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Sustainers Fall Leadership Meeting
In October (sadly the same night the Phillies playoffs hopes were dashed) over 50 Sustainers
attended the Fall Membership Meeting at Teca Restaurant. After our meal and League
business, we were treated to a lecture by renowned cardiologist Dr Helene Glassberg, MD. Dr
Glassberg is a past professor of Cardiology at Penn and has been featured in the NY Times and
The Today Show. She has served as the Chairman of the Board of the Greater Philadelphia
Branch of the American Heart Association. She has been voted the Philadelphia Woman of
Heart, their woman of the year award.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, and Dr Glassberg explained why both
cultural norms and biases built into the healthcare system contribute to that and the inequities
in diagnosis and treatment between women and men. Talking about the “Go Red For Women”
initiative, using an interactive format with the audience we learned about this and things that
we as women over 40 can do to stay healthy, lower our risks and learn to advocate for
ourselves in the healthcare system. She took questions from the audience on a wide variety of
additional topics, from taking aspirin to GLP-1 use. It was an incredibly informative evening!
The event was organized by Lauren Homel and Jamine Shechter.
The Junior League of Philadelphia Partner Philadelphia Orchard Project Welcomes New Executive Director
The Philadelphia Orchard Project (POP) celebrates an exciting milestone with the appointment of Vikram Krishnamurthy as its new Executive Director. With more than 25 years of experience in conservation, horticulture, and nonprofit leadership, Vikram brings deep expertise and a shared passion for POP’s mission to plant and support community orchards across Philadelphia.
Throughout his career, Vikram has strengthened horticultural and food systems in the greater Philadelphia region and served in leadership roles at American Forests, the Delaware Center for Horticulture, Fair Food Philadelphia, and the Center for Public Horticulture at the University of Delaware.
“POP’s deep community roots and the passion of its partners, supporters, and volunteers have long inspired me, and I’m honored to build on that legacy with our talented staff while helping the organization thrive in fresh, meaningful ways,” shared Vikram. “We’re grateful for partners like the Junior League of Philadelphia, as community collaboration is central to delivering on POP’s mission.”
As part of the transition, former Co-Executive Director Phil Forsyth will continue his work with POP as Director of Horticulture.
“JLP’s partnership with POP is rooted in our shared values of building sustainable community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and education,” shared Rose Cuozzo, JLP member and POP Board Vice President, who helped lead the executive search committee. “POP’s growth from a few orchards to 71 sites across Philadelphia shows what’s possible when communities unite with a bold vision and purpose.”
The Junior League of Philadelphia has supported POP for several years through hands-on volunteer work, board leadership, and a $48,000 grant to establish POP’s headquarters at The Woodlands, which includes a learning orchard, nursery, greenhouse, and high tunnels.
JLP members are invited to the Spring Plant Sale and Open House at the POP Learning Orchard at The Woodlands on May 16th. For details, visit Philadelphia Orchard Project.
Building Community Through League Socials

Earlier this League year, members gathered for a series of social events that brought fun, laughter, and connection to the fall and holiday season.

The festivities kicked off in October with Halloween-themed trivia at Well Crafted Ambler. While the team “A League of Their Own” might not have brought home the trophy, they had a great time at the Monster Mash trivia night—and absolutely crushed the candy bar logo section.

Pictured: Carolyn Hoehle, Michelle Goldblum, Rachel Gorrell, Kathyrn Hedrick, Ada Lubanski, Katherine Meester, and Amy Morrissey.
In November, the Friendsgiving potluck returned to HQ. Members showed off their culinary skills (or their knack for pairing the perfect wine with turkey) while enjoying a festive evening together.
December wrapped up the 2025 holiday season with a wreath-making class. HQ was filled with the scent of pine and plenty of laughter, kicking off the festive season on the right foot. There’s something special about creating your own wreath rather than buying one, and League members left with beautiful creations to brighten their doors throughout the season.
Pictured: Dalia Omran, Raquel Doke, Sara Mattio, Lisa Carosella, Erica Simpson, Pam Phojanakong, Averie Valiga, Amy Branson, Samantha Williams
During the first half of the League year, the Social Committee has done a wonderful job creating opportunities for connection and fostering a strong sense of community. Be sure to keep an eye on the calendar—there’s more fun to come!
JLP In Motion in LUSH
March Movement With Meaning: Junior League of Philadelphia Announces JLP in Motion for Women’s History Month

 

February 23, 2026

Sweat with purpose this March as Philadelphia women come together to move, recharge, and support community change through fitness
          As Women’s History Month approaches, the Junior League of Philadelphia, Inc. (JLP) is setting the tone for a strong and intentional March with the return of JLP in Motion, its signature fitness fundraising series dedicated to women’s wellness and community impact.

