The Junior League of San Diego (JLSD) has been training women to lead through service for over 90 years. With a membership of more than 270, the volunteer organization logs over 3,000 hours annually.
“This year, we’ve focused our efforts on addressing food insecurity, a critical issue that affects one in four San Diegans,” says JLSD President Ilo Neukam. “Our members are hands-on in this work, partnering with local organizations to provide essential resources to those who need them most.”
JLSD’s mission goes beyond service. Through training, mentorship, and community involvement, the league aims to develop the potential of women leaders. Members can attend Board Academy, which prepares them to serve on nonprofit boards across the region or take on leadership roles within JLSD itself. “We’re creating a pipeline of empowered female leaders ready to make a difference,” Neukam says.
To fund this work, the League relies on donations and annual events, such as Party for a Purpose, which took place on May 10 at Bali Hai Restaurant. The night opened with a private boat ride across San Diego Bay. The vessel docked at the Shelter Island institution, setting guests loose for cocktails, a silent auction, and dancing. “It was the perfect mix of fun and impact,” Neukam says. “If your feet weren’t sore by the end, you didn’t do it right.”
Courtesy of The Junior League of San Diego
Proceeds from the event directly support JLSD. “Every ticket, every donation, every auction bid—it all went toward programs that fight food insecurity and empower women to lead,” Neukam adds.
With recruitment underway for the 2025–2026 league year, JLSD is hosting three New Member Meet & Greets at its Bankers Hill headquarters (210 Maple Street) on May 22, June 4, and June 18 at 6:30 p.m. Neukam says the sessions are informal—“a relaxed, fun way to learn more about the Junior League of San Diego, meet some of our amazing members, and get a feel for what we’re all about.”
She emphasizes that no prior volunteer or leadership experience is necessary. “The kind of person who thrives in the Junior League is someone who’s passionate about making a difference, curious about learning new things, and excited to connect with like-minded women,” she explains.
JLSD’s future focus includes expanding partnerships, growing its leadership pipeline, and enhancing its community impact through existing initiatives. Members will continue to collaborate with nonprofits, organize donation drives, and plan events that directly benefit San Diegans in need. “Whether I’m planning a community event or working on strategies to fight food insecurity, I know my time is going toward something meaningful,” Neukam says.
Jackie is a long-time freelance journalist covering cannabis, food/restaurants, travel, labor, wine, spirits, arts & culture, design, and other topics. Her work has been selected twice for Best American Travel Writing, and she has won a variety of national and local awards for her writing and reporting.
