This year, the League will honor members each month with the Member Spotlight Award for going above and beyond in service to our community and organization. This award reflects the fact that the League is made up of incredible women doing incredible things!

August 2023

Ariana Anjier 
Membership Engagement Coordinator 

Joining the Junior League of Houston in 2021 – 2022, Ariana currently serves as the Membership Engagement Coordinator this year. She did an exceptional job planning the June Membership Engagement Event by reaching out to countless venues to ensure the event took place at the perfect location while being affordable to League members. Additionally, Ariana has unique and innovative ideas to engage our members throughout the year. When asked what she loves about her role as Membership Engagement Coordinator, Ariana shared “I love working with the Training and Education team to come up with fun ideas to encourage membership engagement and explore Houston. I also enjoy meeting fellow League members and making new friends.” The Training and Education Committee is thankful to have such a talented and enthusiastic member like Ariana!

Neus Bota
Camp Hope Chair – Allie in Hope

A Junior League of Houston member for six years, Neus currently serves as the Camp Hope Chair – Allies in Hope this year. She went above and beyond in her role as chair when there was an urgent need for volunteers. When asked what she loves about her role, Neus shared “Camp Hope is all about working towards kiddos having the best week of the year! To be able to participate in this experience is magical! Allies in Hope is an awesome organization and I LOVE working with them. After four years, camp was finally back in person this year and it was an amazing week filled with water games, canoeing, a talent show, formal dance, s’mores and much, much more! I would recommend this volunteering experience to everyone.” Thank you Neus for stepping up and for making memories with the campers at Camp Hope!

September 2023

Brianna TenBrink
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training Manager

Brianna joined the Junior League of Houston last year in 2022 and has already above and beyond in her League leadership. Brianna is currently serving as this year’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training Manager. She recently gave an amazing training to the current provisional members, leaving an impactful memory on their provisional journey. Brianna shared, “I love that my placement as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager – Training centers on ensuring that each member of the League feels seen, valued and heard. I work across two fabulous teams, DEI and Training and Education, to educate and execute learning moments for our membership to strengthen us internally and open our doors to a more diverse applicant pool externally. I love being in the League because I value experiences that allow me to serve my community, challenge myself to grow personally and professionally, as well as the opportunity to connect with like minds who are passionate about making a difference.” Thank you, Brianna, for your leadership and guidance in training our League members.

Brittany Douglas 
Tea Room Support – Server/Cashier

Brittany is a provisional member currently serving in the Tea Room Support role as a Server/Cashier. Brittany maintains a positive attitude, works hard on her shifts and leads by example. On a busy Saturday in the Tea Room, her exceptional service was recognized by a fellow active League member who reached out singing her praises, thinking Brittany had to be an experienced League member, not a provisional who is new to the Tea Room. Brittany’s enthusiasm for the role, knowledge of the placement and skill in completing her duties are what made her stand apart. Brittany shared, “I love all the wonderful women I have met in the League! They are dynamic, kind, fun and lovely. These are women I would more than likely not have had the opportunity to meet, as we work in different industries and live all over Houston! I am so thankful for each of them.” Thank you, Brittany, for being an exemplary provisional volunteer in the Tea Room this year!

Rayna Crier 
Internal Social Media Manager 

Rayna originally joined the Junior League of Montgomery, but she transferred to the Junior League of Houston in 2021. If you follow JLH on social media, you have seen Rayna’s phenomenal work as Internal Social Media Manager. Social media is a fast-moving, ever-changing platform, and the Internal Social Media Manager placement kicks into high gear even before the start of the League year. Rayna has created fun and innovative posts to keep our members informed and excited to attend events. Rayna shared, “I really enjoy the creative freedom of being the Internal Social Media Manager. In my full-time job as a career advisor at Rice University, I spend most of my time having very serious conversations. But in the League, I’m able to tap into my artistic side! The League provides so many opportunities to learn and grow. This is a safe space to explore new skills and make new friends while serving the Houston community. At the end of every League year, I’ve added things to my toolbox that I’m able to use in every other area of my life!” Thank you, Rayna, your dedication and creative ideas are truly appreciated.

