Junior League of Topeka

Learn more about membership with the Junior League!

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Are you looking to find a place that you can advance your leadership skills and learn more about making an impact in your community? Looking to surround yourself with and connect with other women? 

The Junior League of Topeka is your chance! Join us Saturday, May 21 at 10:00 a.m. to learn more, ask questions, and get to know some of the women in the Junior League of Topeka. 

Founded in 1937, we are an organization of women, commuted to the advancement of women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration and education. The Junior League welcomes all who identify as women  and who value our mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations and communities. 

We are very excited for all that is in store over the next year and hope you’ll join us!

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89491291890

Meeting ID: 894 9129 1890

https://facebook.com/events/s/membership-information-session/1071282516760477/

Junior League of Topeka to Name Tara Dimick 2022 Community Volunteer 

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Please join the Junior League of Topeka as we honor Tara Dimick as the 2022 recipient of the Community Volunteer Award at its 3rd Annual Jockey’s, Juleps & Junior League Kentucky Derby FUNdraiser on Saturday, May 7, 2022. Each year, the Junior League of Topeka Community Volunteer Award is presented annually to an individual who is not a member of the Junior League, but has had a tremendous impact on our community – and this year, you’d be hard pressed to find someone in Topeka who has not been impacted by the work of this year’s honoree. Tara has contributed so much to the Topeka community. Truly, her resume alone is impressive but anyone who has met her knows her heart is even more so. Whether she’s helping small business owners, or serving on community boards to ensure Topeka is a fantastic place to live, work and play, she is a force for good and an agent for change. Two things the Junior League was founded on.

Currently, our honoree serves as an elected member of the Auburn-Washburn School Board. She is President of the Topeka Community Foundation – an organization founded by the Junior League of Topeka.

She is the Foundation Relations Chair for the Stormont Vail Foundation Board, a Member of the Kansas Chamber Board, a Member of Topeka Civic Theater and an active member of Momentum 2027 … just to name a few.

Tara works tirelessly to support small businesses whether it’s consulting them, promoting them, or personally running them. She’s been an advocate for non-profits in our community by being a force behind the Envista Cares program which has put thousands of dollars urgently needed by our not-for-profits to do amazing work right here in Topeka supporting our community members. And she has worked tirelessly the last couple of years to ensure a balance for supporting students, educators and families in the Topeka community through her work with USD 437 Auburn Washburn School District.

So without further ado, Congratulations Tara Dimick, the 2022 Community Volunteer Honoree!

Spring Sustainer Luncheon to be held May 5

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Junior League of Topeka Sustainers are invited to our 2022 Spring Sustainer Luncheon on Thursday, May 5. Visit http://www.JLTopeka.org/Sustainers for more information!

2022-2023 League Year Preparations Underway!

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Each Spring, Junior League of Topeka members selected for the Placement Committee join together to review the skills and competencies that Junior League Members want to develop against those they have and determine the best role for each member for the following League Year. This year’s placement committee met last week and members have been receiving calls and text messages confirming their placements for the following League Year.

Thank you to our 2021-2022 Placement Committee:

Laura Vaughn
Kelsey Savage
Bailee Carpenter
Heather Scott
Jenny Barricklow

Junior League Members Volunteer at Roll & Read

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Junior League of Topeka members volunteers at the Roll & Read event on Saturday, April 2. The event was hosted by Parents as Teachers and the United Way of Greater Topeka. Local celebrities stationed at locations in NOTO and at Evergy Plaza in Topeka to read a special story to children a different stops. Roll & Read attendees received information and gifts from community partners, including free bike helmets, water bottles, toothbrushes, books and more!

2022 Capital Impact Leadership Summit

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Students from area high schools joined us virtually on Wednesday, March 30 for the 3rd annual Capital Impact Leadership Summit. Students had the opportunity to hear from Lauren Dreher on Mindset and self confidence.

Want to check out the presentation and post event content? Reach out to Marketing@jltopeka.org to request access to the presentation!

Member Spotlight

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Laura Harrison
2021-2022 Executive Secretary

Where did you grow up?

I have lived in Topeka for 24 years now.  I moved here from Acworth, GA, when I was 13 years old because of my dad’s job in the shoe business. 

What do you do for a living?

I am currently a sixth grade teacher at Auburn Elementary.

How long have you been involved with the Junior League?

This is my 3rd year in league!

Why did you join the Junior League?

One thing that I love about League is the opportunity I have been given to learn more about my city and how I can help. 

What positions or roles have you held in League?

My first year active I was a member on the Funding Council and now in my second year I serve on the board as Executive Secretary. I participated in LBDI when I was on the Funding Council and was blown away by the stories people shared with me about their struggles with food insecurity.  

What do you love most about League and what keeps you coming back year-after-year?

One thing that I love about League is the opportunity I have been given to learn more about my city and how I can help. 


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

It will be the best decision you make. You create lasting friendships, you learn about organizations in Topeka, and you learn how to be a leader in the community. 

What are you involved in outside of the League?

Outside of League I am active in my church, part of the Leadership Team at my school, and spend any other free night playing chauffeur for my four children and all their activities.   

Tell us something else about you?

I love to read books! 

Member Spotlight

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Amber Carlson
2021-2022 President-Elect

Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Topeka, and after leaving at 18, didn’t ever plan to return. However, life has a way of bringing everything full circle, and 18 years later we returned to be closer to family. Putting effort into the community that we raise our family in, has been a keystone in this journey.

What do you do for a living?

I am the Vice President of Operations for a company that specializes in providing specialty physician services to underserved communities. Though the bulk of my career was spent in advertising sales management and publishing.

How long have you been involved with the Junior League?

I am proud to be in my seventh year as an active member of the Junior League.

Why did you join the Junior League?

Truthfully, at that time, I joined League to get my identity back. After years of working outside the home, I found myself lost in the daily life of motherhood. I needed an outlet for my entrepreneurial energy, and I found my niche in the League. 

What positions or roles have you held in League?

I helped to formulate the plans for, and helped to launch our semi-annual magazine, Capital Impact, and served as the Editor of the Inaugural edition. I then briefly served as VP of Communications, a Member-at-Large, Recognitions and Obligations Coordinator on the Leadership Council, VP of Funding Development, and now I am honored to be President-Elect. 

What do you love most about League and what keeps you coming back year-after-year?

Being part of an organization that works for the betterment of our community is such an honor. Having a hand in facilitating change, and working hand in hand with like-minded women, has been such an empowering experience. The friendships that I have made in League through this shared journey are incredible.  


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

I would advise her to jump in with both feet! As with everything else in life, you will get out of League what you put into League. Become enthusiastically involved, create your space in the League, and prepare to grow in ways you didn’t foresee. 

What are you involved in outside of the League?

I have homeschooled four of our six children for the last seven years. 

Tell us something else about you?

My husband, Kris, and I have a big family! In addition to our six children, we have one son-in-law, and a toddler grandson. Our house is always filled with lots of noise, copious amounts of chaos, and thankfully, love.