The Junior League of Minneapolis is pleased to announce that Alice Mortenson is the recipient of the 2025 Katharine Phelps Achievement Award.

Throughout her decades of service to the community, Alice has led with both heart and intention creating space for others to lead alongside her. Her approach has always been rooted in inclusion and collaboration, recognizing that lasting change comes from lifting up every voice. Whether advocating for families through the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery, supporting youth at the YWCA, or strengthening diverse community partnerships through the Mortenson Family Foundation, Alice has worked to open doors and expand opportunity for all, especially within communities historically underrepresented in leadership.

Her legacy mirrors the Junior League of Minneapolis’ own commitment to advancing equity and belonging, empowering women from all backgrounds to lead change that matters. As the League continues its mission to build a more just and vibrant Twin Cities, Alice’s example serves as both a guidepost and an invitation: leadership grounded in empathy and shared purpose has the power to unite and transform communities.

She will be honored at a celebration on Thursday, November 13 at The Minikahda Club. 

About the Katharine Phelps Achievement Award

The Katharine Phelps Achievement Award is named for a founding member of the Junior League of Minneapolis, its first president in 1923. The award celebrates an outstanding member of the Junior League of Minneapolis, who—throughout her lifetime—has used her talents and resources to improve the social and economic conditions of others. Through advocacy, collaboration, philanthropy, direct service and community education, the award recipient embraces her community and makes a unique and significant difference as a leader. She emulates the founder’s sense of social responsibility and giving spirit, as well as her ability to empower others to be effective volunteers.

Previous recipients of the Katharine Phelps Achievement Award include: Nancy Lindahl (2006); Sue Hodder (2007); Carol Truesdell (2008); Emily Anne Staples Tuttle (2009); Marilyn Carlson Nelson (2010); Marilyn Tickle Bryant (2011); Luella Goldberg (2012); Maxine Houghton Wallin (2013); Barbara Gray Koch (2014); Diana Hageboeck (2015);  Leslie Turner (2016); Patty Murphy (2017); Barbara Foster (2019); Anne Carrier (2020) and Catherine “Kit” Schmoker (2022). 

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 The Junior League of Minneapolis on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to learn more.

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.

Selected from across six countries and 297 Leagues, the 40 Over 40 honorees reflect the values of empowerment, leadership and community impact that define the Junior League. These distinguished members will be recognized at the 2025 Association of Junior Leagues International Annual Conference in Orlando on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Laura joined The Junior League of Minneapolis in 2008 and held multiple leadership roles, including VP Marketing, VP Fundraising, President-Elect and President in 2014-15. JLM was the first board on which she served and remains a foundational influence in her board leadership journey.

Professionally, Laura is a partner and principal at Apparatus, a women-owned, women-run public affairs firm she co-founded in 2016. The company serves clients who are committed to a cleaner environment, a fairer economy, and a more just society. Before launching Apparatus, Laura spent a decade in corporate marketing at software companies ranging in size from start-ups to multinational organizations.

In addition to her professional achievements, Laura is active in nonprofit and civic leadership. She is currently board chair of the National Council of Jewish Women, Inc., a trustee of The Blake School, and a member of the executive committee for the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce.

She has also held leadership roles with the National Council of Jewish Women Minnesota, the Citizens League and The Junior League of Minneapolis. She serves on the advisory boards of Love Takes Root, which supports education in Haiti, and Move Minneapolis, which promotes transportation equity.

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 The Junior League of Minneapolis on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to learn more.

Media Contact
Hilary Engel
VP Marketing & Communications
The Junior League of Minneapolis
communications@jlminneapolis.org

As part of the evening, we celebrated the recipients of our first-ever Member Impact Awards!

• Leadership Awards recognize one Active and one Sustainer for making an impact on JLM through strong leadership and developing leadership potential in others.
• Community Impact Awards recognize one Active and one Sustainer for making an impact on the communities we serve through collaboration, volunteer action and fostering learning.
• The Ardele Wheeler Award for Values in Action recognizes one Active, one Sustainer and one New Member who demonstrates a passion for community, helping others achieve their potential and operating respectfully.

Advancing Leadership Award: Michelle Steinhafel. As Events Chair, Michelle led the team to a successful Bottles, Bags and Bingo event that exceeded its financial goal by 280% and delivered the most profitable FITraiser in the last decade.

Sustaining Leadership Award: Jennifer Shinners. Jennifer has repeatedly given of herself to the women on her committees, and they look to her as a mentor.

Community Impact Award – Active: Allison Lucca. With Allison effectively navigating the changing requirements and policies of the correctional facility, the Between the Lines committee has enabled hundreds of children across Minnesota to receive a book narrated by their mother or grandmother.

Community Impact Award – Sustainer: Kathy KIingen. Kathy was the heart and soul of The Clothes Line Pop-Up Sale, our 100th anniversary-inspired fundraiser that resulted in $16,000 in grants to both The Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery and Free Arts, a program of Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities.

