The 2025-26 Junior League of Wilmington Board of Directors

Merrie is a Baltimore native who has called Delaware home since 2016. A marketing professional who specializes in event management and digital marketing, she earned a Bachelor of Science from Saint Joseph’s University, Haub School of Business where she also pursued a passion for art history.

She maintains her connections to Baltimore as a proud member of her alma mater, Mercy High School’s Alumnae Executive Board, having served in numerous roles including Gala Chair, Alumnae Association President, and Alumnae Executive Board President.

Merrie joined the Junior League of Wilmington in August of 2020 with a desire to make a positive impact in the community. Though her Provisional experience was partially eclipsed by the Covid-19 pandemic, she readily found a home in the JLW thanks to its wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth. She has served as PP&A Chair, Board Secretary, and New Member Chair, VP of Membership, and President-Elect.

In her free time, Merrie enjoys traveling, hiking, gardening, attending concerts, and visiting art museums. She lives in Brandywine Hundred with her husband and their rescue cats.

Ciara is excited to be in her 11th year as an Active member of the Junior League of Wilmington as President-Elect to make connections and serve the community in a meaningful way. Since she has joined the JLW, she has served on the Board as Vice President of Communications for 2 terms and supported membership as Recruiting Chair, Member Engagement Chair and on the Nominating committee.

Ciara and her husband David enjoy spending their free time with their 2 young children visiting local parks, libraries, and museums. Ciara works in the pharmaceutical industry as a biochemist and clinical study monitor.

Annemarie joined the Junior League in the Fall of 2024 and jumped in with both feet to help contribute to the good that this organization does.  She brings her experience in project management and a passion for organization to the team.  She spends her days working in Human Resources at a Delaware pharmaceutical company.   She is also a proud parent, an animal lover and enjoys her free time with home design projects or relaxing on the beach with family.

Jen joined JLW in Fall 2023 and has shown her dedication through her involvement with Annual Funds and Grants as well as Kitchen Tour. She brings valuable professional experience consulting for pharmaceutical clients and also hosts and produces their podcast, Trending Health, where she discusses industry happenings. In her League role, Jen will work closely with the Treasurer to support JLW’s financial operations.

Outside of work, Jen enjoys spending time with her husband, Richard, who she met while studying abroad in Dublin, along with their two sons, Tadhg (3) and Colm (0), and their dog, Gilly. In her spare moments, Jen loves to read, take classes on the Peloton, and has recently been learning golf.

Renée J. Leverette, Esq. has been a member of the Junior League of Wilmington for two years. Renée spent both League years as a member of the Communications Committee. Renée is an attorney in Delaware and has been practicing for over 10 years. Renée enjoys spending time with her family above all else. She is also a voracious reader, enjoys mentoring, running/walking 5ks, socializing with friends, and volunteering.

Aravinda Ayyagari, MD, FAAP is a dedicated physician with a profound commitment to community well-being, both professionally and through her involvement with the Junior League.

She began her League journey four years ago on the Community Impact (CI) Committee, where she gained valuable experience in developing and implementing programs that address pressing community needs. She later co- chaired the Community Impact (CI) Committee. In this leadership role, she moderated  a highly successful initiative, coordinating an exceptional Period Poverty Awareness Week event that resonated deeply within the community, fostering greater engagement and positive change. She has also served on the Women’s Leadership Summit and the Training Committee.

Aravinda enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids. She also loves traveling, cooking, swimming, watching shows and relaxing in her hammock.

Rachael has spent the last decade in the Junior League, serving in a variety of fundraising and service oriented roles. Her favorite part of the Junior League of Wilmington is the opportunity to make an impact with other high impact, service oriented women. She spends her days as a manager at a pharmaceutical company. In her free time she loves to cook & camp with her husband and two small children.

Susan is a lifelong Delaware resident who joined the Junior League of Wilmington in 2006. She served as JLW president for 2014-15, spearheaded its advocacy to pass Erin’s Law in Delaware in 2016 and previously was Sustainer Director for 2018-19 and 2023-24.

Susan earned a Bachelor’s degree in English-Journalism and American Studies, a Master’s degree in Communication and a certificate in social media marketing from the University of Delaware. She spent seven years as a member of the news media before working in media/public relations and marketing communications for the last 25 years. She currently is the senior manager of communications at Delaware Prosperity Partnership, Delaware’s lead statewide economic development organization.

Susan and her rescue pup, Aldrin, live in Wilmington.