October 2023

Naseem Athari
Houston Food Bank Volunteer

Naseem joined the Junior League of Houston in 2020 and her remarkable contributions at the Houston Food Bank have been nothing short of inspiring. Despite the challenges of being pregnant with her first child, Naseem has exhibited boundless energy and commitment. Her tireless efforts in the Food Bank have included the distribution of fresh produce, meat and nonperishable goods, as well as the preparation of nutritious hot meals for children in need. Naseem’s actions reflect the true essence of the Junior League of Houston – women who go above and beyond, regardless of personal circumstances, to make a profound difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Her willingness to give her time, energy and compassion to the Houston Food Bank is a testament to her character and her unwavering commitment to our community. Naseem’s efforts have not only touched the lives of those she has served but have also inspired all of us to strive for excellence in our service to others. Thank you, Naseem, for your commitment to the Junior League of Houston and our community agency, Houston Food Bank.

Laurie Foster
Pen Pals Chair

A Junior League of Houston member for six years, Laurie currently serves as the Pen Pals Chair this year. She has hit the ground running in her role! Laurie sees an area of need and steps up to help in whatever capacity is needed. This is Laurie’s third year serving in the Pen Pals placement and she shared “I love being able to connect with third graders and witness firsthand the relationships and excitement from both parties.” Thank you, Laurie, for your commitment to the Junior League of Houston and our community placement, Pen Pals.

Laura Pio 
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Chair

A Junior League of Houston member for four years, Laura currently serves as The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) Chair this year. Laura’s positivity, proactive nature and professionalism have helped provide amazing experiences for all those involved at MFAH, as well as for the League’s provisional and transfer members attending agency visits. Laura shared, “My placement allows me to tap into my creative side. I love staying and watching the film screenings and helping facilitate an enjoyable time for museum guests. Museums attract such a wide variety of people and I love being in the midst of that.” Thank you, Laura, for your commitment to the Junior League of Houston and our community agency, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Sarah Davidson
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Chair

A Junior League of Houston member for nine years, Sarah currently serves as the Centennial Anniversary Communications Manager this year. She has done a fantastic job in her role this year managing all communications related to the Junior League of Houston’s upcoming Centennial Anniversary. As a communications manager, she writes articles for the League’s external magazine, Houston News. Not only did Sarah complete her assigned article before the deadline, but without much notice, she jumped in and wrote an additional article to help the team. Sarah shared, “Participating in the Centennial Anniversary Committee is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help showcase the League’s many contributions to the Houston community over the last century and to envision our next 100 years of voluntarism. What an honor to contribute to these efforts!” Thank you, Sarah, for your dependability, creativity and ongoing commitment to the Junior League of Houston!

November 2023

Melissa Craig
Centennial Book Committee Member

A Junior League of Houston member for nine years, Melissa currently serves on the Centennial Book Committee this year. She has been a dynamic contributor on this new endeavor for the League – the Junior League of Houston’s Centennial Coffee Table Book. Melissa approaches the project with enthusiasm, dedication and thoughtfulness. She has been anything but shy, as she jumped right in, digging deep into the research and discovery for one the books first chapters. Melissa shared “I love the Centennial Book Committee because it provides an opportunity to showcase the rich history of Junior League of Houston. The women who bolstered support from the community nearly 100 years ago to create the infrastructure of what is today the largest, self-sustaining league in the world.” Her passion for the project and the Junior League of Houston have been shining through as begins to pull together historical documents and information for the publication. The Centennial Book Committee is so thankful to have her as part of the team!

