Posture & Purpose With Dr. Michelle Carr Frank
Welcome to Posture and Purpose where both healing and community come together! An inside look into Carr Chiropractic and Dr. Michelle Carr Frank.
Posture & Purpose With Dr. Michelle Carr Frank
The Junior League Legacy: 68 Years of Women's Leadership in Lafayette
The remarkable 68-year legacy of the Junior League of Lafayette comes alive in this enlightening conversation with current president Nicole Street. Discover how this powerhouse organization of dedicated women has transformed our community through strategic partnerships, hands-on service, and leadership development.
Nicole shares her personal journey from joining the League in 2013 as a young mother looking for "something just for Nicole" to becoming the organization's president. Her story illustrates how the Junior League provides both meaningful community impact and profound personal growth. Through collaborative relationships with organizations like Miles Perrette Cancer Services, Our Lady of Lourdes Women's and Children's Hospital, and numerous other local nonprofits, the League addresses critical needs throughout Acadiana.
Learn about their impactful initiatives, including the Diaper Bank that distributes over 100,000 diapers annually to families in need, and the backpack program providing school supplies to families affected by cancer. Nicole discusses how the League has evolved to accommodate the changing demographics of its membership, with approximately 90% of members now being working professionals balancing careers, families, and volunteer commitments.
The conversation concludes with exciting details about upcoming events, including the celebration of their cookbook's 20th anniversary and the 32nd annual Tinsel and Treasures holiday market featuring over 120 merchants. Whether you're curious about joining, supporting their initiatives, or simply learning more about this vital community organization, this episode offers valuable insights into how passionate women are making Lafayette a better place through purposeful leadership and action.
And how many years has Tinsels and Treasures?
Speaker 2:been around. This is the 32nd market, which again crazy to think that we've been doing this for three decades. But it keeps getting better and better.
Speaker 3:Welcome to Posture and Purpose, where both healing and community come together. Make sure to subscribe on Apple, spotify and YouTube. Let's get into this episode with Dr Michelle Carr-Frank.
Speaker 1:Hello and welcome to Posture and Purpose. On today's episode I have Ms Nicole Street. She is the president of the Junior League of Lafayette.
Speaker 2:So welcome, nicole, thank you. Thank you for having me.
Speaker 1:Thanks for being here. So for our listeners who may not be familiar with the Junior League, can you tell us a little bit about the mission of the Junior League and the purpose of the league?
Speaker 2:Yeah, our mission is actually pretty simple when you boil it down. We are focused on advancing women's leadership for meaningful community impact, and we do that in a couple different ways. We collaborate with other nonprofits and volunteer organizations in Lafayette and we cross-collaborate across committees in the league. We also do that through volunteer action, getting our hands dirty for a lot of projects right. And we also do that through training. We're a big training organization. We want to develop women to go out into the world to do good things, and so that's our purpose. That's what we the world to do good things and so that's that's our purpose. That's what we're we're trying to do here in Lafayette and that's the mission.
Speaker 1:So how long, how many years has the league been in Lafayette?
Speaker 2:68 years, which is incredible. Incredible when you think about the number of women that have walked through that door, the number of partner agencies we've been able to collaborate with, the impact that that's had over 68 years is incredible.
Speaker 1:And what's even a little surprising to me just by us talking about this is that I remember joining the league and it was their 50th year.
Speaker 2:Time goes by really fast.
Speaker 1:It has flown by, so I did not realize that.
Speaker 2:And how many years have you been in the league? Yeah, I joined in 2013, so this is my 12th active year, which means that I've been in the league for 13 years, and even that it seems like yesterday that I went to my first info session to learn what the league was about. And here we are.
Speaker 1:Yes, well, and we're so lucky to have you in doing this and everything that the league does. So what inspired you to become a part of the league?
Speaker 2:Well, at the time, I had two young daughters and I was just trying to find something to do that didn't have to do with my kids. It didn't have to do with my kids, it didn't have to do with my husband, it was something just for Nicole, and I could have never dreamt of what the experience would have turned into when I was just looking for, you know, something to fill some time.
