Junior League of Pasadena Names New Leadership as Organization Approaches Historic 100th Anniversary of Community Service

The Junior League of Pasadena, the nonprofit volunteer organization that helped establish some of the city’s most enduring institutions including Kidspace Children’s Museum and the Pasadena Senior Center, has announced its Board of Directors for the 2025-26 league year — a leadership slate that will guide the organization through its centennial celebration.

The new board, comprising volunteers who have served the Pasadena community with distinction, takes office as the organization prepares to mark 100 years since its founding in 1926 as the Junior Aid Society, a volunteer auxiliary supporting the local Boys’ and Girls’ Aid Society.

Leading the centennial year efforts will be President Lisa Glionna, who emphasized the historic nature of the moment. “As we move into our centennial year, we are looking forward to growing our impact, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring our work is sustainable for generations to come,” Glionna stated in the organization’s announcement.

The complete Board of Directors for 2025-26 includes:

• Lisa Glionna, President
• Jocelyn Ferguson, President-Elect
• Sarah Marie Campbell, Executive Vice President
• Sara Miller, Operations Director
• Brooke Fraser, Nominating Director
• Allison Daniel, Treasurer
• Cynthia Bradley, Sustainer Director
• Charis Barg, Secretary
• Amy Kalpin, Director at Large

The Junior League of Pasadena, which operates as part of the Association of Junior Leagues International, has maintained its mission to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women, and improve communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. This focus on education, charity, and women’s leadership training has resulted in numerous lasting contributions to Pasadena’s civic infrastructure.

Among the organization’s notable achievements over its 99-year history are its support efforts towards Elizabeth House, a Pasadena nonprofit shelter for pregnant women and their children, and contributions to building La Casita del Arroyo during the Great Depression. The 1933 Arroyo Seco community meeting house and garden remains a historic landmark today. In 1960, the League was instrumental in founding Pasadena’s first senior center.

The organization has also supported schools, arts programs, and countless local nonprofits, including partnerships with organizations like the Armory Center for the Arts and the award-winning My Masterpieces art education tours in public schools. Through its volunteer efforts and seed funding, the Junior League of Pasadena has consistently incubated new services until they could operate independently.

For the centennial year, the organization has already launched several initiatives, including an active membership drive for what it calls the “Class of 2025-2026” — the centennial cohort of volunteers. The League hosted summer 2025 recruitment events, including a “Taco Tuesday” open house on July 29 at the historic Junior League House and a New Member Social on August 16 at a local Pasadena brewery. The new member application for 2025-26 remains open on the organization’s website.

While specific centennial goals are being finalized, the League has established precedent for commemorating anniversaries with ambitious service targets. During its 95th anniversary in 2021, members collectively completed 950 hours of training and community service, recognized 95 outstanding women who contributed to the League’s success, highlighted 95 favorite recipes from the League’s cookbooks, and hosted numerous social events for members and the public throughout that year.

The 100th anniversary year is expected to feature scaled-up goals and  “100-themed” achievements — though exact figures and programs will be officially announced by the League. The organization has confirmed it will continue its current focus on women’s empowerment programming during 2025-2026, including career workshops, mentorship programs, and advocacy initiatives.

A series of commemorative events is planned to bring together members, community partners, and supporters throughout late 2025 and into 2026. According to the League, these will likely include community service days, networking and training conferences, celebratory galas or luncheons, and public outreach campaigns highlighting the organization’s history. Leadership has mentioned organizing social gatherings with both membership and the broader community “all year long”.

According to the organization’s press materials, Glionna has stated that reaching the 100-year milestone is a testament to “the dedication of our members and the Pasadena community’s support.”

Opportunities to engage in centennial events and initiatives will be announced on the League’s website at www.jlpasadena.org and on Instagram @jlpasadena. New recruits will participate in training, community service shifts, and a class project during the centennial year, continuing the organization’s tradition of “learning by doing” in volunteer leadership.

Founded in 1926, the Junior League of Pasadena is a nonprofit organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective leadership of trained volunteers. Past projects have included La Casita, Kidspace Museum, and the Pasadena Senior Center.

To learn more about each of the board members or to become a member, visit the Junior League of Pasadena website at www.jlpasadena.org. For further information, contact the Junior League of Pasadena at (626) 796-0244.