Joli Wright
Head Active – Sewing for Texas Children’s Hospital

A Junior League of Houston member for five years, Joli currently serves as Head Active for Sewing for Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH). Through her experience as a returning Head Active for Sewing for TCH, she champions developing the potential of women and training volunteers to better serve our community and at times, to learn a new skill… sewing! Joli personifies the type of leaders the Junior League of Houston identifies in its mission statement. She is always dependable and incredibly responsive in helping resolve issues and supporting provisional members with guidance and informal mentorship. Joli is passionate about her volunteer work on behalf of the Junior League of Houston and for TCH. Joli shared “As the Head Active for Sewing for TCH, I created a new project for this placement called ‘Superhero Capes for Warrior Children of TCH’. This cape is for the girls and boys who are patients at TCH. It is multi-purposeful. It allows children to wear a beautiful superhero cape tied with a ribbon around their neck to remind them of their inner strength as they fight their battles at TCH, just like a superhero. The cape is large enough to wrap around their body, like a throw blanket, keeping them warm in their chilly hospital room. We have received amazing feedback from the nurses at TCH who have shared that the children love these capes!” Thank you Joli for your commitment to the Junior League of Houston and to TCH!

Julie Collado
Head Active – Sewing for Texas Children’s Hospital

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A Junior League of Houston member for 10 years, Julie currently serves as the Membership Communications Manager. She goes above and beyond her role to ensure membership events and meetings are highlighted to all League members. Julie’s dedication to her position ensures that not only are deadlines are met, but that quality and engaging material is provided to League members and the Houston community. Julie shared, “As Membership Communications Manager, I see how much thought and energy is put into the programming for our League members and I am fortunate to know about all the upcoming fun and educational opportunities! To me, the best part about the League is being surrounded by kind, service-oriented women who want to make a difference in the Houston community.” Thank you, Julie, for your commitment to the Junior League of Houston and to all League members!

December 2023

Alli Whitton
Community Assistance Committee Member

Alli originally joined the Junior League of Dallas, but she transferred to the Junior League of Houston in 2022. She currently serves as a Community Assistance Committee Member where she has gone above and beyond during the grant review and nonprofit visiting process for the League’s Community Assistance Grant Committee. Alli has been very detailed in her reviews and has been an absolute joy to be around. Alli shared, “I love that Community Assistance feels like it’s both administrative and community work. You get the best of both worlds!” Thank you Alli for your commitment to the Junior League of Houston!

Alicia Layfield, Rebecca Hoffman and Sarah Aung
Tea Room Support Chair, SET Chair and Tea Room Training Chair

Three outstanding League members identified a crucial need in the League’s Tea Room and together they stepped up to serve. The League’s Tea Room Scheduling Manager identified an unusually busy Wednesday in the Tea Room that did not have enough volunteer coverage. Alicia Layfield, Tea Room Support Chair, Sarah Aung, Tea Room Training Chair, and Rebecca Hoffman, SET Chair, heard about the need and immediately donned their green aprons and covered all the of the Tea Room to assist the other two League volunteers that day.

When asked about what the League means to her, Alicia shared, “The camaraderie; I have always felt supported by the women in the League and have learned so much in my time here; which makes sense, as at our core, the League is an organization that helps empower women!” Sarah shared, “I really enjoy meeting dynamic women from different backgrounds and professions” and Rebecca shared, “As SET Chair this year, I have loved being able to work with our amazing League staff, the Tea Room Special Events Committee, Charity Ball Committee and many other members to provide our members opportunities to volunteer during events and furthering our mission!”

A true example of League members stepping outside their current League roles to serve wherever the need is. These three women consistently raise their hands to help the League whenever possible! Thank you to Alicia, Sarah and Rebecca for your commitment to the Junior League of Houston, our Tea Room and to all League members!

January 2024

Lexi Zager
Sing Along With Seniors Chair

Lexi joined the League in 2019 and currently serves as the Sing Along with Seniors (SAWS) Chair. Lexi has worked hard to make SAWS fun, inclusive and flexible. She has hosted several socials for members and collaborated with VIEW (Volunteers in Evening Workshop) to provide senior residents, at the senior centers where SAWS performs, handmade holiday cards. Lexi shared, “From impactful projects to meaningful events, the League offers so many ways for us to roll up our sleeves and truly connect with the people we’re helping. I couldn’t imagine being part of anything else.”

Kathleen Booker
Pen Pals Volunteer

Kathleen is a first-year active member of the Junior League of Houston and is currently serving as a volunteer with Pen Pals. Kathleen’s proactive positive communication with the school she serves makes a big impact and she is a great representative of the League. When asked what she loves about Pen Pals, Kathleen shared, “I love seeing the big smiles on the students’ faces when we walk in the classrooms. They get so excited to see us and it means so much to me. It lets me know that we are doing something right.” Thank you, Kathleen, for all you do for the students, the League and the Houston community.

