Sustainers

A Legacy of Leadership and Service
Our Sustainers are the heart of the Junior League of Dallas—visionary women whose leadership, generosity, and service have helped shape our organization and community for over a century. As mentors, advocates, and lifelong volunteers, Sustainers remain actively engaged in the League’s mission while forging meaningful connections through events, programming, and philanthropic initiatives. Whether you’ve recently transitioned from Active status or have been a longtime member, your impact continues to inspire the next generation of civic leaders. For a list a quick links to connect you, please click here.

Sustainer Calendar of Events

  • EVENTS COMING UP!

    Sustainer Fall 2026 Programs

    All registrations are non-refundable.

     

    Holiday Cards for the Troops

    October 8, 12, 21 & 30 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

    November 3 & 11 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

    Headquarters

    Please return completed cards to HQ by November 11.

    Chairs: Paula Davis, Heather McNamara & Kim Thomas

    • • •

    Breakfast & Tour of NorthPark’s Fall Landscaping

    Begin at Bread Winners for coffee and light breakfast bites before a walking tour of NorthPark Center’s fall installations and pumpkin patch. Seasonal displays include pampas plumes, dried oranges, tropicals, cacti, and unique and exotic pumpkins. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.

    Tuesday, October 6

    9:45 a.m. | NorthPark

    $25 with Breakfast Bites | Limit: 30

    Chair: Cristina Salas

    Click here to register:  NorthPark Fall Landscaping

    • • •

    Leadership Series Workshop: Women in the Workplace with LaurieGrace Roberts (1 of 3)

    Join LaurieGrace Roberts for an engaging discussion on women’s unique contributions to the workplace, as well as current research and trends. Through real-world insights and peer conversation, this workshop offers practical tools and next actions for women in their career.  Additional dates for the second and third part of the Series will be January 28, 2027, for Decode and Demonstrate Executive Presence and April 12, 2027, for Leading for Followership.  If you sign up for the first session you will have first opportunity to sign up for the 2nd and 3rd in the Series once Winter/Spring registrations open.  Each session is designed to be stand-alone; it’s not required to attend all three.

    Monday, October 19

    6:00 p.m. | Headquarters

    $30 with Dinner | Limit: 50

    Chair: Meg Bittner

    Click here to register:  Women’s Leadership Workshop

    • • •

    Lunch & Learn: Cathy Kincaid Discusses Her New Book “Memorable Rooms: Artisanal Collaborations” & Book Signing – Due to popular demand – more availability!

    Please join us to hear Cathy Kincaid explain how the foundations of great design—proportion, layout, and light—set the stage, while antiques, personal collections, and custom finishes bring a space to life. She will present photos from the book discussing her choices for color, materials, textiles, and accessories, offering inspiration for dining rooms, living spaces, kitchens, bedrooms, powder rooms, and even outdoor areas.

    Books will be available for purchase and signing.

    Thursday, October 22

    11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Headquarters

    $25 with Lunch | Limit: 50

    Chair: Katherine Coker

    To register: Memorable Rooms

    • • •

    The Next Chapter: Thriving through Hormonal Changes with Dr. Kamilia Smith

    Fresh from the 2026 Menopause Society Annual Meeting, Dr. Kamilia Smith of Charleston House cuts through the noise to share what the latest science tells us—and what it doesn’t—about hormonal change, HRT, and women’s health. Women at every stage will leave better equipped to advocate for the care they deserve, set realistic expectations for their changing bodies and minds, and navigate this next chapter with greater knowledge, confidence, and self-grace.

    Wednesday, November 4

    6:30 p.m. | Headquarters

    $30 with Dinner | Limit: 50

    Chair: Tanya McDonald

    Click here to register: Thriving through Hormonal Change

    • • •

    Shopping Event at St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange

    Join your Sustainer friends for Sips and Bites, Private Shopping … and Monogramming!  St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange will stay open on Tuesday, November 10 from 5:00 until 7:00 for us to enjoy a fun evening together!  Sip a glass of wine and enjoy two complimentary monograms on in-store purchases of napkins, tea towels, baby gifts and more.  What a fun way to jump start your holiday shopping!

