Winter/Spring 2011 – Volume 1 | Issue 1linksinc.org/docs/Links_Journal_Q1_2011.pdf · linksinc.org | Volume 1 | issue 1 linked Leading the Way 2010-2012 Executive Team Winter/spring

l i n k s i n c . o r g | V o l u m e 1 | i s s u e 1

linked

Leading the Way

2010-2012 Executive Team

W i n t e r / s p r i n g 2 0 11

1linksinc.org

Sudan

Contents

UpfrontLetter from the National President | 2

Letter from the Communications Chair | 3

Introducing the National Communications Committee | 3

Editor’s Note | 4

2011 Link to Link Newsletter | 5

Save the Date | 5

FeaturesEngineering Success | 6

Leading the Way | 8

A Tribute to 14th National President Gwendolyn B. Lee | 12

37th NatioNal aSSembly

Assembly Highlights | 14

Co-Founders Award Winners | 16

Focus: HOPE | 17

LeadershipTeam Building | 18

2010-2012 Strategic Priorities | 22

Linked Debut | 23

New National Program Initiatives | 24

Recommended Reading | 27

Step by Step | 28

Executive Council Directory | 30

HealthHealth Focus | 32

Breast Cancer Statistics for African- American Women | 33

Crowning Glory | 34

FriendshipThe Power of Restoration | 36

Celebrate Friendship | 38

Welcome: Tri-County (AL) Chapter | 39

Welcome: Miami-Biscayne Bay (FL) Chapter | 40

The Laughter Cure | 41

ServiceArt Infusion | 42

College Prep | 43

Saturday Morning Startup | 44

Hope for the Homeless | 46

Stop the Genocide | 48

STEM-ULATING Students | 50

Sponsors | 52

National Partners | 53

Around the AreasCeNtral area FoCuS

Heart of Linkdom | 54

Political Action | 56

eaSterN area FoCuS

Youth Go Global | 57

SoutherN area FoCuS

Commission on Childhood Obesity Prevention | 59

WeSterN area FoCuS

Racial Profiling | 62

Back PagesCongressional Links | 64

Links to Watch | 65

Linkspiration | 72

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National Headquarters The Links, Incorporated The Links Foundation, Incorporated 1200 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005-4501

Tel: 202-842-8686 Fax: 202-842-4020 Web: www.linksinc.org

linksinc.org2

Letter from the National PresidentMy Dear sister links,

in this new Year and beyond, we must continue to raise the bar as one of our nation’s leading organizations. To that end, i am asking all of us to embrace our new platform: Leading with Excellence ~ Serving with Grace. it is imperative that we take it upon ourselves to serve when it is unexpected, act when called upon, and respond when necessary.

As part of this effort, i have assembled an executive team of highly talented and innovative link sisters who have generously and graciously agreed to serve. With their help, we are focused on achieving even greater excellence in our programming. i am confident that each of you will also strive to propel our organization forward and exceed expectations through the work you perform in your chapters. This is extremely important in preserving our rich legacy. i am sure our beloved co-founders, Margaret roselle Hawkins and sarah strickland scott, the visionaries behind our 64-year-old sisterhood, would applaud us for fulfilling their dreams.

As promised, this administration will be transparent and communicate as often as possible. LinkEd is one of the many vehicles that will help us deliver on this promise. As you peruse these pages, remember it is your commitment to serve that enhances the lives of your respective communities. This magazine exists because of your exceptional programs, your achievements, and most importantly you. thank you exxon mobil for your generous support of our vision by underwriting this publication. it is partners such as you that enable us to showcase our service to the community.

By working together, we prove time and time again that The links, incorporated is a force to be reckoned with. it is our challenge to continue to help those who need our aid.

i would like to thank 14th national President gwendolyn B. lee for the extraordinary work she and her team delivered over the past four years. she was an amazing leader and i personally learned a great deal watching her in action. Also, thank you to the Detroit cluster—Detroit (Mi), renaissance (Mi), oakland county (Mi), greater Wayne county (Mi), great lakes (Mi) and Ann Arbor (Mi) chapters—for hosting a fabulous 37th national Assembly in the Motor city. You opened your hearts and your city to us and we had an extraordinary time. And a special thank you to Vivian Pickard of the renaissance (Mi) chapter for leading the national sponsorships efforts. Your connections in the business world are unparalleled and your consistent commitment to serve is invaluable.

i am continually grateful for all that you, my link sisters, do. Thank you for Leading with Excellence ~ Serving with Grace.

sisterly Yours,

margot JameS CopelaNd nATionAl PresiDenT CLEvELand (OH) CHaptEr

Congratulations, Tina Tchen, on your appointment as chief of staff for First Lady Michelle Obama. Tchen addressed the Executive Council and Scott Hawkins fellows at the winter board meeting in Washington, D.C. Left to Right: Legislative Issues and Public Affairs Chair Karen Jefferson Morrison, Columbus (OH) Chapter; National Vice President Glenda Newell-Harris, Alameda Contra-Costa (CA) Chapter; Tchen; National President Margot James Copeland, Cleveland (OH) Chapter; and Women’s Issues and Economic Empowerment Chair Madeline Lawson, Capital City (DC) Chapter.

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2010-2011 National Communications CommitteeCaSSaNdra hugheS WebSter

national communications chair Shelby County (tn) Chapter

[email protected]

rozalyNN S. Frazier national communications co-chair

Metro-Manhattan (nY) Chapter [email protected]

deborah elam national communications

committee Member Fairfield County (Ct) Chapter

[email protected]

aliSoN harmoN national communications

committee Member Youngstown (OH) Chapter

[email protected]

Kyra harvey national communications

committee Member Magnolia (Ga) Chapter

[email protected]

veroNiCa SpeNCer-auStiN national communications

committee Member Mid-Cities (tX) Chapter

[email protected]

Sadie WiNloCK national communications

committee Member Cleveland (OH) Chapter

[email protected]

maya payNe Smart LinkEd editor

richmond (va) Chapter [email protected]

aliCia NailS LinkEd Managing editor

Oakland County (Mi) Chapter [email protected]

Kathy Wade central Area communications chair

Cincinnati (OH) Chapter [email protected]

daWN haNKiN Cliette eastern Area communications chair

Metro-Manhattan (nY) Chapter [email protected]

maxiNe Smith southern Area communications chair

Charleston (SC) Chapter [email protected]

ChryStle SWaiN Western Area communications chair

austin (tX) Chapter [email protected]

lin

kedbuildiNg bridgeS that liNK uS aS oNe

i recently saw a message on a poster that speaks to the power of communication. it said: “When we communicate we build bridges. We make connections that enable ideas to flourish and actions to occur. Healthy connections begin with clarity and last only as long as we continue to invest in them.”

For more than six decades, links have given their time, talents and resources to help build stronger, more productive communities. We’ve stepped outside our comfort zones to give birth to new and dynamic ideas that are redefining who we are as a unique 21st century organization that is truly Leading with Excellence ~ Serving with Grace.

The newly assembled national communications committee will continue to invest in and build on the strong foundation laid by our inaugural communications team led by Bunnie Jackson-ransom, Azalea city (gA) chapter. communications will play a pivotal role in helping us to mold, shape and re-energize our brand, platform and overall direction. our format will be a two-way communication vehicle for information, inspiration, and empowerment. stay tuned for a communications survey and toolkit that will help us assess and improve current strategies while preparing to embrace new ones.

our 2011 journey will be one filled with progressive action and consistent messaging as we plan and execute the great work that awaits us.

CaSSaNdra hugheS WebSter nATionAl coMMunicATions cHAir SHELbY COuntY (tn) CHaptEr

communications chair

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editor’s noteVery few women’s groups influence public policy, give million-dollar grants, and devote more than 500,000 volunteer hours a year to responding to the most pressing challenges of hundreds of com-munities from Anchorage, Alaska, to Yonkers, new York.

More than 12,000 women strong, the reach and impact of The links, incorporated’s 274 chapters in 42 states, the District of columbia and the Bahamas are undeniable. individually and collectively links rush to the forefront of major issues confronting the black community, from the childhood obesity and breast cancer epidemics to the decline of arts education and college affordability. We bring leadership, volunteer power and significant financial resources to the table. We’ve given more than $24 million to charitable causes, including $1 million each to the united negro college Fund, the nAAcP legal Defense and educational Fund and the national civil rights Museum.

of course, those numbers (however impressive) don’t tell the full story. What makes The links, incorporated such a compelling organization isn’t only the work that we do, but the way we do it—through friendship. For the inaugural issue of LinkEd, we go behind the scenes of links leadership training, team building and program planning to reveal the compassion, camaraderie and commitment that fuel our efforts.

We salute the previous national administration (pages 12-13) and introduce the new one (pages 8-11) as well as highlight some emerg-ing leaders within our ranks (pages 65-71). We also welcome the new Tri-county (Al) and Miami-Biscayne Bay (Fl) chapters (pages 39-40) and urge you to take care of mind, body and spirit (pages 36-37). And if you need any extra encouragement, check out our profiles of six nationally award-winning programs (pages 42-51) and a unique local example of our national partnership with susan g. komen for the cure (pages 34-35).

We hope this issue leaves you not only informed, but inspired to take your leadership, friendship and service to new heights.

enjoy!

maya payNe Smart eDiTor riCHMOnd (va) CHaptEr Special Thanks

Special thanks to Sophie Gibson and the Sojo Inc. team for giving the magazine a sleek design. I also greatly appreciate the expert editing support of National Communications Chair Cassandra H. Webster, Shelby County (TN) Chapter; Communications Co-Chair Rozalynn S. Frazier, Metro-Manhattan (NY) Chapter; and Impact Strategies LLC.

“ We hope this issue leaves you not only informed, but inspired to take your leadership, friendship and service to new heights.”

5linksinc.org

Eastern Area ConferenceApril 27 - May 1, 2011 ATlAnTic ciTY, neW JerseY

Southern Area ConferenceMay 25 - 29, 2011

neW orleAns, louisiAnA

Western Area ConferenceJune 22 - 26, 2011

PHoenix, ArizonA

Central Area ConferenceJune 29 - July 3, 2011

sT. louis, Missouri

38th National AssemblyJune 27 - July 1, 2012

orlAnDo, FloriDA

2011 link to link neWsletterCall For CoNtributorS

The National Communications team is excited to announce the launch of a bi-monthly digital newsletter in 2011, and we invite your active participation.

If you are interested in writing, editing or producing for the publication, please send your resume or bio to [email protected]. We are looking for experienced journalists and other communications professionals to help us produce articles and multimedia content for the publication.

We also ask all members to let us know what kind of content you would like to see in future issues. Please send your questions, comments and story ideas to [email protected]. Due to the volume of correspondence, we will not accept unsolicited manuscripts but are happy to review short summaries (three paragraphs or less) of proposed articles. If your story idea is cho-sen for publication, one of our team members will work with you or other appropriate sources to develop the piece.

iSSue themeS aNd deadliNeS

May – Women’s Health Month – Health and Human Services focus (March 15) July – Black Family Month – National Trends and Services focus (May 15) September – Strategic Thinking Month – strategic planning and international trends and services focus (July 15) November – Links National Friendship Month – friendship focus (Sept. 15)

Submission deadlines are subject to change.