Helyna Bledsoe and Kim Padeletti
Provisional Mentors

Helyna and Kim serve as co-mentors for one of the League’s Provisional Mentor groups, fostering community and service among the League’s newest members. Together, Helyna and Kim have taken this role to heart and have organized many small group activities for their mentees to get to know each other and form friendships. Helyna shared, “It’s fun being around the provisionals. They are all enthusiastic and full of energy; they remind me how special that first year volunteering with the League is.” Kim shared, “It’s inspiring to be surrounded by so many passionate and dedicated people. I love to see the energy and momentum brought by the new provisionals!” Thank you, Helyna and Kim for all you do to make the League a welcoming place for its newest members.

February 2024

Caroline Waller
Charity Ball Auction Committee

Caroline originally joined the Junior League of Nashville and transferred to the Junior League of Houston in 2021. She currently serves on the Charity Ball Auction Committee. While Caroline initially thought this placement would be outside her comfort zone, she shared how great the experience has been for her! Caroline has shined as an Auction Committee Member, offering to take on additional tasks with amazing execution. She is proactive, has a positive “can-do” attitude and is a joy to work alongside. Caroline shared, “I love that the League has helped reignite my passion for volunteering! As a transfer member, the League has helped me know more of the Houston community and why the difference League members make is so important.” Thank you, Caroline, for all you do for the League and the community!

Faith Prasatik
Star of Hope Volunteer

Faith is a first-year active member of the Junior League of Houston and is currently serving as a volunteer with Star of Hope. Her passion and consistency while volunteering at Star of Hope has created a profound and positive ripple effect within the community. Faith’s impact extends far beyond the immediate joy she brings to the kids; she is actively shaping the future by instilling a sense of community service and compassion in the next generation. Faith shared, “The moment when you’ve been helping a child with their homework, encouraging their confidence in academics and the child smiles with an understanding of the subject is priceless.” Faith has not only become a familiar and beloved role model to the children at Star of Hope, but she has also inspired many women join the Junior League Houston or, for those already members, choose Star of Hope as their volunteer placement. Thank you, Faith, for all you do for the League and the Houston community!

Courtney Reynolds
Neighborhood Outreach Assistant Chair

A Junior League of Houston member for seven years, Courtney currently serves as the Neighborhood Outreach Community Impact Director (CID) Assistant. In her role, Courtney assists in all aspects of impact committee activities and current research studies, while providing support to project chairs and Neighborhood Outreach Community Impact Researchers. She goes above and beyond to ensure there is clear and consistent communication both with the League’s project chairs and the League’s external community projects. Courtney is a great mentor to all projects chairs, always providing the best guidance and advice. Courtney shared, “If I can ensure the project chairs are appreciated, supported and cared for then it trickles down ensuring each of their teams will have a better experience in the community.” Thank you, Courtney, for all you do for the League!

Rebecca Pinckney
Community External Relations Committee Member

Rebecca originally joined the Junior League of New York and transferred to the Junior League of Houston in 2022. She currently serves as a member of the Community External Relations Committee. In her role, Rebecca was tasked with drafting the charter for the League’s Community Advisory Panel (CAP). To gain a better understanding of the panel, Rebecca interviewed past Junior League of Houston presidents. To say she has done an amazing job is an understatement. Through her research, she has also actively sought out new members in the Houston community to nominate for the panel. Rebecca shared, “I love that the Community External Relations Committee serves as a key connector between League volunteers and so many incredible leaders in the Houston community. I am proud of how League programs, such as Outside Board Representatives and Community Advisory Panel, have not only strengthened the League’s representation across the Houston nonprofit sector but also brought valuable community insights to League leadership.” Thank you, Rebecca, for helping our League continue to shine in the Houston community

March 2024

Seante Johnson
Admissions Assistant Chair – Sponsor Assistance

A Junior League of Houston member for six years, Seante currently serves as the Admissions Assistant Chair – Sponsor Assistance. New this year, Seante implemented a Speed Sponsor Event which matched prospective members with League sponsors in a fun and inviting way. This event not only resonated positively with potential and current members but also fostered valuable connections within the League community. Seante’s innovative approach demonstrates her commitment to enhancing the Junior League of Houston experience for all women. Seante shared, “I loved having the opportunity to create an exciting environment for relationships to begin through the Speed Sponsoring event”. Thanks, Seante, for increasing membership connections in a fun and exciting new way!

