The 2025-2026 recipients of our three annual awards – Sustainer Woman of Distinction, Kathleen Price Bryan, and President’s Service – are three incredibly accomplished women making a difference in our League and community. Below, get to know each woman in more detail!

Sustainer Woman of Distinction – Susan Schwartz 

The Sustainer Woman of Distinction Award is presented annually to a sustaining member of the League who demonstrates tremendous dedication to both JLG and the community-at-large.

Susan Schwartz has dedicated more than three decades to strengthening Greensboro through her leadership in the nonprofit, community, and business development sectors. As Executive Director of the Cemala Foundation and former Executive Director of Action Greensboro, she has championed initiatives that create lasting impact across the community. A graduate of Salem College, Susan has been a passionate advocate for early childhood education, economic development, the arts, higher education, and senior living, causes that closely align with the mission and values of the Junior League of Greensboro.

Through her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to service, Susan has helped shape opportunities and improve quality of life for countless individuals throughout our community. The Greensboro community has been significantly enhanced because of Susan Schwartz, and the Junior League of Greensboro is honored to present her with the Sustainer Woman of Distinction Award.

Kathleen Price Bryan Award – Sherrell Gales

The Kathleen Price Bryan Award is awarded annually to an Active member of the Junior League of Greensboro who is a symbol of excellence in volunteerism. The award is meant to recognize an individual who embodies the spirit and dedication envisioned by Kathleen Price Bryan, who was a founding member of the Junior League of Greensboro, North Carolina in 1926. The award, established in 1984, celebrates women who integrate service into every facet of their lives, inspiring everyone around them.

Sherrell Gales exemplifies the spirit of this award through her unwavering commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and service. As a leader with Abound Health, she works tirelessly to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across North Carolina, helping families access resources, opportunities, and pathways to greater independence. Her professional work reflects a deep belief that every person deserves to be seen, supported, and empowered.

Beyond her career, Ms. Gales dedicates her time and talents to numerous organizations and initiatives that strengthen communities and improve lives. She serves with the Greensboro Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities, Work Together NC, the NC APSE Board, Autism Unbound, and the UNCG School of Health and Human Sciences Alumni Leadership Council. She also contributes her expertise to statewide advisory committees that advocate for vulnerable and justice-involved individuals. In every role she undertakes, she is known for her compassion, dedication, and ability to inspire others to recognize their own potential.

Whether serving as an advocate, volunteer, mentor, colleague, or friend, Sherrell leads with purpose and heart. Her commitment to lifting others up and creating opportunities for inclusion makes a lasting impact on everyone she encounters. The Junior League of Greensboro is honored to recognize Sherrell Gales as the recipient of the Kathleen Price Bryan Award.

President’s Service Award – Meredith Hackathorn

The President’s Service Award is an annual award presented to an Active member of the Junior League of Greensboro who is a servant leader: who puts the needs of others before her own, who always works in the best interest of the League and the community, and who does so without expectation of recognition.

Meredith Hackathorn has been a member of the Junior League of Greensboro since 2017. Throughout her years of service, she has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to the League’s mission, building meaningful relationships with community partners and strengthening the impact of our work throughout Greensboro. Known for her humility, dependability, and compassion, Meredith has steadily stepped into leadership roles wherever she was needed, always focusing on how she could best serve others.

As Vice President of Community Partners, Meredith played a critical role in guiding the League’s nonprofit partnership process and helping select the next group of community partners that will shape the future of Greensboro EATS. Her thoughtful leadership, collaborative approach, and dedication to strengthening community connections have left a lasting impact on both the League and the organizations we serve. Fellow members describe her as a trusted mentor, a reliable leader, and someone who is always willing to give her time and expertise to support others.

Meredith’s service extends far beyond her title. Whether mentoring fellow members, supporting community partners, or volunteering behind the scenes, she leads by example and consistently puts the needs of others first. Her actions speak volumes, and her commitment to servant leadership has strengthened countless relationships throughout our League and community. As she continues her leadership journey as an Active Director on the Board of Directors, her experience and insight will help guide the League into its next chapter.

The Junior League of Greensboro is proud to recognize Meredith Hackathorn as the 2025–2026 recipient of the President’s Service Award.