By: Allison Gallaspy

Since its founding in 1923, the Junior League of Greater New Haven has sought to effect positive change in the Greater New Haven community by promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and supporting the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. As the League prepares for its Centennial Anniversary, we celebrate our members and share their incredible stories, recognizing how each individual story makes up that of the League as a whole.

Kelly Wakeland

Kelly Wakeland joined the Junior League of San Diego in 2019 to connect with other women and to have a social outlet that focused on benefitting her community. She now lives in New Haven and works with adolescents who have eating disorders. As a military spouse, Kelly appreciates the overall network of AJLI and that her membership in the Junior League of Greater New Haven is transferable. She was happy to be a member of The League when her family moved to New Haven, because she knew she would have a group to join in her new city. 

Kelly says her membership in JLGNH is valuable because it helps her, “practice skills that I don’t get to perfect in my job.” She describes her League participation as an exchange. “I give my time and ideas…I get a sense of belonging and purpose, and an opportunity to connect with others.”