The Junior League of Toledo (JL Toledo) is an organization with a wonderful history!! Together, our JL Toledo members have positively impacted Northwest Ohio by leading change within our community while also cultivating the next generation of female civic leaders.
The past few years have brought a number of changes to life and JL Toledo also set forth a number of changes. Together, our members have set a new and exciting foundation for our organization through research and new community partnerships. Research has lead us to our new project, As We Grow; the passion and leadership within our membership is helping the project blossom.
As We Grow supports Northwest Ohio’s need for clean diapers, wipes, and creams. Through As We Grow, JL Toledo supports the health and wellness of families through direct community service, and by building awareness for key issues affecting them. Together, we are an unstoppable force of leaders, training the next generation of women volunteers to be bold, to do what it takes to help those in need, and to build a bright future for themselves and for our city.
As a second-generation Junior Leaguer, I have seen and experienced the positive impact JL Toledo has made firsthand. My mother is a Sustaining Member in JL Toledo and I remember going to meetings with her as a child. Throughout my childhood, I was constantly surrounded by the inspiring work and impact the Junior League had on our community. I knew this was an organization I had to be a part of, and joined myself in 2010.
The Association of Junior Leagues International enabled this incredible journey to be possible. I join over 155,000 fellow members in four countries, all working tirelessly to make a difference. We are a powerful network of women leaders, empowering one another to make a positive impact and lasting change. We are a passionate and diverse membership of women who are embracing the changing needs of our communities, building partnerships and inspiring shared solutions for a better tomorrow.
JL Toledo was established in 1933. While much of the world has changed over the years, JL Toledo has stood strong and continued to impact the community. We welcome all women, and thrive through our members’ backgrounds, interests and experiences. This enables us to continually strengthen our ability to not only adapt, but lead through change. And we will continue to do so, to ensure a sustainable future for our members and our community, and so that we may continue our strong legacy of impact into the future. Because we must.
I hope you will join me in supporting the JL Toledo network of inspiring women leaders. Whether you choose to contribute to our Endowment Fund, make a donation to As We Grow, or join our membership, your support will ensure that we continue to deepen our community impact and development of female civic leaders for decades to come!
Cynthia Friar
Junior League of Toledo | President 2021 – 2023