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linksinc.org | FEATURES6

EnginEEring SUCCESSBUiLding on THE LEgACy oF THE LinkS, inCorPorATEd

since 1985, we have held a coveted spot on Massachusetts Ave., a historically and architec-turally significant street. under the leadership of our 8th national President, Dolly Desselle Adams, we purchased 1200 Massachusetts Ave. and made it our own. We filled it with our history and symbols and put it to work for our mission to enrich the lives of persons of African-American ancestry.

As link Adams predicted, our headquarters is “a national community center from which people, projects, and programs are developed and empowered.” like our Massachusetts Ave. neighbors, The links, incorporated has a per-manent diplomatic mission in D.c. our national headquarters is the flagship of our organization; it is the home of our global membership of more than 12,000 links who live in the communities we serve in the u.s. and the Bahamas.

Twenty-five years after the purchase of the origi-nal headquarters, the membership has made possible the purchase of the adjoining building. We are now immersed in the renovation of 1200 Massachusetts Ave. and its neighbor 1204 Massachusetts Ave. to expand our footprint in the capital. Together, these buildings are be-coming one extraordinary asset for The links, incorporated both in terms of real estate value and organizational clout.

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7FEATURES | linksinc.org

our 14th national President gwendolyn B. lee and her very capable committee led the concept and design phase of the project. This ad-ministration has embarked on the finance and construction phase, which will bring the headquarters project to fruition.

our expanded presence, just minutes from the capitol and White House, exemplifies our national prominence. More importantly, it enlarges our organization’s capacity to better serve nationwide and abroad by providing much needed space, enhanced technology and infrastructure.

As further evidence of The links, incorporated’s vision and leader-ship, the building also will meet Historic Preservation office guide-

lines and make us the first African-American organization to attain silver certification from the u.s. green Building council’s leadership in en-ergy and environment Design {leeD} program.

leeD is the internation-ally recognized green building certification system, provid-ing third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all the

metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impact. in this way, we respect the past while forging a sustainable future.

My link sisters, we are moving forward, encompassing the past, present, and the future, becoming a model organization, not only in our new home, but also through the actions of every link who will walk through its doors.

Welcome to the home and the future of The links, incorporated and The links Foundation, incorporated.

margot JameS CopelaNd, nATionAl PresiDenT, CLEvELand (OH) CHaptEr

2nd Floor Architectural Drawing

3rd Floor Architectural Drawing

Our expanded presence, just minutes from the Capitol and White House, exemplifies our national prominence.


MARgoT JAMES CopELANd National president, Cleveland (OH) Chapter

Margot James Copeland has made service her life’s mission. As ex-ecutive vice president and director of Corporate Diversity & Philan-thropy for KeyCorp, one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, her portfolio of duties includes heading up the KeyBank Foundation. She helps guide the company’s strategic phil-anthropic investments and their financial education and workforce development programs. This chief diversity officer helped place her company on Diversity Inc.’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity list.

Her personal service includes investing time and expertise in educational and community enrichment. Copeland serves her alma mater, Hampton University, as a member of both the President’s and the Business School’s Advisory Boards; is a Mentor/Protégé Program advisor for Morehouse College; a trustee of Kent State University; serves on the boards of numerous foun-dations and has been active with the Greater Cleveland Roundtable and Leadership Cleveland. She has been honored by Crain’s Cleveland Business; The Cleveland Chapter of the National Black MBA; the YWCA; and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

The Virginia native, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Hampton University and a Master of Arts in Educational Development from Ohio State University, is the mother of three.

Six Women Who are Shaping The Links, incorporated

the WayLeading

Mothers, managers and volunteers,

the new national leaders of The

Links, Incorporated wear all three

hats with grace and excellence. They

include a high-ranking Fortune 500

executive and a recently retired one,

a medical doctor, two public health

experts and a professional registered

national parliamentarian. Together,

they’ll build on the organization’s

legacy of service through friendship.

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dR. gLENdA F. NEwELL-HARRiS National Vice president, Alameda Contra-Costa (CA) Chapter

Dr. Glenda Newell-Harris’ motto is: “Take Charge of Your Health.” She believes people must advocate for the highest quality healthcare available. Newell says health literacy and clear com-munication create an empowering culture of wellness.

As a board certified physician in internal medicine, the media has sought her opinions on advances in medicine and on controversial medical issues. Through her healthcare consult-ing business, Newell & Spriggs Consulting, she speaks to corporate, faith-based, professional, medical and youth organizations that mentor pre-med and medical students.

Dr. Newell-Harris serves as vice chair of the Physician Medical Forum Board and the Imani Community Church Board of Directors. She is also on the Alta Alliance Bank Advisory Board and on the Ethnic Health Institute board. Dr. Newell-Harris has served as a medical consultant in healthcare settings including ambulatory teaching clinics, private practice and a physician foundation clinical practice.

A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she and husband Robert L. Harris, Esq., the Immediate Past Grand Sire Archon of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (the Boulé), are the parents of four children.

The North Carolina native earned her medical degree from the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine and her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Tufts University. She has also com-pleted certification in Physician Leadership Managing Ambulatory Care at the Harvard School of Public Health.

KiMbERLy JEFFRiES LEoNARd National Recording Secretary, Arlington (VA) Chapter

As COO of the District of Columbia’s Department of Health (DOH), Kimberly Jeffries Leon-ard is at the forefront of issues that define healthy living. She provides leadership and oversight of all operational areas, and technical and strategic direction in the development and delivery of DOH health service programs. Leonard has more than 20 years of experience in applied social and behavioral research and evaluation, and has served on advisory committees for the Centers for Disease Control.

Her expertise is in substance use and disorders, HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, cardiovas-cular disease, and mental health – particularly as these affect the disadvantaged and underserved. Leonard has led multi-year, multidisciplinary projects for federal and private entities, including smoking cessation and women’s cardiovascular health education campaigns, and campaigns for the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute on Drug Abuse, among others.

The public policy professional earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from Howard University, her Master of Science from North Carolina Central University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Fayetteville State University, where she was awarded a National As-sociation for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) Alumni of the Year Award.

She was a National Institutes of Health pre-doctoral fellow at George Washington University Medical School; a post-doctoral fellow at the Howard University Cancer Center; and com-pleted the Graduate Summer Program in Epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health.

Leonard is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a member of the Washington, D.C. chapter of Jack and Jill of America, and is an active elder at Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church. She is married to Stephen V. Leonard and they are the proud parents of two sons.

Grace and Excellence


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KATHERiNE E. wiLSoN National Treasurer, Bold City (FL) Chapter

An attorney who recently retired as assistant vice president in risk management for CSX Corpo-ration, Katherine E. Wilson says she wants to serve those who seek a better quality of life.

Active in the Jacksonville community, Wilson is licensed as a sub-deacon by the Episcopal Dio-cese of Florida. She managed a $30 million budget as chair of the Duval County School Readi-ness Coalition, which served more than 12,000 children, and served on the Florida Universal Pre-Kindergarten Education Advisory Council. Florida governors have appointed her to chair Workforce Florida and to the Early Learning Council.

She is past president of the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association and has been honored by the Florida Children’s Forum, Episcopal Children Services, Inc., the United Negro College Fund, and Florida Commissioner of Education.

She is a charter member of the Bold City (FL) Chapter, immediate past Southern Area trea-surer and a past financial secretary of The Links Foundation, Incorporated.

The New Jersey native earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore Law School and is licensed to practice in Maryland.

She is married to Richard Paul Byers and is the proud mother of a son, two grandsons, two stepdaughters and a stepson.

pAMELA J. gENTRy National Nominating Chair, Annapolis (MD) Chapter

Pamela Gentry brings her communication expertise to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as the director of Strategic Research and Campaign Management. This makes her responsible for national education and outreach campaigns for federal health programs that serve more than 90 million Americans.

Her career includes serving as senior producer and bureau chief for CBS/BET Nightly News and as senior manager for broadcast and online media for BET Networks. As BET’s senior po-litical analyst and White House correspondent she covered the policies of the Bush and Obama administrations and Capitol Hill from 2000 - 2009. Her online blog, “Pamela On Politics” led to her being tapped for political commentary by CNN, FOX News and the BBC, and as a guest blogger for HuffingtonPost.com.

Before BET, she was a political producer at C-SPAN and associate administrator for External Affairs at HHS for the Clinton administration. Gentry got her start in Washington media as an assignment editor and producer at Washington D.C.’s WUSA TV 9 (CBS) and, before that, as a general assignment reporter at WATE-TV Knoxville.

She has been honored by the New York Chapter of the National Association of Black Journal-ists, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and as the Best of Gannett.

The Detroit native earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Detroit-Mercy. She is mar-ried to Newton Gentry III, and the couple has two children.


JACqUELiNE SpRiggS REViS National parliamentarian, San Antonio (TX) Chapter

Jacqueline (Jacqui) Spriggs Revis is one of only 350 currently practicing parliamentarians who has earned the designation of Professional Registered Parliamentarian (PRP), the highest certification granted by the National Association of Parliamentarians, of which she is a mem-ber. She is past president of the Texas State Association of Parliamentarians, has testified as an expert witness on parliamentary procedure, and is now the owner of Parliamentary Services.

Most recently Revis was director of Customer Care Training for Caremark, Rx. This followed a 30-year career at AT&T where she retired as district manager of Global Consumer Customer Service Training Development and Delivery. She was the first in the company to manage an out-of-hours national call center, allowing for 24-7 customer service delivery.

Revis has served on the boards of the San Antonio Metro Unit of the American Cancer Society, KLRN Public Television, and the Carver Community Cultural Center.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from California State University in Los Angeles.

A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Revis is the mother of two sons and has three grandchildren.

EDITED BY ALiCiA NAiLS, OAkLAnd COunty (MI) ChApter

Shaping The Links



to 14th national President gwendolyn B. Leeunder the banner of “seizing the opportunity to Provide World-class leadership, Friendship and service,” 14th national President gwendolyn B. lee positioned The links, incorporated for the future, spearheaded substantial initiatives and made a difference in the lives of people in communities across the united states and the world. Her administration will be remem-bered for its many contributions:

• EstablishedanewHealthandHumanServicesFacet

• Publishedanupdatednationalhistorybook

• ForgednewnationalpartnershipswithorganizationsincludingSusanG.KomenfortheCure,NationalCares Mentoring Movement, The Heart Truth, AArP, and Habitat for Humanity international

• ExpandedournationalheadquarterstoincludeasecondbuildingonhistoricMassachusettsAve.

• Launchednewaccountingandmembershipinformationmanagementsystems

• InstitutedtheServiceDeliveryModeltostrengthenchapterprograms

• Enhancedcommunicationwithinternalandexternalaudiences

Moreover, 14th national President lee made service a priority wherever she traveled in the name of The links, incorporated.

a tribute

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opposite page: 14th National President Lee leading a community service walk in New Orleans where The Links, Incorporated, donated medical supplies, equipment and funds to the Lower 9th Ward Health Clinic.

Top Left: 14th National President Lee advocating for hunger relief during the 2010 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service in Washington, D.C.

Top Right: National Program Chair Alma Dodd, Grants, Awards, Proposals and Scholarships Committee Chair Jeannine Quick-Frasier and 14th National President Lee at AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour Stop in Detroit, part of the 37th National Assembly Service Project.

bottom Left: 14th National President Lee with students at the Umgijimi School in South Africa, one of more than 50 schools The Links, Incorporated has built or renovated through its Education Across the Miles program.

bottom Right: 14th National President Lee and Corporate Linkages Chair Vivian Pickard honor Bob Billingslea of The Walt Disney Company at the Opening Concert at the 37th National Assembly in Detroit.



