Sustainer of the Year

2024-2025 Sustainer of the Year:

Jodi Penn Rives

We are thrilled to announce that Jodi Penn Rives has been selected as the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier’s Sustainer of the Year. Sustainers of the Year are women with exceptional leadership qualities who continue to use their skills and training as members of the Junior League to serve their community. Her work with numerous non-profit organizations in Shreveport-Bossier and Oxford, Mississippi, has positively impacted both communities. She continually serves as a role model, advocate, and mentor. 

As one of the Sustainers who nominated her perfectly wrote, “Throughout her volunteer career, she has made a meaningful impact on the lives of many women and individuals in our community. She is a leader and a go-getter who ensures each person feels valued and heard.” The communities that Jodi calls “home” will continue to reap the benefits of her talents and expertise. 

From the time she was a provisional in 1992 until her term as President in 2004, Jodi has consistently demonstrated her willingness to serve in any capacity. While an active member of the League, Jodi held various roles, including Provisional Chair, Ways and Means Chair, Community Vice President, Bargain Haul Chair, Advisor, and Spring Market Preview Gala Chair. As a sustainer, she has served as the President’s Sustainer Advisor on three occasions, making a significant contribution to the League during those times. 

Jodi’s dedication to the Junior League extended beyond JLSB; she served on the Association of Junior Leagues International board of directors from April 2012 to May 2015. She held the position of Director of the Board and was also a member of the Finance and Audit Committee. Additionally, she chaired the Issue Based Collective Action Committees. As a member of JLSB, her presence on the AJLI board increased visibility for our League and made a significant impact on the AJLI Board. The connections and friendships she formed at AJLI became invaluable resources for our League. 

Jodi’s family has always been a big part of her volunteerism as well. They joined her at the League office when she fulfilled her placement duties and cheered her on in her many volunteer roles. Jodi’s late husband, Mike Penn, continually supported her until he passed away in 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer. He even was honored with the President’s Award for his support of the JLSB. Her daughters, Taylor and Sarah Bracy, are her faithful cheerleaders, always supporting her volunteer and work efforts. Jodi is an incredible role model and has passed down her servant’s heart to them, as they serve their own communities.  

Jodi’s commitment to the community is evident through her service outside of the League as well. She has served on numerous committees and nonprofit organizations, including serving as Chairman of the Life Savers Gala and Treasurer of the Ark-La-Tex Ambassadors. Jodi has always been active in her children’s schools, where she served as Treasurer and a Board member. She is an active and contributing member of the Shreveport Garden Study Club. Additionally, she was a board member of Friends of Louisiana Public Broadcasting and volunteers for fundraising at the Palmer Home for Children in Oxford, Mississippi, where she and her husband, Claude, have a home.

2023-2024 Sustainer of Year Award Luncheon

  • Sustainer of the Year Award History

    More than 100 years ago, Mary Harriman, founder of the Junior League Movement and public service pioneer, recognized the need for a new model of leadership—one that emphasized collaboration over competition. She transformed the way women of her generation and class viewed their obligation to society and played a pivotal role as a social connector.    

    The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier’s Sustainer of the Year Award celebrates a woman of outstanding leadership in the Junior League who has used her talents and resources to improve the social and economic conditions of others and who exemplifies The Junior League’s Mission and Vision.  She has made a positive impact in her League and her community, and her volunteer work continues in the tradition of our founder, Mary Harriman.  This Award provides a contemporary link to Mary Harriman’s sense of social responsibility and her ability to encourage others to share their talents through effective volunteer service.    

    This award is an honor bestowed in recognition of those who continue to epitomize the Junior League’s mission after leaving Active Membership. The JLSB’s mission is to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women, and improve communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.