    Tuesday, November 10

    5:00 p.m. | St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange

    $25 | Limit: 40

    Chair: Leigh Danley

    Click here to register:  St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange Shopping Event

    • • •

    Lunch & Learn: The Art of Promoting – Best Practices for Interacting with AI with Mary LaDonne Bank

    Join us for a focused, forward-looking lunch conversation on how to collaborate effectively with AI to elevate communication, decision-making, and strategic outreach. This session offers a real-world perspective on promoting ideas and initiatives in an era where human expertise and artificial intelligence work side by side. Bring a laptop or tablet and make sure you have access to an AI tool—such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Claude, or Gemini—before the session.

    Tuesday, November 17

    11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Headquarters

    $25 with Lunch | Limit: 40

    Chair: Sarah Jackson

    Click here to register:  Interacting with AI Lunch & Learn

    • • •

    Sustainer Holiday Tea – SOLD OUT

    Please join us for the Sustainers Holiday Tea at Neiman Marcus NorthPark at The New Zodiac Restaurant at NorthPark.  Active Sustainers have priority to sign up first; we will only open to guests if there is space available.

    Sunday, December 6

    4:00 – 6:30 p.m. | New Zodiac Restaurant at NorthPark

    $85 | Limit: 45

    Chairs: Juliette Coulter & Heather Hicks

    To be added to the waitlist, email sustainers@jldallas.org.

     

    Sustainer Volunteer Opportunity

    The Family Place Wish List

    Sustainers with be collecting items via an Amazon wish list for The Family Place from September 17-October 31.

    The mission of The Family Place is to empower survivors by providing safe housing, counseling, and skills that create independence—while building community engagement and advocating for social change to stop family violence.

    Chairs: Tandra Allen & Amy Martinez

    Click here to help:  Family Place Wish List

     

    Sustainer Summer Newsletter 2026

  • CURRENT SUSTAINER INTEREST GROUP CHAIRS

    For more information about each Sustainer Interest Group please click HERE. 
  • Jennifer Indyk
    Afternoon Tea (Actives & Sustainers)
  • Brooky Sanders
    Antiques & Art
  • Brenda Brown
    Antiques Too
  • Drew Stull
    Between the Covers
  • Renee' Farren
    Bluebonnet Garden Club
  • Frances Grigsby
    Booked Up!
  • Jane Fitch
    Forget-Me-Not Garden Club
  • Beckie Callahan
    Get Movin'
  • Myra Lancaster
    Issues and Interests
  • Joy Downey
    JLD Connect (Actives & Sustainers)
  • Happy Franklin
    JLD Gourmet (Actives & Sustainers)
  • Stephanie Hardeman & Debbie Munir
    Mahjong
  • Alyson Ray
    Midday at the Movies
  • Kristianne Hinkamp
    Overbooked!
  • Julie Halley Wallace
    Profit Makers
  • Rita Conway
    Rave Reviews "Too" Book Club
  • Marilyn Cline & Laura Mueller
    Revelers
  • Paula Payne
    Spice It Up Cooking
  • Melissa Gioldasis & Jennifer Harrison
    Spice Too
  • Kris Densing
    Sustained Profits
  • Nancie Wagner
    Sustainer Bridge
  • Carrie Hill
    Sustainer Service Circle
  • Clair Krizov
    Sustainer Stitches
  • Juliette Coulter & Melissa Matise
    Terra Bella
  • Sherri Baer Wilson
    Topics & Trends
  • Marilyn Cline
    Women of Words (WOW) Book Club

Forms

Reserving Meeting Space at Headquarters or a Zoom Link

Sustainers are welcome to utilize meeting space at Headquarters or the JLD Zoom application, please click here to reserve your room or a Zoom link or both.

JLD Leadership Institute

Information Meetings Registration

Click here to follow JLD Sustainers on Facebook!

FAQs

How can I become a Sustainer?

A Junior League member who has reached 40 – 49 years of age with three years of Active service or who, regardless of age, has contributed 10 years of Active service is eligible to become a Sustainer. Many members contribute more than 10 years Active service, so don’t think you MUST go Sustaining after 10 years!

What do I need to know about Sustainer dues?

Membership dues are due April 1.