Ardele Wheeler Award for Values in Action – Active: Laura Brost. Laura is always open to taking on new opportunities, even in uncharted territory, and consistently supports others around her.

Ardele Wheeler Award for Values in Action – Sustainer: Kathleen Dodson-Smith. Kathleen has done tremendous work to further JLM, including organizing many events and serving as the liaison with the Emeritus community.

Ardele Wheeler Award for Values in Action – New Member: Alissa Nordin. Ali has been an essential part of the fun and entertainment committee for the Party of the Century and an enthusiastic supporter of the event overall.

We also had the opportunity to celebrate more than a dozen members who received peer recognition as part of this year’s awards.

Finally, we recognized our 2023-24 Community Partner of the Year, Tom Muller of Identity Printing. Tom has been a dedicated partner for many years and consistently demonstrates an outstanding commitment to JLM volunteer efforts.

We are immensely proud to highlight the achievements of these individuals who tirelessly work towards creating positive change. Their dedication and passion exemplify our organization’s core values and inspire us all to continue our mission of service.

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 The Junior League of Minneapolis on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to learn more.

JLM May GMM Awards News Release

Date: Friday, May 31, 2024
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Quincy Hall, Northeast Minneapolis

The dress code for this special occasion is semi-formal. And, although a nod to JLM red would be admired, it is not required. Festivities will commence with a cocktail reception, followed by a delectable dinner and an inspiring program. We’ll cap off the evening with lively entertainment and music by the Bluewater Kings Band.

We hope you’ll be able to join us for this milestone. It promises to be a night to remember! For more information and to register, visit https://secure.qgiv.com/event/centennialcelebration/ or contact info@jlminneapolis.org.

For those unable to attend, we are pleased to accept your tax-deductible donation to continue supporting our mission to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.

Join the Junior League of Minneapolis for an unforgettable evening of celebration and reflection as we mark an incredible milestone in our history! On November 9, 2023, we invite you to join us at the Edina Country Club from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for a special Founder’s Day event commemorating our 100th Anniversary.

Founded a century ago, the JLM has been a beacon of hope, dedication and community service since its inception. From the Minneapolis Children’s Theatre and Children’s Hospital of Minnesota to the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery, Free Arts Minnesota, and more, the JLM has left a legacy of service, dedication and compassion. Projects currently supported by the JLM include 30 Million Words, Between the Lines, Hands On Math, Engineering and Science (H.O.M.E.S.) and Helping Hands.

As we celebrate this momentous occasion, we invite you to be part of our Founder’s Day festivities, where we will pay tribute to our rich history and the countless lives we have touched over the years.

Event Details:

• Date: November 9, 2023
• Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Location: Edina Country Club, 5100 Wooddale Ave, Edina, MN 55424
• Tickets: $35 per person (includes one complimentary drink)
• Cash Bar Available; No ATM On-site

The evening promises to be a delightful affair filled with drinks, hors d’oeuvres and heartwarming stories. Your $35 ticket not only grants you access to this exclusive event but also includes one complimentary drink. For those who wish to enjoy additional beverages, a cash bar will be available throughout the evening.

We are honored to announce a special presentation by JLM’s Past President, Elizabeth Nelson, who will share her insights and experiences from her time leading our organization. Liz’s dedication and leadership have played a pivotal role in shaping the JLM into what it is today, and her perspective promises to be both enlightening and inspirational.

Founder’s Day is a momentous occasion, not just for us but for our entire community. It is an opportunity to come together, celebrate our history, and look forward to the bright future that lies ahead.

To secure your spot at this historic event, please purchase your ticket. We encourage you to invite your friends, family and colleagues to join us in honoring a century of being catalysts for lasting change.

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 the Junior League of Minneapolis on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to learn more.

Download Press Release

Minneapolis, Minn. — The Junior League of Minneapolis has awarded two $10,000 grants to The Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery for refurbishing the large gym space at the Nursery and Free Arts, a program of The Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities for refreshing a supply cabinet used by five partner organizations. The Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery and
Free Arts were originally founded as community service projects of the JLM and continue to positively impact the Twin Cities community.

These grants will be funded by a JLM legacy program, The Clothes Line, a resale shop which will be resurrected as a pop-up store this September, in honor of the organization’s 100th Anniversary Celebration.

The Clothes Line was founded by JLM members in 1950 as a fundraiser and community service project. The JLM operated The Clothes Line for 50 years and contributed more than $3.5 million in community aid, while directly helping people obtain clothing and household items.

The Clothes Line pop-up event will be a one-time, weekend event to resell gently loved goods donated by JLM members and the community. The idea of recycling items with the purpose of fundraising to benefit the community resonates even more today.

The goal of the 2023 Clothes Line pop-up store is to honor the JLM’s legacy of community support by donating proceeds to past projects who continue to serve the community as independent entities.

View or download full press release.

