Kicking off our 2017 member spotlight series is 5 year member and future Membership Council Director, Maura FitzDaniel. Maura chatted with us about what inspires her about volunteering and some of her favorite things about Boston in the Springtime.

Age: 28

Hometown: Grosse Pointe Farms, MI

Current City: Boston, MA

JL Boston Committee/Title: Director-Elect of Membership

How did you first get involved with the Junior League? I joined in 2012 to give back to the community and meet other women interested in doing the same. My mother is a sustainer in the Junior League of Detroit (and was briefly an active in the Boston League), and she encouraged me to join when I was looking for a new outlet for volunteering.

Has your experience as a member of the Junior League helped you at all in your career, and if so how? I actually got on my current career path thanks to a member of my new member group. She heard how much I disliked my job at the time and thought I would be a good fit at her company. She encouraged me to look outside my past experience and focus on my other skills. I was able to leverage my experience on the Gala committee during my interview, which is what got me the job! Now, I’m leveraging my leadership training and experience from the League to help my career advancement.

What inspires you about volunteering? It’s so rewarding to know that we are making a difference in our city, both at a larger level, but especially on the individual level. It was so exciting watching girls try new foods while I was working with Kids in the Kitchen, knowing that they will take that confidence with cooking throughout the rest of their lives. We get to make a big difference with these girls, and there’s nothing more important to me than helping inspire the next generation of strong women.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about joining the League? Do it! Take the leap and join together with these inspiring women who want to give back to their community and form a community amongst ourselves. Joining in 2012 was the best decision I’ve made in my adult life. It’s how I’ve made friends, found a career path, and more. I can honestly say without the Junior League of Boston I would not be who I am today.

Favorite Spring time activity? Walking my dog around Back Bay, especially down Marlborough when the trees start to bloom.

What is your favorite Boston brunch spot? Such a tough one! I love so many spots (Beehive, Cafeteria, Eastern Standard), but one of my favorites is going across the river to Area 4 in Kendall Square and getting their delicious breakfast pizza!

Book or TV show suggestion that you’re currently enjoying? Crazy Ex-Girlfriend on the CW is my favorite show right now. Both seasons are on Netflix, so you can catch up at your leisure. If you’re not watching it, you’re missing out!