Welcome to the Junior League of Miami!

As I step into the role of 101st President, I am incredibly energized to lead an organization that has driven female leadership and civic change in Miami for over a century. Best of all, I get to do this alongside our amazing Executive Vice President, Maddie Guillard. Maddie’s operational brilliance, fundraising expertise, and endless dedication make her the perfect partner. I am so grateful to team up with her to guide our membership forward!

Every year, I think it’s vital to reconnect with our personal “why.” My own journey started when I was looking for flexible volunteer opportunities where my young family could join me in giving back. I wanted my kids to see service in action. Over time, that simple search evolved into something much bigger: I discovered life-changing leadership training and built an invaluable circle of lifelong friendships.

The Junior League of Miami is a powerhouse group of women unified by this shared passion for building a better community. Last year, we wrapped up our epic Centennial celebration—marking 100 years of breaking barriers and supporting local families. But we aren’t just looking back! As we kick off Year 101, our focus is entirely on planting the seeds for our next century of impact.

To get us there, we are actively bringing our Strategic Plan to life by sharpening our community impact, modernizing how we run behind the scenes, and leveling up our member training. Plus, as proud members of the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)—a global network of over 112,000 women across nearly 300 Leagues—we get to swap big ideas with leaders worldwide and bring the best civic strategies straight back home to Miami.

Locally, that impact comes to life through incredible existing programs and legacy partnerships:

• Inn Transition: We are continuing our longstanding partnership with Miami-Dade County, where our members provide hands-on support and family programming to help survivors of domestic violence and their children heal, rebuild, and thrive.
• Uplift Literacy: We are diving into our third year of this vital partnership, empowering students in underserved communities with the essential skills and resources needed to read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade.
• Community Grants Program: We are entering the fourth year of this game-changing program, which has already channeled over $500,000 in funding to local non-profit organizations since its revival in 2022.

Looking ahead, we are thrilled to launch our brand-new signature project, the Dream Collective! Partnering with Voices for Children, Children’s Home Society, and other frontline organizations, we are proudly supporting a first-of-its-kind service hub for children and families experiencing foster care in Miami. On top of that, we are kicking off an exciting new partnership with the Girl Scouts, where our members will lead a dynamic training symposium for troop leaders to help inspire and empower the next generation of female changemakers.

Whether you are a long-standing Sustainer, an Active member, a corporate sponsor, or a future volunteer, you belong here. Let’s cultivate the seeds we plant today so Miami thrives for the next 100 years!

Join Us, Support Us, Celebrate With Us!

Please consider supporting the Junior League of Miami in one or more of the following ways:

• Join the League We welcome all women who believe in advancing women’s leadership, volunteerism, community collaboration, and training. Click here to learn more and join.
• Be a DIAD Partner Are you part of a nonprofit? Would you like to be considered as a DIAD partner? Apply here.
• Make a Tax-Deductible Donation Every dollar helps amplify our impact. Donate here.
• Give Miami Day – Thursday, November 21, 2026 Join us for one of the largest giving days in the nation.
• Attend or Sponsor Our Gala Our 26th Women Who Make a Difference Gala will take place on April 3, 2027. We’ll honor exceptional women who exemplify the League’s mission through philanthropy, volunteerism, and women’s leadership. Contact wwmd@jlmiami.org for sponsorship details.

Sincerely,

Vanessa Blanco-Banos

President 2026-2027