I’ve run two marathons (Houston and Chicago Marathon) and hoping to qualify for Boston at my next race.

Experience in the League

How long have you been a member of the Junior League of Chicago? About a year.

What is your role in the JLC? Done-in-a-Day (DIAD) is a committee intended to respond to the immediate needs of our community. It partners with numerous local non-profits and agencies in providing service projects that volunteers can complete in one day. These projects also allow members of JLC to partake in meaningful hands-on volunteer work that directly or indirectly affects immediate change to the urgent needs of the Chicago community.

Why you are a JLC member? I initially joined JLC to meet new people and hopefully build lifelong relationships with other women in the Chicago area. My mother was a member of the Junior League while I was growing up, but little did I know all this organization had to offer. It wasn’t until I became more involved that I found myself surrounded by other like-minded women who shared the same enthusiasm and dedication to giving back to the community. Through my involvement, I experienced firsthand the League’s commitment to developing leaders and improving the communities we serve. The various opportunities to impact the community, connect and learn from other female leaders, and establish lifelong friendships are a few reasons why I am a member of JLC.

What’s your favorite memory as part of the JLC? One of my favorite memories of JLC is volunteering through DIAD Night Ministry. I had a fantastic time connecting with so many members at this event. It was also genuinely heartwarming to witness us all coming together to pack hygiene kits for our fellow Chicagoans in need. Knowing that our one day’s worth of work would impact the lives of so many was profoundly inspirational and ignited my interest in DIAD. The realization of being part of an organization full of other women who are just as passionate about making a difference in this society as I am, motivates me to do more within JLC. Moreover, I am ecstatic to be a part of the DIAD committee this year and look forward to working with the team to help plan future events.

How has the JLC helped you personally? In September, I moved to Chicago without any friends or family here. With the help of JLC, I have met so many inspiring women whom I can now call friends. These new friendships extended beyond JLC and introduced me and my fiancé, Cale, to new couples to explore the city with. Honestly, if it weren’t for my first friend in Chicago, Claire Willingham Cook, I wouldn’t be a part of JLC today. JLC has opened a new world of possibilities for me to use my passion of caring for others to make an impact on the women, girls, and families of Chicago.

How has the JLC helped you in your career? JLC has allowed me to network with professional women in healthcare and other industries. Learning from other female leaders in different facets of the workforce has given me insight into other industries outside of healthcare, motivating me to achieve more in my career. My involvement in JLC has also allowed me to utilize my knowledge, skills, and passion of caring for people outside my day job as a pharmacist and using my expertise to benefit those who are not my patients.

Spotlight on Kristen Eis | Project Development Committee Member

About

What do you do professionally? I am a Marketing Specialist at CIBC US.

Fun fact about you outside of the JLC? I ran the Chicago Marathon 6 times

Experience in the League

How long have you been a member of the Junior League of Chicago? 4 1/2 years (since January 2018).

What is your role in the JLC? The Project Development Committee reviews existing community partnerships and work on creating new ones.

Why you are a JLC member? I joined Junior League because I enjoy volunteering and because I saw it as a professional development opportunity.

What’s your favorite memory as part of the JLC? Hard to choose! JLC fundraising events are always a good time.

How has the JLC helped you personally? I’ve made some great friends and gotten to do a lot of fun things. I’m in several MLMs. JLC always has something going on, even during the pandemic, which was greatly appreciated.

How has the JLC helped you in your career? Until recently, I worked in the nonprofit sector. I used AJLI resources daily. There are so many great tools on the AJLI website, such as an event ROI calculator and a library of Webinar Wednesday recordings. I also spent two years on the grant writing committee, which was a great skill set to add to my resume. When I decided to change industries, there were a lot of great JLCUs on job searching, mid-career changes and even negotiating a job offer.

Spotlight on Jessica A. Roberts | Sustaining Member

About

What do you do professionally? I am in-house counsel for Republic Brands, the world’s largest and most storied portfolio of rolling papers for legal leaf.

Fun fact about you outside of the JLC? I like to crochet and needlepoint.

