One of my favorite aspects of the Junior League is having phases or seasons to our membership. One of those seasons is known as Sustainer. A Sustainer is a Junior League member who has completed 9 Active years of service and 1 New Member year OR has reached age 40 and completed at least 3 years of Active service. Sustainers add a wonderful sense of tradition and heritage to the League while providing both support and a wealth of knowledge. Each month I’d like to tap into that knowledge base and ask a Sustainer to share a little. We can learn so much from those that have come before us. 

Patti Martin, JLSA Sustainer

Q. Tell me about yourself (work, school, family, pets, hobbies, interest, favorite wine, favorite junk food, etc.)

I am a mom of two grown children, Son who lives in Midland works for a Oil Company and his wife is a Pediatrics Dr. and a daughter that lives in Palacios and works for a Gas Storage Facility – no grand children except for my furry grand doggies – Babindeaux, Blue and Sadie have no pets of my own.  I love my job at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, I have worked in the nonprofit sector all of my career.  My hobby is I have two shops at Craftique’s Shop on North Military and another on Bandera so I love to thrift, antique then resale my finds to new homes.

Q. Why did you choose to join the Junior League? 

When I moved here from Houston, I wanted to connect with forward thinking ladies that wanted to make a difference in the community and not afraid to share their lives with others.

Q. How many years were you in the League before going Sustainer? 

I joined in 2011 due to my job it was the best fit for me.  The rodeo gets busy beginning right after Labor Day.  Tickets are on sale now by the way.

Q. How many years have you been a Sustainer?

Two years

Q. While an active member, what kind of placements did you hold?

While an active member I served as Social Events Co-Chair, Vice Chair of Sponsorship and as a New Member Mentor.

Q. What placement did you enjoy the most and why?

I would have to say I enjoyed them all due to each one held it own challenges, JLSA allows anyone the opportunity to try new positions and be creative with no judgment but lots of help – no one will allow anyone to ever fail!

Q. As a Sustainer how do you stay active with the League? 

I stay active within the League as a Sustainer Liaison Assistant

Q. What other organizations are you now active with? 

I am a Board Member for the Alamo Area Hospitality Association, Volunteer at the New Braunfels Food Bank when I can

Q. How has being in the League affected your life?

I have made some of the best friends, I have learnt from others and so proud to be a part of something good in my community!

Q. To those considering joining the League, what would you say? 

Join it, Try It, but make sure you Love it!

Q. To our brand new members, what advice would you give? 

Take one assignment at a time, make sure to reflect on assignments then ask yourself- did I help make a difference, did I do my best, did what I do affect others, and most of did I have fun!

Q. To our members midway in their league life, what advice would you give?

You only get out of your membership what you put in!  Go for it try new things – no one fails ever in JLSA

Q. As a woman speaking to women, what one thing would you want them to know?

That JLSA is a group of Professional Women – some are moms, sisters, grandmothers, daughters, but they are all professional at something!!!

Thank you Patti for your service to the League and your continued devotion as a Sustainer. Your a rock star in the San Antonio community! We’re proud to call you one of our own and stronger for it!

“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is the noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest, and Third by experience, which is bitterest.” -Confucius

By Crystal Sperber