What if courage wasn’t the exception, but the expectation?

What if every woman who walked through the doors of the Junior League of Palo Alto-Mid Peninsula believed she was capable of creating meaningful change? What if she raised her hand before she felt ready, spoke up when it mattered most, and used her talents in service of something greater than herself?

That is the power of Contagious Courage.

For more than 60 years, JLPA•MP has been powered by women who chose action over comfort and service over spectatorship. They saw challenges in our community and stepped forward to address them. They advocated for families, supported survivors, invested in children, strengthened local nonprofits, and worked alongside community partners to tackle some of our region’s most pressing issues.

Their courage built the League we know today. Now it is our turn.

With more than 500 members, JLPA•MP is more than a volunteer organization. It is a leadership laboratory, a force for community impact, and a place where women discover what is possible when they combine their talents, experiences, and ambition in service of others.

This year, I invite us to embrace the theme of Contagious Courage.

Not because courage means being fearless.

It means taking the next step even when the outcome is uncertain.

It means leading before you have all the answers.

It means believing that your voice, your perspective, and your contribution matter.

And perhaps most importantly, it means recognizing that courage spreads.

When one woman steps forward, she gives another woman permission to do the same.

Our current focus is addressing systemic poverty by supporting individuals and families facing challenges related to housing, food insecurity, and mental health. These are complex issues that require thoughtful partnerships, innovative solutions, and sustained commitment. They also require courageous leadership.

As League members, we are uniquely positioned to answer that call.

The future of our organization and our community will not be shaped by those waiting for someone else to act. It will be shaped by women willing to lead, serve, advocate, and build.

That has always been the story of the Junior League.

My hope for this year is simple: that every woman who engages with our League leaves more confident, more connected, and more courageous than when she arrived.

Whether you are considering membership, exploring a partnership, supporting our mission through philanthropy, or simply learning more about our work, I invite you to join us. Together, we can develop women leaders, strengthen our community, and create lasting impact for generations to come.

Thank you for being part of this journey. I am honored to serve alongside you as we continue building a stronger future for our community—one courageous step at a time.

Kristy Bonham
President, Junior League of Palo Alto•Mid Peninsula