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.

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Each spring, the Junior League of Oakland-East Bay gathers for our annual May Celebration—a joyful evening to reflect on a year of service and recognize outstanding members who have gone above and beyond in leadership and impact.

This year’s event was especially meaningful as we closed out the League Year and looked ahead to a major milestone—our 90th Anniversary Year, launching on June 1, 2025.

Interested in joining us? Whether you’re passionate about giving back, growing your leadership skills, or connecting with like-minded women, we invite you to learn more about becoming a member at oakland.jl.org/join.

May Celebration 2025 Highlights

League President Trish Sagare opened the evening with reflections on the League’s achievements and her excitement for continuing leadership into the upcoming year.

Each Vice President presented committee highlights, showcasing progress in community impact, fundraising, membership, training, and communications.

We also heard from Past President AnnaAlia Young, who shared her vision for a new initiative: the Sunshine Committee. Designed to celebrate and support JLOEB members in meaningful and thoughtful ways, the Sunshine Committee will focus on member care, recognition, and connection throughout the League Year.

We were honored to hear from our 2024–2025 Community Enrichment Fund grantees—SHELTER, Inc. and Oakland Elizabeth House—who shared their missions and the impact of our support on women and families in the East Bay.

We also held our brand new 90 Club Raffle, awarded to a member who has earned more than 90 points through engagement and service this year. Congratulations to Julia Alvarez for being our winner and, coincidentally, being the member with the most hours of service in the 2024–2025 League Year.

2025 League Award Recipients

New Member of the Year
Julia Alvarez
Celebrated for her consistent leadership, dedication, and engagement throughout her provisional year.

Rising Star
Lillian Quackenbush
Recognized for her initiative and emerging leadership as a first-year Active.

Heart of the League
Kim Sanguinetti
Honored for her warmth, reliability, and positive presence on her committee.

Wonder Woman (President’s Award)
Marisa Melo
Recognized by the League President for her extraordinary commitment, support, and leadership across the organization.

Committee Superstars
Awarded to members who made exceptional contributions to their teams:

• Fund Development Committee: Kim Sanguinetti

• Marketing & Communications Committee: Kimberly Carfi

• Membership Committee: Alex Sborov

• New Member Committee: Taylor Radke

• Community Impact & Training Committees: A well-deserved collective recognition

A Night to Remember

Huge thanks to Marisa Melo for coordinating this beautiful event, and to Grand Lake Kitchen – Dimond for hosting us. Members enjoyed a delicious meal of salad, fried chicken, mushroom risotto, crispy potatoes, and signature cocktails in a festive and welcoming setting.

Join Us for Our 90th Year

The 2025–2026 League Year marks the Junior League of Oakland-East Bay’s 90th Anniversary—a celebration of nearly a century of training women leaders and making a difference in our communities.

If you’re ready to serve, lead, and grow, there’s a place for you in JLOEB.
Learn more about membership at oakland.jl.org/join

Let’s build the next chapter—together.

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The Junior League of Oakland-East Bay’s Community Enrichment Fund (CEF) helps support the vital work of nonprofit and community organizations across Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Each year, we fund projects that strengthen our communities and align with JLOEB’s mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the lives of women and children.

After a thoughtful review process led by our 2025 CEF Grant Committee—Julia Alvarez, Angela Craven, Megan Shapanka, and Sarah Velen—we are proud to announce the 2024–2025 Community Enrichment Fund recipients:

SHELTER, Inc.

SHELTER, Inc. rebuilds lives one family at a time by helping them re-establish a home and assisting with the skills and resources needed to live the life they deserve. Wrap-around services are essential components of long-lasting solutions. Affordability is only one factor that results in someone becoming homeless. Education, training, counseling and goal planning are vital to the success of regaining and maintaining a home.
Learn more at shelterinc.org

Oakland Elizabeth House

Established in 1991, Oakland Elizabeth House (Ehouse) is a transitional residential program for women with children who have experienced homelessness, domestic violence, addiction, or poverty. Ehouse is a nurturing, cooperative living environment that provides resources, hospitality, and respect. Ehouse is one of only three facilities in Oakland that provides transitional housing to women and their children.
Learn more at oakehouse.org

We are honored to partner with these organizations as they continue to uplift and empower women and families in the East Bay. Thank you again to our 2025 CEF Committee for their leadership and dedication!

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We welcomed more than 800 attendees to Balestrieri Family Farm for an afternoon filled with family fun, hands-on learning, and community connection. Thanks to the generosity of our guests, sponsors, and volunteers, we raised over $20,000 to support our Community Enrichment Fund, which provides grants to local nonprofits serving women and children throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

Touch a Truck 2025 Event Highlights

• ? 10 incredible vehicles for kids (and grown-ups!) to explore

• Sunshine and smiles, despite a week of looming rain

• ? 100+ bouncy house jumps (yes, we counted!)