 

JL Works

A Legacy of Service: Celebrating This Year’s Special Sustainers

The Sustainers Spring Luncheon will be held on Sunday, April 26, at Paxon Hollow Golf Club. A highlight of this annual gathering is the recognition of members who have reached Special Sustainer status in the current league year—members who are age 80 and no longer responsible for dues, yet whose legacy of service continues to shape our League.

This year, we are proud to honor seven remarkable women: Amy Webersinn, Anne Rhoads, Leslie Marshall, Winnie Doherty, Betsy Daly, Mary Emery, and Patti Thorpe.

Three joined the Junior League of Philadelphia as new members, while four transferred from other Leagues. Among them is a past JLP president, and one member joined as a Provisional while still in college, patiently waiting a few years to complete her Provisional course.

As Actives, they dedicated their time and talents to the Family Support Committee, Community Research Projects, Art Goes to School, Public Affairs, executive board leadership, the Outgrown Shop, Follies, and more. As Sustainers, their engagement continued through Cooking Klatch, Evening Sustainers, Hospitality, Theater Trip, Bridge, and other activities that strengthen connection and camaraderie within our League.

Their community involvement beyond the League is equally impressive and reflects a lifetime commitment to service.

Please join us in offering your congratulations and in celebrating these extraordinary members. Reserve your seat at the luncheon through the Event Calendar on the website or by calling the office.

Press Release: JLP in Motion Keeps Philadelphia Moving This March for Women’s History Month

Junior League of Philadelphia Combines Fitness and Fundraising to Support Local Community Initiatives

Philadelphia, PA  – In celebration of Women’s History Month, The Junior League of Philadelphia, Inc. (JLP) is excited to bring back its JLP in Motion fitness fundraising series this year. Running throughout March, the series will offer a curated selection of fitness classes designed to promote health and wellness. Through JLP in Motion, JLP continues its long-standing commitment to uplifting women while advancing its mission of meaningful community impact across Philadelphia.

In honor of Women’s History Month, proceeds from this series will directly benefit the JLP’s programs aimed at advancing women’s leadership and creating meaningful community impact across the Greater Philadelphia area. With a mission to empower women through volunteering and collaboration, the Junior League continues to address key health and wellness challenges in underserved communities.

The offerings include:

Never Give Up

Friday, March 6, 2026 | 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. | 115 Levering Street, Philadelphia PA 19127
Registration is $22 | Sweat and sculpt at this signature bootcamp-style class.

Thrive Pilates & Yoga

Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. | 2016 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Registration is $30 | Strengthen and stretch with a Pilates class at Thrive Pilates & Yoga.

RippedPHL

Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 6:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | 1519 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Registration is $31 | Enjoy a sculpting class at RippedPHL.

Barry’s Bootcamp

Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 11:40 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.| 1911 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Registration is $25 | Go all in with a heart-pumping HIIT session at Barry’s.

Tula Yoga

Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. | 737 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123

Registration is $25 | Reset and recharge with a yoga class at Tula Yoga.

305 Fitness

Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. | 1625 Walnut St, 2nd floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Registration is $20 | Dance it out in a high-energy cardio dance class at 305 Fitness. 

Focus Barre

TBD | TBD | 1923 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Registration is $30 | Enjoy a sculpting barre class at Focus Barre.

To register for the JLP in Motion fitness fundraising series, click here. Classes are open to the public, and participants are encouraged to sign up early to secure their spots.

 

Photo Credit: Tula Yoga & Thrive Pilates & Yoga

“Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the strength, leadership, and collective power of women, and JLP in Motion is a reflection of that spirit,” said Pam Phojanakong, President of the Junior League of Philadelphia. “Through this series, we are bringing women together to prioritize their health while supporting programs that advance women’s leadership and create lasting impact in our community. When women invest in themselves and one another, the effects are powerful.”

For more information, please visit the JLP website. Stay up to date with the organization’s events and news by following their Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter. For media inquiries and/or interview requests, please contact Giuliana@PhillyPRGirl.com. 