ProgrAm And oPErATionAL WorkSHoPS Win ToP mArkS in dETroiT.

Assembly Highlights

Links certainly aren’t shy about voicing their opinions. More than 2,000 members attended the 37th National Assembly in Detroit this past summer and more than half completed an online evaluation afterward. They answered a series of multiple-choice questions about topics rang-ing from registration and the venue, to plenary sessions and workshops. They also left detailed comments and offered suggestions for Assembly enhancements.

The Evaluations Committee read it all and the responses were overwhelmingly positive. Ninety-one percent of respondents answered affirmatively when asked about overall satisfaction with the assembly experience and return on investment. Still, the committee observed several opportunities for improvement and The Links, Incorporated is committed to responding in or-der to provide you with the best possible member experiences. The key findings are highlighted on the next page and you can download the full report from the members-only section of the website.

KATHRyN TowE LiTTLEToN, NATIONAL EVALUATIONS CHAIR, OAkLAnd COunty (MI) ChApter

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Visit the members-only section of www.linksinc.org to view the detailed Assembly evaluation, which includes all of the ratings by event and all of the responses to open-ended questions.

Detroit Cluster… the Assembly attendees thank you!

The plenary sessions received an overall score of 3.33 out of a possible 4.0, which was an improvement of 1% from the 2008 assembly. Your comments included phrases such as “well planned” and “excellent and informative.”

You awarded the highest rating to the Ethics and Standards workshops. These workshops were the high points of the National Assembly, and you told us you want to see more of them.

You felt the entertainment in Detroit rocked the house, and it’s no surprise that the highest rating was given to Smokey Robinson.

The heart of Linkdom is programming, and you responded to the programming workshops with an average rating of 3.4. The workshop “The Arts: Black Hollywood” stole the show with the highest rating.

Comments about the registration experience were very favorable, ranging from “well planned” to “material arrived early,” “smooth and orderly,” and “no line.” You shouted loud and clear to the Detroit Cluster that registration was friendly, warm and welcoming!

The breakfasts and luncheons earned an average rating of 3.39. And yes, although there was satisfaction, you noted some opportunities for improvement.

High attendance at the operational workshops sent a clear message that you value learning how to manage your chapter effectively to build a solid foundation for implementing world-class programming. The overall evaluation of that workshop was 3.37.


Congratulations to the2010 Co-FoUndErS AWArd

WINNERS

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Above: Services to Youth – Beverly Tatum

Right: National Trends and Services – Malaak Compton-Rock

Above: International Trends and Services – Ambassador Susan E. Rice

Above: The Arts – Sonia Sanchez

Left: The awardees received specially commissioned Elizabeth Catlett bronze sculptures at the National Assembly in Detroit.

below: International Trends and Services – Janet Nkubana


The detroit Assembly service project takes root and blooms.

The host city service project launched during the 37th national Assembly at Detroit’s nation-ally recognized Focus: HoPe is already making a big difference in the community. The links Foundation, incorporated was named a found-ing sponsor of the new Family learning center and its $50,000 donation was presented at the ribbon-cutting event. Today, chapters conduct programming in the learning center for both senior citizens and youth.

The greater Wayne (Mi) chapter hosted a children’s camp featuring urban gardening. it culminated in a salad event where more than 20 young “farmers” feasted on vegetables they raised. The camp also included pottery classes where clay pieces were designed and painted. Financial management training has also been provided. in a truly innovative program, youth were able to earn money for positive behaviors and paid fines for inappropriate behavior.

The chapter has served seniors with wellness programming conducted in cooperation with the Detroit Medical center, including workshops on diabetes, heart health, weight control and other key topics. These seniors have also had lessons in computer literacy and financial management.

Additionally, the Detroit (Mi) chapter hosted a “christmas Around the World” event for youth and the six chapters that comprise the Detroit cluster are continuing to plan future program-ming and develop proposals for partner corpo-rations to expand service project offerings.

aliCia NailS, OakLand COuntY (Mi) CHaptEr

Top: 14th National President Gwendolyn B. Lee fields questions from reporters at Focus: HOPE.

bottom: Grants, Awards, Proposals and Scholarships Committee Chair Jeannine Quick-Frasier, 14th National President Gwendolyn B. Lee, National President Margot James Copeland and Immediate Past National Treasurer Lula Lang-Jeter present $50,000 mock check to Focus: HOPE.

Focus: HOPE

linksinc.org | LEAdERSHip18

Member engagement and community impact were the key themes of national president Margot James Copeland’s Leadership Summit, held this summer at the renaissance Cleveland hotel. Attendees got down to business with a series of team-building exercises, expert presentations and small-group discussions — and managed to have a little bit of fun too.

national Leadership Summit in Cleveland sets the tone for new administration.

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Top Left: National President Margot James Copeland gives summit participants the weekend overview.

Top Middle: Left to right: Protocol and Courtesies Co-Chair Lucy McLamb, Wilmington (DE) Chapter; Rituals Co-Chair Catherine “Pepper” Taylor, Cleveland (OH) Chapter; Western Area Foundation Representative Jennifer Giddings Brooks, Fort Worth (TX) Chapter.

Top Right: Left to right: National Nominating Committee Chair Pamela Gentry, Annapolis (MD) Chapter; Eastern Area Foundation Representative LaVern Miles, Silver Spring (MD) Chapter; Technology Co-Chair Jennifer Coleman Fluker, Cleveland (OH) Chapter; Awards and Recognition Chair Cynthia Hightower Jenkins, Shreveport (LA) Chapter; Technology Co-Chair Tequel Douglass Hager, Greenville (SC) Chapter.

bottom Left: Left to right: Taking Care of Mind, Body and Spirit Chair Elaine Flake, Greater New York (NY) Chapter; National Vice President Glenda Newell-Harris, Alameda Contra-Costa (CA) Chapter; Southern Area Vice Director Eneid Francis, Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter; Commission on Ethics and Standards Chair Mattie Compton, Ft. Worth (TX) Chapter; Eastern Area Vice Director Diane Hardison, Old Dominion (VA) Chapter.

bottom Right: Western Area Foundation Representative Jennifer Giddings Brooks, Fort Worth (TX) Chapter, and Central Area Foundation Representative Thelma Cook, Gateway (MO) Chapter.

Team Building

19LEAdERSHip | linksinc.org

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An unconventional icebreaker energized the proceedings and helped summit participants get to know one another – quickly.

Step oNe

evaluations chair kathryn Towe littleton challenged summit attendees to make wedding dresses…out of toilet paper. But this exercise was about much more than fashion. creativity, conflict resolution and consensus building skills were all required to imagine and create wear-able dresses, given strong personalities, limited time and scarce supplies.

Step tWo

Teams jumped into action divvying up designer, seamstress, model, coach and presenter du-ties. Along the way, the ice of apprehension, intergenerational differences and unfamiliar faces melted into pools of laughter, cooperation and goodwill.

Step three

The final designs were as diverse as the teams who created them, but each succeeded in giving participants something to talk about! Left to right: sadie Winlock, cleveland (oH) chapter; Technology co-chair Jennifer coleman Fluker, cleveland (oH) chapter; corpo-rate linkages chair Vivian Pickard, renaissance (Mi) chapter; linked editor Maya smart, richmond (VA) chapter; southern Area Director Mary currie, Atlanta (gA) chapter; rituals co-chair catherine “Pepper” Taylor, cleveland (oH) chapter; Program specialist Jennifer Hudnell, Headquarters staff; kimberly copeland, Metro-Manhattan (nY) chapter; Member-ship specialist naima Wood, Headquarters staff.

“ In the chaotic world today, true sisterhood is of utmost importance… Friendship is empathy, it’s sympathy, it’s togetherness, it’s tolerance.” - Julia Brogdon purnell, 7th national president


The Lake erie Cluster, which includes the Cleveland (Oh), kent Area (Oh), Western reserve (Oh) and youngstown (Oh) Chapters hosted Leadership Summit attendees at a lovely lakeside affair at the Shoreby Club.

Left to Right: Sadie Winlock, Cleveland (OH) Chapter, and Assembly, Conference and Event Planning Co-Chair Charlotte Polk, Shelby County (TN) Chapter.

Left Top and bottom: Links from across the country enjoyed food, drink and music on the shores of Lake Erie.

Left to Right: Education Across the Miles Chair Gwendolyn Boyd, Capital City (DC) Chapter; Vivian Neal, Kent Area (OH) Chapter; and SHLI Alumnae Chair Josephine Davis, Fort Valley (GA) Chapter.

Left to Right: Controller Robert Yamoah, National President Margot James Copeland, Senior Accountant Gabriel Riley, and Senior Accountant Mehari Debas.

Left to Right: Youngstown (OH) Chapter President Krishmu Shipmon, Western Reserve (OH) Chapter President Awilda Hamilton, National President Margot James Copeland, Cleveland (OH) Chapter President Delores Groves and Kent Area (OH) Chapter President Diane Stevens Robinson.

“ All Links must exemplify the high ideals and values upon which the organization was founded. Within our organization, the existence of friendship and service is dependent on the presence of honesty, trust, integrity, commitment, respect, and exemplary leadership in our interactions with each other and the public.”

- Gladys Gary Vaughn, 13th national president

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Front Row, Left to Right: Services to Youth Director Argentina James, Missouri City (TX) Chapter; National Communications Chair Cassandra Webster, Shelby County (TN) Chapter; National Treasurer Katherine Wilson, Bold City (FL) Chapter; National Vice President Glenda Newell-Harris, Alameda Contra-Costa (CA) Chapter; National President Margot James Copeland, Cleveland (OH) Chapter; National Recording Secretary Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, Arlington (VA) Chapter; National Nominating Committee Chair Pamela Gentry, Annapolis (MD) Chapter; National HBCU Initiative Chair Dorothy Cowser Yancy, Atlanta (GA) Chapter.2nd Row, Left to Right: Education Across the Miles Chair Gwendolyn Boyd, Capital City (DC) Chapter; Technology Co-Chair Tequel Douglass Hager, Greenville (SC) Chapter; Eastern Area Director Bishetta Merritt, Washington (DC) Chapter; Southern Area Director Mary Currie, Atlanta (GA) Chapter; Western Area Director Barbra Ruffin-Boston, San Francisco (CA) Chapter; Technology Co-Chair Jennifer Coleman Fluker, Cleveland (OH) Chapter; Taking Care of Mind, Body and Spirit Chair Elaine Flake, Greater New York (NY) Chapter.3rd Row, Left to Right: Protocol and Courtesies Chair Fern Jackson, Alameda Contra-Costa (CA) Chapter; Assembly, Conference, and Event Planning Co-Chair Sharon Clayton, Western Reserve (OH) Chapter; Human Resources Chair Roslyn Smith, Baltimore (MD) Chapter; Arts Director Alpha Blackburn, Indianapolis (IN) Chapter.4th Row, Left to Right: Assembly, Conference, and Event Planning Co-Chair Charlotte Polk, Shelby County (TN) Chapter.5th Row, Left to Right: Evaluations Chair Kathryn Littleton, Oakland County (MI) Chapter; Chapter Establishment Chair Sandra Malone, Dallas (TX) Chapter; Health and Human Services Chair Monica Parker, Athens (GA) Chapter.6th Row, Left to Right: Taking Care of Mind, Body and Spirit Co-Chair Ida Woolfolk, St. Louis (MO) Chapter; National Trends and Services Director Lynne Rogers, Columbia (SC) Chapter; International Trends and Services Director Sharon Richardson, Newport News (VA) Chapter.7th Row, Left to Right: Organizational Effectiveness Co-Chair Jayne Khalifa, Minneapolis-St. Paul (MN) Chapter; Legislative Issues, Public Affairs and Disaster Relief Chair Karen Morrison, Columbus (OH) Chapter; Strategic Planning Chair Gloria Parker, Harbor City (MD) Chapter; Fund Development Chair Marcella Jones, Capital City (DC) Chapter.8th Row, Left to Right: National Programs and Strategic Partnerships Director Alma Dodd, Windy City (IL) Chapter; Organizational Effectiveness Co-Chair Patricia Larkins Hicks, Columbus (OH) Chapter; Archives and History Chair Earnestine McNealey, Tuscaloosa (AL) Chapter.9th Row, Left to Right: Rituals Chair Larnell Burks-Bagley, Indianapolis (IN) Chapter; General Counsel and Legal Affairs Chair Sherri Blount Gray, Potomac (VA) Chapter; Commission on Ethics and Standards Chair Mattie Compton, Fort Worth (TX) Chapter.10th Row, Left to Right: Awards and Recognition Chair Cynthia Hightower-Jenkins, Shreveport (LA) Chapter and Chapter Establishment Co-Chair Jeannine Quick-Frasier, Columbus (OH) Chapter.

national president Margot James Copeland held a reception for summit attendees at keyCorp’s offices in key tower, the tallest building in Cleveland. Copeland is key-Corp’s executive vice president and director of Corporate diversity and philanthropy.