• ? 50+ dedicated volunteers

• ? Raffle prizes from amazing local businesses

• ? Delicious eats from food trucks and vendors

Touch a Truck continues to be one of the East Bay’s favorite family-friendly fundraising events, bringing together community members, first responders, and local organizations for a day that’s both impactful and fun.

Thank You to Our Touch a Truck 2025 Sponsors

Our vehicle partners, including

Balestrieri Family Farm, Contra Costa Fire Protection District, Jet 65 Traveling Beauty, Royal Ambulance, Teohn Conner’s Hot Wheels Hot Rod, Tesla Cybertruck, Walnut Creek Public Works

Our raffle donors, including

Alameda County Fair, Arthur Mac’s, Boichik Bagels, Bold Studios, Candace Barlow, Camp Galileo, Children’s Fairyland, Claremont Resort & Spa, Encore Gym, GameOn Berkeley, Gymboree Play & Music, Janel Wellborn, Jumpity Bumpity, Left Coast Power Yoga, Le Blanc Label, Lisa Parker / Sustainers, Pump It Up, ReCHIC, Shake Shack, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Sonder Beauty Studio, Ultimate Sports Connection, Urban Air, Woodhouse Spa, Yoshi’s Oakland

Our food truck friends:

Kona Ice, La Roca, Bay Area Munchiez

In Kind Donors:

Balestrieri Family Farm, Chevron, Pacific Printing, Republic Services

We couldn’t have done it without the hard work of our Touch a Truck Planning Committee and the incredible support from our community. Your participation helps us invest in local change and advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact.

From the bottom of our hearts—thank you!

—The Touch a Truck 2025 Committee, Junior League of Oakland-East Bay

Touch a Truck 2025 Planning Committee:

Janel Wellborn, Chair, Kim Sanguinetti, Alena Le Blanc, Stacy Mellish, Lorena Delgado, Stephanie Stone, Shannon Pegnim, Giovanna Giusti, Khushnuma Driver

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This past November, the Junior League of Oakland-East Bay (JLOEB) partnered with Emeryville’s Tipsy Putt for a month-long Sunday FUNDday fundraiser event series. Every Sunday, community members enjoyed mini golf, drinks, and giving back. For each beer poured and each round of mini golf played, Tipsy Putt donated $1 to support JLOEB’s mission. Together, we raised over $1,000 to help advance women’s leadership and create meaningful community impact in the East Bay.

Supporting Local Communities with Fun and Philanthropy

Tipsy Putt, a local indoor mini golf venue, created Sunday FUNDday to give back to nonprofits by donating proceeds from sales. This November, JLOEB was honored to be selected as their charity partner.

Every Sunday, guests:

• Played mini golf with friends
• Enjoyed local craft beers, wine, and cocktails
• Learned about JLOEB’s mission to support women and families

Tipsy Putt’s generosity aligns with JLOEB’s mission to empower women leaders and create a better future for individuals experiencing homelessness. Their support made it possible to extend our reach and continue our work.

Where the Funds Go

The $1,035 raised during Sunday FUNDday supports JLOEB’s Annual Fund, enabling us to:

• Provide training for women leaders
• Fund programs that assist women, children, and gender-expansive individuals facing homelessness
• Continue a legacy of over 7 million volunteer hours and $3 million in grants since 1935

By coming together for mini golf and drinks, participants became part of a movement to uplift the East Bay community.

Thank You to Tipsy Putt and Our Supporters

We are deeply grateful to Tipsy Putt and everyone who joined us for Sunday FUNDday. Your support helps JLOEB create lasting change and equips Bay Area women with the skills to lead and serve their communities.

Missed Sunday FUNDday? There are always opportunities to support JLOEB. Learn how you can get involved.

You can make a gift to support our work today.

About the Junior League of Oakland-East Bay (JLOEB):
JLOEB is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Since 1935, we have been empowering women and creating positive change in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. For more information, visit jloeb.org.

About Tipsy Putt:
Tipsy Putt is a local venue offering indoor mini golf and craft drinks. Committed to supporting local businesses and nonprofits, Tipsy Putt regularly hosts community-focused events like Sunday FUNDday. Learn more at tipsyputt.com

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Imagine working in the food industry and getting your period at work but not having the funds to purchase menstrual products – not pads, tampons, or a cup.

Imagine being a single mother who can’t find steady work and has trouble housing and feeding your kids. Imagine those challenges being compounded because you can’t afford menstrual products once a month.

For many women in Oakland, this is the reality. Grace Period is dedicated to ending all period poverty in our community. Trinity Balla and Edinna Obaseki founded the organization as teens living in East Oakland because they shared a deeply rooted belief in period equity, equality, and advocacy. Grace Period’s primary focus revolves around distributing over 100 menstrual hygiene care packages per month to individuals facing immediate and urgent needs.

