Growing leaders, building community

Every month at the Human Services Campus in Southeast Cedar Rapids, a group of women assembles to talk about life, work, and their plans to make an impact in this community. Since 1929, Junior League of Cedar Rapids has quietly paved the way for women's advancement in the workplace and in society as a whole. I sat down with 2023-24 chapter President, Heidi Goettsch to learn more.

What is Junior League?

“Junior League is all about cultivating women leaders in our community through volunteerism, collaboration and training. Leadership for Five Seasons was created by Junior League. Madge Phillips Center was created and funded by Junior League. What we are known for is finding gaps in the community, filling those gaps, turning the project over to its rightful owner, and finding the next opportunity. Our current project is called “Bridging the GAP” (Guide, Advocate, Provide), and it is focused on supporting foster youth as they age out of the system.”

How is that issue specifically important to you?

“For me, joining was about creating a network and connectivity — but along the way, I found that I have a passion around foster youth, and (getting involved) has created advocacy and awareness even within myself.”

How did you first hear about Junior League?

“I moved to Cedar Rapids with my family in 2017. Moving to a new community as a 30-something is extremely hard with young kids. You have your parent network, but there is another element to being a human and being fulfilled for me — which is being able to serve and give back to my community. I was speaking with a friend about wanting to create a network. She knew I had a passion for serving others, so I joined in 2017 and have continued to expand my leadership and opportunities in different ways.”

Following a series of progressive committee leadership roles and taking on fund development for the organization, several members of the group suggested that Goettsch would make a great president. With their encouragement, she took on the role in June of 2023. As president, she works to inspire leadership in others — paying forward the encouragement and guidance that was given to her.

“I am a firm believer in empowering others to cultivate their potential. I do that through communication, nomination for awards and positions, with my family and my kids, in my consulting work, and empowering people to use their voice. You get out of it what you put into it. If you’re willing to spend some extra time and take a leadership role that is out of your comfort zone, that’s where the growth happens — and League is a safe space to grow. You can make a huge impact and you have a whole group of women rallying around you to support you.”

Do you feel that your experience in Junior League has changed the way you operate as a consultant working with businesses?

“Absolutely! There are so many transferable skills that I am learning in League. Robert’s Rules of Order, leading an effective meeting, empowering others, the power of being around a collective group. As an independent consultant, I work with teams. In League, you’re working as a team and you have a safety network of people who will bring diverse experiences to the table — different backgrounds and history. All of our backgrounds are such a valuable asset to what we are working on. We are really there to lift each other up.”

I imagine it’s probably the case for many members — much of what they learn and do in League impacts how they show up in the world.

“We have over 300 members. The first five years, you are an active member and then you can go sustainer. Sustainers financially support the mission. There are many familiar names in our community who will tell you that Junior League is how they got to where they are today, and they still have that support network.”

Oprah defines true philanthropy as giving back that which has been given to you.

What does giving back look like from this moment forward?

“In 2013 when my son was born I was given a second chance at life.

“I knew from that moment that life was going to be different. How I lived my life, what consumed my thoughts, and what I did with my time was going to be different. That has transcended every aspect of my life. Living authentically in who I am without worrying what others think … I hope someday that it empowers others to live that way. I hope to document (my experiences) in a book. Even through struggles, there are blessings on the other side.”

Is there someone in your life who has served as a mentor for you?

“One that transcends all seasons is my doctor. He saved my life. He looked beyond his practice and connected us with our surrogate. I can never repay him. The lessons of compassion and tough love and the impact that can have … When I think of the mentors that have had the biggest impact on me it’s those that genuinely care and can have direct conversations even when it’s really hard.”

Compassion is important to you. How do you work to instill that in your children?

“Through example. Showing them compassion, thoughtfulness, thinking outside themselves … through my actions in trying to demonstrate for them how we can do that for others. It’s important to have those conversations with them. We are so fortunate to have all that we have.”

What sets Junior League apart?

“One of our big challenges is maintaining membership when there are many other volunteer organizations out there. Junior League of Cedar Rapids has been around for 90 years, and we continue to evolve the projects we are working on. It is really exciting to think about what the future holds … our legacy will be here for many years to come.”

For more information on Junior League, visit https://www.juniorleaguecr.org/

or reach out to any active member.

To connect with Heidi, email heidigoettsch@corestrategicsolutions.com

Sofia DeMartino is a Gazette editorial fellow. sofia.demartino@thegazette.com