Junior League of Summit hosts Fourth Annual Intergenerational Summit

SUMMIT, NEW JERSEY – The Junior League of Summit hosted its fourth annual Intergenerational Leadership Summit (ILS) on February 2 at Summit High School. This year's theme was Let’s Dig In: A Day for Community Building for all Generations. The event was sponsored by Diamond Private Wealth Partners of Raymond James. ILS united people of all ages and genders for collaborative training sessions, empowering them to create positive change both within themselves and their community.

Opening remarks from Junior League of Summit’s President, April Montgomery, set the tone for this wonderful day of learning. “Throughout this summit, we’ll explore how each of us can contribute to building a stronger community—whether by recognizing the strengths we bring, turning ideas into action, or ensuring that we are prepared to navigate life’s transitions with confidence. Leadership isn’t just about standing at a podium. It’s about knowing when to listen, when to step forward, and when to create space for others to rise,” Montgomery said.

The afternoon kicked off with Keynote Speaker Karen Olson, author of Meant for More: Following Your Heart and Finding Your Purpose. She shared the inspiring story of how giving a sandwich to a hungry person ultimately led her to found Family Promise, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting homeless and low-income families.

The second part of the event featured a series of dynamic workshops covering a range of community-building topics. Presenters included Shaughnessy Price, Director of Development for Keys 2 Success, who inspires youth to create change through classical music education and community involvement; Cacky Higgins, Development and Communications Manager for Moms Helping Moms, who shared effective fundraising strategies to maximize impact in nonprofit organizations; Amanda Parrish Block, founder of GRACE, who discussed how to leverage participants' experiences and interests to create community care programs; Sarah Fehm Stewart, Partner at Duane Morris LLP, who highlighted the Power of Community; Katie Kovar, Manager of Social Work and Community Outreach, and Nina Tiger, Community Relations Manager, both of Sage Eldercare, who provided key information and practical advice on preparing for aging or supporting aging family members; and Loren Raye, public speaking coach at iTeach Speaking, who taught teens the six essential skills to becoming confident, charismatic, and compelling speakers.

The afternoon concluded with a vibrant networking event, offering attendees the opportunity to connect with one another, share ideas, and build relationships. With a focus on fostering community connections, the networking event provided a space for everyone to strengthen their support systems, make valuable contacts, and discuss how they could continue to make a positive impact in their communities.

The Junior League of Summit, Inc. is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer actions, collaboration and training. For more information about the Junior League of Summit, please visit the website at www.jlsummit.org or contact the office at 908-273-7349.