From Vision to Impact
The Inspiring Journey of Junior League of the Golden Isles
In 2016, the Golden Isles welcomed a new wave of passionate women eager to make a difference. Brooke Parmelee, Brooke Budd, and Jennifer Morrow, already seasoned members from other Junior League chapters, joined forces with the handful of active Junior League of Savannah (JLS) members in the area—Carrie Lewis, Stephanie Jacobs, Hannah Davis, and Kathryn Downs. This small but mighty group felt the spark of something special and knew they could bring the magic of Junior League to life right here in the Golden Isles.
That year, the Junior League of Savannah's Golden Isles Chapter began hosting recruitment events to spread the word about the League’s mission and values. The response was incredible. Before long, our group expanded to over 30 dedicated members, all eager to roll up their sleeves and contribute to the community they loved.
As the 2017-2018 league year kicked off, the Golden Isles chapter was not just growing in numbers but also in spirit and purpose. Our members eagerly participated in community and fundraising events both locally and in Savannah, solidifying our presence and impact.
By December 2017, it was clear that the Golden Isles membership was ready for more. A pivotal meeting was held to discuss and vote on the future of our affiliation with the Junior League of Savannah. The vote was decisive—the members in the Golden Isles were ready and willing to chart their own course. Thus began the journey to establish an independent league.
The process was challenging and rewarding. The first step was resigning from the Junior League of Savannah and forming a new nonprofit in the Golden Isles, aptly named the Junior Women’s Association of the Golden Isles (JWAGI). By July 2018, JWAGI had officially received its 501(c)(3) status. Our board and members worked tirelessly alongside AJLI staff, navigating the intricate process of affiliation.
In the fall of 2018, JWAGI hosted its first major fundraiser—a children’s character breakfast. The event was a tremendous success, raising nearly $6,000 to support local projects in the Golden Isles. Our momentum continued to build, and in June 2019, we hosted our next headline fundraiser, the Under the Oaks Auction.
Finally, in the fall of 2019, our hard work paid off. The Junior League of the Golden Isles was officially approved by AJLI, marking a significant milestone in our journey. On November 6, 2019, we celebrated with a Logo Reveal reception, attended by our 65 active and sustaining members, along with their spouses and community supporters. At that time, our league proudly consisted of 45 active members and 95 sustainers.
Today, the Junior League of the Golden Isles continues to thrive, driven by the same passion and dedication that sparked our formation. We remain committed to serving our community, developing the potential of women, and creating lasting, positive change in the Golden Isles. Our journey has just begun, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Together, we can continue to build on our legacy and create positive change in our community.
The Junior League of the Golden Isles is more than just a community service organization—it's a sisterhood of passionate, driven women dedicated to making a lasting impact in the Golden Isles. If you’re ready to contribute your skills, grow as a leader, and be part of something bigger, we invite you to join us. Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime resident, there’s a place for you in our League.