In May, the Junior League of Pasadena, Inc. (JLP) held its annual meeting and welcomed new active members, honored current members’ achievements and installed its new board of directors. The JLP also celebrated its recognition by the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. for its membership development program and promised to continue to increase the organization’s reach and effectiveness through its strong commitment to projects and community partner collaborations for the 2013-14 year.

The JLP partnership programs include the CAMMY awarding-winning art program My Masterpieces, which bridges art and education between the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD), Pasadena Educational Foundation and its museum partners. JLP volunteers serve as art docents and lead morning art tours through the city of Pasadena’s various collections of public art installations, showcasing public art to all second grade students attending PUSD schools. JLP volunteers also function as “family literacy coaches” with the Early Readers’ Book Club in partnership with Mothers’ Club Family Learning Center. This program instills a love of reading in preschool children and helps parents, many of whom are English-learners, become more proficient in engaging their children in the reading process at home. Both partnership programs demonstrate the League’s dedication to increasing the reach and effectiveness of its mission statement Promoting Voluntarism, Developing the Potential of Women and Improving Communities.

The JLP’s theme for the 2013-14 year, “It Begins With You!” helped set the tone for its new president Kristen Schwarz.

“It has been an incredible year, much to the credit of our outgoing president Sandy Roberts,” said Schwarz. “As a membership-run and membership-driven organization, I am thrilled to announce our focus on the member for this year, especially as we welcome an exceptional group of new leaders on our board and council.”

Other new board members include President-elect Kristen Todd, Community Director Hannah Palmer, Finance Director Mary Sugano, Fundraising Director Catherine Welch, Marketing Director Carmelita Bouie, Membership Director Leah Mason, Program Development Director Robyn Grandy, Recorder Jennifer Lee, State Public Affairs Council (SPAC) Senior Representative Victoria Williams, Sustainer Director Barbara Baptie and President’s Assistant Melissa Keeslar.