Sustainer dues amounts are as follows:

$170 up to age 64 (Age as of June 1st) |  $95 ages 65 to 79 | $0 age 80+

What opportunities are available?

We have volunteer opportunities, trips, events, and educational programming scheduled throughout the year. Stay tuned for the 2026-2027 happenings!

I'm new to Dallas, can I transfer my membership?

Junior League members new to Dallas can transfer their membership by contacting your current League and setting the process in motion. Questions about transferring can be answered by Kristianne Hinkamp, 214-357-8822.

Who should I contact for questions?

Contact the Sustainer President, Joanna Clarke at jldsustainerpresident@jldallas.org

Leadership

 

2026-2027 Sustainer President

Joanna Clarke

Dear Fellow Sustainers,

Welcome to a new year with the Junior League of Dallas! It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as your Sustainer President. I am filled with gratitude for those who came before us and for each of you who continue our legacy of dedication, service and friendship.

Being a Sustainer is more than a membership status; it is a lifelong commitment to the League’s mission and values. Through decades of leadership and community impact, Sustainers have built an extraordinary legacy. The impact the League has today stands on the foundation you helped build.

Whether you are a new Sustainer or have been one for many years, there is a place for you. Through programs, social gatherings, volunteer opportunities, travel and special events, there are many ways to connect and support one another.

Sustainer Kick Off presented by Children’s Health | Thursday, Sept. 17 from 5 – 6:30 p.m. – Headquarters

Please join us for this fantastic event, where you can learn about the many exciting programs we have planned, join special interest groups and reconnect with friends.

In our 105th year of the JLD, we will celebrate two very special Sustainers at our 16th Annual Milestones Luncheon on April 9, 2027. Please make plans to join us as we lift up Debbie Snell, Sustainer of the Year, and Margo Goodwin, Lifetime Achievement Honoree! They have embodied the Sustainer spirit through their many wonderful contributions that have made our League and Dallas stronger.

This year, we are ramping up communications. New social media pages are coming soon. As always, email is our primary way to share information and updates. Please be sure your email with JLD is up to date. (You can check yours here on the website or by calling Headquarters at 214-357-8822.) Always remember: your experience and dedication are an integral part of what makes our League thrive. Please email jldsustainerpresident@jldallas.org  if you have any questions at any time.

Thank you for your membership — I look forward to seeing you soon!

