CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — When Michelle Marquart joined the Junior League of Champaign-Urbana (JLCU) in 2019, she wasn’t thinking about becoming president. As an introvert, the idea of leading a 300-member volunteer organization wasn’t even on her radar. But on June 1, 2025, she officially took the helm, bringing with her a deep commitment to community, women’s advocacy, and creative leadership.

“I joined because I wanted to be more involved in the community,” Marquart said. “I never thought I’d be president, but now that I’m here, I’m honored.”

The League passed the gavel to Marquart this spring during its traditional leadership transition in May. She first joined in the final year of what she calls the “last normal” Festival of Trees before the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as president, she’s working alongside Monica Samii-Porter, Vice President of Fundraising Events and Chair of the Festival of Trees, and Jessica Huffman, Co-Chair of the event, to keep that cherished tradition thriving.

One of Marquart’s favorite parts of the League is getting to use her creative side—especially when it comes to the Festival of Trees, now held in partnership with the Holiday Market at the Illinois Conference Center at the I-Hotel. “Seeing everyone excited when the trees are lit up—that’s really special,” she said.

And it’s more than just lights and decorations. The event raises critical funds for the League’s community initiatives, including grants and scholarships for local students, especially first-generation college-bound seniors.

Programs like Crisis Nursery and Courage Connection, which began as JLCU initiatives, continue to receive support from members. “We’ve made a long-lasting impact, and it’s meaningful to continue to support those organizations,” Marquart said.

This year’s Festival of Trees is still seeking sponsors. Donors can fund a tree for a family to decorate—or provide extra support for JLCU to handle the decorating themselves.

Beyond her role in JLCU, Marquart brings a strong professional and academic background. She holds an MBA from the University of Illinois and works as the Events and Client Relations Coordinator at the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) on the Urbana campus.

She’s also a dedicated mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Champaign County, matched with a ten-year-old “Little Sister” who now helps her decorate the trees for Festival of Trees—a full-circle moment, especially since the League gave a grant to the Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club for its summer meal program, from which her Little Sister benefits.

When she’s not leading meetings or organizing events, Marquart enjoys building Lego sets, going all-out with her Halloween decorations, and giving out candy to neighborhood kids each year.

For those curious about the Junior League or looking to get involved, JLCU is hosting a Recruitment Social on Thursday, August 28, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Yard on Broadway in Urbana. No RSVP is needed.

“We want to continue to grow and support this community,” Marquart said. “There are so many ways to make a difference.” For more information, visit:
juniorleaguecu.org or festivaloftreescu.com.