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ROCKFORD — The Junior League of Rockford has inducted Leslie Luther as the nonprofit’s 93rd president, and she’s the first Black woman to serve in the role.

Luther is a Beloit, Wisconsin, native who came to the area in 2019 as executive director of the Northwest Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross. She joined the Junior League, which works to advance women’s leadership through volunteerism, collaboration and training, in 2013 in Milwaukee. She transferred to Junior League of Rockford in 2020.

“I’m excited that I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing women and create new friendships with women volunteering to make a positive difference in the lives of people in our community as well as enrich their own personal and professional growth,” Luther said in a news release.

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She has been chairwoman of the Membership, Education and Hospitality committee before moving into the vice president role and later president-elect. She was also the recipient of the Junior League’s Above and Beyond the Call of Duty award, which is the organization’s highest honor.

“Working alongside Leslie with the Junior League of Rockford has helped me, as a young female leader, grow and understand more than I could have ever imagined. Leslie takes the time out of her day — no matter how busy or where she may be — to answer a question, lend an empathetic ear, or provide her feedback on situations,” outgoing  president Danica Keeton said in a news release. “She never makes anyone feel less of themselves and always makes sure to follow up to make sure there was a resolution. She is going to continue to be a great asset to our organization, and I am so excited to see what the next two years hold.”