“ Because we are the children of the late Sarah Strickland Scott and Margaret Roselle Hawkins…we have everything we need to keep as indestructible our bond of friendship, the commitment to serve, and the obligation to share.”

- regina Jollivette Frazier, 9th national president



Strategic plans help organizations determine where they are headed and how they will get there. After two days of delib-erations, Leadership Summit attendees left Cleveland determined to make progress in six key areas that will position The Links, Incorporated for continued success:

organizational assessment and alignment – Evaluate all aspects of the organization, including but not limited to membership, leaders, programs, partners, funders, chapters, staff, etc. The data is used to facilitate con-necting all aspects of the organization.

promoting the links brand – Reach consensus about who we are, what we do and the value we bring. We communicate and collaborate effectively both internally and externally.

leadership deVelopment – Train leaders at all levels of the organization including Chapters, Areas, and National. Members are prepared to lead within the organization to ensure consistency, continuity and to manage intergenerational opportunities.

enhanced member serVice and engagement – Ensure that members get what they need, when they need it, in the manner that is appropriate and most effective for their utilization at all levels of the organization. It involves embracing friendship, engaging in training, and communicating effectively.

Fund deVelopment and Fiscal responsibility – Ensure that the organization has adequate resources to support its strategic priorities at all levels. It focuses on transparency, accountability and good stewardship.

deliVering and sustaining transFormational programs – Deliver programs that are community relevant and have a positive sustainable impact. Ensure that we are meeting the needs of the community in the design, implementation and delivery.

2010-2012

Strategic Priorities

“ Few people turn away from ideas put forth by Links, because they come with immediate credibility due to the history of The Links and the power that Links hold in their communities.” - patricia russell-McCloud, 11th national president

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Ninth National President Regina Jollivette Frazier and Eighth National President Dolly Desselle Adams at the November 2010 Executive Council Meeting in Washington, D.C.

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is


LinkEd FOr FriEndSHip and SErviCE dEBUTEd in dETroiT

to order a copy, download the order form from the members-only section of linksinc.org and mail a $60 check made payable to: The Links, Incorporated 1200 Massachusetts Avenue, nW Washington, dC 20005

The first edition of the history of The Links was published in 1981, the second in 1992, and the third in 2010.

The wait is over. The third edition of the history of The Links, Incorporated debuted at the 37th National Assembly — 29 years after Marjorie Holloman Parker penned the first edition. Written by a team of 27 archi-vists, officers, committee chairs and members, Linked for Friendship and Service has been lauded for its prowess in using narratives to examine, analyze and arrange events in Linkdom, and its inclusion of references that facilitate further investigation.

Hailing Linked as “beautifully written,” 10th National President Marion Schultz Suther-land exclaimed, “I really love it;” and Eastern Area Director Bishetta Merritt uttered delight for “the look, feel, and manner in which the book was organized.” Former Southern Area

Earnestine Green McNealey, National Archives and History Chair


Director Joyce Dixon expressed apprecia-tion for articles that were “well-researched and documented,” and former Rituals Chair Charlotte Polk called Linked “an outstanding historical document.”

Anticipation began at the 2007 area confer-ences, where 14th National President Gwen-dolyn B. Lee announced the publication of a new history book as one of her objectives. Lee’s foreword in Linked crystallizes the need she articulated in 2007 that “developments in the organization — structural changes and new directions in programs and membership since the last edition — have long beckoned another testament to the rich legacy of this world-class organization.”

Rather than being a simple update of the second edition, the resulting work garners Lee’s praise as “a fresh perspective of the story of Linkdom.”

EARNESTiNE gREEN MCNEALEy, NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND HISTORY CHAIR, tuSCALOOSA (AL) ChApter


New NationalProgram InitiativesTHE ExECUTivE CoUnCiL

APProvEd FoUr nEW

nATionAL ProgrAm

iniTiATivES in novEmBEr

2010, FUrTHEr SoLidiFying

oUr PLACE AS A

nonProFiT PoWErHoUSE

oF ProgrAmming.

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NatioNal hbCu iNitiative

The goal of the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Initiative is to implement and support efforts that align with President Obama’s plan to increase the retention and graduation rates of students attending college by the year 2020. While emphasizing the relevance of HBCU’s past, present and future, this initiative will create synergy and comple-ment program initiatives already underway in the Areas. Through partnerships with identified national organizations we will encourage a national dialogue on HBCU/Community College collaboration at the Area Conferences. The Links, Incorporated will assist HBCUs in their ef-forts to recruit students by partnering with other national organizations to host HBCU college fairs and other events.

Other goals include: (1) development of an HBCU Toolkit for dissemination to Chapters, (2) encouraging Link members to connect with an HBCU, to mentor and recruit students, to identify opportunities for faculty research and/or professional development, and to contribute to the sustainability of HBCU institutions, (3) establishing and branding the name “The Links Scholars” and “The Links HBCU Endowment.”

For additional information on the national hBCu Initiative, please contact:

dorothy Cowser yancy Chair, National HBCU Initiative Atlanta (GA) Chapter [email protected]

NatioNal Childhood obeSity iNitiative

The adoption of the Childhood Obesity Resolution at the 35th National Assembly in 2006 signified The Links, Incorporated’s recognition of the need for targeted intervention strategies that address and produce sustained results among African-American children battling obesity. The Southern Area’s success in launching such a program gave root to the new National Child-hood Obesity Initiative.

With a purpose of developing and implementing strategies targeted to the specific health needs of African-American children, this initiative has been embraced to give a greater voice and sustainability to the health and well-being of our children. The Links, Incorporated plans to increase awareness and heighten understanding surrounding the multi-dimensional issues that contribute to obesity in African-American children. Additional goals are to: (1) develop an action-oriented agenda for disseminating key messages that aid in the prevention of childhood obesity among African-American children and (2) establish approaches that will strengthen col-laborative networks regarding obesity prevention to sustain on-going health initiatives.

For additional information on the national Childhood Obesity Initiative, please contact:

Henrie Treadwell Chair, National Childhood Obesity Initiative Atlanta (GA) Chapter [email protected]


SCieNCe, teChNology, eNgiNeeriNg aNd mathematiCS (Stem.) eduCa-tioN aNd Career readiNeSS iNitiative

The Western Area’s commitment to STEM education gave light to our need for a comprehen-sive national initiative. The STEM Education and Career Readiness Initiative was crafted out of The Links, Incorporated’s dedication to ensuring quality STEM education at all grade levels and to prepare youth for STEM-related careers.

Through The Links, Incorporated’s National STEM Initiative, local chapters will continue working to:

1) Increase STEM literacy so K-12th grade students can think critically in science, technology, engineering and mathematics

2) Close the education gap so underrepresented groups, including minority students, women and girls are no longer outperformed by any competing geographic or demographic group

3) Prepare youth to better compete for STEM-related career opportunities, through career awareness and field-based learning

By preparing and encouraging students to attend colleges and universities with STEM pro-grams, we will equip minorities with the skills to compete and excel in the global workforce that increasingly relies on individuals with STEM-related proficiencies.

The Links, Incorporated aims to identify and align with a national STEM-related program that is consistent with the initiative.

For additional information on the SteM education and Career readiness Initiative, please contact:

Argentina James Director, Services to Youth Missouri City (TX) Chapter [email protected]

aChieviNg the dream iNitiative

Education Linkage aims to support President Barack Obama’s education initiative by building an alliance with community colleges nationally and partnering with the Achieving the Dream program. Achieving the Dream is a multi-year national initiative designed to ensure the success of students who attend community college. Achieving the Dream is particularly concerned with student groups that traditionally have faced significant barriers to success, i.e. students of color and those from low-income families. There are currently 130 community colleges and four-year institutions participating in Achieving the Dream programs across the United States.

Education Linkage will lead The Links, Incorporated’s efforts to create a sustainable relation-ship with other national organizations that are especially focused on assisting African-American youth gain success in higher education and thus improve the quality of life for themselves and their families. This initiative will provide an opportunity for each of our 274 chapters to part-ner with their local community college.

For additional information on the Achieving the dream Initiative, please contact:

Erma Johnson Hadley Chair, Education Linkage Fort Worth (TX) Chapter [email protected]

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resonant leadership | richard boyatzis, annie mcKee

great leaders “give of themselves in the service of the cause, but they also care for

themselves, engaging in renewal to ensure they can sustain resonance over time,”

richard Boyatzis and Annie Mckee argue in resonant Leadership ($25.95; amazon.

com), their 2005 follow-up to the new York times Bestseller primal Leadership.

striking the right balance between serving others and caring for oneself isn’t easy

given the immense challenges of modern life. Weighed down by the continual pressure

to perform, leaders often resort to cynicism, overreaction and other negative coping

mechanisms as their emotional states spiral downward.

Making self-renewal a priority is the only way to provide

good leadership over time, the authors emphasize.

“leaders are often advised to focus on the rational

mind and on the mechanics of business—planning,

organizing, and controlling resources (including

people)—and to leave the soft stuff alone,” Boyatzis

and Mckee say. “They are told to ignore the body,

heart, and spirit or, better yet, leave them at the front

door when entering the office. But bringing only parts of

ourselves to work leaves us feeling lost, dull, or

as if we are running on a treadmill.”

The same is true of work within volunteer groups like The

links, incorporated. From evaluating the pressing needs of

communities, to raising funds and developing programs,

there is much to be done. Attentiveness to the fullness of

community members, fellow links, and even ourselves are

crucial to long-term success. “Mindfulness, hope, and com-

passion enable us to be resilient and function effectively even in

the face of challenges,” Boyatzis and Mckee say.

read resonant Leadership for its theory of sustainable leadership and eye-opening

profiles of good (and some bad) leaders at work.

maya payNe Smart, riCHMOnd (va) CHaptEr

For more on taking care of mind, body, heart and spirit, read The power of restoration on page 36.

