Request your Internet Safety Guide NOW!

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Over 55% of children ages 10 to 12 have been exposed to violent content on the internet.1

At the Junior League of Topeka, our community focus area is child welfare as impacted by community instability and violence. One core area that we can all provide for child welfare is by helping prepare children in our community to interact safely online.

That’s why the Junior League of Topeka has created a parental guide to Internet Safety. In this guide, parents, educators, and community members will learn:

  • The Biggest Online Risk Factors
  • Steps you can take to protect your children online
  • Learn ways to protect your family from online scams.
  • How to identify red flags that may indicate your child is in trouble!
DOWNLOAD THIS FREE GUIDE NOW!

1 Haley Zapal. Bark. Jan. 7, 2019. “2018 Children and Teen Cyber Fact Sheet.” https://www.bark.us/blog/2018-children-andteen-
cyber-fact-sheet/. Accessed May 2022.

Join Us for a Back to School Ice Cream Social

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Invite your friends and family and grab a sweet treat on the first day of school! Visit Pineapple Dream and a percentage of the proceeds will help support the Junior League of Topeka! Interested in learning more about how you can advance your leadership while making a meaningful difference in the community? Want to develop a network and make friends? Stop by and learn about membership with the Junior League!

Thursday, August 11
5 – 11 p.m.
6750 SW 29th St.

Junior League of Topeka Awards Four Shawnee County Students with Scholarships

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Congratulations to our 2022 Capital Impact Leadership Summit Scholarship Winners! 
Lucy Meseke – Topeka West (Not Pictured)
Hunter Morris – Jefferson West
Peyton Owens – Topeka West
Serenity Koch – Washburn Rural

Junior League of Topeka aims to Stuff the Bus for the Boys & Girls Club of Topeka

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Help the Junior League of Topeka STUFF THE BUS in support of the Boys and Girls Club of Topeka!

Last year, members collected more than 15,000 school supply items.
Help us beat that this year!!

Grab a few items from this list and drop us an email to organize pick up!

Marketing@jltopeka.org

Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/19HAMT0IHAWYW/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1

Your Vote Matters

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This week, considering the SCOTUS decision of Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the Association of Junior League’s International put out the following internal statement to all members:

“As an organization comprised of more than 120,000 women and built on inclusion, respect and empowerment; our Mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. We encourage our Members and our Leagues to use their individual voices to speak up in their communities and express their own independent views on important issues. We believe women have the ability and the capacity to be the catalysts who create lasting societal change through both collaboration and meaningful disagreement.”

As women leaders in our community, it is imperative that we exercise our right to vote at every opportunity. We have two elections coming up this summer and fall where many of our local and national leaders will be selected by our citizens.

The first is the Primary Election on August 2, 2022. There is also a constitutional amendment on the ballot during this election. I would ask that you pay close attention to the word “may” and consider what that could potentially mean for both women and girls. So even if you are an unaffiliated voter, it is important to exercise your right to vote in this election. The last day to register to vote in the Primary Election is July 12. Unable to vote on August 2 due to a hectic summer schedule? You can participate in early voting by going to the Shawnee County Election office at 3420 SW Van Buren St, or you can request an Advance Voting ballot. Mail in ballots must be requested by July 26, 2022.

We also have the General Election on November 8, 2022.The last day to register to vote in that election is October 18, 2022.

Unsure of your registration status? Check here.

I look forward to a robust participation of our membership, exercising our civic responsibility to vote, as these elections will undoubtedly have an impact on not only our immediate future, but that of future generations.

Sincerely,
Amber Carlson
2022-2023 President

Sustainer Spotlight

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Jennifer Sourk
Sustaining Advisor to the 2022-2023 President of the Junior League of Topeka

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Wichita and moved to Topeka to attend Washburn.

What do you do for a living?

Lawyer/General Counsel.

How long have you been involved with the Junior League?

I attended my first League event in May 2011.

Why did you join the Junior League and what keeps you coming back year-after-year?

I joined after having our first child when we knew that Topeka was our home and that I desired to do whatever I could in order to make it the best place to live for me and my family.

What positions or roles have you held in League?

President & Treasurer

What do you love most about League?

Meeting new women who have the same interests in being community volunteers and connecting with them.


What advice would you give to someone wanting to join the Junior League of Topeka?

It’s been one of the most impactful experiences and I would not have my network of women without JLT.

What are you involved in outside of the League?

I currently serve as a board member of the Topeka Community Foundation, Downtown Topeka Foundation, Washburn University Board of Regents, TARC foundation board, and, incoming chair Downtown Topeka, Inc.

Join Us for a Prospective Member Lunch & Learn

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Load up your friends, co-workers, sisters or peers! Grab lunch and join members of the Junior League to learn how you can advance your leadership development, connect with others for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training as a member of the Junior League.

Thursday, July 28
Noon – 1 p.m.

Johnny’s Tavern
2821 SW Fairlawn Rd
Topeka, KS 66614

RSVP via email to: Membership@JLTopeka.org.

