Colleen Gleason Community Spirit Award -2026
May 13, 2026
The Junior League of Chicago (JLC) held their annual meeting on May 13. Among the awards is the “Colleen Gleason Community Spirit Award.” This award embodies the JLC mission in advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact and recognizes a member’s passion for helping others, earning the respect and admiration of their committee members, and is viewed as a both a dedicated mentor and reliable volunteer.
Congratulations to Rachel Wollenschlager, the committee chair for the “Children Teaching Children” program. She embodies the spirit of community, service, and leadership that defines the Colleen Gleason Community Spirit Award by leading with heart, purpose, and a deep commitment to literacy and access for children across Chicago.
The 2026 Colleen Gleason Community Spirit Award was bestowed to Rachael Wollenschlager!
Two years ago, Rachael raised her hand to support the “Children Teaching Children” pilot with Chicago Youth Partners, already going above and beyond her existing placement. When the opportunity arose to step into a leadership role, she didn’t hesitate to say yes. What followed is a testament to her commitment, resilience, and heart.
In the pilot’s early stages, Rachael approached every obstacle with thoughtfulness, determination, and a focus on the bigger picture. She led with care for both her team and the community being served.
And she didn’t stop there. She returned for a second year, taking everything she had learned and turning it into action. Rachael addressed challenges head-on, implemented meaningful improvements, and strengthened the experience for both the JLC members and the participants in the program.
Because of her leadership, what began as a pilot has now become a full-time placement in the upcoming League year. That is impact!
“Rachael’s willingness to step forward, to lead with humility and purpose, and to stay committed through challenges embodies the very essence of this award. She reminds us why Colleen was involved with the JLC organization and that our Colleen Cares Organization continues to support. This annual award keeps Colleen’s charitable and generous spirit alive while honoring outstanding JLC members.” -Christine Gleason
Junior League’s values of commitment to the community, respect for the individuals they serve, welcoming, mentoring, thoughtful risk-taking, and camaraderie were evident in all the speeches and awards.
We also presented JLC with a donation. We are filled with gratitude to all our donors to Colleen Cares Organization which makes these donations possible.
Maggie Ziem (Colleen’s cousin) and Anne Marie Razza (Colleen’s aunt) presenting the Colleen Cares donation to current EVP Rebekah Bueschel, incoming President-Elect Kristen Grisius, and incoming EVP-Elect Kara Goodbrand
“Colleen embodied the restlessness to bring about meaningful change. The idea that service is not something you do in your spare time or after you have reached your personal goals, but is something you make sacrifices to do today because you want to be part of the solution. That sense of feeling connected to our neighbors but also responsible for what happens.” - JLC President Becky Hogan (2024)
The Junior League of Chicago is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. JLC’s core mission areas include:
Community - several committees in 2025 volunteered over 2,000 direct service hours, over 150 community events, and more meals and books than could be counted - all impacting over 60,000 lives
Advocacy - supporting legislation that support meeting essential needs in the community, promotes literacy and improves violence prevention and awareness
Commitment to DEIB - diversity, equality, inclusion, belonging
Strategy Council - training members for non-profit board service, advancing literacy through partnerships with the Chicago Youth Programs and the Chicago Public Schools Literacy Coalition
Learn more about JLC or join this group. You could be the next Colleen Gleason Community Spirit Award recipient!