Experience in the League

How long have you been a member of the Junior League of Chicago? 7 years active across JLC and JLNO (Junior League of New Orleans)

What is your role in the JLC? As a baby sustainer, I’m not currently on a committee, but learned a lot as a member of JLC’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (“DEIB”) Committee last year.  DEIB’s focus is working on embedding DEIB in JLC’s programming and member development.  My favorite program DEIB executed last year was the interactive Black History Month Bingo, which helped structure my personal study and work in February, with a Chicago focus (and brought @6figga_dilla into my world–highly recommend following him on IG and checking out one of his tours!).  The bingo may be over, but I recommend everyone should work their way through the references, books, movies, instagram accounts, and other activities of the card (I believe reaching out to Colleen Carrillo may be the best way to get the card!)

Why you are a JLC member? JLC has provided a framework for me to meet powerhouse women and get to know Chicago!  I’ve taken a wine & cheese class, gone to a concert, had dinner with, seen jazz at Shedd Aquarium and more through and with the women of JLC. I love finding and connecting with similarly civically engaged women and JLC has facilitated finding and developing those relationships.

What’s your favorite memory as part of the JLC? learning about the migration of “cultures” (both societal and edible) into and across America over the past centuries and how that migration created the “crystals” in American cheddar cheese.  Shout out to Grace Rumford and Kathryn Gridley, my buddies in wine & cheese!

How has the JLC helped you personally? The JLC helped me immediately get involved in Chicago when I moved here and provided me opportunities to get to know other like-minded women.

How has the JLC helped you in your career? JLC has helped me grow my professional network and facilitated introductions to fellow female attorneys and other female executives across industries.

Spotlight on Mia Marroquin | Child Enrichment Committee Member, Fall Fest and Perfect Pairings Committee Member

About

What do you do professionally? I work for a commercial real estate firm helping represent tenants looking for office space.

Fun fact about you outside of the JLC? I love traveling and have been to over a dozen different countries.

Experience in the League

How long have you been a member of the Junior League of Chicago? I just finished my associate year, so this will be my first full active year!

What is your role in the JLC?  I am a committee member of the Child Enrichment Committee & Fall Fest and Perfect Pairings Committee.

Why you are a JLC member? After graduating from an all-women’s college and moving to the city I missed being part of a community of strong/empowered women and found the Junior League was the perfect combination of that volunteerism and social club I was looking for.

What’s your favorite memory as part of the JLC? I loved attending the 2022 Derby Party — it was great to meet other members and the energy was so fun.

How has the JLC helped you personally? I have met a few really great friends through my new member small group.

How has the JLC helped you in your career? As a member of the JLC New Member Program Committee, I serve as a mentor to new members, which provides opportunities to continue to hone my leadership skills.

Spotlight on Allison Boman | Mad Hatters Committee Member

About

What do you do professionally? I am a Manager at PublicisSapient on the Customer Experience & Innovation team. Translation: My job includes working with different companies that want their customers’ digital journeys to be optimized. Aka UX strategy. Its ok if you are confused… you are not alone.

Fun fact about you outside of the JLC? During COVID, when we were all remote, I started Tiara Tuesdays at work. Which means I wear a tiara on all internal calls. I like shiny things. I’ve actually sent out a lot of them to co-workers who are friends so the movement is growing. I am also really good at killing plants, apparently.

Experience in the League

How long have you been a member of the Junior League of Chicago? 2.5 years (since 2019)

What is your role in the JLC? We read and act out books for kids in different Chicago public libraries. My interpretation of the dragon from Paperback Princess is especially good.

Why you are a JLC member? When I moved to Chicago in 2018 I only knew one person. My mom had always suggested I look into joining because of the friends she has made, and once again she was right. I also joined the JLC because it gave me the opportunity to volunteer, make amazing friends, and learn. The human trafficking talk really opened my eyes.

What’s your favorite memory as part of the JLC? The boat cruise last year. An unforgettable experience. Gala last year is a close second.

How has the JLC helped you personally? I have made some deep friendships through the JLC and have met women I have a lot in common with, like wanting to make a difference, trying new restaurants, Pelotoning, wine tasting, and traveling to wine taste, etc. I don’t know what my life would look like without them.

Spotlight on Triniece Pearson | Done In A Day Committee Member

About

What do you do professionally? I am a Clinical Research Nurse Manager

Fun fact about you outside of the JLC? I am an avid traveler, I will be in Spain later this month.

Experience in the League

How long have you been a member of the Junior League of Chicago? 3 years.

What is your role in the JLC? We participate in community projects throughout Chicago.

Why you are a JLC member? To meet new people who enjoy socializing and giving back to the community.

What’s your favorite memory as part of the JLC? Attending my first JLC gala earlier this year. It was wonderful to be back in person.

