In celebration of WGA’s 25th anniversary, we’re launching a special series featuring conversations with our past presidents, reflecting on their leadership and the legacy they helped build.
Joan Van Vleck, who passed away in 2021, was a Founding Member and the third President of WGA from 2007–2008, when the organization’s membership had just reached 200. At the beginning of Joan’s presidency, WGA initiated Neighborhood Connectors, which became a powerful tool to help Members build relationships and become more engaged through small-group gatherings.
Joan’s generosity and leadership helped shape WGA into the research-based strategic philanthropy model it is today. She once said, “Once you know the need, you are on your way.” She was passionate about her work in the community and advancement of women. Joan and her husband Jim have also been known for their generosity and work with The Community Foundation, The University of North Florida, Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, and The Cummer Museum, among others. We sat down with Jim as he reminisced about what WGA meant to Joan.
How did Joan first get involved in WGA?
When we first moved to Jacksonville full time, Joan discovered WGA early on. She loved the idea of women helping women, and she was thrilled to find an organization focused on that. She had been a lone ranger on so many issues over the years, and she discovered a lot of fellow soulmates in WGA. She had finally found a home and a place to approach opportunities to impact women and girls in a more strategic way.
What do you think were Joan’s greatest accomplishments during her time at WGA?
Joan was always focused on facts — and low on drama — and was very comfortable with spreadsheets. She was very level-headed and liked to know why things were done — what the research says, not how we feel. She had a business mind in a lot of ways. I imagine she brought all that and more to the table, especially in the early years of WGA.
Joan was named Jacksonville Philanthropist of the Year in 2019. What did you find inspiring about Joan and her philanthropic work?
Joan and I were married for almost 70 years, and she always advocated for women, and for herself. She grew up in an era when it was hard to be heard as a woman, and she was intent on building foundations in philanthropy. She believed that research should support whatever action was taken. Through her involvement with the WGA and its collective giving focus, Joan was confident something important was going to happen. She would love to see all the milestone successes that it has had today.