A note from our outgoing President, Dalisa Cooper.

Junior League is a training organization for women.  “Training” may be an understatement in my opinion… I’ve grown personally, developed new skills both socially and academically, and developed some of the closest friendships I’ve known all because of the wonderful women around me.

I’m not necessarily a “conventional” person and often do not follow normal rules of society or fit into most expectations. I like this about myself and have no desire to change it; but because of this, I never considered myself a likely candidate for leadership – especially for such an incredible organization. Yet I was completely embraced by those around me. I was accepted just as I am, and because of that, I was able to lead successfully. It goes to show that although we are all different in a variety of ways, we are all like minded in the area of improving our community.  We are all here because we want to be, not because we have to be. We sacrifice our time and energy for others. It’s a true honor to be a part of such a magnificent force.

This past year has been incredible – but collectively, the entire experience of all of my years in League has shaped me into the person that I am today.  I have had the opportunity to do great things with the help of so many talented, strong women. I was told three years ago when this Presidential journey began for me that it would go by so quickly, and trust me when I say, there were certainly times when I wished it had gone a little quicker. But overall, it certainly has flown by. We are constantly going, moving, forging on – which is why we are so progressive and dynamic. With that, I rest assured that the time that I put in is absolutely satisfied. The sacrifice is less on me and more on my friends and family. They too, committed to this organization by allowing me to grow with it and spend the time and training that I needed to make it happen.

The measurement of success from the past few years can be found in the annual report and with numbers and celebrations that our events and projects present, but the true measure of success is through the memories that we have built, the lives we have touched, the time that we have put in. It all comes down to one thing for me – the women in this organization wanted to be here.  They wanted to work and make an impact and they continued to show up.  I maintain that I do not know it all, I do not always have the answers and that’s OK because the work was still done by the overwhelming love and compassion of the Women of the Junior League of Las Vegas.  My love for this league runs deep. It’s amazing what we can do when we come together as a collective force. It’s empowering and it’s impressive. We all have a role which changes each year. And with each role change, we are determined to learn a few new things and develop our potential.  I thank our predecessors who paved this way for us. It’s been a wonderful ride, JLLV. And although my job here is not yet done, it may never be, I will always hold you close to my heart.

Signing off,

Dalisa Cooper

2018 – 2019 President