Speaker 1:The camaraderie of the women involved and it's a sense of purpose. It's not, oh, we're going to sit around and talk about, you know, our hair nails. This is a serious group of women that are out in the community and making our community in Lafayette better, that's for sure. So it has a longstanding history. What are some of the organizations or accomplishments from the Junior League? There's so many, I know it's hard to condense it into one conversation, but do a few stand out to you? Yeah?
Speaker 2:you're right, the list is is really long. We could never list them all, but currently we have a really good partnership with Miles Perrette cancer services. We have a program that we help support the families that are beneficiaries of their services. We also have a really strong relationship right now with Our Lady of Lourdes Women's and Children's Hospital. If you've been a patient, if your children have been a patient in the last year or two inpatient you may have seen our Happy Wheels cart come around with you know car chargers, phone chargers, and you know t-shirts and coloring books and all the essentials that you may have forgotten at home. So those are two that we currently are working with. But we work with so many other organizations Catholic Charities, boys and Girls Club, parish Proud. I mean there's really too many to say yeah, but we really value collaboration. But we really value collaboration and the collective work of organizations working together really has such a huge meaningful impact on Acadiana.
Speaker 1:And it's boots on the ground.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:I don't think people listening may realize that. Yeah, they may have a preconceived notion of what the Junior League of Lafayette is or what it's made of, and it is women working together for a greater purpose, making a true impact, changing lives of children, women and in a whole. Yeah, the place that we call home.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so yeah it is, and you know it's interesting because there is a place in the league for someone who maybe does like the more behind the scenes planning. We have places for women like that. But if you really want to get your hands dirty and, you know, participate in some, you know, boots on the ground efforts, this is the place that you can. You can get that and feel fulfilled.
Speaker 1:Absolutely, and can you share what your journey has been like, from beginning as a provisional, through the active years and now president. What an accomplishment.
Speaker 2:It's crazy. Again, I never would have thought that, it was never really on my radar to move into leadership, but it kind of just happened. Naturally, I had a lot of mentors within the league that I think just saw something in me and said maybe you should go for this leadership role, and then that snowballed into bigger leadership roles to now. I spent several years on the Tencel and Treasures Committee, which was really fun it's a lot of work.
Speaker 2:It's a lot of work, a lot of work, a lot of training to learn how to do a lot of things when you have to plan such a huge event like that. And then I've spent a lot of time in placements that have dealt with our members and, you know, making sure they're having a wonderful experience, and I think that that really kind of pushed me into this. You know path of becoming president.
Speaker 1:And what a wonderful path it has been. And I know, as a woman in business, I learned things that you don't even realize. You're going to learn Conflict resolution, financial aspects of things by being in the Junior League of Lafayette. I started my league years around the same time that I started my practice and I've made connections, networking connections, but, most importantly, friends Friendships that will be lifelong friendships.
Speaker 2:I was about to say, lifelong friendships. I have experienced the same Some of the people that I talk to on a daily basis, that I'm not really working with directly in the league, but we have formed relationships that are true friendships and I have the league to thank for that, because I would have maybe never met these right, the mentors, and such an inspiration to me personally.
Speaker 1:I'm sure it's the same for you. So what does leadership look like for you within a volunteer driven organization, because you don't have to be there? This is right. Volunteer, this is not a paid position of any sort. How does leadership feel, or how does that look to you?
Speaker 2:Interestingly enough, I think it if you're really passionate about this work and I do say work because it is work- it's work, believe me, it is work.
Speaker 2:There's lots of fun things. There are the social things, but the work part of it you really do have to be passionate about it. For me, I view it as I get to do this. I get to go out and wrap diapers to distribute to, you know, the families that need I get to do all of these things and I think when you put it in that perspective versus it's just another meeting I have to go to it changes how you feel about being there. So you know, you just have to find in your heart and in your soul what you're passionate about. For me, it's Junior League of Lafayette and leading an amazing group of women who are dedicated to the same thing common goal, common purpose.
