What started with a desire to make professional connections became a much richer experience for Michelle Gray — and now she wants to encourage other women in the Upstate to see the same benefits for themselves.
“It has certainly grown into more than just networking,” said Gray, a Realtor who originally joined the Junior League in Anderson before transferring to Greenville. “I have made close friends, I learned a lot about Greenville, and I have continued to learn leadership skills and be comfortable sitting on the board.”
As membership vice president for the Junior League of Greenville, Gray and the Recruitment Committee are looking forward to a series of information sessions around town for the 2025-2026 New Member Year.
“They’re for potential members to come learn a little bit about what we do at Junior League,” Gray said. “We’ll go over some of our community partners and what we do in the community, what commitments a new member is making, what your first year looks like, and answer any questions people have about how to get involved.”
Any woman over age 21 who is interested in being involved in her community would be welcome, she said. The League’s focus is currently on human trafficking in the Upstate and economic mobility for those experiencing poverty in Greenville County. Junior League volunteers are tapping into a network of local partners already doing the work, including Pendleton Place, United Ministries, The Family Effect, Jasmine Road, Switch and the Julie Valentine Center.
“Junior League is such a great place to start being involved in the community and interact with these organizations,” Gray said. “Start volunteering with a group of women and uplifting each other and uplifting the people you’re helping.”
Learn more at jlgreenville.org/join
