MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Michelle Schoonover
JLS President, 2025-2026
It is my honor to serve as the 102nd President of the Junior League of Seattle (JLS) for the 2025–2026 League year. As someone who has proudly called the greater Seattle area home for over 35 years, this work is deeply personal to me. I’ve seen firsthand how JLS shows up to meet the evolving needs of our community—and I am continually inspired by the passion, purpose, and impact of our members.
As a dedicated member of JLS for nearly a decade, I have witnessed the transformative power of women coming together to create lasting change. This year, I am especially proud to celebrate the 65th anniversary of our signature initiative, the Northwest Art Project, which has brought arts education to generations of students across the Seattle community.
Since our founding over a century ago, JLS has been a catalyst for community change, grounded in the belief that women’s leadership is a powerful force for good. Our members are modern, mission-driven women who are passionate about addressing the most pressing issues facing people in our region. Through direct service, advocacy, and collaboration, we are committed to building a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable Seattle.
Our community impact focus area of Arts Education & Access reflects our belief that creativity is essential to a child’s development, critical thinking skills, and a community’s cultural vitality. The Northwest Art Project exemplifies this commitment—bringing visual arts experiences into classrooms, fostering imagination, and ensuring that all children, regardless of background, have access to the enriching power of the arts.
In the past year alone, our nearly 1,000 members contributed over 30,000 volunteer hours—valued at $1 million—to the Seattle community, while also investing significant resources into our community partnerships. We remain steadfast in our mission to train volunteers who are not only effective leaders but also deeply informed advocates for the issues that matter most.
At JLS, we believe that true partnership is built on mutual respect and shared purpose. When a community partner takes a step toward us, we take two in return. We listen. We learn. And we show up—ready to serve our neighbors with dignity and care.
However, we have not—and cannot—do it without the support of our invaluable partners, dedicated donors, and passionate advocates and friends. Whether you are serving a partner agency seeking trained volunteers, considering membership, or interested in making a financial gift to support our mission, I invite you to learn more about JLS and our 102 years of empowering women to transform the Seattle community by exploring our website.
Together, we can continue to train the next century of women leaders, enrich lives through the arts, and build a stronger Seattle for generations to come. As Seattle’s premier women’s leadership organization for over a century, we’re poised to lead with even greater purpose in the century ahead.
Yours in service,
Michelle Schoonover
President, 2025–2026
The Junior League of Seattle