 

Know Your Rights: Standing Together in Solidarity
Members gathered for Know Your Rights: Understanding the Collective Rights of Immigrants and Citizens at JLP Headquarters for a timely and meaningful conversation focused on collective rights, community power, and solidarity. The event took place in the Community Room, where attendees connected over light refreshments and shared learning with other JLPers who joined virtually.

 

Our featured speaker, Alexandra Wolkoff (pictured above), joined us from Juntos, a community-led Latine immigrant organization based in South Philadelphia. Alexandra shared how Jun

tos is fighting for human rights as workers, parents, youth, and immigrants through grassroots organizing, leadership development, and strategic collaboration. She highlighted the organization’s leadership in standing against violent immigration enforcement that erodes the collective rights of all communities. She emphasized that support of immigrants should be rooted in human rights and not solely in the economic value immigrants may bring to our communities.

During the session, participants learned more about Juntos’ work in this moment, reviewed critical Know Your Rights information, and explored concrete resources and opportunities to stand in solidarity with immigrant communities. The gathering reinforced JLP’s shared commitment to justice, dignity, and collective action, and we are grateful to everyone who joined us for this important conversation. You can learn more about how to get involved with Juntos by visiting https://www.vamosjuntos.org .
JLP Thrift Shop
Placement = Possibility: Shaping Your Next League Year

 

JLP Thrift Shop

While it may feel early to think about next year, now is the ideal time to pause, reflect, and intentionally plan your JLP journey for the 2026–2027 League year. Placement is more than selecting a committee to fulfill your annual requirements—it’s an opportunity to shape your League experience, expand your skills, and deepen your impact across Philadelphia.

Reflect Before You Select

Before the Placement Matching Tool goes live in the spring, take a moment over the coming weeks to reflect on your current League year and what you hope to gain:

  • How has my committee supported me—and how have I contributed?
  • What aspects of my experience have been most fulfilling? Which have been less so?
  • What skills have I developed, and what new skills would I like to build?
  • Am I on track to complete all League obligations?

Pro tip: Planning ahead makes a difference. Completing your Thrift Shop shift, Quota, and Ways & Means credit early in the League year ensures you meet all requirements well before the April 30 deadline—and positions you strongly for placement consideration.

Using the Placement Matching Tool

Once the Placement Matching Tool goes live on Digital Cheetah in the spring, you can access it by following the instructions below:

  1. Log in to Digital Cheetah
  2. Hover over the Resources tab
  3. Select Placement Matching Tool

The Placement Committee works diligently to honor members’ top three committee preferences, and you may edit your responses if your preferences change. Members who meet their requirements before April 30 increase their chances of being placed on one of their preferred committees.

Know Your Obligations

As you prepare for the upcoming League year, ensure you are on track to meet the following requirements:

  • 75% committee participation
  • Attendance at the Annual Meeting
  • Completion of the Placement Matching Tool
  • Thrift Shop shift
  • Thrift Shop quota
  • Ways & Means credit
  • Mission credit or General Meeting requirement
  • 2026–2027 dues paid by April 30, 2026
    (Enrollment in the installment plan satisfies this requirement)

Questions? Contact your 2025-2026 Placement Committee Chairs, Joan Allmaras and Malikah Cliett at placement@jlphiladelphia.org.

An Evening of Elegance: Estia and the Philly Pops

On Sunday, December 14th, a small group of Junior League of Philadelphia Sustainers ventured
into Center City for dinner at Estia followed by the Philly Pops Holiday Spectacular at the
Kimmel Center. Estia’s warm Mediterranean atmosphere was a welcome retreat from the cold.
The food was excellent and the company even better.

It had been a while since some of us had gotten together, but we fell right back into sync, catching up on everyone’s lives and even learning a few AI tricks from some of our more tech-savvy friends. There’s something about gathering with tenured friends over a great meal that makes any evening special.

After dinner, we braved the cold and snow and made our way over to the Kimmel Center. The
Philly Pops Holiday Spectacular was wonderful, and it was so nice to see them back performing
again. The orchestra performed a beautiful selection of Christmas classics and festive
arrangements that had everyone in the holiday spirit. What made it even more special was
seeing one of our own, singing as a member of the choir. It was wonderful to see Bertina
Whytehead in her element, and it added such a personal connection to the performance and
gave us all an extra reason to beam with pride. The performance was excellent and the energy
in the hall was infectious. It truly was a wonderful evening!

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