Junior League of Seattle Sustainer Sue Mecklenburg Receives AJLI Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award
The Junior League of Seattle is proud to celebrate Sustainer and Past President Sue Mecklenburg as the recipient of the prestigious Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award from the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI). Named for Junior League founder Mary Harriman, this award is the highest honor bestowed by AJLI and recognizes women whose leadership and service have created lasting impact in their communities and beyond. Sue was formally recognized at the 2026 AJLI Annual Conference and was celebrated by Junior League of Seattle members at the League’s May Celebration on May 19, 2026.
Sue Mecklenburg received the Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award at the AJLI Annual Conference in Indianapolis in May.
Sue’s recognition marks the third Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award received by a Junior League of Seattle member, tying Seattle with Dallas for the highest number of recipients. A pioneering leader in corporate social responsibility, Sue served as The Starbucks Coffee Company’s first Director of Environmental Affairs, where she helped establish groundbreaking programs focused on ethical sourcing, environmental sustainability, and community investment. Her leadership contributed to the creation of the Starbucks Foundation, the Global Farmer Fund, and the innovative Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) Practices program, influencing industry standards that continue to support coffee-growing communities around the world today.
Within the Junior League of Seattle, Sue’s impact has been equally significant. She created the Dorothy Stimson Bullitt Community Service Award, a cherished League tradition that celebrates women leaders and highlights the connection between volunteer service, leadership development, and community impact. Through her mentorship and service, Sue has inspired generations of League members to lead meaningful change throughout the Seattle community and beyond. Her recognition is a powerful reflection of the Junior League of Seattle’s mission to develop women’s leadership through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. We congratulate Sue on this well-deserved international honor and thank her for the lasting legacy she continues to build.
