The Junior League of the Palm Beaches, Inc. (JLPB), along with 136 of 291 chapters has committed to The Association of Junior Leagues International’s Diversity and Inclusion Initiative. The Board of Directors has implemented the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force which will make efforts to ensure that JLPB is fully devoted to emphasizing and commending the diverse group of women who make up their league.

Led by JLPB Board Member Marcelle Burke and past JLPB President Shelly Albright, the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force of ten diverse league members began their initiative by adding a diversity and inclusion commitment statement to the JLPB mission statement which reads “The Junior League welcomes all women who value our mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations and communities.” Next on the agenda is initiating a member self-assessment to evaluate the leagues current efforts.

JLPB Board Member, Marcelle Burke

“This is extremely important because any woman who shares a commitment to our mission statement should know they are
welcome to become a member of JLPB regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, physical mobility or socio-economic status.” says Marcelle Burke, JLPB Board Member. Internally, the goal is education, rather than conversion. League members will be educated throughout the year as the Task Force implements round table discussions, activities and guest speakers. Externally, they plan to engage with existing community partners to create awareness and reach out to other community organizations whose mission statements align with theirs to partner up for various community projects in the future.

“Diversity matters to our members, our communities, and our peer organizations. Our League is made stronger by the diversity of our members and community partners, it expands the talent pool, improves our problem solving, and makes us more open to innovation and new ideas.” says Courtney Stafford Hickey, JLPB President. “In our League we aim at ensuring all members feel a sense of belonging which helps in forming and maintaining lasting and meaningful relationships and is directly tied to the commitment, motivation, and pride in our League.”