The Junior League of Minneapolis hosted its annual May General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the Lafayette Club. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Minnetonka, the evening also served as an end-of-year celebration, where members gathered to reflect on another successful League year and recognize outstanding contributions from individuals and partners who help advance the organization’s mission.

At the heart of JLM are its members — women committed to creating meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. In that spirit, the League honored the 2024–25 recipients of its Member Impact Awards, which celebrate leadership, service, and alignment with its core values.

About the Awards

Advancing Leadership Award
This award recognizes an Active who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing the League’s goals. It celebrates initiative, results, and the development of future leaders within JLM.

2024–25 Recipient: Sally Wangensteen

Sustaining Leadership Award
This honor is given to a Sustainer who exemplifies leadership through mentorship, strategic insight, and long-standing support of JLM’s mission.

2024–25 Recipient: Kim Cavalcante

Community Impact Award – Active and Sustainer
Presented to both an Active and a Sustainer, this award highlights those who have made a lasting impact on the broader community through volunteerism, collaboration, and a deep commitment to service.

Active Recipient: Kasia Murphy
Sustainer Recipient: Jean Cunningham

Ardele Wheeler Award for Values in Action
Named in honor of a beloved member, this award recognizes individuals who consistently demonstrate JLM’s core values of respect, service, integrity, and support for others. It is awarded in three categories: Active, Sustainer, and New Member.

Active Recipient: Diane Ahern
Sustainer Recipient: Sandie Berger
New Member Recipient: Lisa Raiskin

Community Partner of the Year
This annual recognition is given to an organization or individual who has shown a deep and lasting partnership with JLM. The 2024–25 Community Partner of the Year is Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities, a trusted collaborator in building brighter futures for local youth.

In addition to the Member Impact Awards, several members were honored with peer-nominated recognition for their behind-the-scenes efforts and commitment to the League’s success throughout the year, including:

• Catherine Abbett
• Tiffany Davies
• Hilary Engel
• Krista Milne
• Holly Robbins
• Mary Clare Rogers
• Carla Silvia
• Michelle Steinhafel

Evening Highlights

Before the formal meeting, members explored new engagement opportunities during the League’s Annual Placement Fair, where representatives from Community, Programming, Fundraising, and Communications Councils shared upcoming roles and initiatives.

The evening included a special musical performance by the LeagueAires, whose inspiring songs set the tone for a night of joy and reflection. Attendees also heard from distinguished guest speaker Professor Jane E. Kirtley of the University of Minnesota.

About The Junior League of Minneapolis

The Junior League of Minneapolis is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Visit our website at jlminneapolis.org and follow JLM on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to learn more.