Carrie Engerrand
Holocaust Museum Chair

Originally a provisional member of the Junior League of Houston, Carrie transferred to the Junior League of New York City and transferred back to the Junior League of Houston in 2020. She currently serves as the Holocaust Museum of Houston Chair. Carrie is extremely passionate about the Holocaust Museum, going above and beyond volunteering extra hours and encouraging friends to visit the museum. When asked about her placement, Carrie shared, “I find joy in observing people’s transformation, witnessing their journey from arrival to departure. Even amidst the tough subject matter, it is truly rewarding. There’s nothing quite like seeing a person embrace change.” Thank you, Carrie, for serving the League and the Houston community!

Athenia Gordon
Tea Room Support – Server/Cashier 

Athenia is a provisional member of the Junior League of Houston and her service in the Tea Room has not gone unnoticed! The Junior League of Houston Tea Room supports the League’s mission of promoting voluntarism and developing the potential of women with League members volunteering as servers and cashiers to help offset operating costs. During Athenia’s time volunteering in the Tea Room service, she went above and beyond to help her fellow cashiers. When asked about her placement, Athenia shared, “Being in the Tea Room allowed me to continue to bring my best self to the organization and serve for the betterment of the League”. On your next trip to the Tea Room, Athenia recommends the Tortilla Soup, JLH Burger, Key Lime Pie and of course the Orange Rolls! Thank you, Athenia, for all you do for the League!

Chelsea Johnson
Sing Along With Seniors Performer

Originally a member of the Junior League of Houston, Chelsea transferred to the Junior League of Oklahoma City before transferring back to the Junior League of Houston in 2021. Chelsea is an active member of Sing Along with Seniors (SAWS) and for the last several years she has taken on the extra task of leading and choreographing the dancers for each song. The seniors absolutely adore the dances; it brings so much life to the performances. When asked about her placement, Chelsea shared, “I love going out into the community and touching people’s lives directly. Seeing tears of happiness in the eyes of the people we work with truly reinforces why I am so passionate about what we do. It brings me immense joy to see the positive impact that we can have through singing and dancing.” Thank you, Chelsea, for giving so much to the League and the Houston community!

Ashley Humphreys
Sing Along With Seniors Performer

Originally a member of the Junior League of Midland, Ashley joined the Junior League of Houston in 2019 and currently serves as a Sing Along With Seniors (SAWS) performer. Ashley is an invaluable member of the SAWS placement; her unwavering commitment and dedication shined through this year when she stepped up and filled in for the main volunteer pianist. Ashley learned 22 songs in a short time frame and her reliability in ensuring the show could go on seamlessly speaks volumes about her character and her commitment to the success of Sing Along With Seniors. Beyond her musical abilities, Ashley’s positive attitude and welcoming demeanor have made her a shining light within the community. By taking on such a significant responsibility and executing it flawlessly, she has showcased not only her skill development but also her willingness to go above and beyond for the team. Ashley’s actions exemplify true teamwork and leadership potential, inspiring others to similarly contribute when needed. Thank you, Ashley, for all you do for the League and for the Houston community!

April 2024

Allison Jochetz
Provisional Assistant Chair – Community

A Junior League of Houston member for 9 years, Allison currently serves as the Provisional Assistant Chair – Community. Allison sets an incredible example of leadership and is always willing to be a helping hand. She is open and responsive to all the League’s provisional members, as well as her fellow committee members. Not only is Allison focused on this year, she is setting up next year’s team for success by working with incoming provisional committee members on critical administrative details. When asked about her placement, Allison shared, “I love hearing feedback from our provisional group on their community and Tea Room placements….at the end of the day, I want all provisional members to enjoy their first year, make connections and be inspired for all that the Junior League of Houston can bring them in the years ahead.” Thank you, Allison, for serving our provisional members and for all you do for the League!