Speaker 1:It makes it a little bit easier, and so for people listening that may not know what you mean by diapers, yeah, tell us about the diaper drive, because they don't realize. Oh, we're going to donate some diapers, let's drop off some diapers. What does that actually mean?
Speaker 2:Yeah, so the statistics are actually pretty alarming that in Louisiana, I think it's, one in two families struggles to keep clean diapers on their babies. And it also affects women going to work because if they can't put their baby in clean diapers and provide those clean diapers to a daycare, then they can't work. It's a vicious cycle, truthfully, and it's heartbreaking. So we have a diaper bank I believe it's probably seven or eight years old at this point and we package and distribute over 100,000 diapers a year to some of our partner agencies who serve families that need clean diapers the most, and actually this month is National Diaper Need Awareness Month.
Speaker 2:So, if you happen to be by the Junior League office in River Ranch on Richland, you can stop by. We have a barrel that you can drop diapers into. We're always collecting them, but of course we're celebrating this month and trying to get our stock up.
Speaker 1:And what office hours can someone drop by and donate those Sure? 9 am to 3 pm. Okay, and they just bring them there and drop them off, that's wonderful.
Speaker 3:Sure can.
Speaker 1:And that's easy, so everyone can do that. Next time you go to the store and you may not have little ones anymore, but you pass that diaper aisle, you can be making a difference in a family's life. Yes, a significant difference. So how does the Junior League decide on which initiatives or projects that they focus on each year? I know there's a grant process and whatnot, but how do they focus on those initiatives?
Speaker 2:Yeah, so actually a few years ago we kind of narrowed down our focus area. So we actually have three focus areas. One is the women's leadership. You know ties right into our mission of advancing women's leadership. We also have a focus area of health and development of women and children. And then our third is collaboration for lasting community change, and so that does make it a little bit easier when trying to decide what initiatives you're going to start, because if it doesn't fall in one of those three, then unfortunately we have to hope that another organization has a mission that will align with that issue.
Speaker 2:We do have a very thorough planning and evaluation process that we go through every year where we evaluate what we're doing currently and we also are consistently doing research of what are the other needs in our community so that we can see, you know, does it fit our focus areas, does it fit our mission, how can we help? And that help can look. You know there's a variety of ways we can do that through grants, through starting a whole project. It really, you know, it could be a bunch of different ways.
Speaker 1:And thank goodness there are so many ways. Unfortunately, there's so many areas of need, but thank goodness there are wonderful organizations in Lafayette that do focus on the needs of families. So how do you see the Junior League's mission continuing to take shape in Lafayette? Since you've been involved, have you seen changes take place within the league?
Speaker 2:Yeah, actually, most of our women now are members work, which is very different than when it started 68 years ago, as you can imagine, and even just 10 years ago, there's been a significant shift where even just saying the majority of our women work is an understatement, because that just means more than half.
Speaker 1:And that's inspiring.
Speaker 2:It's probably 90%, if I had to estimate and that changes the way we do things. It changes what volunteer opportunities we can offer. It changes everything, because they are focused on work during the day. Many of them are focused on family in the evenings. So it's balancing how we can offer something that's fulfilling to them but also meaningful to the community, and so that has definitely been a shift, but one that I think we're all on board in helping evolve.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and times change. I know when I started they would have lunch meetings sometimes and I thought I can't do that, I might work. Yeah, you know, so it has changed quite a bit. And again, always in the right direction. So what are you personally? What are some of your main priorities this year and how do you hope to make a change within the organization as their president?
Speaker 2:Yeah, our big focus is member experience, and that's not to say that the community impact is not as equally as important. But we have such a solid plan right now with our community impact that I really wanted to focus on creating experience that members did not have to think twice at the end of the year about whether or not they were going to come back the following year. Make sure that they are feeling fulfilled, that we're meeting them in a place that they can give their time, whether that's 10 hours a month or 50 hours a month. So really focusing on creating an experience that our members are enjoying.
