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.

Sherese Ward

Sherese Ward came to the Junior League of Greater New Haven as a native of the namesake city who currently lives and works in Austin, TX. She has a professional background in finance, but has transitioned to a role as Portfolio Director K12 Education Programs with the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation in education philanthropy, for which she draws upon her passion for social justice.

Sherese joined the Junior League of Greater New Haven in 2008 and although she calls herself an over-committer who struggles with work-life balance, she says that JLGNH work felt different from her other passion projects because of the deep friendships she has developed through her Junior League membership with other service-oriented women. Per Sherese, “fitting in my JL responsibilities has never been an issue. My League was comprised of the most wonderful humans, who served as a source of constant energy. My JL work was always energizing.” Ms. Ward served on the committee to plan JLGNH’s signature fundraiser, the annual Winetasting and Auction, and counts that opportunity as one of her happiest memories.

While Sherese has transferred from the JLGNH, she is an integral part of the history of our League and we are proud to count a woman as resilient and curious as Sherese, who believes deeply in the collective power of women, among our lifelong members.