Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Earlier this spring, several Junior League of Dallas members were honored by People Newspapers’ “20 Under 40” recognition. People Newspapers covers the Dallas neighborhoods of Park Cities and Preston Hollow, and this feature profiles young professionals from a variety of career fields who have made a difference in their workplaces and communities. Four of their honorees are proud members of JLD, and we are excited to share more about them!

Photo: Rachel Snyder

Andrea Cheek is 36 years old with a degree from Texas Tech University. She is honored for her extensive work with Dallas nonprofits. The JLD was the first organization she got involved with after moving from Stephenville 13 years ago and served as the springboard for all her other volunteer work. Andrea has worked with The Family Place, Cattle Baron’s Ball, her church, and kids’ elementary schools in Highland Park. She made her career owning various franchises and says it’s important to be passionate about what you’re selling. Andrea enjoys the challenges of working for herself and leading a team. She always tries to stay positive and be a humble leader. Andrea loves sharing yard tips with her neighbors and hopes to travel more in the near future. 

Photo: Rachel Snyder

Claire Catrino is 31 years old with degrees from Texas A&M University and Southern Methodist University. She is committed to helping others in Dallas through her volunteer work and growing her career as a therapist. She has served on the JLD’s Leadership Council, as well as the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Dallas Symphony Orchestra League. Claire started her professional life in sales and said the best skills she learned were setting boundaries and delegating effectively. A family loss in 2014 led her to focus her future on giving back to others. She says the transition into counseling has been a balancing act alongside managing family and community service but wants to show her daughters the importance of giving to the community and those in need. Claire is a certified scuba diver, hopes to attend the Kentucky Derby someday, and is focused on growing her private counseling practice. 

Photo: Rachel Snyder

Heather Street Baker is 36 years old with a degree from Texas A&M University. Even in college, she realized she wanted her career to have a wider purpose, and moved naturally into the nonprofit sector. Heather works as an assistant director of development for The Family Place but also makes time to serve as a JLD member and volunteer on the Cattle Baron’s Ball committee. Working on that fundraiser is special to Heather, who also advocates for cancer awareness thanks to her husband’s work as a firefighter. She tries to motivate others through her own example as well as through encouragement and says a little kindness and grace go a long way. Heather recently welcomed her second child and is managing the balance between career and family. She hopes to visit all seven of the world’s continents in her lifetime.

Photo: Rachel Snyder

Taylor Custer Crosby is 38 years old with a degree from Southern Methodist University. She helps many other women make business connections through her work in marketing for the Women’s Business Council. Taylor has also worked for technology startups Study Island and OrgSync and says she finds it fulfilling to see the growth of other women entrepreneurs. Along with serving as a member of the JLD, Taylor is on the board of the University Park Preschool Association and volunteers at the Rise School. All her early jobs were related to childcare, which she says taught her patience and effective communication. As a mom, Taylor is passionate about the balance between work and home, and hopes for greater support for working moms. Taylor loves photography and reading historical fiction. She also makes and sells her own jewelry line called Taylor Custer.

People Newspapers’ “20 Under 40” candidate selection is a months-long process, which starts with the staff asking their readers for potential honorees. A selection committee further considers each candidate’s impact on the community, career accomplishments, and philanthropy to see who ultimately makes their cut. From such an extensive selection process, Andrea, Claire, Heather, and Taylor have been honored by their neighbors and communities. The JLD is so proud to call these amazing women our members!

To read the full selection of People Newspapers’ 2022 “20 Under 40” honorees, please visit their article online here.

Kristin Yates
Content Writer
Brand Strategy Committee
2022 – 2023