Speaker 1:Yes, it has to bring them joy. Volunteer work is a joy and rewarding in itself, but hey, who doesn't like to have some fun?
Speaker 3:while they're doing it, why not?
Speaker 1:Making friends and meeting new people. But hey, who doesn't like to have some fun while they're doing it? Why not Making friends and meeting new people? So can you share some special story, a heartwarming story, where you have actually personally seen change like with a family, with one of the diaper drives or maybe something else in the community?
Speaker 2:Yeah, we actually just met a family. Through Miles Perrette. We do a backpack program each summer where Miles Perrette provides us the school supply list for the students that you know either someone in their family or themselves, are being treated through or not treated beneficiaries of services, and we provide all the school supplies. And we were able to meet one of the families that drove here from quite a far distance to pick up those backpacks and they were just explaining how it's such a burden lifted to not have to worry about school supply shopping, as that may seem like the most normal thing to do in July and August, but for some families that's the last thing on their list.
Speaker 2:They're thinking about yeah they're thinking about treatment and they're they're thinking about budget, and being able to lift that off of their shoulders is amazing, and you were were able to see that yes, yeah.
Speaker 1:It makes a difference when you actually see it in person. So what exciting events or projects are upcoming that we should know about with the Junior League of Lockheed?
Speaker 2:Yeah, we have actually two really amazing things, I think, that are happening this year. One is that we're celebrating the 20th anniversary of one of our cookbooks. Something to Talk About, oh wow. It's the newest of our cookbooks, and so we're really excited to celebrate 20 years of that book. And then also in a couple of weeks, we're going to be celebrating Tinsel and Treasures, which is our holiday market extravaganza.
Speaker 1:Yes.
Speaker 2:It's huge and it's amazing.
Speaker 1:And how many years has Tinsels and Treasures been around?
Speaker 2:This is the 32nd market, which again crazy to think that we've been doing this for three decades. But it keeps getting better and better.
Speaker 1:And for someone who has never been to that event, can you tell them a little bit about, like, what vendors to expect or maybe some entertainment that might be there?
Speaker 2:Yeah, absolutely. We have over 120 merchants this year. Anything you can think of books, women's jewelry, women's fashion, kids items, gifts for men, stationery, lots of amazing things. It's great to um and home decor. People love the home decor booths because, you know, we're always looking for something for everyone.
Speaker 3:Yep our christmas decor.
Speaker 2:Um, we have ladies night on friday night. That's usually a really fun time, fun music and hors d'oeuvres and those kinds of things. So it's a great way to end the work week. To come shopping with your girlfriends for ladies night. Yes, get your Christmas shopping done all in one, exactly, exactly. And then of course we always have to do something a little special for the kids, and we have two very special guests coming Santa and Mrs Claus.
Speaker 1:They both can make it this year. Yes, they can.
Speaker 2:I don't know how they're managing to do that this close to Christmas, but they're coming and so we do have complimentary pictures with Santa and they get to. You know, tell Santa about their Christmas list a little early, Maybe they get a little jumpstart.
Speaker 1:Yes, get those Christmas wishes done early. Well, very good. Well, I always ask everyone at the end how do you maintain your posture while pursuing your purpose in life?
Speaker 2:That's interesting. I think you know you come to a realization at some point that you cannot stand tall every single second of every day. It's just, it's just not realistic. So I really do think that you're able to maintain that posture by allowing other people to lift you up when you need.
Speaker 1:And I'm sure you find that in the Junior League yes. Well, thank you so much for being here. It has been a pleasure to chat with you. I know from personal experience how wonderful the Junior League is and what they do for our community. So anyone listening, please support the Junior League at their Tensils and Treasures event that's held at the Cajun Dome and until next time, sit up straight, stay happy, stay healthy and stay adjusted.
Speaker 3:Thanks for listening to the Posture and Purpose podcast with Dr Michelle Carr-Frank. Make sure to subscribe on YouTube, Spotify and Apple podcasts Until next time.