For 125 years, the New York Junior League (NYJL) has demonstrated what is possible when women lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and come together to strengthen their communities. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we honor a legacy that began here in New York City and helped inspire the Junior League Movement around the world.

This year also marks the launch of our 2026–2029 Strategic Plan—a roadmap that builds on the strength of our 125-year history while looking boldly toward the future. The plan is designed to deepen our community impact, expand opportunities for women’s leadership, strengthen the partnerships that make our work possible, and ensure the NYJL has the resources, vision, and resilience to serve with purpose for generations to come.

Our strategic plan comes to life through four interconnected areas of focus: Membership; Community; Fundraising; and Strategy, Advocacy, and Communications. Through Membership, we prepare and develop women to become effective civic leaders. Through Community, we work alongside nonprofit and neighborhood partners to support New Yorkers. Through Fundraising, we secure the resources that sustain our mission and expand our impact. Through Strategy, Advocacy, and Communications, we amplify our voice, strengthen our influence, and connect more people to the work of our volunteers. Together, these areas reinforce the NYJL’s dual role as both a leadership organization for women and a trusted partner in communities across New York City.

For me, the true power of the NYJL has always been the knowledge that the work we do today creates opportunities for the women who will lead tomorrow. Our new strategic plan ensures we are not only responding to the needs of this moment, but also building the foundation, partnerships, and shared vision that will empower future generations of leaders.

As we celebrate 125 years of service and leadership, I invite you to be part of what comes next. Whether you choose to volunteer, make a gift, attend an event, or advocate for our mission, your support helps ensure that the NYJL continues to develop women leaders and strengthen our city for years to come.

With that, I invite you to join us in celebrating our 125th year in one of the following ways:

• Support our mission of training and developing women leaders by making an individual gift or exploring corporate sponsorship opportunities. To learn more, please contact development@nyjl.org.
• Partner with us to strengthen New York City communities through meaningful collaboration.
• Learn more about membership by attending an upcoming New Member Orientation and discovering how you can make an impact through the NYJL.

As we look ahead, our charge is clear: to build on this extraordinary legacy with intention, courage, and care so that the NYJL remains a force for leadership and service for generations to come.

We cannot accomplish this work alone. It takes members, partners, donors, and friends who believe in the power of women’s leadership and volunteer service to help shape the future.

Thank you for being part of our story—and for helping write its next chapter.

With gratitude,

Liz

Elizabeth Pavone
President, New York Junior League
2026–2028