At the last General Membership Meeting in September, JLOEB compassionately and positively impacted our community by conducting a supply drive for Grace Period. Almost 40 members donated during the drive for products to be given to Grace Period. These menstrual supplies will be shared directly with women whose lives are affected by period poverty.

If you’d like to get involved with Grace Period you can donate, volunteer, or promote their work. Learn more here.

Grace Period’s mission to provide unhoused and disadvantaged Bay Area women access to menstrual products through direct distribution and partnerships with shelters and programs in our area aligns with our focus area as a League. JLOEB supports championing dignity and equality for all women.

The Junior League of Oakland-East Bay (JLOEB) is a nonprofit organization of women committed to advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Our focus is on developing the potential of women while supporting organizations that assist women, children, and gender-expansive individuals experiencing homelessness in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Since 1935, JLOEB has contributed over 7 million volunteer hours and awarded more than $3 million in grants to support the East Bay community. By empowering women and providing valuable leadership training, we equip Bay Area women with the skills and opportunities to make a lasting, positive impact in their communities. To learn more about our mission and how to get involved, visit us at jloeb.org/join

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Celebrating a Successful Recruitment Season

First, a huge round of applause for our incredible New Member Committee and Chairs for leading one of our most successful recruiting seasons yet! Natalie Mangan, Taylor Peterson, Taylor Radke, and Megan Stader, with guidance from New Member Chairs Molly Kreuzer and Caroline Boyson, worked tirelessly over the summer to host New Member Interest Sessions throughout the East Bay. With JLOEB’s presence spanning both Alameda and Contra Costa counties, we ensured that these sessions were accessible, taking place in Walnut Creek, Berkeley, Oakland, Lafayette, San Ramon, and Danville. We also held several virtual sessions for added convenience.

Thanks to their efforts, we are proud to welcome 42 New Members and 5 Transfer Members to JLOEB. This incredible group strengthens our League as we continue to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact.

New Member and Transfer Orientation

On Saturday, September 14, we hosted our New Member and Transfer Orientation in Oakland, where we introduced our newest members to the history, structure, and mission of JLOEB. It was a wonderful opportunity to share our League’s rich history and provide insight into how our committees operate. We are thrilled to have such a dynamic and engaged class of New Members, especially as we approach JLOEB’s 90th Anniversary!

2024–2025 New Member Class:

• Addison Mullins
• Amy Shen
• Ashley Carroll
• Brandy Brager
• Bree Jackson
• Dafna Kapshud
• Daisia Williams
• Dio-Ann Valmores
• Flo Ramirez
• Giovanna Giusti
• Hannah Dito
• Jasmine Miles
• Jittaun Phillips
• Julia Alvarez
• Justine Polomski
• Karina Momary
• Kelsey Phipps
• Khush Driver
• Kim Filipinas
• Kimberly Carfi
• Kirin Basra
• Kriztina Palone
• Lauren Rabsatt
• Lindley Sico
• Ling Hsin
• Mary Dang
• Meagan Arepalli
• Megan Shapanka
• Melissa Lake
• Natasha Cooper
• Nicole Higbee
• Nicole Robinson
• Patricia Garcia
• Rhonda Ortner
• Ryan Bazan
• Sarah Callahan Stanley
• Sawna Patel
• Shannon Pegnim
• Steph Stone
• Xanadu Bruggers
• Yasmin Ashouri

New Transfers:

• Candace Barlow
• Grace McKeone
• Kelly Packer
• Lauren Gasken
• Miro Vilter

First General Membership Meeting of the Year

The excitement didn’t stop there! On Tuesday, September 24, we held our first General Membership Meeting (GMM) of the year in Lafayette, CA. This meeting marked another chance to celebrate our new members while unveiling our 2024–2025 League theme: The 3 C’s—Connect, Challenge, and Contribute. We encouraged members to connect with each other, challenge norms and personal growth, and contribute to the League and our community.

We also heard from our 2024 CEF Grant recipients, reviewed bylaw updates, discussed financials, and introduced our newly launched membership platform. To further our community support efforts, we organized a supply drive for Grace Period, collecting essential menstrual supplies to benefit those in need.

Excitement for the Year Ahead

The energy at both the New Member Orientation and GMM was absolutely electric! Our members are filled with excitement for all the incredible work ahead, and we can’t wait to see how this year unfolds. If you missed your chance to join us this year, don’t worry! You can submit your interest through our New Member Interest Form and be part of our 90th Anniversary celebrations in 2025.

Stay tuned for more updates on our activities, events, and the impact we’re making in the Oakland-East Bay community.

