Dear Members, Sustainers, Community Partners, and Friends,

There are moments in life that remind us that some journeys are years in the making. As I write this as President of the Junior League of Orange County, New York, I am filled with gratitude, humility, and an overwhelming sense of purpose.

The Junior League has always been more than an organization to me—it has been part of my family’s story. I grew up watching members of my family dedicate themselves to service through the League, giving their time not because they had to, but because they believed that strong communities are built by people willing to serve. Their example taught me that leadership begins with compassion, that service is a privilege, and that every act of kindness matters. Long before I ever wore a League name badge, the values of the Junior League were already part of who I was. You could say that the Junior League is in my blood.

Never did I imagine that one day I would have the honor of leading this incredible organization.

My own League journey has been one of growth, learning, and friendship. Serving as Communications Chair taught me the importance of sharing our story and celebrating the extraordinary work of our members. As Administrative Vice President, I gained a deeper appreciation for the dedication that keeps our League thriving behind the scenes. As President-Elect, I had the privilege of learning from remarkable leaders while preparing for this role. Each position challenged me, inspired me, and reminded me that leadership is not about standing in front—it is about lifting others up beside you.

I would not be here without the women who came before me. Every past president, every board member, every committee chair, every sustainer, and every member who volunteered their time has helped shape the League we know today. Their vision created opportunities for women to lead, for children to thrive, and for communities to flourish. I am honored to build upon the foundation they so thoughtfully laid.

To my Junior League family, thank you for believing in me, encouraging me, and reminding me why this organization is so special. We are more than volunteers. We are mentors, friends, advocates, and changemakers. We celebrate one another’s successes, support each other through challenges, and prove every day that when women unite around a common purpose, extraordinary things happen.

To my own family, especially my husband, Bryan, and our daughters, thank you for walking this journey with me. Thank you for understanding the late nights, the committee meetings, the phone calls, and the weekends devoted to serving others. I hope my daughters grow up knowing that leadership is rooted in kindness, that giving back is simply what we do, and that the strongest communities are built by people who choose to care. If one day they decide to wear a Junior League name badge themselves, I hope they do so knowing they are continuing a legacy of service that has been passed through generations of our family.

Our mission comes to life through every member who says “yes” to serving. Whether we’re assembling hygiene kits for neighbors in need, partnering with local organizations, supporting families through community drives, developing women leaders, or creating opportunities that strengthen Orange County, every project reflects our shared belief that lasting change begins with people willing to step forward.

This year, one initiative especially captures our vision for the future: The Orange County Children’s Museum. This project is about so much more than creating a museum. It is about investing in the children of Orange County. It is about providing a place where imagination is encouraged, curiosity is celebrated, and learning happens through exploration and discovery. It is about creating opportunities for every child to dream, create, and belong. Just as the Junior League has invested in generations of women leaders, we now have the opportunity to invest in generations of children who will shape the future of our community.

As I begin this year as President, I do so with profound gratitude—for those who came before us, for the women who stand beside me today, and for the community that continues to believe in our mission. Every generation of League members leaves its mark. I hope that ours will be remembered not only for the projects we completed, but for the lives we touched, the leaders we developed, and the hope we inspired.

The women before us entrusted us with this legacy. Now it is our turn to carry it forward—with courage, compassion, and a commitment to leave our community stronger than we found it.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your President. I cannot wait to see what we will accomplish together.

With gratitude and hope,

Courtney McKenna
President
Junior League of Orange County, New York, 2026-2028