What prompted you to become a member of the New York Junior League and how long have you been a member?

When I moved into the city full time, I was looking for a way to get more engaged in my community, similar to what I had been involved in during college. I was looking for a place that allowed for volunteer opportunities, but also a place to meet new friends. I actually joined in fall 2019 and became an Active member right as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. After the pandemic, I was able to expand my involvement and joined a community committee that really met my passions. Further, I have met some of my closest friends here who will be at my wedding next year! 

What committee(s) have you served on in the New York Junior League? Tell us about your experience on each of them.

I joined the Playground Improvement Project committee (PIP) in spring 2020, but unfortunately was unable to attend any events given the pandemic.

After PIP, I joined the DaVinci Explorers committee and have been the treasurer of the committee for the last two years. DaVinci Explorers holds a place close to my heart – when I was in college, I participated in a similar Arts & Science-based afterschool program for children living in a shelter for families experiencing homelessness near my college. DaVinci Explorers embodies the same mindset except we do activities with kids in a local community center at community partner SCAN on 107th Street and Madison Avenue.

How did you get involved with GiGi’s Playhouse and their Associate Board?

I met GiGi’s Playhouse in December 2019 at a Done in a Day (DIAD) shift with my fellow Provisionals. I continued to follow them on Instagram after the shift, but didn’t get involved again until 2024 when I attended the Nonprofit Board Training and the Nonprofit Mixer put on by our Nonprofit Education & Training committee (NET). There, I met Board President Jane Proventi. We spoke for a while and she gave me her information. The following week, I attended GiGi’s Playhouse’s Annual Cabaret. After speaking to members of the community and other board members, I knew I had to join their Young Professionals Board. The community is one of the happiest groups of people I have met and they are amazing folks.

How has the training that you’ve received at the New York Junior League prepared you to serve in this role with GiGi’s Playhouse?

I attended NET’s Nonprofit Board Training last spring and it helped me better understand how nonprofits operate. Also, being a member of the NYJL has opened me up to more connections and organizations to help expand mine and GiGi’s circle.

Tell us more about your experience with GiGi’s Playhouse and the organization’s recent fashion show.

Each year, the Young Professionals Board runs and operates the GiGi’s Annual Fashion show. Starting in the fall, we begin our quest looking for a space, models, donations, and volunteers. This year, we were lucky enough to be connected with St. Jean the Baptiste High School. They helped set up their auditorium to build our dream runway. This year, we had our largest model pool ever at a whopping 40+ models ranging in age from 18 months to 23+ years old. Each model either wore their favorite outfit or sported an outfit from our generous donation brands. The entire room was electric when the models walked down the runway—each model got to pick out their favorite song and strut their stuff. The crowd was constantly on their feet cheering and clapping with the music for their models. At the end of the day, the best part was the models’ smiles. Some models were so nervous to walk down the runway, but when they did it and finished, they had the biggest smiles on their faces. After the event, we had raffles, snacks, and a huge dance party. The models were able to not only spend the day strutting their stuff on the runway, but also show us their awesome dance moves.

We also were able to collaborate with the NYJL and have two sets of DIAD volunteer groups join us in the morning and afternoon. We worked with Hannah Beswick from the DIAD committee who even joined us all day! They helped with set up, model organization, snack serving, and taking down the decorations. They were so positive and were a blast to have with us!

What advice do you have for other New York Junior League members who are looking to join a junior board or executive board of another nonprofit?

I would tell any NYJL member if they want to expand themselves and help in a different way to join a nonprofit board. You wouldn’t believe the impact you can make without being on the direct front lines of volunteering. Every nonprofit needs help, is amazing in their own way, and always appreciates the help, no matter how big or small. 

GiGi’s is always looking for volunteers to come join or lead our programs, the more the merrier! You can learn more here.