Megan Pettyjohn has always had a passion for serving, starting from when she was a young girl in church. Growing up, she found herself volunteering for multiple nonprofits helping to spread awareness for breast cancer, feeding the poor, enriching the lives of children with cancer, and collecting donations for the homeless. Megan says “her heart is happiest when helping others”.  In 2018, Megan saw news of how her friend in the Junior League of Wilmington helped pass Erin’s Law and decided, “That’s what I want to do. I want to be a part of an organization like that – one that is making a strong impact in the community.” She started in the next provisional class available and became an Active member that spring. Her League journey started on the Kitchen Tour committee, where she was able to learn more about the League and our fundraising efforts, as well be part of a team of great members, to execute one of the League’s biggest events. “It was incredible to work with a group of ladies so dedicated. And yes, we all get along!” said Megan. Her next League adventure was on the Community Impact (CI) committee. This is where her heart was. Megan started out as a committee member, but soon stepped into the role of co-chair to help lead the team. The following year, she was accepted as the Chair of CI and helped roll out the League’s new 3-year plan and the new community based impact focus of Period Equity. She and her team laid the groundwork for the focus area to grow in the years to come. “It’s the most rewarding work, to know you are able to help young ladies be their best person”, she says.

Noreena Lewis is entering a new phase of JLW membership – becoming a sustainer.  Noreena initially joined the League to meet like-minded women and to get to know Wilmington since she is not from the area originally. “Becoming a sustainer happened so quickly but the path to where I am now has been so fulfilling and has given me experiences I could never replace. I’ve also made some of the most amazing friends, which has truly been the most wonderful part of my League experience”, she says. Without really planning it, Noreena’s placements and positions in the League all took a membership slant.”I held placements in the Recruiting, Provisional, Nominating, and Member Development committees. I rounded out my active membership by serving two years on the Board of Directors as Vice President of Membership. I have met so many different and talented women, from a variety of backgrounds – all with the common goal of training women to be leaders in our community. I am most excited about the new community impact initiative of bringing about menstrual equity in Delaware and am looking forward to contributing as a sustainer to this incredibly worthwhile initiative.” Noreena hopes that someday, her own daughters will have the opportunity to serve their community through the Junior League.

Lindsay Lancaster’s desire to make a difference in the community and to learn anything and everything related to the nonprofit sector led her to join the League. As a transplant to Delaware, she was also eager to make new friends and explore a new career path in the nonprofit sector.

She discovered the League through the traditional July Iced Tea and attended out of curiosity upon receiving an invitation from a friend. Without knowing or understanding the League, Lindsay says “she thought it would likely be a “hoity-toity” group.” However, Lindsay recognized her own prejudice and realized that the women she met shared a common interest in hands-on volunteerism. Later, she learned that the Junior League of Nashville, Tennessee was instrumental to her grandfather’s efforts in starting the children’s hospital at Vanderbilt. She decided to join the League in 2013 and hasn’t looked back. Lindsay has served on several committees and has engaged in a variety of learning opportunities which have been invaluable to her growth and development. Through the Community Impact Committee, she had the opportunity to plan and participate in different outreach activities to build and strengthen the community as well as begin to explore a new focus area. She enjoyed serving on the Whale of a Sale Committee and seeing the joy and excitement of shoppers finding new beloved treasures (and even dressing up as the Whale!) As an introvert, the Recruiting Committee challenged her to improve her networking skills. The Nominating Committee gave her insight into nonprofit governance and the decision-making process in slating new leadership. In her most recent position as Assistant Treasurer/Treasurer, she says “I learned new skills to help the League use its finances to carry out its mission. I look forward to my role on the Member Development Committee this year to foster an inclusive space for learning and growth.” Whether it’s volunteering in the community, learning a new skill, or making a new friend, Lindsay is eager to help members make the most of their League experience.