How has the JLC helped you personally? In addition to providing opportunities to serve, JLC has allowed me to foster relationships with like minded individuals. I am also better at golf and tennis thanks to MLM groups. 

Spotlight on Elizabeth Winkle | Done In A Day Committee Member

About

What do you do professionally? I am a Client Relationship Specialist for a wealth management firm

Fun fact about you outside of the JLC? I run a half marathon every year. This year I ran one in Yosemite National Park and next year I’m going to Houston.

Experience in the League

How long have you been a member of the Junior League of Chicago? One year.

What is your role in the JLC? DIAD works with JLC’s service partners as boots-on-the-ground. We volunteer to serve meals, sort donations, and assist with projects. These organizations rely on volunteer groups like the Junior League to serve their communities. 

Why you are a JLC member? I joined the Junior League because I moved to Chicago in 2019 and was looking for ways to make friends and get involved with service opportunities. I was volunteering at Share Our Spare with a couple of friends and I saw a group of women in matching Junior League shirts. I looked up the organization the next day and decided to give it a shot!

What’s your favorite memory as part of the JLC? I joined when COVID was in full swing and everything was via Zoom. Towards the end of my new member period, I loved meeting my new friends in person and experiencing all the great events.

How has the JLC helped you personally? JLC has helped me meet so many great women in Chicago and get involved in activities across the city. I love trying new things and there is always something new coming out through the JLC.

Spotlight on Alix Howland | Done In A Day Co-Chair

About

What do you do professionally? I am a Project Manager for TMC, a Division of C.H. Robinson

Fun fact about you outside of the JLC? I have been to 43 states (planning on Wyoming and Vermont later this year)

Experience in the League

How long have you been a member of the Junior League of Chicago? 3 Years

What is your role in the JLC? DIAD (Done in a Day) puts on service events for League Members that are done in a single day. This has included breaking down bulk packaging of food for distribution at pantries, making meals for a homeless shelter, sorting through donated clothes, packing hygiene kits for women’s shelters, and cleaning schools.

Why you are a JLC member? To give back to Chicago with a group of incredible, like-minded women.

What’s your favorite memory as part of the JLC? Dropping off $7,700 worth of groceries donated by JLC to Ravenswood Community Services for their after school pantry, monthly market pantry, and Tuesday community meals.

How has the JLC helped you personally? I have made great friends in each city where I was part of Junior League and learned about so many amazing organizations in our communities.

How has the JLC helped you in your career? Volunteering with JLC has improved my leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Spotlight on Shayla Smith | Membership Engagement Committee Member

About

What do you do professionally?  I am a healthcare consultant for a research institute based in Washington.

Fun fact about you outside of the JLC? I lived in Panama for two years as a Peace Corps volunteer

Experience in the League

How long have you been a member of the Junior League of Chicago? 2 Years

What is your role in the JLC? Membership Engagement Committee provides opportunities for members to get to know each other better through happy hours, socials, and the MLM groups.

Why you are a JLC member? I joined Junior League to meet other women who are also committed to community service and leadership development.

What’s your favorite memory as part of the JLC? I joined as a transfer so one of my favorite memories was meeting other transfers for summer picnics by the lake.

How has the JLC helped you personally? JLC helped to make my transition to Chicago easier because I had a network of people I could reach out to as I was learning more about my new city.

How has the JLC helped you in your career? I have been able to meet other women who are successful in their career and it serves to motivate me to continue advocating for myself in my role.

Spotlight on Karin Koets | Sustainer

About

What do you do professionally? I’m in Customer Success for LinkedIn.  Always happy to help a fellow JLC’er Rock Their Profile

Fun fact about you outside of the JLC? I’m always up for an adventure especially in trying new things whether that be restaurants, theater, events, experiences, sports you name it. 

Experience in the League

How long have you been a member of the Junior League of Chicago? I began my Junior League journey in Minneapolis, MN in 2007.  From there I transferred to Junior League of Columbus OH, then JLC, then Junior League of New York City, and came back to JLC in 2017. 

Why you are a JLC member? I’m a member for a variety of reasons: volunteering within my community, opportunities to better myself, and knowing I have a group of incredible women to surround myself with no matter what city I live in.

What’s your favorite memory as part of the JLC? I have way too many to choose from!  Being part of the Connecting Kids to Art committee will always hold a special place in my heart.  Seeing the joy on their faces as they were working on an art project was priceless.  I’ve also loved the DIAD events especially when it involved the Ronald McDonald house.  If I can do something to attempt to brighten someone’s day, count me in.        