ReadRESoNaNt LEadERShIp

and let us knoW What you think

by emailing your reaction to

[email protected].

recommended reading

national

president margot

James copeland gaVe

copies oF RESoNaNt

LEadERShIp to national

leadership summit

attendees.

Are you a Resonant Leader?Ask yourself these questions:

Am i inspirational?

Do i create an overall positive emotional tone that is characterized by hope?

Am i in touch with others?

Do i know what is in others’ hearts and minds?

Do i experience and demonstrate compassion?

Am i mindful—authentic and in tune with myself, others, and the environment?

– excerpted from resonant Leadership


STEPStep by

Scott Hawkins Leadership institute grooms members for area and national leadership.

if you ask scott Hawkins leadership institute (sHli) participants to describe the two-year program’s impact on their lives, the most common response you will receive is: a broader network of friends, inspiring leadership and an energized passion to make a difference.

But the proof is in their service. Take sHli alumnae rozalynn s. Frazier, Juli Farris and Tonya cantlo. After completing the two-year curriculum of formal leadership instruction and mentoring, the representatives of three different graduating classes have put their knowledge to work by taking on roles of increasing responsibility within The links, incorporated.

Their progression into more challenging leadership roles is exactly what 13th national President gladys gary Vaughn had in mind when she established the program at the 2004 national Assembly in Atlanta. “My hope was that after the institute, the young women would stand for office in The links or offer themselves up for positions in houses of worship, workplaces and volunteer organiza-tions,” she says.

Helped by a strong safety net of experienced leaders, these young links are empowered to make a difference wherever they are. “sHli connected me to a cadre of inspiring, powerful and successful women, including our past and present national and area leaders, that i can turn to, learn from and grow with,” Frazier says. “sHli also strengthened my voice in my work endeavors and helped me recognize that my contributions, no matter how big or small, are indeed valuable.”

And contribute she has. A 5-year member of The links, incorporated and a 2008 sHli graduate, Frazier is communications chair of the Metro-Manhattan (nY) chapter and past chair of programs. Her exceptional work as founding editor of the sHli newsletter resulted in a recent appointment as national communications co-chair.

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Juli Farris of the greater seattle (WA) chapter also says the institute opened the door for her to participate in the organization on a larger scale. “it expanded my perspective of the organization and changed my level of interest and commitment,” explains the 2006 graduate. “i feel so lucky to know so many of our future leaders and to have such confidence in where our organization is headed.”

Farris first served as financial secretary and Arts facet chair prior to serving as president of the greater seattle (WA) chapter. Fulfilling a major role at the area level, Farris coordinated link leaders across a broad geographical stretch as the cluster liaison for the 2008 seattle Assembly.

The legacy of leadership continues with the third cohort of scott Hawkins fellows.

Tonya cantlo of the greater Queens (nY) chap-ter credits her recent appointment to co-chair of the commission on ethics and standards to the relationships and visibility she gained through the institute.

“i was shocked,” she says of her appointment. “But i was prepared. scott Hawkins taught me how to adapt to different leadership styles and always keep the ultimate goal — the betterment of the organization — in mind.”

JoSephiNe d. daviS, sHli AluMnAe cHAir, FOrt

vaLLEY (Ga) CHaptEr

NeW deaNS JoiN Shli team

The Scott hawkins Leadership Institute has come a long way since its inception at the 2004 national Assembly in Atlanta. to date, more than 200 young women have completed the two-year program and applied their enhanced knowledge of leadership prin-ciples and practice to work in The Links, Incorporated and beyond.

ShLI is also enhanced by the addition of two first-time associate deans: Mildred edwards, Wichita (kS) Chapter, brings her public administration skills and her experience as a community psychologist; and Valerie kennedy-Miller, Metro-Manhattan (ny) Chapter, is enhancing our program through her legal expertise and women’s leadership development back-ground. dean Jan Collins eaglin and Associate dean deborah Brittain continue enhancing and guiding the evolution of the program.

each dean is responsible for keeping contact with the fellows from their Areas. kennedy-Miller is respon-sible for the eastern Area; Brittain for the Southern Area; eaglin for the Central Area; edwards for the Western Area. The deans will work with past fellows as mentors and find multiple ways to enhance their leadership potential. They also will update the area directors on the cohort’s progress.

Inaugural Scott hawkins Leadership Institute dean Josephine davis will lead the newly created ShLI Alumni Initiative. In this new role, davis will develop and implement programs to ensure that the network, enthusiasm and motivation of fellows don’t wane after graduation.

Left: Rozalynn S. Frazier, Metro-Manhattan (NY) Chapter. Middle: Juli Farris, Greater Seattle (WA) Chapter. Right: Tonya Cantlo, Greater Queens (NY) Chapter.

Welcome cohort iV

We are inspired and energized by cohort iV of the scott Hawkins leadership institute (sHli). Fifty-three accomplished, dynamic and articulate sHli fellows met in Wash-ington, D.c. for the initiating retreat. They began learning how to be leaders in their chapters and throughout the organization.

The fellows are on a personal journey to learn more about themselves and ways to translate their professional expertise to leadership experience within their chapters. some new aspects of the curriculum are examining on a deeper level The links, in-corporated’s ethics and integrity policies as a core element of leadership, appreciative inquiry and other models of strength-based leadership, and expanding continual contact with the fellows through technology.

JaN ColliNS eagliN, sHli DeAn, LanSinG/EaSt LanSinG (Mi) CHaptEr

30 linksinc.org | LEAdERSHip

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Executive Council directorymargot JameS CopelaNd national president Cleveland (OH) Chapter

gleNda NeWell-harriS national Vice president alameda Contra-Costa (Ca) Chapter

Kimberly JeFFrieS leoNard national recording secretary arlington (va) Chapter

KatheriNe e. WilSoN national treasurer and chair, Finance committee bold City (FL) Chapter

pamela J. geNtry chair, national nominating committee annapolis (Md) Chapter

alpha blaCKburN director, the arts indianapolis (in) Chapter

gWeNdolyN e. boyd chair, education across the miles Capital City (dC) Chapter

larNell burKS-bagley chair, rituals indianapolis (in) Chapter

teree CaldWell-JohNSoN central area director des Moines (ia) Chapter

SharoN ClaytoN co-chair, assembly, conference and event planning Western reserve (OH) Chapter

mattie ComptoN chair, commission on ethics and standards Fort Worth (tX) Chapter

mary Currie southern area director atlanta (Ga) Chapter

alma dodd director, national program and strategic partnerships Windy City (iL) Chapter

hazel duKeS ngo representative Metro-Manhattan (nY) Chapter

elaiNe mCColliNS FlaKe chaplain and chair, taking care of mind, body and spirit Greater new York (nY) Chapter

JeNNiFer ColemaN FluKer co-chair, technology Cleveland (OH) Chapter

Sherri blouNt gray general counsel and chair, legal affairs potomac (va) Chapter

erma JohNSoN hadley chair, education linkage Fort Worth (tX) Chapter

tequel hager co-chair, technology Greenville (SC) Chapter

CyNthia hightoWer-JeNKiNS chair, awards and recognition Shreveport (La) Chapter

patriCia iNgram Financial secretary Gulf Coast apollo (tX) Chapter

FerN JaCKSoN chair, protocol and courtesies alameda Contra-Costa (Ca) Chapter


Executive Council directoryargeNtiNa JameS director, services to youth Missouri City (tX) Chapter

marCella JoNeS chair, Fund development Capital City (dC) Chapter

JayNe baCCuS KhaliFa co-chair, organizational effectiveness Minneapolis-St.paul (Mn) Chapter

patriCia larKiNS-hiCKS co-chair, organizational effectiveness Columbus (OH) Chapter

madeliNe laWSoN chair, Women’s issues and economic empowerment Capital City (dC) Chapter

KathryN toWe littletoN chair, evaluations Oakland County (Mi) Chapter

SaNdra maloNe chair, chapter establishment dallas (tX) Chapter

earNeStiNe mCNealey chair, archives and history tuscaloosa (aL) Chapter

biShetta merritt eastern area director Washington (dC) Chapter

KareN JeFFerSoN morriSoN chair, legislative issues, public affairs and disaster relief Columbus (OH) Chapter

moNiCa parKer director, health and human services athens (Ga) Chapter

gloria parKer chair, strategic planning Harbor City (Md) Chapter

viviaN piCKard chair, corporate linkages renaissance (Mi) Chapter

Charlotte brooKS polK co-chair, assembly, conference and event planning Shelby County (tn) Chapter

JeaNNiNe quiCK-FraSier co-chair, chapter establishment Columbus (OH) Chapter

JaCqueliNe SpriggS reviS national parliamentarian San antonio (tX) Chapter

SharoN u. riChardSoN director, international trends and services newport news (va) Chapter

lyNNe W. rogerS director, national trends and services Columbia (SC) Chapter

barbra ruFFiN-boStoN Western area director San Francisco (Ca) Chapter

roSlyN Smith chair, human resources baltimore (Md) Chapter

CaSSaNdra hugheS WebSter chair, communications Shelby County (tn) Chapter

ida WoolFolK co-chair, taking care of mind, body and spirit St. Louis (MO) Chapter

dorothy CoWSer yaNCy chair, national hbcu initiative atlanta (Ga) Chapter

linksinc.org | HEALTH32

Dr. Monica Parker answers your questions about the new Health and Human Services facet.

The Health and Human Services facet burst

onto the scene this summer at the national

Assembly in detroit, but programs aimed

at eliminating health disparities in African-

American and economically disadvantaged

communities have long been a Links

tradition. Under the direction of dr. monica

Parker of the Athens (gA) Chapter, the new

facet will bring greater focus, resources and

coordination to our health initiatives. Here dr.

Parker answers your top Health and Human

Services facet questions.

Why WaS the NeW FaCet Created?

Many of our national programs focused on issues of health disparity. African Ameri-cans suffer premature death related to these disparities. Program Coordinator Alma Dodd proposed the creation of a health facet to directly address these problems. The member-ship voted to establish a health facet at the 37th National Assembly.

Community education about health risk is crucial and The Links, Incorporated can play a significant role in providing it. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among all groups. There is an increased prevalence of CVD in African Americans. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among African-American women over age 40. Risk factors for these diseases include obesity, diabetes, sed-entary lifestyle and no early detection which would allow for effective treatment and cure.

What iS viSioN For the NeW FaCet?

Our Health and Human Services theme is Making Black Women’s Health a Priority. There are many excellent health programs being conducted by our chapters. We would like to provide greater structure and support for our signature programs and develop or expand partnerships with national agencies that support our mission. We’d also like to encourage good health among our members with a Link Passport to document health screenings and other wellness milestones.

Health and Human Services will promote and facilitate programs that support the mainte-nance of good health and the elimination of chronic health disparities in communities of color through education, health advocacy, and optimal utilization of health resources. We will educate members about health promotion and disease prevention to ensure that we be-come models of the health behavior we hope to promote in our communities.

We’ll be guided by chapter assessments of community need, Healthy People 2020 (a U.S. Department of Health and Human Ser-vices initiative), and the goals of the National Center on Minority Health and Health Dis-

parities. The areas of emphasis are childhood obesity, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and organ, tissue and blood donation.

WhiCh exiStiNg programS Will move uNder the health aNd humaN ServiCeS FaCet?

All health-related programs will find a home within the new facet. This includes Linkages to Life, HeartLinks, and Walk for Healthy Living signature programs; child-hood obesity, oral health and brain health initiatives; and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure national partnership.

What Should ChapterS do NoW to eStabliSh their health aNd humaN ServiCeS FaCet?

