This year’s Spirit of Voluntarism Awardee is Ellen Weitman, who is being honored in recognition for her years of service to the Junior League of Los Angeles and the community. Ellen, who joined JLLA in 1980, has held a number of leadership positions, including Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, Community Director when Public Policy was still part of Community Council, and Membership Director.Ellen was also Chairman of the Community Forum when the League was working with school-based health clinics. She also oversaw the marketing, promotion and distribution of the League’s Cookbooks. Ellen continues to support the League through her numerous leadership roles as a Sustainer, including Sustaining Advisor, Sustaining Director, and Advisor to JLLA Past President Linda Small. Ellen credits the League with giving her the skills and confidence to achieve success in her professional life and affording her the courage and leadership to partner with her husband to run their family business. She compares serving in the League to getting a college-level education on how to make the world a better place. Outside of her League commitments, Ellen and her husband, Doug, have raised two sons and fostered a young relative beginning at age nine, and they have developed several successful businesses. JLLA is thankful for Ellen’s dedication of service and is delighted to honor her this year.