Akilah Mance
Baylor Teen Health Clinic Chair

A Junior League of Houston member for 7 years, Akilah currently serves as the Baylor Teen Health Clinic Project Chair. A tenured volunteer with the Baylor Teen Health Clinic, Akilah is a positive, collaborative leader who always looks for solutions. She was quick to coordinate a virtual agency visit, allowing provisional and transfer members the opportunity to learn more about Baylor Teen Health Clinic, while providing the agency more flexibility as well. Akilah shared, “I love that our volunteers get to work directly with diverse members of our community who are immediately impacted by our efforts. I am truly grateful for the amazing, steadfast partnership with Baylor Teen Health Clinic and their leadership team.” Thank you, Akilah, for all you do for our League and the Houston community!

Meredith Symonds
Centennial Book Committee Member

Meredith has been a member of the Junior League of Houston for 9 years and is currently serving on the Centennial Book Committee. Meredith has done a phenomenal job capturing images of some of the League’s most valued possessions – the League archives. Working alongside fellow members of the Centennial Book Committee, Meredith has carefully transformed photographs from scrapbooks of the early years of the League (nearly 100-year-old books) to create a digital record of the League’s history. She also developed a photo tagging system that will make it easy to search for specific photos, helping to preserve these records for generations to come. When asked what she loves about her placement, Meredith shared, “I love digging into the League’s history! Having the privilege to review and photograph some of the oldest images of the League’s history has been absolutely incredible!” Thank you, Meredith, for helping to capture the League’s history!

May 2024

Elyse Kearns
Pen Pals Volunteer

A Junior League of Houston member for 8 years, Elyse currently serves as a Pen Pals volunteer. Elyse shows up with an excitement and drive for her students; she brings so much joy and encouragement to the placement. She is supportive of her fellow volunteers and always brings a huge smile and positive attitude. Elyse doesn’t ask – she just takes action! Her voluntarism has helped Pen Pals events become more seamless and successful. Elyse shared, “I love going to the Pen Pals “Meet & Greets” and working on craft projects with the students.” Elyse helped tremendously with this year’s final “Meet & Greet” assisting with the craft pick-up and delivery to the school. Thank you, Elyse, for your devotion to Pen Pals and to the League – you set a wonderful example of bringing our best selves to volunteer work to making our community a better place.

Amy Renz
Culture and Enrichment Assistant Chair

A Junior League of Houston member for 9 years, Amy currently serves as the Culture and Enrichment Assistant Chair. This year, Amy shared her love for the League and the work League members do in the community by nominating the Junior League of Houston for a Community Service Award at her employer, Stewart Title. Not only was the League presented the award but was also the recipient of a $500 donation to the League Legends Annual Fund on behalf of Stewart Title. Thank you, Amy, for taking the time and making the effort to recommend the Junior League of Houston for this generous gift!

Alana Adams
Finance Communications Manager and Development Communications Manager

Originally a member of the Junior League of Baton Rouge, Alana joined the Junior League of Houston in 2021 and currently serves as both the Development Communications Manager and Finance Communications Manager this year. Alana began the 2023 – 2024 League year saying “yes” to the role of Finance Communications Manager, overseeing all finance communications and when an unexpected vacancy arose, Alana graciously said “yes” to a second role as Development Communications Manager. Without hesitation, Alana took on the additional responsibilities with grace, attending three council meetings on a monthly basis, in addition to oversight of development and finance communications and additional League requirements, doing so with a huge smile and infectious positive attitude. Alana shared, “I grew tremendously this year by being able to participate in finance, communication, development and Charity Ball meetings. My communication skills drastically improved by collaborating with so many teams, and I gained insights into the profound impact of Charity Ball on our members both from a volunteer’s perspective and its’ financial significance.” Thank you, Alana, for being a role model League member and a ray of sunshine!