All health programming should now fall under Health and Human Services. Chapters should name a Health and Human Services chair and begin to move in alignment with the national program.

hoW do We CommuNiCate With the health aNd humaN ServiCeS FaCet leaderShip?

Email us at [email protected]

Health and Human Services Director Monica Parker, Athens (GA) Chapter, [email protected]

Health and Human Services Assistant Direc-tor Cheryl Capers, Savannah (GA) Chapter, [email protected]

Susan G. Komen Chair Lolita McDavid, Cleveland (OH) Chapter, [email protected]

Linkages to Life Chair Joyce Dixon, Greens-boro (NC) Chapter, [email protected]

Childhood Obesity Initiative Chair Henri Treadwell, Atlanta (GA) Chapter, [email protected]

HeartLinks Signature Program Chair Mary E. Clark, Reston (VA) Chapter, [email protected]

Walk for Healthy Living Chair Ella Horton, Shelby County (TN) Chapter, [email protected]

Thank you to the 206 chapters that completed the Health and Human Services Survey!

Helpful linkshealthy people 2020 http://www.healthypeople.gov/hp2020/

national center on minority health and health disparities (ncmhd) http://ncmhd.nih.gov/

dr. Monica parker, Health and Human Services Director

Health FocusL

33HEALTH | linksinc.org

The most recent report of the American cancer society projects:

• Anestimated19,540newcasesofbreastcancerwereexpectedtooccuramongAfrican- American women in 2009.

• BreastcanceristhemostcommoncanceramongAfrican-Americanwomen.

• Anestimated6,020deathsfrombreastcancerwereexpectedtooccuramongAfrican-Americanwomen in 2009.

• BreastcanceristhesecondmostcommoncauseofcancerdeathamongAfrican-Americanwomen, exceeded only by lung cancer.

• Duringtheearly1980s,breastcancerdeathratesforwhiteandAfrican-Americanwomenwereabout equal, but during 2001-2005 African-American women had a 37 percent higher death rate.

• ThehighermortalityrateinAfrican-Americanwomenmayberelatedtodifferencesinaccesstoand utilization of early detection and treatment and differences in tumor characteristics.

• From1996-2004,thefive-yearsurvivalrateforbreastcanceramongAfrican-Americanwomenwas 77 percent, compared with 90 percent among white women. The difference may be attrib-uted to both late stage at detection and poorer stage specific survival.

AMericAn cAncer socieTY cAncer FAcTs & Figures For AFricAn AMericAns 2009-2010.

Above: The Nassau Chapter of the Links, Incorporated in partnership with Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, held their first 5K in Nassau, Bahamas, January, 2011. More than 1500 participated in this inaugural event.

The Links, Incorporated presented a $25,000 check to the Princess Margaret Hospital. Left to right: Dr. Monica W. Parker, Director Health and Human Services facet, The Links, Incorporated; Coralie Adderley, Chief Hospital Administrator, Princess Margaret Hospital and Secretary to the PMH Foundation; Paulette Zonicle, Board member, PMH Foundation; Margot James Copeland, National President, The Links, Incorporated; Mary Currie, Southern Area Director, The Links, Incorporated; Patricia Newbold, Senior Nursing Officer for Oncology Services, PMH; Katherine E. Wilson, National Treasurer, The Links, Incorporated.

Main photo: Kenna Williams, senior marketing coordinator for Komen for the Cure, hosts booth at the 37th National Assembly.

breast cancer statistics For AFriCAn-AmEriCAn WomEn

Share Your Stories with UsTo highlight your chapter’s work with susan g. komen for the cure, contact lolly McDavid at [email protected]

linksinc.org | HEALTH34

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crowning gloryParthenon (Tn) Chapter takes

message of breast cancer

awareness, support and

empowerment on the road.

Hair loss is a common, and devastating, side effect of chemotherapy for many cancer patients. For women battling breast cancer, losing their locks is often one more obstacle they face as they battle heroically against this disease. To that end the Parthenon (TN) Chapter launched Project Crowning Glory to lessen the blow by providing wigs styled especially for black women.

The chapter quickly met its goal of collect-ing 150 new or gently used wigs for cancer patients and invited the rest of the Nashville Cluster to participate as well. The other chapter presidents readily agreed and together Links from the Parthenon (TN), Nashville (TN), Music City (TN) and Hendersonville (TN) Chapters collected more than 500 wigs in less than six months.

While collecting, washing, conditioning, and styling the wigs were pretty simple tasks, dis-tribution proved to be a challenge. Fortunate-ly, the American Cancer Society recognized the need and assisted with wig deliveries. The resulting partnership helped expand the program’s reach to several Tennessee cities and even one in Mississippi.

For more information about Project Crowning Glory, contact Paulette Coleman, Parthenon (TN) Chapter, at [email protected].

But the Parthenon Chapter’s efforts didn’t stop there. The Chapter planned a day of rejuvenation and beauty for cancer survivors, including a photo shoot with Lucius Outlaw, Jr., owner of Lou Outlaw photography and husband of a Parthenon Link. Participants are now taking their photos and message of breast cancer awareness, support and empow-erment on the road with Project Crowning Glory: A Photographic Expression of Beauty, Strength and Resilience.

Launched in August 2010 at the Vanderbilt Marriott Hotel, the exhibit features evocative photographs of the survivors of breast and other cancers, both with wigs and without. The Greater Nashville Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure recently underwrote the traveling exhibit with a $7,500 grant.

As cancer survivor Harriette Bias-Insignares noted, the portraits are a powerful reminder that “there is life and beauty beyond a cancer diagnosis.”

pAULETTE CoLEMAN, pArthenOn (tn) ChApter


“ There is life and beauty beyond a cancer diagnosis.” - Harriette Bias-Insignares

project Crowning glory: a photographic expression of beauty, Strength and resilience

a diva is born Makeover Brings Cancer Survivor New Look and New Attitude

Before cancer, i saw myself as a wife, mother, sis-ter, friend, neighbor, volunteer, journalist, educator, storyteller, soloist, poet, author, community activ-ist, commercial model and christian believer.

After cancer treatment and a bone marrow trans-plant, the most important question is: Who have i become? When i thought i was at my lowest, the makeover and lou’s artistic eye lifted me and captured the heights that i can reach if i will only believe and dream.

i have become a cancer activist, a role model, a diva and to my surprise, a fashion model accord-ing to the clearance we signed to be a part of the exhibit. i have embraced the dream that the Parthenon chapter has inspired. now i believe my life will show that the best is yet to come...

harriette biaS-iNSigNareS, MuSiC CitY

(tn) CHaptEr

Clara Burnam

Patricia Adams

Marilyn Wyatt Harris

behind the Scenes

Chapter photos courtesy of parthenon (tn) Chapter.

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The Power

of restora


37FRiENdSHip | linksinc.org

national Chaplain and

Taking Care of mind, Body

and Spirit Chair Elaine m.

Flake explains how rest and

renewal fuel service.

As busy and hard-working women, our lives often become overrun with endless to-do lists. Between work, family, civic and social commitments, our hearts and minds become cluttered with demands that take us away from the balance and self-care that is necessary for healthy living.

We cannot allow our fast-paced lives or the ever-growing pressures of daily life to deprive us of the time to renew ourselves. This is essential for our well-being.

As active women, we must find a way to relax that empowers us and allows us to experience enjoyment, contentment and satisfaction. This process requires more than just the nightly requisite of six to eight hours of sleep (although that’s a start). It demands that we address our own inner conflict, feelings of grief, anger and mental unrest.

David’s poetic imagery in the 23rd Psalm advises us that it is imperative that we withdraw from the crowd and go to the mental and spiritual places that provide us with nurturing and peace, so that we may be emotionally healed and rejuvenated. The Psalm also reminds us that we must learn to stay away from the choppy waters of stress and unrealistic demands others put on us, and what we put on ourselves. So, whether your pasture or still water is a house of worship, a regular time for prayer and meditation, a therapist’s couch or a cruise ship, we cannot move ahead until we get what we need to take us to a healthy and productive future.

Clearly, one of the authentic hallmarks of a life well lived is the desire to serve others, but we cannot forget that we are our best selves only when our bodies are healthy and our souls are restored. We have to be intentional about making our lives simpler and less stressful. The more stress we eliminate, the more peaceful and productive we become. The more we detach ourselves from stressful people, the more certain we are to enter into places where contentment is plentiful and waters are refreshing and still.

God is faithful and provides us with green pastures and still waters. God’s desire is that in the midst of all that we do, our spirits are uplifted and our souls are restored.

REV. ELAiNE MCCoLLiNS FLAKE, NATIONAL CHAPLAIN AND TAKING CARE OF MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT CHAIR, GreAter neW yOrk (ny) ChApter

Rev. Elaine McCollins Flake, National Chaplain and Taking Care of Mind, Body and Spirit Chair

“ He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” psalms 23:2-3

tion


Please send your chapter Friendship Month write-ups to National Vice President Glenda Newell-Harris and your respective Area Vice Director:

National Vice President Glenda Newell-Harris – [email protected]

Central Area Vice Director Alice Strong-Simmons – [email protected]

Eastern Area Vice Director Dianne Smith Hardison – [email protected]

Western Area Vice Director Constance Fitzpatrick Smith – [email protected]

Southern Area Vice Director Eneid A. Francis – [email protected]

CELEBRATE FRIENDSHIP

In honor of Links Friendship Month, members of the Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter attended worship service together at St. Maria Goretti Church before sharing a lovely brunch. photo courtesy of Shaniece B. Bickham, pontchartrain (LA) Chapter.

1. Perform the Friendship Ceremony at a chapter or cluster luncheon.

2. Bring in a facilitator to engage your chapter in team-building activities.

3. Host a progressive dinner (cocktails and appetizers at one house, entrees at another and dessert at a third).

4. Worship together at a local church.

5. Hold a scrapbooking or craft party to preserve chapter memories and forge new relationships.

iT’S ALWAyS THE rigHT TimE To STrEngTHEn CHAPTEr BondS. HErE ArE FivE FriEndSHiP ACTiviTiES To Try.

reminder

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“ Stop for a moment and ask your-selves, is what I’m doing kind? Is it helpful? Is it useful? Is it the way I would want to be treated? Then you will go a long way toward living up to the word friendship as embodied in the name Links.”

- Marion Schultz Sutherland, 10th national president


tri-County (al) ChapterChartering date: June 12, 2010

Chartering Location: Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, Birmingham, Alabama

Number of Members: 37

membersTracey Morant-Adams, ethics and Standards ChairBarbara S. AllenRhonda G. AllenDovie W. BellLeVoria BushelonMattie Wilkins-CrawfordJanice DouthardSamuetta H. Drew, presidentCassie J. FergusonCassandra Fincher-FellsLynn Flowers-MartinDerritta Ford-GainerJuandalynn Givan, Vice presidentHazel HoseyNorma HumesJanice JacksonMarshell Jackson, program ChairVelda Pugh-Kinsey, Archives ChairGriena H. Knight, recording Secretary

Melva LangfordMargaret H. LewisJudy ManningsSusanne MatthewsPatricia Hendon-MayRukiya P. McClainLatoya McQueenAdrienne MitchellJanice H. Orange, ChaplainCarmen Perkins, Financial SecretaryTonya PerryRolessa PowellTameka WoodruffBrenda Carter-Taylor, Corresponding SecretaryMalera Traylor-Wright, parliamentarianBetty Jean Hill-UnderwoodMargie VarnerDebbie Williams, treasurer

Welcome

“I am pleased and honored to have been the president of our interest group and now the new tri-County (AL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Our talented ladies display the very foundations The Links, Incorporated is built upon–warm sisterly spirits rooted in service. Our journey to Linkdom was a wonderful experience, which allowed us to bond as we served the tri-county communities, but the ultimate destination of Linkdom has been awesome! Chapterhood has afforded us the opportunity to meet very distinguished sisters nationwide that mirror the outstanding qualities we saw locally in the Links who helped and supported us along our journey. your support and well wishes spur us to continue to build upon the strong partnership we formed with the City of Leeds where we provide youth empowerment service programs. It truly delights us when we use the title “Link” when addressing each other because now we each understand and value what the word means–friendship and service.”