How has the JLC helped you personally? JLC has given me the confidence to go to events by myself and strike up conversations with those I don’t know. The Junior League overall has also helped me feel settled and meet core friends in each city I move to.

How has the JLC helped you in your career? Serving on the Junior League of Chicago University committee helped hone my presenting and training skills. It also solidified that my passion lies in training and developing others. 

Spotlight on Lynn Lee | Membership Engagement Committee Member

About

What do you do professionally? I’m a recovering consultant, doing strategy & planning for TransUnion now.

Fun fact about you outside of the JLC? I’ve performed at Carnegie Hall (as a part of a band) before but haven’t played (the flute) played since High school.

Experience in the League

How long have you been a member of the Junior League of Chicago? 3 Years

What is your role in the JLC? The Membership Engagement Committee does exactly that – engage our members. We help them find like-minded women (e.g. MLMs), and find a community within JLC (e.g. neighborhood get togethers, monthly brunches, Sips at Six, etc).

Why you are a JLC member? I first joined when I moved to Chicago about 4 winters ago. I attended my JLC new member meeting (back when they were in person) within the first 48 hours of moving into my new apartment. I was eager to meet other women in the city, start/find my new network+friends, and also find different ways to get involved in my new community.

What’s your favorite memory as part of the JLC? I have so many! I enjoy the DIAD events – they’re usually quick/one off events so they’re always easy to find and participate in. A particular one I remember is helping out with a pantry outside during COVID, working with the different families to help them find the ingredients they need/like vs ones they weren’t familiar with/didn’t need (i.e. celery) — I came home smelling like celery after that event. I also have fond memories of random social events I “forced” myself to go to and came out with amazing new friends.

How has the JLC helped you personally? It’s helped me find new friends in a new city, and feel like I belong to a community/group, and also helped keep me sane at times during the lock-downs (virtual events, DIAD activities, etc.)

How has the JLC helped you in your career? I love attending the JLCU events and learning more about other people’s fields and thinking about how I could potentially apply some of those best practices to what I do.

Spotlight on Krys Kabe | JLCU Committee Member

About

What do you do professionally? I’m living out my dream career as a financial planner empowering women through financial security. Too often women get left out of the planning and investing conversation. I provide a judgment-free space to explore someone’s current financial situation and knowledge and then provide the education and roadmap to help them achieve their goals.

Fun fact about you outside of the JLC? I spent 5 years as a Deputy Director for a member of congress where I focused on advancing legislative initiatives impacting women. 

Experience in the League

How long have you been a member of the Junior League of Chicago? 4 Years

What is your role in the JLC? JLCU trains JLC members to become better volunteers and leaders by planning educational and informational presentations.

Why you are a JLC member? My mom is a sustainer in Tampa and always talks about how rewarding her experience with the Junior League has been. When I was looking to get involved in the community (outside of politics) it was an easy decision to turn to our local Junior League chapter.

What’s your favorite memory as part of the JLC? My favorite memory so far was doing holiday crafts with the kids receiving care at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab. Each child left with handmade gifts that they couldn’t wait to give family members. 100% worth the glitter and paint clean-up that followed.

How has the JLC helped you personally? JLC provides constant opportunities to find “your people”.  One of the friendships I’m most grateful for is with Cheryl who I met on day 1 during our orientation. Our paths would have likely never crossed, but now I can’t imagine not having her in my life.

How has the JLC helped you in your career? JLC has given me a supportive space to get out of my comfort zone and sharpen my fundraising and public speaking skills.

Spotlight on Tyra Peterson | New Member Program Committee

About

What do you do professionally? I work as a paralegal for the government.

Fun fact about you outside of the JLC? I enjoy the performing arts and exploring Chicago.

Experience in the League

How long have you been a member of the Junior League of Chicago? 2 years, since 2021.

What is your role in the JLC? Recruitment of new members and facilitation of the JLC New Member Course

Why you are a JLC member? Membership in the JLC compliments my passion for community service and personal and professional development. As a member of the JLC, I have the opportunity to connect, network and ultimately build lasting friendships with other empowering women who are committed to creating positive change in the Chicago community.

What’s your favorite memory as part of the JLC? The Little Black Dress Initiative.

