Luncheon highlights League’s mission

By Anna Claire Payne

Junior League of Dallas’ (JLD) 15th annual Milestones Luncheon was held Friday, April 10, at the Fairmont Dallas Hotel and featured Priya Parker, facilitator, strategic advisor and acclaimed author of “The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters.” Additionally, 2026 Sustainer of the Year Mary M. Jalonick was recognized during the Luncheon. The morning began with a VIP reception and photos in the Gold Room, with Priya welcoming guests before heading into the Regency Ballroom to begin the luncheon. Luncheon emcee, Emmy and Associated Press Award-winning journalist and Co-anchor of NBC 5 Today Laura Harris, welcomed guests and introduced Reverend Dr. Christopher D Girata of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, who gave the invocation.

Milestones Luncheon Co-chairs Krystle Craycraft and Diana Hamilton welcomed guests, thanked this year’s Luncheon sponsors and recognized key leaders within JLD including: Legacy Leaders, members of the Junior League for more than 50 years; Past and Current Sustainer of the Year Award recipients; Past and Current Presidents and Past and Current Sustainer Presidents; Past and Current Board of Directors Members and Past Luncheon and Ball Chairs.

“On behalf of the Junior League of Dallas, along with my wonderful co-chair, Diana, we want to express our immense gratitude to the donors and sponsors who made this luncheon possible,” Craycraft said. “For 104 years, the Junior League of Dallas has been developing women leaders who make meaningful change in our city. Through volunteer service, training and collaboration, our members work every day to support numerous nonprofits, strengthen families and improve lives across Dallas. Events like today make that work possible, and we are so grateful for your support.”

Junior League of Dallas President Dr. Lindsay Davis and Sustainer President Lori Whitlow Christensen took the stage to present the Sustainer of the Year Award to Mary M. Jalonick. Guests enjoyed a wonderful video featuring touching tributes from Mary’s daughter, colleagues, fellow JLD members and friends. Mary graciously accepted the award, thanking her family and friends, and went on to detail the importance of the Junior League of Dallas in the community and in her life.

“Mary embodies the very best of what it means to be a sustaining member of the Junior League of Dallas. Her leadership, generosity and unwavering commitment to service has strengthened the Dallas community and beyond in lasting and meaningful ways. She represents the enduring legacy of the League: women who lead, who serve and who continue to give back across a lifetime. To echo our mission, the League develops the potential of women to take effective action in our community. Mary is a remarkable example of that action,” Christensen said.

In her remarks, Davis shared how the purpose of the Luncheon is to highlight the League’s mission, as well as how The Art of Gathering has informed the League’s work this year. She emphasized the power of intentional connection: bringing women together not just to convene, but to build momentum, deepen purpose, and drive meaningful impact across Dallas. Through leadership opportunities, cross-generational engagement, and a shared commitment to service, the Junior League of Dallas continues to transform collective intention into lasting community change.

“Selecting Priya Parker as our 15th Annual Milestones Luncheon Speaker felt like a natural reflection of who we are as an organization. Her work reminds us that how we gather matters just as much as why we gather. That idea has guided our approach to leadership, connection and community throughout this year.  It aligns beautifully with our mission to develop women leaders and create meaningful impact,” Davis said.

Following a break for lunch, Harris returned to the stage to welcome featured speaker Priya Parker for a candid, engaging, and humorous conversation, moderated by Davis and Christensen. Parker shared insight about how she guides communities in designing gatherings that foster trust, clarity, and shared purpose in boardrooms, classrooms, and community spaces. She told engaging stories and shared valuable tips and tricks with the audience to ensure that moments of gathering are intentional, beneficial, and meaningful to all parties involved.

Proceeds from the Milestones Luncheon allow the JLD to grant approximately $1 million annually to the Dallas community. 

For more information, visit jldallas.org.