- Samuetta Drew, president, tri-County (AL) Chapter


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miami-biscayne bay (Fl) ChapterChartering date: June 30, 2010

Chartering Location: 37th National Assembly in Detroit, Michigan

Number of Members: 31

membersEffie Adams, rituals ChairElaine AdderlyTearsa Black-HarveyVanessa ByersBeatrice CazeauLillian Cooper, presidentLucia Davis-RaifordAudrey Edmonson, International trends and Services ChairRebecca FuzzDarlene Gay, program Co-ChairJennifer GreenCarolyn Hazelton, Financial SecretaryEunice Hogan, ArchivistRoslyn Jackson, Vice presidentMartha Johnson-Rutledge, treasurerLinda Kearson, By-Laws ChairBeatrice Louissaint, ChaplainGeorgia McLean, health and human Services ChairShirlyon McWhorter, protocol Chair

Zandra Rucker, program Co-Chair and The Arts ChairVal Screen, Corresponding SecretaryRosa SimmonsJean Teal, host Committee ChairMary TillmanH. Leigh Toney, national trends and Services ChairReva Vangates, recording SecretaryRonda VangatesJacquelyn WhiteBeth WilliamsValerie WilliamsCarol Wilson, Services to youth Chair

Welcome

“The Miami-Biscayne Bay (FL) Chapter is pleased to join The Links, Incorporated, a nationally admired circle of friendship and service. After our chartering at the national Assembly in detroit we hit the ground running. The entire chapter is busily preparing for and initiating our umbrella project for this first programmatic year. We have selected to focus our energy around COpe Center north, a school for teen parents. We are crafting activities, which connect the five facets in this single initiative. We look forward to partner-ships with Florida Memorial university, the local historically black college, as well as the African heritage Cultural Arts Center as we infuse the national initiatives into our local endeavors. We are also pleased to move forward in building our first home for those in haiti, and furthering our connection with a school in the Bahamas, which has a mission similar to COpe.”

- Lillian Cooper, president, Miami-Biscayne Bay (FL) Chapter

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THE Laughter CURE

rEAdy SmiLES And good HUmor BoLSTEr FriEndSHiP And SErviCE.

Recently, I spent an unforgettable evening battling the technology that’s supposed to make life easier. With an important conference call just minutes away, my cell phone wouldn’t hold a charge, my wireless Internet conked out and my fax machine rang and rang without ever delivering a message.

I wanted to scream, but decided to laugh instead. I then turned on the TV and tuned into a comedy show. This instantly lifted my mood and the crisis I found myself stressing about just moments earlier, now seemed less important.

Time and again experiences like this one teach me that laughter is the best medicine. Indeed, it is well documented that a hearty chuckle has plenty of good-for-you benefits. From boosting immunity and relieving stress to improving mood and connecting people emotionally, laughter offers an inexpensive (and healthy) cure to your everyday issues.

“Laughter occurs when people are comfortable with one another, when they feel open and free,” says anthropologist Mahadev Apte. Did you know that shared laughter helps create a positive bond between people and helps build healthy relationships? And while it is good to laugh alone, it is even better to share a chuckle with your close girl friends and most of all your sister Links.

As Links, we work hard on service projects, fundraisers and chapter business. As women, we manage busy lives and juggle multiple roles.

A little laughter can make all our efforts more enjoyable—and effective. So we must seek ways to incorporate more humor into our chapter meetings and events— these good-humored interactions among members will help enhance member satisfaction, retention and recruitment.

Whether it’s simply sharing a smile with your sister Link or introducing chapter activities that promote playful communications such as a humorous “Linkspiration,” a light-hearted ice breaker or a girls night out, having fun strength-ens our relationships, attracts others to us, helps to defuse conflict and promotes group bonding.

dR. gLENdA NEwELL-HARRiS, NATIONAL

VICE PRESIDENT, ALAMedA COntrA-COStA

(CA) ChApter

“ In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.” - kahlil Gibran

dr. glenda Newell-Harris, National Vice President, Alameda Contra-Costa (CA)

linksinc.org | SERViCE42

Top: Jones Center students take part in Black History Month performance against a backdrop of student art.

Middle: Links and art program participants gather at Jones Center awards ceremony.

bottom: South Suburban Chicago (IL) Chapter President Arlene Burke with area and national Poster Arts Contest winner.

Art InfusionL

SoUTH SUBUrBAn CHiCAgo (iL) CHAPTEr BringS viSUAL And PErForming ArTS To UndErSErvEd yoUTH.

children in the chicago Heights area have limited exposure to cultural enrichment programs due to the lack of family finances, community funding, and the elimination of arts programs in the local school district. so, the south suburban chicago (il) chapter launched an after school arts program at Harold colbert Jones Memorial community center to reverse the trend. Ten years later the chapter’s year-round program, in partnership with Tall grass Arts Association, local cable Access Televi-sion, and the umoja People, still provides young people with exposure to the arts through dance, piano lessons, choir and visual arts.

“The influence of the art infusion has enhanced the skills of the staff and enriched the lives of the students,” says Jones center Director Tonnietta ivie. “This inspiration resulted in the creation of a colorful mural and other art work that now brightens the walls throughout our center,” adds Arts chair Marchelle goens, south surburban chicago (il) chapter. “nothing excites me more than to see the commitment, work ethic, ambition, and initiative of students who have gained these valuable skills through our program.”

marChelle goeNS AnD JaCqueliNe JameS leWiS, SOutH Suburban CHiCaGO (iL) CHaptEr

“ Cultured to our core, the theme for the activities of The Arts facet acknowledges our legacy of fostering artistic expression and elevating the most refined aspects of our culture. We will re-energize The Arts through defining their connections to the goals of our areas of focus and integrating them whenever practical into all areas of programming.” - National Arts Director Alpha Blackburn - National Arts Assistant Director Gladys Smith

The South Suburban

Chicago (IL) Chapter won

1st Place in The Arts

43SERViCE | linksinc.org

Essex County (NJ) Chapter Services to Youth Chair Joan Randall congratulates Road to College participant during graduation exercises.

college PrePEssex County (nJ) Chapter Helps First generation University Applicants Succeed

national statistics from the Journal of blacks in Higher Education suggest that many black and latino students score poorly on standardized tests and often do not apply for financial assistance properly. in an effort to close the gap, the women of the essex county (nJ) chapter and the east orange Public library have created the roadmap to college program. Together they provide students with targeted workshops that focus on sAT preparedness and financial aid readiness to insure that participants have the very best opportunity to get into their college or university of choice and receive scholarships and grants to assist with tuition.

“We are dealing with first generation college applicants,” says essex county services to Youth chair Joan randall. “What struck me was that many students had never been on a college campus before. We allow them to visualize themselves on a college campus, talk to admissions counselors, and get a feel for what it’s really like.”

since the program’s inception in 2004, the essex county (nJ) chapter has positively impacted more than 200 families annually. notices are placed in local newspapers to recruit students from area high schools to participate in workshops during the program, which runs for an academic year and includes link-led sessions on college admissions, learning strategies, negotiating senior year and a college tour. kaplan instructors also teach the intensive 13-week sAT preparation portion of the program.

To gauge program effectiveness, students are tested at enrollment and again at completion of the program. each program graduate has demonstrated an increase in both test-taking capabilities and sAT scores. students say the workshops have reduced the stress of standardized test taking and alleviated the mystery generally associated with completing financial aid forms.

The chapter hosts a celebration for program participants, complete with certificates and parental applause. From there, most participants move on to college. Program graduates have enrolled in Montclair state university, Morehouse college, rutgers university, spelman college, and the uni-versity of Pennsylvania.

daWN haNKiN Cliette, eAsTern AreA coMMunicATions cHAir, MEtrO-ManHattan (nY) CHaptEr

The Essex County (NJ) Chapter won 1st Place in Services to Youth


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Saturday MorningSTART

Shelby County (Tn) Chapter’s institute for Women’s Empowerment helps families move from poverty to economic self-sufficiency.



Saturday Morning

Institute for Women’s Empowerment Graduation

Fifty-five percent of the African-American households in Memphis are led by single females — women who are struggling to fill the role of two parents, with few, if any, barriers standing between them and poverty. So the Shelby County (TN) Chapter embarked upon an ambitious plan to connect this population of women with the educational, professional and personal resources they need to thrive.

“Our ultimate goal was to break the cycle of poverty,” says Bridget Chisholm, who spearheaded the outreach effort that would later become the Institute for Women’s Empowerment.

In partnership with government, leading businesses, non-profits and financial institutions, the Chapter addressed the needs of women in public housing using a four-prong approach. “By focusing on building self-image, creating health awareness, improving financial literacy, and providing guidance in personal and professional educational skills, these women could be given a second chance in life,” explains Immediate Past President Cecelia Sawyer.

Through the Institute, participants and their children engage in an intensive four-month life skills program. The three-hour interactive sessions, led by Link sisters on Saturday mornings, culminate in the development of a five-year Individual and Family Business Plan for each par-ticipant. The plan provides real-time actions each participant will take over 12 months to begin the shift from generational poverty to self-sufficiency.

“This has been and continues to be an opportunity for us to share with other black women what we have been so blessed to know — that believing in oneself is the first step to achieving anything,” says Chapter President Sandra Reed.

The program has also attracted significant community sup-port. “The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis was one of the first funders to embrace the Institute for Women’s Empowerment (IWE) program because it “aligned with our mission to foster leadership for women by women, build cour-age and engage participation in a comfortable and friendly en-vironment for them and their children,” says Ruby Bright, the foundation’s executive director and a member of the Chapter. “I saw first hand the positive and lasting impact that resulted for the entire family.”

While the Chapter has won national recognition for this program at two consecutive national assemblies, the real achievement is the 236 women who have been served through this initiative.

FELiCiA THoMAS-LyNN, CreAM CIty (WI) ChApter

SAdiE wiNLoCK, CLeVeLAnd (Oh) ChApter

“ This has been and continues to be an opportunity for us to share with other black women what we have been so blessed to know — that believing in oneself is the first step to achieving anything.”

- Sandra Reed, Shelby County (TN) Chapter President

The Shelby County (TN) and Lakeshore (IL) Chapters shared 1st Place honors in National Trends and Services

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Hope


“You can’t get a job without two front teeth,” says 34-year-old Annette Jones.* she boldly smiles in front of a room of women as if she’s posing for a toothpaste advertisement. it’s the first time in years that Jones, a homeless woman, has had a full set of teeth. “i now feel i can look at someone in the eye and don’t have to be ashamed,” she says.

