Meredith Steward: Exploring Growth and Community
First Year Active
Could you share a bit about your hometown and how it compares to your current community?
I grew up in a small town in Delaware in a very close-knit community where everyone knows everyone. For most of my life I stayed in the same place and there was not much change. I loved my hometown and valued my small community where I was so close to my family and friends. It was here that I met my husband and cultivated lifelong relationships. As much as I loved my hometown, I craved change. I seized the opportunity to move to San Diego for work, excited to explore a life so different from the one I had grown accustomed to. However, moving to San Diego in May 2020 posed unforeseen challenges that made it difficult for me to integrate into a new community. Despite my outgoing nature, navigating isolation and homesickness tested my resolve, leading me to contemplate returning to the familiarity of home. The Junior League came into my life just when I needed it most. JLSD helped me find my place in this new community. My first visit to 210 Maple, I knew I was home. I was introduced to a supportive network of women who encouraged me to pursue my interests and goals. I’ve been able to expand my role in the San Diego community through volunteer activities and membership connections that have helped me feel a sense of belonging once again.
How have your hobbies evolved since joining JLSD, and have you discovered any new interests through League activities?
The advice I received early on in a provisional training session, “you get out what you put in,” has continued to resonate with me during my time in the League. There are so many opportunities to explore new interests, whether it is through training, membership connection events or committee involvement, you just have to put yourself out there and be willing to make the most of each new experience. Among the highlights of my Junior League experience is the book club. While I was an avid reader when I was young, the demands of college and later my career caused me to put this passion to the wayside. Joining a monthly book club reignited my love for reading, I truly forgot it was something that I enjoyed so much and is made even better by gathering with other members to discuss the books. It’s something I look forward to each month.
How has being an Active Member influenced or enhanced your professional life?
Being an Active Member in the Junior League has emphasized the importance of communication and collaboration. Everyone works so hard, but at the end of the day, we are all volunteers who are trying our best. Effective communication becomes crucial when working with different committees towards common goals. Navigating interactions within JLSD committees has improved my ability to communicate, drive discussions, and ensure task completion, which is essential for leadership in any workplace setting. I’ve gained confidence to speak my mind and put forward my ideas without hesitation. Learning to communicate effectively not only enhances teamwork within the League but also paves the way for recognition and leadership opportunities in my career.
Reflecting on your first years, what specific leadership roles or committee experiences have had a significant impact on you?
Working within my committee has allowed me to expand my horizons and learn a new skill. I work in accounting and am traditionally very focused on numbers and processing information. When choosing my committee my instinct was to go with Finance as that is what I was familiar with, but I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and try something new with Communications. On the Communications committee I’ve been able to flex my creative muscles. Even though it is so different from what I am used to, I enjoyed engaging in tasks related to marketing and graphic design. There are so many opportunities within the League to try something new and expand your horizons, which is something I appreciate most about this organization.