Empowering Women and Teens: The Junior League of Northern Virginia

I was first introduced to Erica Gouse Bledsoe, president of Junior League North Virginia (JLNV) through Emily Coccia, owner of Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop in Old Town. We were discussing some of the amazing community groups creating awareness for period poverty and stocking local period product pantries.  

Curious to learn more, I asked Erica about JLNV’s mission and history. “JLNV was founded in 1958 as a service organization in the community. It’s rooted in almost 125 years of history,” she shared. “It began in New York as a way for young debutantes in their late teens and early 20s to give back, and it continued growing nationwide. Today, there are over 300 Leagues internationally. It’s for women looking not only to serve their communities but also to develop leadership skills—whether for board positions, campaigns, PTOs, or even managing family responsibilities in ways that further their careers.”

She added that the average age of new members is 38, though they’re seeing women join straight out of college and others in their 50s looking to reconnect through service. “It’s about making change with women from diverse backgrounds and experiences.”

Jamie Sutera Photography

Erica, who grew up in Northern Virginia, joined JLNV in her mid-20s to meet new people and network with like-minded women. “A friend said, ‘Why don’t you look into the Junior League?’ I joined a new member class where everyone was starting from the same place. Some of my best friends came from that group, we were passionate about the work and the community,” she said. “I joined in summer 2016—nine years ago—and worked my way up to president by serving on various councils and committees, including fundraising and the board of directors. It has changed my life in multiple ways.”

She continued, “If you stay in your bubble, you may not be aware of others’ needs—like food deserts where kids don’t have meals on weekends. At Junior League, we make snack packs to help fill those gaps.” The organization has given her opportunities to serve, connect, and educate others through meaningful community work.

After May 31, Erica will pass the torch to incoming president Miranda Lewis. “Each Junior League chapter has a focus area,” Erica explained, “and Northern Virginia’s is Women Helping Women. Our goal is to meet essential needs and support professional development for women, particularly through addressing period poverty and menstrual inequity. We've helped establish and stock six free period pantries, including one at Community Lodgings in Alexandria.”

They partner with local businesses, including Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop, to provide these free products. “We’ve found that when women can access free diapers, snacks for kids, or period products, they’re more likely to ask for what they truly need—help with bills or domestic issues—because trust has been built.”

JLNV also recently launched a Teens Program, the first of its kind within the national Junior League association. “We thought, how can we pass on the skills we’ve gained?” said Erica. “We wanted to provide leadership development and a new space outside of school and home for teen girls to connect and grow.” In its inaugural year, the program recruited 40 girls from Alexandria City High School and Washington-Liberty High School in Arlington.

Jamie Sutera Photography

The program offered monthly meetings, resume-building, public speaking training, and personal development. “Speakers came in to share career paths, work-life balance, passions, and more. Teens are under immense pressure, and we wanted to show them how women pursue fulfilling lives beyond just their jobs.”

One of the most popular events, Adulting 101, was organized by JLNV Teens lead Nina Neill. It included sessions on budgeting, investing, insurance, and networking. I had the pleasure of participating on behalf of Alexandria Stylebook with a session focused on building your personal brand, online presence and the importance of a professional headshot—emphasizing that selfies don’t cut it when applying for internships or jobs. I also reminded them to be mindful of their social media posts, as they often outlive us!

See the amazing style of these young women with beautiful portraits, captured by Jamie Sutera Photography.

When I saw the girls dressed professionally and fully engaged, I was impressed. I told them they’d already done something hard: they showed up. At that moment, while their peers might’ve been scrolling in bed, these young women were investing in themselves.

“They want to develop into the best version of themselves and be ready for college and beyond,” Erica said. “It’s a space where they receive guidance outside the classroom or home, while gaining life skills through community service.”

The next JLNV Teens cohort begins in September, with 60 spots available. Recruitment is underway now.

How to Get Involved

JLNV is a membership-based organization. New members join a cohort-style class where they connect early, receive training, and participate in community events together.

“Many women join to meet people, but stay for the mission,” Erica said. “It becomes a third space, outside work and home. I’m in the mortgage industry, but here, I get to fundraise, plan events, and learn about nonprofits. Members in their 40s and 50s are learning tools like Canva and applying those skills in consulting gigs or their current jobs. Miranda, our next president, plans to highlight how these experiences build transferable skills that can lead to promotions or new careers.” 

At last night’s Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) Awards Banquet in Orlando, Florida, the Junior League of Northern Virginia proudly earned two awards in the Division 3 category (150–500 active members). JLNV received the Community Impact Award for its Women Helping Women focus area, including recognition for launching the first-ever JLTeen Program. The League also earned the Membership Award for creating a dynamic onboarding experience that fosters strong member connections.

Award or not—they’ve already won our hearts.

For women juggling full plates, Erica offers encouragement: “We want moms with young kids to join us! We have affinity groups—whether you're a dog mom, have children, love high tea, or are into running. Outside of work and family, we can be your third space.”

Learn more about how you can get involved at Junior League of Northern Virginia.

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