How has the JLC helped you personally? The JLC has provided opportunities for me to grow personally. As an active JLC member, I welcome the opportunity to meet new and interesting women from diverse backgrounds. As a member of the JLC MLM Group Girls on the Green, I am encouraged, supported and inspired by JLC members who are seasoned golfers. Also, as a lifelong learner, I enjoy the educational opportunities offered by the JLCU.

How has the JLC helped you in your career? As a member of the JLC New Member Program Committee, I serve as a mentor to new members, which provides opportunities to continue to hone my leadership skills. As a member of the JLC, I am committed to making the most of my membership experience. I approach each opportunity with an open mind, and a willingness to share and learn from new and seasoned JLC members. As a result, my experience in the JLC has been rewarding.

Spotlight on Lauren Finnis | Community Budget Manager

About

What do you do professionally? I work in relationship management in the corporate insurance industry.

Fun fact about you outside of the JLC? This past year I was studying Spanish, French, and German all at once as I love learning languages and couldn’t pick between them!

Experience in the League

How long have you been a member of the Junior League of Chicago? 3 years, since 2020

What is your role in the JLC? I serve as Budget Manager for the Community Council.  In this role, I support the community co-chairs and committee members in efficiently and effectively deploying the JLC’s funds into our community efforts.

Why you are a JLC member?  I joined the NYJL because I loved the opportunity to volunteer on long term projects that made an impact in the community.

What’s your favorite memory as part of the JLC? The JLC Day at the Capitol this year:  We rode the train to Springfield and spent the day learning about the legislative process and meeting with our representatives to discuss the JLC signature issues.  These conversations made the government feel so much more accessible and taught me about slipping bills and how to best get my voice heard. It was also fun and inspiring to spend the day with this passionate group of women.  On the train ride down, many of us worked and were able to share our professional experiences, and after the day was done, we ended up at a wine bar owned by a local Junior League member and had a blast on the train ride back.

How has the JLC helped you personally? I moved to Chicago in 2021 with no social network, yet through the Transfer Group, MLMs, and my placement, I was quickly able to build out a friend group and active social calendar. Most of my friends outside of the JLC are amazed at how much I have going on despite being new to the city.  I remember getting to the JLC Gala in 2022, seeing all of the people I’d met and volunteered with through different JLC activities, and being a bit in awe of how many incredible women I’d built relationships with over the past year.

How has the JLC helped you in your career? While I have a financial background, I no longer have direct P&L responsibility in my day-to-day role, and through my involvement with the JLC finances, I keep these skills sharp.  Additionally, I learn so much from other JLC members about their jobs and companies, many of which are current or potential customers for my firm.

Spotlight on Susan Santoro | Sustainer

About

What do you do professionally? I am currently working part-time for Art on Sedgwick, a non-profit that focuses on building community through art. This year I connected Art on Sedgwick with project development and they are now a new community partner of the JLC. The first collaboration is on a financial literacy program for students in their teen program.

Fun fact about you outside of the JLC? Related to a Real Housewife

Experience in the League

How long have you been a member of the Junior League of Chicago? I was a member of the JLC from 2006-2016. I served on numerous placements including as a board member and a sustainer mentor. I decided to re-engage with the JLC in 2022 when Melissa Schumacher encouraged me to give being a sustainer another try, especially since it would be the 110th anniversary.

What is your role in the JLC? I am currently a sustainer. I run the MLM, JLC Health & Fitness, a Facebook group that is a supportive community of members interested in working out and staying healthy.

What’s your favorite memory as part of the JLC? When I was previously a member of the JLC, I worked on the centennial celebration. One of the events we held was a luncheon held at a former McCormick residence (Lawry’s Prime Rib) at 100 E Ontario. I happened to overhear a sustainer who was over 90 who walked in with a cane say she just had surgery and hated that she was still using the cane as it made her look old. I admired her spunk and moxy. In the moment it reminded me of so many I had met or worked with in the JLC over the years. It was that kind of mindset that helped the JLC turn why into why not and accomplish so many things that would not have happened in Chicago, but for the JLC.

How has the JLC helped you personally? I have been able to connect with so many wonderful women over the years and enjoyed both getting to know them and to accomplish so many things together while volunteering at the JLC.

How has the JLC helped you in your career? I took a step back from my career to raise my daughter, and the JLC allowed me a chance to volunteer and continue to use my skills and serve in leadership. This inspired me to get involved and volunteer at other organizations.