Leadership

2025-2026 Sustainer President

Lori Whitlow Christensen

Dear Esteemed Sustainers,

Welcome to the 2025-26 year with the Junior League of Dallas Sustainers!

It is with great joy and anticipation that I extend my warmest greetings to each of you as we embark on a new chapter of service, leadership, and camaraderie. As Sustainers, you embody the enduring spirit of the Junior League — a community of women committed to building a better Dallas and lifting one another along the way. Whether you’ve been part of the League for many years or are newer to the Sustainer role, your experience and dedication are an integral part of what makes our League thrive.

This year, our theme is “Gather Together.” With a nod towards the theme for the JLD active members this year “Gather”, I’m taking the suggestion of a friend for the Sustainer’s theme to be “Together”.    It’s a call to reconnect with one another and build stronger ties within our League, especially as we continue to support and collaborate with the Active members. We know that our collective efforts will help us further strengthen the bond that makes JLD not just a group of women, but a true community of change-makers.

Exciting Programs and Events

• Sustainer Kick-Off:  September 16, 2025
  Join us for a fun and engaging Evening of Reconnecting to officially kick off the year! This casual event, co-chaired by Helen Holman and Susan Wells Jenevein, will be an opportunity to catch up with fellow Sustainers, hear about upcoming programs, and sign up for fall activities. Whether you’re new to the League or a longtime member, this evening will set the tone for a year full of collaboration and community.
• Sustainer Trip to Nashville, Tennessee:  October 22-24, 2025
  This fall, we are thrilled to announce an exclusive Sustainer trip to Nashville! Known for its vibrant music scene, rich history, and Southern charm, Nashville will offer us the chance to connect, explore, and enjoy each other’s company. From private tours of music landmarks to unforgettable meals, this trip is designed to be both a fun getaway and an opportunity for deeper connection among our Sustainers.
• Sustainer Programs & Dallas, Behind-the-Scenes
  Our Sustainer Program Co-Chairs, Jennifer Wegman and Kimberly Dean, have worked diligently to craft a year full of engaging programs and events designed to deepen our connections and inspire meaningful dialogue and action. Continuing with our tradition of learning and growth, our programs will be an opportunity to engage, ask questions, and gain new insights from those making a difference locally.  And, if you love exploring Dallas from new angles, join us for our exclusive private tours. We’ll gain insider access to some of the city’s most iconic institutions and cultural landmarks — from the performing arts to historic districts, there’s so much to see and discover!
• Sustainer Service Days
  Giving back is always at the heart of what we do. Ellen Bryant and Rhonda Aghamalian, are busy creating Service Days will offer us opportunities to engage with some community partners. These hands-on experiences allow us to live out our mission of voluntarism, fostering a deep sense of purpose and community.

• Annual Milestones Luncheon (Spring 2026)
  Looking ahead to the spring of 2026, we are excited to host our Annual Milestones Luncheon. This signature event where we honor our Sustainer of the Year, Mary Jalonick, is an inspiring opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate the impact we’ve made throughout the year and reflect on the incredible journey we’ve all shared. Stay tuned for further details as our incredible Sustainer Co-Chair, Diana Hamilton and Active Co-Chair Krystal Craycraft, continue planning this exciting event, which will be one for the books!

Stay Connected, Stay Engaged

In addition to our in-person gatherings, we encourage you to stay connected through our social media platforms, and our Sustainer-exclusive Facebook group. Becky Gomez will be leading this fun opportunity to “Gather Together.”

If you’re interested in mentoring Active members or getting involved in any of our programs, now is the perfect time. We are committed to continuing the rich tradition of leadership and service that has been the hallmark of the Junior League of Dallas, and we need your expertise and passion more than ever.

I want to express how truly grateful I am for your unwavering commitment to our mission and to the Junior League of Dallas. It is your dedication, leadership, and spirit that continue to make the Junior League of Dallas a powerful force for good in our community. I look forward to seeing all the wonderful connections and memories we will create together.

With deep appreciation and anticipation,

Warmly,

Lori Whitlow Christensen