Written By Tyler Abram

In a momentous occasion during Black History Month 2025, the Junior League of Memphis (JLM) celebrated the remarkable achievements of two extraordinary women, Erica Stiff-Cookwood and Lori J. Evans. These trailblazers were recognized as the first and second African American presidents of the organization, respectively, marking a significant milestone in the JLM's history and a testament to its ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion. The honor, championed by Commissioner Clay Bibbs, highlighted the profound impact that Stiff-Cookwood and Evans have had on the Junior League and the broader Memphis community through their dedication to volunteerism, community service, and empowering women.

To fully appreciate the significance of this recognition, it is essential to understand the historical context of the Junior League, the transformative leadership of Erica Stiff-Cookwood and Lori J. Evans, and the unwavering support of Commissioner Clay Bibbs.

The Junior League: A Legacy of Service and Empowerment

Founded in 1901 by social activist Mary Harriman, the Junior League began as a group of young women committed to improving the lives of others through volunteer service. Over the years, the organization has evolved into a global network of women dedicated to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) encompasses over 290 Leagues with more than 140,000 members in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. The organization's purpose is exclusively educational and charitable, focusing on addressing critical issues such as child welfare, education, health, and social justice.

In 1922, a group of 17 women gathered with the purpose of starting a local branch of the Association of Junior Leagues of America. Having been hard at work in Memphis for over 100 years, the Junior League of Memphis boasts of being an organization that is unafraid to roll up its sleeves and get things done. The Junior League of Memphis has started, coordinated, and contributed to many of Memphis's most worthwhile organizations. Rich with a devotion and commitment, JLM's future will be even richer with its continued focus in benefiting and serving organizations and individuals throughout the greater Memphis area.

Historically, Junior Leagues were often perceived as exclusive organizations, with membership primarily consisting of affluent white women. However, in recent decades, the Junior League has made significant strides in diversifying its membership and broadening its focus to address the needs of a more diverse community.

Commissioner Clay Bibbs: A Champion of Inclusion

Commissioner Clay Bibbs, a dedicated public servant and advocate for social justice, played a pivotal role in ensuring that Erica Stiff-Cookwood and Lori J. Evans received the recognition they deserved. As a member of the Shelby County Board of Commissioners, Bibbs has consistently championed initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of community life.

Her commitment to these values stems from her deep understanding of the historical injustices faced by marginalized communities and her belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. Commissioner Bibbs recognizes the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of individuals who break barriers and pave the way for others.

In her remarks during the Black History Month celebration, Commissioner Bibbs emphasized the significance of recognizing Stiff-Cookwood and Evans as the first and second Black presidents of the Junior League of Memphis. She noted that the JLM had historically served Shelby County, but its members did not always reflect the diversity of the community it served. Bibbs expressed her gratitude for the work that Stiff-Cookwood and Evans had done to make the organization more inclusive and to ensure that it was serving the needs of all residents of Shelby County.

Commissioner Bibbs' own experiences as a Black woman in leadership positions have undoubtedly shaped her perspective and fueled her passion for advocating for others. She understands the challenges and obstacles that marginalized individuals often face and is committed to creating a more equitable and just society.

Erica Stiff-Cookwood: Breaking the Barrier

Erica Stiff-Cookwood's tenure as the first Black president of the Junior League of Memphis marked a turning point in the organization's history. As an active volunteer in the Memphis community, Stiff-Cookwood brought a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the JLM.

During her time as president, Stiff-Cookwood led over 1,200 volunteers in promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the Memphis community. She focused on expanding the JLM's reach and impact by partnering with organizations that served diverse populations and addressing critical issues such as poverty, education, and health.

One of Stiff-Cookwood's most notable accomplishments was her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the devastating impact that the pandemic was having on local restaurant and hotel employees, she and her husband founded the Mid-South Pay It Forward campaign, raising over $490,000 to support these workers and their families.

Stiff-Cookwood's commitment to community service extends beyond her involvement with the Junior League. She currently serves as a director on various boards, including the Children's Foundation of Memphis, Memphis Brooks Museum, the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, and her beloved college alma mater, Agnes Scott College, where she chairs the Financial Audit and Risk Management Committee.

Prior to relocating to Memphis, Stiff-Cookwood practiced as a corporate employment law and business litigator and served as a Tennessee Supreme Court law clerk to Justice Adolfo Birch. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Agnes Scott College and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Vanderbilt University Law School. She served as the president of the Honors Council at both Agnes Scott and Vanderbilt Law School.

Lori J. Evans: Continuing the Legacy

Lori J. Evans, the second Black president of the Junior League of Memphis, has continued to build upon the foundation laid by Erica Stiff-Cookwood. As a native of Jackson, Mississippi, Evans brings a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing communities in the Mid-South.

Employed with Regional One Health as a manager of community and stakeholder engagement, Evans is responsible for managing strategic community engagement activities and supporting marketing, communications, volunteer services, and external affairs public relations liaison for Regional One.

Selected to serve as the president of the Junior League of Memphis for the 24-26 year biennium, Evans chose "Remember Your Why" as the theme for her administration, focusing on member engagement internally and rebuilding and reconnecting JLM back to the community. She has been a member of the board of directors and senior management counsel. Her leadership in JLM includes nominations director, long-range planning director, civic engagement manager, provisional chair, provisional vice chair, lead chair, and provisional advisor.

Relocating to Memphis about 15 years ago, she was invited to join the Junior League of Jackson in 2008. She got to Memphis and decided that she wanted to transfer her membership here. She served in several leadership capacities.

Evans is a proud graduate of Jackson State University, where she earned both a Bachelor of Science in speech pathology and a Master of Science in counseling. Her undergraduate matriculation encompasses many facets of campus life. After graduation, Lori had a successful 15-year career at Jackson State University, where she actually worked because she loved her community and the university.

Evans is a member of Memphis Alumni Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the Memphis Chapter of the Links Incorporated, and Smart Fit Memphis, the Memphis, Tennessee Chapter. She's married to Chris Evans and enjoys loving on her German Shepherd, Zeus, who I can often hear on the phone, traveling, volunteering, and spending time with her family and friends.

Her leadership in the Junior League has been characterized by her commitment to member engagement, community outreach, and strategic planning. Evans has worked tirelessly to strengthen the JLM's ties to the Memphis community and to ensure that the organization is addressing the most pressing needs of its residents.

A Celebration of Progress and a Call to Action

The recognition of Erica Stiff-Cookwood and Lori J. Evans as the first and second Black presidents of the Junior League of Memphis is not only a celebration of their individual achievements but also a testament to the progress that the organization has made in becoming more diverse and inclusive.

However, it is also a reminder that there is still much work to be done. The Junior League and other organizations must continue to prioritize diversity and inclusion in their membership, leadership, and programming to ensure that they are truly representative of the communities they serve.

Commissioner Clay Bibbs' unwavering support for Stiff-Cookwood and Evans serves as an example for other leaders to follow. By championing individuals who break barriers and promote equity, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

The stories of Erica Stiff-Cookwood and Lori J. Evans are an inspiration to us all. They remind us that with hard work, dedication, and a commitment to service, we can make a difference in our communities and create a better future for generations to come. Their legacy will continue to inspire and empower women in Memphis and beyond, encouraging them to strive for excellence and to use their talents to make the world a better place. The Junior League of Memphis's recognition of these trailblazing women is a powerful symbol of progress and a call to action to continue working towards a more inclusive and equitable society.