The Junior League of Topeka is excited to welcome new members who value our mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

We strive for equity and inclusivity to encourage a diverse membership. Our goal is to promote and sustain relationships through building an integrated team of trained volunteers to improve the quality of child welfare in our community.

Hope to see you soon!

Sustainer Spotlight

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Laine Hash
Director of Sustainer Relations of the Junior League of Topeka

Where did you grow up?

I am a Topeka native, born and raised! I grew up out North and currently live there with my husband and two cute kids and star Siamese cat (he has his own Instagram page). 

What do you do for a living?

I have been a Realtor in the Topeka community for 12 years now! My husband and I started our careers in Wichita and made a conscious decision to move back and be a part of our home community for the long-term. 

How long have you been involved with the Junior League?

When we moved back to Topeka in 2010, I ran into an old friend that was a member of the Junior League & decided to join later that same year to meet new women and get connected back into the community. I had been thinking about joining the League when I lived in Wichita, but to tell you the truth, it intimidated me there because of how large it was with it being a big city. 

Why did you join the Junior League and what keeps you coming back year-after-year?

I have always been one of those people that likes to be connected. Whether that’s knowing people, or just knowing what’s going on in the community. My background is doing communications work for social services, so I was very involved with community resources in Wichita. And even though I no longer had a job in that field, knowing what services are available and helping to volunteer and make an impact in our community has always been important to me. 

What positions or roles have you held in League?

I was in Membership Development 100% of my time in League! It’s wild to say that, but I know where my strengths are, and communicating about and marketing our league to potential members and new members really hit the mark for me. I served on the board as the VP of Member Development and also headed up the new member class for multiple years. 

What do you love most about League?

I’m a social person – I thrive being around people! So to me, it’s all of those connections and friendships I’ve made along the way. I have so much respect for the ladies I know through League. We all are on similar paths, trying to find our way and do our best, whether that be raising families, starting new careers, going on to leadership positions…whatever the paths we are on, I enjoy that we have shared those triumphs and struggles together. 


What advice would you give to someone wanting to join the Junior League of Topeka?

Don’t be afraid to try it out! When I joined League, I was afraid of the stereotype of being a “junior leaguer.” Boy did I find myself  ashamed I ever had a stereotype in my head at all. I am now a proud sustainer of the Junior League. 

What are you involved in outside of the League?

I am on the Board for the Multiple Listing Service for our Sunflower Association of Realtors. I received the Distinguished Associate of the Year award for our Association of Realtors in 2020. I have previously served on the PTO board for my kid’s school. Day-to-day, if I’m not showing houses, you will find me running kids to swimming, golf camp or theatre camp. 

Tell us something else about you?

I have a passion for flower arranging and for decorating (both completely amateur!). But I like to help clients stage their homes if they need it and I can always make a gorgeous bouquet on a budget!  

Member Spotlight

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Rockell Otero
Treasurer of the Junior League of Topeka

Where did you grow up?

 I was born in Topeka and lived there until I was 10. I went to Most Pure Heart of Mary until my family moved to Hoyt, just north of Topeka. I graduated from Royal Valley. 

What do you do for a living?

My official title(s) – Prairie Band, LLC Financial Controller, Mill Creek, LLC CFO and Secretary. I am also listed as a Project Manager from Prairie Band Health Services, Inc though I spread my “PM” time between our three government contracting divisions, Prairie Band Construction, Inc. and Mill Creek, LLC included. I also wear an HR hat and any other hat needed based on the time and day! 

How long have you been involved with the Junior League?

​I joined the Junior League in 2019 and started on the Funding Development Council.

Why did you join the Junior League and what keeps you coming back year-after-year?

​I joined League after a divorce. I was looking for purpose, fulfillment, and to create the best me. League helped me through a transformation and despite challenges that the entire world is facing, I continue to fill my cup. 

What positions or roles have you held in League?

​Funding Council Member & Treasurer 

What do you love most about League?

​I love the purpose League gives me outside of being a mom and my career. I think society in general does a good job recognizing an individuals need to seek self fulfillment outside of home and work and the League offers that to me is a variety of ways that are important to me. I love being involved in the community in a way that helps others and I love to connect with people/organizations. I have also gained invaluable knowledge and experience that its helpful not only in the workplace, but life. Vickie Clark, a speaker we had last year on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, was inspiring! 


What advice would you give to someone wanting to join the Junior League of Topeka?

The Junior League of Topeka allows you to cookie cutter your experience so that you can get the most meaningful experience. Think about what you want out of your experience and don’t be afraid to try new things. 

What are you involved in outside of the League?

Family! I have three kids that keep me busy. I have a career that is exciting and sometimes has me all over the place. I also like to get involved with Forge when the starts align and am currently in my second year of working the the Topeka Mosaic Partnership. 

Tell us something else about you?

​I am competitive, and it is my greatest weakness. I can turn anything into a competition and I am relentless. My son is finally better at Mario Kart than me, but there were several times before that the game ended in him crying because I would never let him win. LOL!