We’re proud to share that Janel Wellborn, a longtime member and current sustainer of the Junior League of Oakland-East Bay (JLOEB), has been named to The Association of Junior Leagues International’s (AJLI) inaugural 40 Over 40 Awards list!

This exciting new recognition honors 40 outstanding Junior League members over the age of 40 who exemplify leadership, empowerment, and meaningful community impact. Janel is being recognized alongside leaders from Leagues across six countries for her extraordinary service and accomplishments. She’ll be celebrated during the AJLI Annual Conference in Orlando on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

“Janel is a dynamic dependable force. She has been the driving force for our Touch a Truck events for the last 2 years. Janel’s connections, drive, and organization are invaluable to Junior League of Oakland-East Bay.”

• Trish Sagare, JLOEB President, 2024–2025

Meet Janel Wellborn

Janel has been involved with JLOEB for over 14 years and currently serves as the chair of our beloved Touch a Truck event. She’s a force of nature—not just within our League, but across the many communities she serves.

Here are just a few of her incredible roles:

• Founder of Peerless Partners, a consulting firm
• CEO of TryThisFirst, a health and wellness startup
• Professor at UC Berkeley, teaching graduate engineering students
• PhD candidate at Harvard in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• CASA volunteer, advocating for foster youth
• President of the Berkeley Athletic Fund
• Manager of two high school and club soccer teams

And she still finds time to hike with friends and dogs, read in a hammock, and enjoy her favorite restaurant, Via del Corso in Berkeley (her version of “Cheers”).

In her own words:

“My favorite part of being in the League is being surrounded by others who are passionate about investing in their communities, as well as the opportunity to mentor high-functioning, driven, passionate, intelligent, compassionate young women leaders!”

About the 40 Over 40 Awards

AJLI’s new award recognizes women who are shaping their communities through innovation, service, and leadership. Honorees are selected based on:

• Empowerment – uplifting others through impactful work
• Leadership – innovating and driving change
• Community Impact – creating lasting, positive change in their communities

Join Us in Celebrating Janel

Janel’s recognition shines a national spotlight on the incredible work being done right here in the East Bay. We are so proud to have her as a leader and mentor in our League.

Want to make an impact like Janel? Learn more about joining JLOEB and become part of a community of passionate women changing the world—one volunteer project at a time.