Junior League of Greater Lakeland FL

06/23/2026

What an incredible 26-27 Board Retreat weekend! ✨

We kicked things off Friday evening with connection and vision board creation—and it was an absolute blast! It was the perfect way to begin a weekend focused on growth, leadership, and dreaming big for the year ahead. 🤩

Saturday was a full day of learning, collaboration, and planning. We were excited to welcome our Committee Chairs and Sustaining Advisors for the morning session before the Board continued working together into the afternoon. The ideas and energy throughout the day have us inspired for all that is ahead.

A special thank you to Nick Martinez, M.S., Associate Director of Leadership and Competency Development at the University of Tampa, for taking the time to dive deep into leadership with us and share valuable insights that will help guide our work throughout the League Year. We were thrilled to welcome Nick back after he spoke to our Active Members at a General Membership Meeting earlier this year, and we are grateful for his continued investment in developing leaders within our League.

We also extend our gratitude to all of the JLGL leaders who joined us on Saturday to share their wisdom and perspectives. Your insights and willingness to share your leadership experiences made a meaningful impact on our Board. And a very special thank you to President Nichole DuShane and President-Elect Gayleen Courtney for their thoughtful planning and dedication in creating such a successful retreat experience. Your leadership and commitment set the stage for a productive, engaging, and inspiring weekend.

Finally, thank you to every Board Member, Committee Chair, and Sustaining Advisor who attended. Your time, passion, dedication, and commitment to our mission are what make this organization so special! ❤️

We are energized for all that is to come in the 2026-2027 League Year! 🎉

06/22/2026

We’re excited to share that the Junior League of Greater Lakeland has been awarded the GiveWell Community Foundation Empower Polk Award! 🎉

This $5,000 grant will support an investment that is vitally important to strengthening our operations, improving accessibility, enhancing how we connect with our community, and helping preserve and protect our organization’s history. 💻✨

Thank you to the GiveWell Community Foundation for supporting our mission, and to our Funding Council for their dedication in securing this opportunity. ❤️

06/21/2026

👔 Happy Father’s Day! The Junior League of Greater Lakeland celebrates fathers and father figures who guide, support, and inspire. Your leadership and care make a lasting difference in families and communities.

06/20/2026

What a incredible and collaborative morning at our Funding Retreat on June 6! ✨

A heartfelt thank you to President Nichole DuShane for planning and hosting such a meaningful and productive gathering. We’re also so grateful to Sara McIntyre, Funding Director, for sharing valuable insights and direction for the upcoming year, helping to set the stage for the continued success of our League.

We were also honored to have AJLI’s Gretchen Garceau-Kragh, Vice President of Fund Development, join us via Zoom to provide a powerful presentation on “Fundraising is Leadership.”

A special thank you to Past President Katherine Fitzwater for her engaging presentation on the history of funding and fundraisers—it was both informative and inspiring! And thank you to all of our Funding Committee members, Board members, and Active members who attended and contributed to such an important discussion. Excited for what’s ahead! 🤩

06/19/2026

Today we commemorate Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the United States when news of emancipation reached Galveston, Texas, in 1865.

The Junior League of Greater Lakeland honors the resilience, contributions, and achievements of Black communities. We remain committed to promoting equity, inclusion, and lasting positive change in every corner of our work.

We look forward to sharing books with families at the Juneteenth Freedom Festival of Lakeland on Saturday, June 27. We hope to see you there as we celebrate community, learning, and freedom. ❤️

06/17/2026

Throwing it back to last year’s Find the Good Day packing project because Find the Good Day is returning this fall! ✨

We’re excited to come together once again with the Junior League of Greater Winter Haven to make a meaningful impact in our community. Mark your calendars for our packing project benefiting the HEARTH Project on September 12, at the JLGL Building!

We’re already collecting supplies, and every donation helps us reach more individuals and families in need. Check out our Amazon Wishlist at the link below and join us in spreading a little more good. 🤩

Members: Please remember to keep a record of your donations.

Together, we can make this year’s Find the Good Day even bigger and better! 💛✨

https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/3NWU765G6O533?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_ggr-subnav-share_3P18A8DDXT8Q1723BZV2&language=en-US

06/17/2026

From “I do” to important meetings and memorable celebrations, our building is a versatile space designed to bring people together. Whether you’re planning a wedding, hosting a luncheon, or organizing a special occasion, we’re proud to offer a setting that supports it all—while continuing to serve our League and the community! ✨

At the heart of this work is our commitment to fostering connection and impact in our community. As we carry this mission forward, we’re pleased to welcome Palemeschia “Pal” Powell, a Junior League of Greater Lakeland Sustainer, as our new Office Manager. We’re grateful to have her supporting these efforts behind the scenes.

Interested in renting our space? We’d love to connect! Email [email protected] or call (863) 682-2112 to learn more or schedule a tour. 🤩

06/12/2026

So proud of JLGL Past President Katherine Fitzwater!! 🤩👏

We’re excited to share a new chapter at VISTE. 💚

After a comprehensive search, Katherine Fitzwater has been selected as VISTE’s next President. Katherine is a dedicated nonprofit leader and community advocate, bringing strong experience in communications, volunteer engagement, and fundraising from her work with United Way of Central Florida.

With deep roots in our community and a passion for serving others, she’s the perfect fit to help lead VISTE forward.

She will officially step into the role on August 3. Please join us in giving Katherine a warm welcome!

06/11/2026

What a wonderful time at our final Prospective Member Social! ✨

We had such a great time connecting with both Prospective and Active members on June 3 at The Joinery. We loved getting to meet so many dynamic and incredible women—thank you to everyone who came out and made the evening so special, and to the Provisional Committee for hosting this event! We’re so excited for the provisional year to kick off this fall! 🤩

🚨 There’s still time to register for the upcoming provisional year! Join a network of passionate women committed to making a lasting impact through volunteerism, leadership development, and community service. Whether you’re looking to give back, expand your circle, or develop new skills, you’ll find opportunities to grow while making a difference alongside incredible women. Visit the link below to register today! 🎉

Together, we’re Developing Women to Do a World of Good. ✨

https://www.jlgl.org/membership/new-members-provisionals/