Member Spotlight: Stacy Payne Miller, Junior League of Indianapolis
Get to know Stacy Payne Miller, President of the Junior League of Indianapolis.
What is your favorite part about being involved in Junior League?
The Junior League, one of the oldest, largest and most effective women’s volunteer organizations in the world, has matured and evolved since it was founded by social activism pioneer Mary Harriman in 1901. True to their legacy, today’s League members are at the forefront of tackling society’s difficult issues—addressing and acting as advocates on an array of critical issues including human trafficking, foster care, juvenile justice, teen self-esteem, literacy and the environment, among others—for the express purpose of enhancing the social, cultural and political fabric of our society.
What's happening at your organization?
In December, Junior League of Indianapolis (JLI) members awarded $200,000 through our Community Assistance Grants toward our current focus area of preparing students for academic success. We take seriously our obligation to assist community organizations that are providing critically important services to those in need. Since 1994, JLI has given more than $1.2 million in Community Assistance Grants, and this year we are awarding more money than ever before.
How did you get started in the Junior League of Indianapolis?
I decided to join the Junior League of Indianapolis after earning my Masters. I was looking for a way to get involved in the community and meet other women who are also interested in making a community impact. I welcomed the idea of joining an organization that focused on training women to be leaders in the community- this organization was for me!
Who inspired you?
The women of the League are an inspiration for me! Our League is composed of very strong women who have leading careers, lovely families and are catalysts of positive change in our community.
What do you do in your work?
JLI is part of my volunteer life. I work for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana as the Chief Operating Officer. We provide comfort, care, connections and services to families of sick and injured children receiving care at Indianapolis-area hospitals. Our two Ronald McDonald Houses provide compassionate hospitality to as many as 5,000 families each year.
Where are you inviting collaboration these days?
JLI partners with many organizations through our Community Impact Projects where we provide volunteer support, and our ongoing program partners this year are School On Wheels and Arts for Learning. Most recently, JLI made a gift of $50,000 to the Patachou Foundation for a new community kitchen. We look forward to developing our partnership with them to help address food insecurity among children in our community.
Contact Stacy
Do you have questions for Stacy or ideas for collaboration? You can contact her using our Member Directory.
About Junior League of Indianapolis
Junior League of Indianapolis is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
About IPA's Member Spotlight Series
Follow IPA's Member Spotlight Series to connect with your peers in philanthropy and find opportunities for collaboration. Blogs are written by members who share their personality, purpose, and passion for philanthropy. If you would like to be featured, contact Lissa Silotto.