2026 - 2027 Sustainer Leadership

  • Joanna Clarke
    President
  • Val Lawlor
    President-elect
  • Lori Whitlow Christensen
    Past President/Nominating Chair
  • Lauren Combest
    Active President
  • Jennifer Tobin
    Liaison to Active Board of Directors
  • Allison Miller
    Recording Secretary
  • Barbara Averett
    Corresponding Secretary
  • Elizabeth Dacus
    Treasurer
  • Christina Eubanks
    Treasurer-elect
  • Francie Mancillas
    Registrar
  • Mary Appleton
    Event Photographer
  • Elisa McVeigh
    Interest Group Co-chair
  • Liana Yarckin
    Interest Group Co-chair
  • Kathleen Elliott
    Arrangements Co-chair
  • Christina Norris
    Arrangements Co-chair
  • Elizabeth R. Selzer
    Arrangements Co-chair
  • Francie Mancillas
    Communications - eblasts
  • Emily Hoad
    Communications - Printed
  • Becky Gomez
    Communications - Social Media
  • Stephanie Hardeman
    Communications - Social Media
  • Jennifer Wegman
    Communications - Social Media
  • Wynne McNabb
    Communications - Website
  • Marilyn Cline
    Membership Co-chair
  • Vanessa Fuquay
    Membership Co-chair
  • Tiffany Lawson
    Membership Co-chair
  • Kittye Peeler
    Membership Co-chair
  • Tameka Sadler
    Membership Co-chair
  • Candace Winslow
    Membership Co-chair
  • Roxanne Carne
    New Sustainer Engagement Co-chair
  • Sally Dutter
    New Sustainer Engagement Co-chair
  • Chanel Stark
    New Sustainer Engagement Co-chair
  • Anne Leary
    Legacy Leader Celebration Chair
  • Nikki Kapioltas
    Transfer Co-chair
  • Rhonda Williams
    Transfer Co-chair
  • Wendy Messman
    Milestone Luncheon Chair
  • Julie Bagley
    Milestone Luncheon Chair-elect
  • Bonner Allen
    Programs Co-chair
  • Meredith Camp
    Programs Co-chair
  • Amy Martinez
    Volunteer Project Co-chair
  • Tandra Allen
    Volunteer Project Co-chair
  • Margaret Black
    Kickoff Co-chair
  • Monica Christopher
    Kickoff Co-chair
  • Holly Hassmann
    Kickoff Co-chair
  • Connie O'Neill
    Kickoff Co-chair
  • Paula Davis
    Cards for US Troops Co-chair
  • Heather McNamara
    Cards for US Troops Co-chair
  • Kim Thomas
    Cards for US Troops Co-chair
  • Stephanie Hardeman
    State Fair Chair
  • Juliette Coulter
    Tea at the Arboretum
  • Heather Hicks
    Tea at the Arboretum
  • Petra Bradshaw
    Fort Worth Rodeo Chair
  • Christie Carter
    Trip Co-chair
  • Paige McDaniel
    Trip Co-chair
  • Lydia Novakov
    Year-end Fiesta Co-chair
  • Katie Robbins
    Year-end Fiesta Co-chair
  • Karen Shuford
    Year-end Fiesta Co-chair
  • Megan Inman
    Special Project Co-chair
  • Allison Miller
    Special Project Co-chair
  • Peggy Meyer
    Special Project Co-chair
  • Sandy Ammons
    Program Committee
  • Meg Bittner
    Program Committee
  • Heather Bonfield
    Program Committee
  • Summer Breen
    Program Committee
  • Jennifer Chandler
    Program Committee
  • Marilyn Cline
    Program Committee
  • Calvert Collins-Bratton
    Program Committee
  • Katherine Coker
    Program Committee
  • Leigh Danley
    Program Committee
  • Nancy Gopez
    Program Committee
  • Leigh Ann Haugh
    Program Committee
  • Sarah Jackson
    Program Committee
  • Jenny King
    Program Committee
  • Dulari Mehta
    Program Committee
  • Tanya McDonald
    Program Committee
  • LaurieGrace Roberts
    Program Committee
  • Cristina Salas
    Program Committee
  • Melissa Sherrill
    Program Committee
  • Jourdy Wallace
    Program Committee
  • Kimberly Yamanouchi
    Program Committee
  • Brooke Bailey
    Sustaining Advisor Co-chair
  • Janet Quisenberry
    Sustaining Advisor Co-chair
  • Julie Bagley
    Development Collaborative Liaison
  • Nancy Gopez
    Sustaining Advisor - Auction
  • Diana Hamilton
    Sustaining Advisor - Major Gifts
  • Andrea Cheek
    Sustaining Advisor - Underwriting
  • Rhonda Aghamalian
    Member-at-Large
  • Veronica Averhart Preston
    Member-at-Large
  • Jill Bee
    Member-at-Large
  • Beth Brown
    Member-at-Large
  • Elizabeth Gambrell
    Member-at-Large
  • Cynthia Hayes
    Member-at-Large
  • Laura Johnson
    Member-at-Large
  • Becky Lacour
    Member-at-Large
  • Lauren Maggard
    Member-at-Large
  • Lynn McBee
    Member-at-Large
  • Laura Muller
    Member-at-Large
  • Elsa Norwood
    Member-at-Large
  • Amy Rayburn
    Member-at-Large
  • Debbie Scripps
    Member-at-Large
  • Debbie Oates
    Member-at-Large
  • Carol Seay
    Member-at-Large
  • Linda Secrest
    Member-at-Large
  • Stacey Wiggins
    Member-at-Large
  • Gay Donnell Willis
    Member-at-Large

Nominations

Nominations

Sustainers may submit nominations for Sustainer President-Elect, Milestones Luncheon Sustainer Chair-Elect, Sustainer Sewell Salutes Awardee, and Sustainer of the Year.

Nomination information will be updated in early 2027.

Contact Sustainer President-Elect, Val Lawlor, with any questions at vallaw@aol.com.