Major Impact

Celebrating 66 years of dedication this year, the Junior League of Tallahassee (JLT) is a nonprofit that empowers women to serve their community through leadership and volunteerism. What  began as an organization devoted to service has grown into an inclusive community defined by  women who lead through action. We spoke  to JLT President Vicki Bradley about the  league’s evolution, its ongoing community work, and what progress means to her

Q: What first drew you to the Junior League? 

A: I was raised to be a helper. If someone needed something, you stepped up and tried to help them. As a journalist, I’ve always had a front-row seat to the needs of our communities and desires to give back. When I worked at a TV station in Texas, two of my news anchors were Junior League members and invited me to join. It was the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded women with a passion for service. 

Q: Could you share the community projects that have had the most impact in recent years? 

A: Our Kids’ Boutique event invites more than 100 students from Title I schools to shop for clothes, shoes, and school supplies. I’m also proud of Big Bend Bites, our spring break feeding initiative that provides enough food for 1,000 families when schools are closed. These projects meet real needs right here at home. 

Q: This issue’s theme is “Progress.” What does this word mean to you personally, and how does the Junior League embody that idea? 

A: Progress means movement forward in a positive direction. Our league today is nothing like the one that started [in 1960], and that’s a good thing. Over the years, we have really focused on our membership and truly making sure our league is inclusive of women, no matter their age, race, or even career. We are a diverse league of working women who are running companies, working for the state, scientists, and moms, too. While there is still a minimum age to join the league, members no longer age out. In the last three years, we’ve elected our first Latina president, and this year I became the first Black woman to lead us. 

Q: When you think back to when the Junior League of Tallahassee was first founded, what do you think its founders would be most proud of today?

A: I think our founding members would be so proud that we continue to build on the foundation they created for us. It’s extraordinary for an organization to be around for all these decades—especially one that is 100 percent volunteer run. I believe they would also be very proud of how we’ve been able to change with the times while still staying true to our mission of meeting the basic needs of families.  

Q: What kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind as president? 

A: I hope to be remembered not just as the first Black president but as the president who set the league up for decades of meaningful, sustainable work.