In 1924, just four years after the 19th Amendment gave women in the United States the right to vote, 11 industrious women formed the Junior League of San Antonio, a nonprofit organization focused on women’s leadership and volunteer work.
This year, the league celebrates its centennial with a year of events and programs honoring the women who set the foundation for the organization and those who contributed to its success over the past century.
The Junior League debuted the exhibition HERstory at the Witte Museum in January, which will continue to appear throughout the year at centennial events, with proceeds supporting ongoing community programs, stand-alone projects and grants.
“HERstory is a chronologically curated exhibit that centers around JLSA’s most notable projects and the women who brought them to life, emphasizing our collective impact,” said Centennial Committee Chair Casie Moler Martinez.
The exhibit features eight panels dedicated to landmark projects alongside historical pieces. A display of the league’s 100 presidents honors a century of female leadership in the Junior League of San Antonio.
“Seeing walls filled with local female leaders is incredibly empowering,” said Martinez. “It’s inspiring to trace through a century of impact and recognize the foundational role the Junior League has played in nurturing so many leaders and organizations in our community.”
The Junior League is also marking 100 years with a cookbook featuring recipes submitted by members, community partners and restaurants. Centennial Flavors includes more than 150 recipes — from appetizers and mains to cocktails and desserts — and highlights the history of the Junior League of San Antonio.
Beyond the cookbook, exhibition and events, Martinez said the JLSA is engaging members in a Centennial Challenge, encouraging them each to serve an additional 100 hours in the community this year. And just two months into the year, these efforts already include support to over 70 local nonprofits and 6,000 hours of service, she said.
“I consider our organization an amplifier in the nonprofit world,” says Board President Rachel Briseño Bruno. “We support the San Antonio community by partnering with other nonprofits to help maximize impact together.”
Community partners currently include University Hospital, girls’ leadership and empowerment nonprofit Girls, Inc. and Unicorn Centers, which offers vocational and job skills training to adults with disabilities.
“When members join the Junior League of San Antonio, it is not just about joining a group; it’s about becoming part of a legacy of service and leadership,” said Bruno. “One of our biggest goals this year is to introduce the Junior League to our next generation of members.”
For details on future centennial events, visit the JLSA website.