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As we gear up for the final weeks of our summer recruitment and prepare for our kick-off events and first General Membership Meeting in September, we pause to acknowledge the significant strides we have made in the past year. The 2023–2024 League Year was a resounding success. JLOEB remains a beacon for women in our community, providing a platform for leadership development, volunteering with local organizations, and fostering friendships while giving back to our community. 

The Junior League of Oakland-East Bay (JLOEB) is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Our purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Our League Year runs June through May, with outgoing leadership transferring knowledge to new leaders and committees getting up to speed during the summer months while we focus on recruiting new members.

The post The 2023–2024 JLOEB League Year in Review appeared first on Junior League of Oakland-East Bay.

Held at the beautiful Terrace Room in Oakland on Friday, May 10 we packed the room and reminisced on an incredible year.

As part of the annual tradition, May Celebration is also when we announce the recipients of our Community Enrichment Fund grants. We were honored to hear from our grantees Lotus Bloom and Serenity House Oakland.

Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees!

New Member of the Year Award
The New Member Award recognizes a member in their provisional year who has demonstrated leadership, volunteerism, and has been a light within the new member class. This new member has been consistent since the beginning of the year and has proven they live the values and mission of the Junior League. This year the honor was shared by two members!

• Janeé Weaver, Membership Committee

Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award recognizes 1st and 2nd year Actives who have demonstrated significant leadership consistent with the Vision of JLOEB. The chosen recipients may have created new initiatives or best practices within the Junior League of Oakland-East Bay.

• Thelma Andree, Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Heart of the League 
The Heart of the League Award recognizes women in the league who may not be in a leadership role, but serve as emotional rocks within their committee. You will recognize a contender for the Heart of the League because they go above and beyond. Have had a ‘can do’ positive attitude, and an overarching passion for the league.

• Trish Sagare, Membership Committee

Wonder Woman (President’s Award)
A special award from the JLOEB President to a member who has gone above and beyond to support them and the league as a whole. 

• Liz Williams, Treasurer

Sustainer Appreciation (President’s Award)
A special award from the JLOEB President recognizing extraordinary efforts from a Sustainer member. 

• Randi Ervin, Lead, Membership Essentials Ad-Hoc Committee

Rising Star, AJLI Nomination (President’s Award)
The Rising Star is given to a member who demonstrates significant promise that is consistent with Junior League’s mission, vision and values. At a national level we submit this member for consideration at a National level. 

• Marisa Melo, Member Advisor, Membership Committee

At the end of the night thanked our outgoing leadership and welcomed the new! We passed the gavel from current League president Leslie Fisher  to incoming President Trish Sagare. The new League Year kicks off on June 1st.

Thank you for joining us! 

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The Junior League of Oakland-East Bay is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration and training.

A special thank you to our amazing volunteers who helped make the event happen and be such a fun day and to those who supported our event by purchasing an entry ticket, enjoying our activities, entering our raffles, and bringing along your friends and loved ones! Funds raised from the event will go towards furthering our mission through community grants, leadership training and more!

Some highlights:

• $25,000 raised
• 969 guests
• 55 volunteers
• 9 sponsors
• 21 vehicles
• and countless smiles!

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Bulldozer Level

Active Sustainers & Friends
of the Junior League of Oakland-East Bay

Tow Truck Level

Compass Marketing

Lisa Parker

And a special thank you to Balestrieri Family Farm!

Special Appreciation:

Vehicle Partners: Balestrieri Family Farm, City of Walnut Creek, Contra Costa Fire Protection District, Dynamite Suburban, Lafayette Police Department, Moraga-Orinda Fire District, PG&E, Pleasant Hill Rotary, Roaming Railroad, Rotary Club, Royal Ambulance, Teohn Conner’s Hot Wheels Hot Rod, TEPS, Tesla

Raffle Donors: Angela Huizar, BARK, Boichik Bagels, Broc Cellars, Cambiati Wellness, Diablo Foods, Donkey & Goat, Golden State Warriors, Foreign Cinema, Janel Wellborn, Jamba Juice, Oakland Roots, Oakland A’s, Philz Coffee – San Ramon, Preacher’s Daughter, Reve Bistro, Semifreddi’s, Sports Basement, Sprouts – San Ramon, SusieCakes, The Cheeseboard Collective Pizzaria, Trader Joes – Oakland & San Ramon, World Wraps – San Ramon

Raffle Donors: Balestrieri Family Farm, Chevron, Grocery Outlet, Pacific Printing, Republic Services, Safeway

Food Truck Partners: Forge Pizza Fire Truck, Kona Ice, La Roca

Touch a Truck Planning Committee: Janel Wellborn, Emily Wasserman, Kirsten Dunatov, Lacee Musgrove, Marisa Melo, Erica Ames

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