As a sustaining member of the JLM, Kit embodies what the League aspires to: training volunteers to better their communities. In that same spirit, Kit has been generous with her time and talent and to support organizations that serve and benefit women and children who need guidance and support. Her board and volunteer service include the following:

• Sustainer President and Sustainer Representative with the Junior League of Minneapolis;
• Board of Trustees member of the University of Nebraska Foundation;
• Board Member with the Children’s Theatre Company (Minneapolis);
• Volunteer and member of the Ivy Society with the Blake School;
• Deacon Board, Foundation Board and Church Council member at Meetinghouse Church in Edina (formerly Colonial Church)

Kit is also a longtime supporter of the Minnesota Children’s Museum, the Jeremiah Program, Children’s Cancer Research Fund, Saint Thomas Academy, University of Nebraska and Delta Gamma Foundation.

Kit has been honored in recent years with the national “Principled Leadership Award” from Delta Gamma Fraternity for her work supporting young women on college campuses. She was presented with the Outstanding Philanthropist Award from the North American Interfraternity Conference; the Perry Branch Award for Volunteer Service by the University of Nebraska and Sustainer Volunteer of the Year from the Junior League of Minneapolis.

“Kit Schmoker exemplifies the spirit of the JLM in giving of her talents, time and resources to help organizations that support women, children and families,” writes Pam Badger, a JLM sustainer member who nominated Kit. “She never takes credit for her contributions but is consistent in her support for the work that is being done. She is a kind, generous and compassionate friend, too. In times of need, Kit is always one of the first to step forward with help. Kit has a strong faith that infuses all she touches.”

Celebration to honor recipient

The Junior League of Minneapolis will hold a celebration to honor Kit on Thursday, September 22 at 5:00 p.m. at the Minikahda Club in Minneapolis. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online.

About the Katharine Phelps Lifetime Achievement Award

The Katharine Phelps Lifetime Achievement award celebrates an outstanding member of the Junior League of Minneapolis, who—throughout her lifetime—has used her talents and resources to improve the social and economic conditions of others. Through advocacy, collaboration, philanthropy, direct service and community education, the award recipient embraces her community and makes a unique and significant difference as a leader. She emulates the founder’s sense of social responsibility and giving spirit, as well as her ability to empower others to

be effective volunteers.

Previous recipients of the Katharine Phelps Lifetime Achievement Award include Nancy Lindahl (2006); Sue Hodder (2007); Carol Truesdell (2008); Emily Anne Staples Tuttle (2009); Marilyn Carlson Nelson (2010); Marilyn Tickle Bryant (2011); Luella Goldberg (2012); Maxine Houghton Wallin (2013); Barbara Gray Koch (2014); Diana Hageboeck (2015); Leslie Turner (2016); Patty Murphy (2017); Barbara Forster (2018-19) and Anne Carrier (2020-21).

About the Junior League of Minneapolis

The Junior League of Minneapolis is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of Minneapolis reaches out to women of all races, religions and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.

Download press release.

The Junior League of Minneapolis Presents: Toss for a Cause
Cornhole tournament will raise funds to support JLM community initiatives

Minneapolis, Minn. — The Junior League of Minneapolis proudly presents its inaugural Toss for a Cause fundraiser on Saturday, April 30 at the Minneapolis Cider Company. Doors for this cornhole tournament will open at 12:30 p.m. The first bag will be tossed at 1 p.m. with the final round
concluding at 5 p.m.

This fun event for the whole family will feature 64 teams of two, competing to be the JLM’s first ever Cornhole Champions. All skill levels are welcome. Tournament participants and spectators will enjoy a fun afternoon of food trucks, drinks, fire pits, giant Jenga, a silent auction, photo booth and more.

Event proceeds go directly toward the JLM’s mission of developing the potential of women and improving the Minneapolis community. The JLM’s programs and partnerships take aim at the underlying contributors to the opportunity gap that hinder the learning process for area students.

“By giving to the Junior League of Minneapolis, you’re powering training and learning opportunities to develop the potential of our more than 500 members as well as making possible our volunteer projects that give hundreds of hours annually to improve our community,” said JLM president
Elizabeth Nelson.”Toss for a Cause is a fun way to support our organization while enjoying an afternoon of friendly competition with friends and family.”

Tickets are $60 for a single tournament participant and $110 for a team of two. Participants each receive a free drink and custom souvenir glass as part of their ticket. Spectator tickets are also available for $35.

Purchase tickets.

Download full press release.

For many, the killing of Daunte Wright resurrects the same range of emotions from processing the killing of George Floyd, Philando Castile, and many others: anger, sadness, fear, and an urge to create change around us and within ourselves.

At the core of our mission, JLM is committed to fostering and supporting inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations, and communities; we are committed to advancing social justice.

We understand that our words of support alone cannot change our community and recognize that this acknowledgement is not enough. As members of the Junior League of Minneapolis Board of Directors, we pledge to listen, reflect, and hold ourselves accountable in amplifying marginalized voices, especially Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in our organization and in our community.

As you may be feeling a range of emotions, we encourage you to join together in unity – to listen more, care more, and stay stronger for one another.