The mission of the Junior League, to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteering, collaboration, and training, is more than just a statement. For over 100 years, it has been the heart of the Junior League of Sioux City.

As a League, we don’t just volunteer together; we support and challenge one another to learn and grow. We serve our community, but in the process, we build each other up.

The path of leadership and service isn’t always “rainbows and sunshine.” Life is often complicated, and our members are not immune to the weight of the world.

I have been moved by the passion and resilience of our members. I see women navigating their own personal struggles and complex journeys, yet they still choose to show up. They volunteer when they are tired; they lead when things are difficult; and they keep our mission at the forefront of everything they do. That vulnerability is our greatest strength. It is proof that you don’t have to be perfect to make a difference; you just have to be present.

Joining the Junior League of Sioux City was one of the most pivotal decisions of my life. It provided me with a training ground to develop my own voice and skills while serving a cause greater than myself. Through this organization, I have not only grown as a leader, but I have also learned about the incredible tapestry of organizations that make Siouxland what it is today, and I have made connections that have impacted my life in profound and unexpected ways.

I am honored to have served as President of this extraordinary group of women. We are a community of leaders who choose to see the need and meet it, regardless of the season of life we find ourselves in.

Finally, I want to speak directly to the heart of our membership. As women, we are often the architects of change, the planners of events, and the pillars of our homes and workplaces. We are conditioned to show up for everyone else, often at the expense of our own well-being.

I want to remind you of this: you cannot pour from an empty cup. Our mission is to impact the community, but that impact is only sustainable when we show ourselves the same grace and much-needed love that we give to others. True leadership includes the courage to say “no,” the wisdom to ask for help, and the strength to put your own mental and physical health first. Please remember that you are a person before you are everything else. Taking care of yourself isn’t just a luxury; it is the foundation that allows us to do this work together. Cherish you.

I am honored to have served as President of this extraordinary group of women. We are a community of leaders who choose to see the need and meet it, regardless of the season of life we find ourselves in. Let’s continue to lead with heart, empathy, and compassion, but let’s also remember to love her.

With gratitude,

Danielle Gutierrez Stone