On May 3, members of the Junior League of Oakland-East Bay gathered at Massimo Ristorante in Walnut Creek for our annual May Celebration—a time to reflect on the year behind us, recognize outstanding members, and celebrate the impact we make together through service and leadership.

This year’s event carried special significance as we marked JLOEB’s 90th Anniversary Year.

For 90 years, the Junior League of Oakland-East Bay has advanced women’s leadership through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. That legacy lives on in our members, our community partners, and the organizations we have supported throughout the East Bay.

As we honored the accomplishments of the 2025–2026 League Year, we also looked ahead to the future and the next generation of leaders who will continue to carry our mission forward.

May Celebration Highlights

Outgoing President Trish Sagare shared reflections on the accomplishments of the 2025–2026 League Year and her two years as League President as well as expressed gratitude for the members whose dedication made those achievements possible.

Committee leaders provided highlights from across the organization, showcasing the many ways members contributed through community impact projects, fundraising efforts, membership engagement, leadership development, and volunteer service.

One of the most meaningful moments of the afternoon was hearing from our 2025–2026 Community Enrichment Fund grant recipients, A Safe Place and Teen Advocacy Going Strong (TAGS). Representatives from each organization shared their missions and the impact these grants will have on the women, youth, and families they serve throughout our community.

We also held our second annual 90 Club Raffle, recognizing members who earned more than 90 engagement points through service, leadership, training, and participation throughout the League Year. Congratulations to all of our 90 Club members for their remarkable commitment to JLOEB.

Special recognition goes to Julia Alvarez, who led the League with an impressive 208 points earned during the year.

Welcoming Our Newest Active Members

A special congratulations to our newest Active members, who successfully completed their New Member year and officially joined the Active membership ranks of JLOEB.

We are excited to see the leadership, talents, and perspectives these members will bring to the League in the years ahead.

New Active Members

• Katherine Alfaro
• Kaitlin Bellamy
• Raphaella Bronson
• Courteney Coleman
• Amalia Cunningham
• Athena Eng
• Kemi Kantor
• Hillary Kaplan
• Michelle Leporini
• Lauren Michels
• Robyn Naragon
• Beth Trivedi
• Juliana Valencia
• Carolina Vargas

Transfer Members

• Nadia Butcher
• Mandi Muse

2026 League Award Recipients

New Member of the Year: Katherine Alfaro

Recognized for her exceptional dedication during her first year in the League. Katherine stepped into significant responsibilities, embraced opportunities to serve, and made an immediate impact through her leadership and commitment.

Rising Star Award: Giovanna Giusti

Honored for her enthusiasm, initiative, and commitment to creating a positive member experience. Giovanna’s leadership and passion for bringing members together have already made a meaningful difference within the League.

Heart of the League: Kristen Nailor

Honored for the countless ways she shows up for JLOEB and its members. Kristen is known for her kindness, generosity, and willingness to lend a hand wherever needed. From hosting gatherings to supporting fellow members and volunteering her time without hesitation, she exemplifies the welcoming and supportive spirit that makes the League so special. We are grateful for all the ways she helps our community thrive.

Wonder Woman Award (President’s Award): Candace Barlow

Recognized for her extraordinary dedication, leadership, and support of the League. While balancing school, work, family responsibilities, and League service, Candace consistently showed up for JLOEB and exemplified the spirit of servant leadership.

Celebrating Leadership and Service

In addition to recognizing our award recipients, we celebrated our outgoing Board of Directors, welcomed incoming leaders, and acknowledged the many members whose contributions helped make the 2025–2026 League Year a success.

The strength of JLOEB has always come from women who step forward to lead, volunteer, mentor, organize, host, and support one another. Every event planned, community partnership strengthened, committee meeting attended, and volunteer hour served contributes to the impact we make together.

Looking Ahead

As we conclude our 90th Anniversary Year, we do so with gratitude for the generations of members who built this organization and excitement for the future we will build together.

To every member who volunteered, served, led, supported, donated, attended, and participated this year: thank you.

And if you’ve been thinking about getting involved, there’s never been a better time to join us.

Applications for the 2026–2027 League Year are now open. Whether you’re looking to develop leadership skills, serve your community, build lasting friendships, or make a meaningful impact in the East Bay, there’s a place for you at JLOEB.

Learn more about membership at jloeb.org/join.

Here’s to the next chapter of service, leadership, and impact.