Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Mayhugh.
Hi Lisa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey to community leadership wasn’t something I planned, it was something I grew into. I’ve always believed in the power of women working together, and when I found the Junior League of Cleveland, I knew I had discovered something special. What began as a desire to give back quickly evolved into a deep commitment to leadership development, advocacy, and meaningful service.
I joined the League several years ago, looking for a way to make an impact in Cleveland. What I found was more than volunteer opportunities, I found a network of passionate, brilliant women who were not only serving the community but building each other up along the way. Through committee work, trainings, and project leadership, I developed skills that extended far beyond the League and into my professional and personal life.
Now, as President of this 113-year-old organization, I have the privilege of carrying forward a legacy of impact. The Junior League of Cleveland has long been a force for good in our city. Today, we continue that legacy by focusing on public health and investing in projects that create lasting, systemic change.
Leadership in the League isn’t just about holding a title. It’s about listening, learning, and lifting others as we go. My story is still unfolding, but what I know for sure is this: when women lead, communities thrive. And I’m honored to be part of that work.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like most meaningful work, the road hasn’t always been smooth, and I think that’s where the real growth happens.
One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced, both personally and as an organization, is navigating change. Whether we’re responding to new community needs, rebuilding momentum after the pandemic, or improving internal systems to better support our members, we’ve had to stay flexible while staying grounded in our mission.
As a volunteer-led organization, we depend on the time, energy, and heart of women who are already balancing careers, families, caregiving, and so much more. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as a leader is how to honor those realities while still moving our work forward. Sometimes that means adjusting timelines, redefining what success looks like, or leaning into tough but necessary conversations.
We’ve also been very intentional about building a more inclusive and welcoming culture. That kind of work takes time, trust, and consistency, but it’s absolutely essential. We want every woman who joins us to feel like she belongs and that her voice matters.
Facing challenges has only deepened my belief in what the Junior League of Cleveland is capable of. We don’t shy away from hard things. We show up for them, together.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The Junior League of Cleveland is a network of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving our community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Our work blends hands-on service with leadership training, advocacy, and grantmaking to create meaningful and lasting change in Greater Cleveland.
We focus our efforts through issue-based community impact, which means we select one community priority at a time and work deeply to create change in that area. Right now, our priority issue is public health. This includes efforts like hosting hygiene supply drives, supporting food access programs, and promoting childhood literacy in partnership with trusted local nonprofits.
What sets us apart is our legacy of innovation and impact. Throughout our 113-year history, we’ve helped launch and support dozens of community institutions and initiatives that continue to shape Cleveland today. These include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, Playhouse Square, and the West Side Community House. We also led impactful campaigns like “Don’t Wait to Vaccinate,” a citywide immunization initiative that helped families access vital care.
At the heart of everything we do is a deep commitment to women’s leadership. Every member, whether she’s organizing an event, leading a committee, or mentoring others, is gaining the tools to lead in her own life and in the broader community. We are incredibly proud of our history, but even more excited about what’s ahead as we continue to empower women and build a stronger Cleveland.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I believe that risk is part of growth. Whether it’s in leadership, service, or life, stepping into something new always carries uncertainty, but it also creates space for transformation.
As a leader within the Junior League of Cleveland, I’ve learned that sometimes the biggest risk is not evolving. Organizations with long legacies can easily fall into the mindset of “this is how we’ve always done it,” but that approach doesn’t drive change. One of the boldest moves we’ve made recently was shifting our community impact strategy. Instead of trying to support many causes at once, we chose to focus deeply on one—public health. That decision required trust, reflection, and a willingness to let go of long-standing habits. In the end, it allowed us to build stronger partnerships and make a more meaningful impact.
On a personal level, stepping into the role of President felt like a big leap. It meant putting myself out there, leading through uncertainty, and being accountable in a very public way. But it also gave me the opportunity to grow, to collaborate with a powerful team of women, and to help shape the future of our League.
To me, risk is not about being reckless. It’s about being brave enough to try, to speak up, and to lead even when the path is not fully clear. Every step I’ve taken in service of this work has reinforced that the most meaningful rewards often come from taking the first step outside your comfort zone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.juniorleaguecleveland.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juniorleaguecleveland/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juniorleaguecleveland/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/juniorleaguecleveland/