Jones is just one of 59 women who have par-ticipated in the Pacific garden Mission Women’s Division Job Preparedness Program established by the national Trends and services committee of the lake shore (il) chapter.

lake shore member sheila Brown Boone, a dentist, offered free dental care to Jones and other homeless women participating in the pro-gram. “Missing front teeth at a job interview are like the elephant in the room,” Boone remarked. “everyone sees it, no one acknowledges it. But everyone remembers it.”

The program offers complete makeovers includ-ing hair styling, nail grooming and even donated business attire. However, lake shore national Trends committee chair Aleda goodwin says the internal makeover is what really mat-ters. “The women at the mission had strong educational backgrounds and had been in the workforce, but they had experienced some

setbacks,” goodwin recalls. “We realized these women were ripe to go back into the workforce and they needed some assistance to improve their resume, writing and literacy skills while building their self-esteem and building their desire to get back on their feet.”

The chapter’s relationship with Pacific garden Mission, the nation’s oldest homeless shelter, with a more than 130-year history, began in 2007. goodwin remembers the director of the Women’s Division tearfully pleading for The links to deliver socks during chicago’s harsh winter. “she said ‘if we can just keep their feet warm that would make a difference,’” goodwin says. The reality of such a basic request humbled commit-tee members who responded by donating more than 200 pairs of socks and 200 nightgowns.

The program quickly flourished to include skills assessment, resume writing, interviewing tech-niques, dressing for success and one-on-one mentoring. recently, a literacy component was added, thanks to the passion of committee co-chair lottie Powell Williams.

The year culminated with the annual job fair in collaboration with the illinois Department of employment security, which was made possible by chapter member Barbara Pinder. As a result, many women have obtained employment, moved out of the shelter and been reunited with their children.

With thousands of women in the chicago-area walking through the doors of Pacific gar-den Mission each year, lake shore chapter President Vicki Hill Brooks says, “We have the opportunity to change many lives.”

Jala aNderSoN-mCKee, LakE SHOrE (iL) CHaptEr

* name has been changed to protect the identity of the participant.

“ Missing front teeth at a job interview are like the elephant in the room, everyone sees it, no one acknowledges it. But everyone remembers it.” - Sheila Brown Boone,

Lake Shore (IL) Chapter

Above: Exterior of Pacific Garden Mission: the nation’s oldest homeless shelter.

opposite Main: Left to right: National Trends and Services Co-Chair Lottie Powell-Williams delivering socks to homeless women and Pacific Garden Mission Women Services Director Amy Rodriguez accepting the donation.

opposite Left: Left to right: National Trends and Services Chair Aleda Goodwin and Co-Chair Lottie Powell-Williams recognize Pacific Garden Mission Women Services Director Amy Rodriguez for her commitment to the Job Preparedness Program.

opposite Middle: Job Preparedness participant getting instruction at the IDESC Job Fair to apply for jobs online.

opposite Right: All women at the shelter gather for a “Dress for Success” Fashion Show with Links demonstrating ways to dress professionally.

LAkE SHorE LinkS mAkE ovEr WomEn For CArEEr SUCCESS.

HOPEfor the homeless

The Lakeshore (IL) and Shelby County (TN) Chapters shared 1st Place honors in National Trends and Services


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the Genocide

STOPinglewood Pacific (CA)

Chapter hosts darfur

Forum to advocate for

women and children.

1. Jewish World Watch, a five-year partner of the Chapter’s Darfur Project, presented a tremendously moving video of issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Janice Reznik (left), founder and president of Jewish World Watch, traveled to the Congo and met with women who had seen their families murdered and who themselves had been raped and set on fire. Tears flowed in the audience as the Congolese women told their stories. Reznik concluded that “despite the evil in the world, God’s presence is in the deliberate actions of people who care and help, like the Links.”

2. Suleiman Mohammed (center, surrounded by ITS facet members), a Sudanese who fled civil war in his homeland, spoke of the continued rape and mutilation of women as effective weapons of war. He also spoke of living through the horror of seeing families, even complete villages, burned to the ground. Finally, he urged the audience to closely monitor the elections in Sudan to ensure they were free, fair and did not illegally return convicted war-criminal President Bashir to office.

3. The Chapter erected a large canvas tent in the Darfur Forum’s entry courtyard, symbolizing the homelessness and suffering of a people displaced by civil war. The tent was covered with notes of peace and encouragement from Darfur advocates.

4. The Chapter’s accomplishments during the past six years include providing solar stoves to more than 2,500 women and girls in Darfur and Chad camps, reducing by 86 percent their risk of rape while seeking firewood for cooking; providing shelter, medicine, farm animals and clean water for 3,000 people in Darfur; soliciting $13,000 to renovate

a women’s health clinic in Sudan; launching the November 2008 Post Card Campaign to encourage President-elect Obama to Stop the Violence on day 1—a project adopted by Links nationwide in July 2009; and establishing the e-blast for Darfur to exponentially increase messages to President Obama to stop the violence. The Chapter made tools and materials for implementing each of these strategies available on the display tables at the Darfur Forum.

5. A dramatic call to assemble, by the African-American women’s drummer group Horoya Kan (The Sound of Freedom), opened the space for the spirit of communication and collaboration. To the delight of the audience, Horoya Kan interspersed the program with two additional traditional drum and dance performances.

6. The Inglewood Pacific (CA) Chapter (pictured here at a Darfur demonstration) has a six-year history of humanitarian support and political advocacy on behalf of the women and children of Darfur, but it doesn’t do the work alone. From the beginning, the Chapter has enlisted the support of the broader community in its efforts to stop the genocide and to bolster effective programming in Africa. More than 100 people, representing diverse faith-based, charitable, fraternal, and Africa advocacy groups attended its Darfur Forum in January.

JACKiE KiMbRoUgH, InGLeWOOd pACIFIC (CA) ChApter

Sudan

The Inglewood Pacific

(CA) Chapter won 1st Place

in International Trends

and Services


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The U.S. public education system has failed to equip a large number of minority youth with the technological skills required in the 21st century. Sadly, these students are being left be-hind with little hope of participating in the competitive global job market, which increasingly revolves around science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills.

Pre-college education, specifically middle school and high school, is the bridge for preparing our students to excel in STEM related careers. Yet, it is within the middle schools and high schools where the educational system is the most dysfunctional in urban America. Results of a recent research study published by The Information Technology and Innovation Founda-tion, titled Addressing the STEM Challenge by Expanding Specialty Math and Science High

STEM-ULATING StudentsTHE miSSoUri CiTy (Tx) CHAPTEr PrEPS STUdEnTS For CArEErS in SCiEnCE, TECHnoLogy, EnginEEring And mATHEmATiCS.

Missouri City (TX)

Chapter won 1st Place in

Umbrella Programs

Above: Reuben Soto, a volunteer from Mustang Engineering, teams up with BP engineers to show E-STEM 9th graders JaTyrus Zuber, Taylor Wilkerson, and Adora Smith how to construct offshore platforms out of household supplies, while highlighting the importance of teamwork, planning, and communication. The students were at BP’s North America Headquarters in Houston, Texas during National Engineering Week.


School, showed that only one in 100 African-American 17-year-olds can comfortably solve multi-step mathematics problems or do elementary algebra. Within the state of Texas, only 41 percent of high school graduates are ready for college-level math (algebra), and only 24 percent are ready for college-level science (biology). Alarmingly, the number of African-American youth who have prepared or are being prepared for the 21st century STEM careers has declined over the past 10 years.

To reverse this dire trend, the Missouri City (TX) Chapter launched STEM-ulation: Right Brain-Left Brain, an umbrella project that aims to increase the number of students enrolled and retained in STEM based curri-cula, raise related standardized test scores and bolster awareness of and interest in STEM college courses and post-college careers.

“This is an intentional program designed to support the goal of making the transition from high school to college not only pos-sible but attainable,” says Chapter President Sharon Owens. “Our chapter called upon the leadership, knowledge and positioning of its members at major corporations, institutions, medical facilities and Texas Southern Univer-sity to propel the STEM charter school to the next level. This program is a true testament to the breadth and depth of the women and resources within this great organization.”

The Chapter and partners including The Choice Foundation, the E-STEM Academies and Ryan Middle School together created a challenging yet supportive environment for student success. An annual recruitment event introduces children to the program, which includes weekly chemistry labs and biol-ogy classes taught by STEM professors and graduate students every Friday at the Texas

Southern University campus. Additionally, the chapter works closely with school admin-istrators to develop field and practical labora-tory experiences and workshops that reinforce the rigorous academic program and highlight STEM-related careers.

Moreover, each facet develops unique field experiences and workshops that reinforce the importance and relevance of STEM com-petencies in our everyday lives, and provide interactive opportunities for the students to meet and network with minority and women STEM professionals. For example, the National Trends and Services facet took students to a NASA facility to experience the weightlessness chamber and meet astronauts and ground crews, and The Arts facet took students behind the curtain to see the tech-nology that supports theatre productions.

Although the program is in its infancy, early results are promising.The E-STEM Acad-emies participated in a state-wide robotics competition and won fourth place among the 87 schools that competed, an astound-ing achievement for students from Houston’s Third Ward, one of the lowest socioeconomic areas in the city.

“We believe this level of success speaks to the consummate program design and the commitment of each partner to expose the students to the best and the brightest STEM

professionals in the city, coupled with rigor-ous study,” says National Services to Youth Director Argentina M. James, who is also a member of the Missouri City (TX) Chapter. “The 97.9 percent performance rating on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) scores, almost three percentage points higher than the national average, is another early indicator that we’re on the right track and closely aligned with the goals and objec-tives of the program.”

More concrete evidence of the program’s posi-tive impact on the STEM-deficiency will be available when the students graduate from the program. The curriculum is designed so that each student will receive 24 college credits upon graduation, therefore leaving high school with a diploma and a two-year college associate’s degree.

“This is an incredible achievement and a huge financial boost to families who do not have the means to pay for college,” James says. “STEM-ulation; Right Brain/Left Brain is a powerful tool for producing high school graduates with a deep knowledge and strong passion for science, technology, engineering and math that translates into much higher rates of college attendance and graduation in scientific fields.”

dELoRES d. SMiTH, MISSOurI CIty (tX) ChApter

Right: A Cinco Ranch Robotics senior student, representing the award winning Robotics Cryptonite team, teaches E-STEM Academy 9th graders Jasmine Davis, Jasmine Jones, Donovan Carter and Rudy Contreras how to construct a robot and later demonstrates how Robotic Operating Vehicles (ROVs) are used in the oil and gas industry. The students were at BP’s North America Headquarters in Houston, Texas during National Engineering week.


Sponsors

Fedex CorporatioN

FedEx serves as a sponsor of The Links, Incorporated Mentoring Program and the National Cares Mentor-ing Movement. FedEx’s sponsorship allows for the development of mentoring materials designed to help enhance the youth outreach work of The Links, Incorporated’s chapters as they address critical issues facing children and teens. Through this sponsorship, FedEx also presents the FedEx Mentoring Award to chapters in each area that achieve the most outstanding results in their mentoring efforts.

ally Smartedge

Through our national sponsorship from Ally Financial, The Links, Incorporated implements the SmartEdge financial literacy program. The SmartEdge program is aimed at helping people make better financial deci-sions by providing them with information about budgeting, credit reports, credit scoring and other tools in an effort to assist making informed financial choices. Chapters receive funding for conducting and fully completing the SmartEdge sessions using the curriculum developed by Ally Financial. In 2011, Ally will sponsor the SmartEdge program in the following cities: Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Detroit, MI; Jacksonville, FL; Philadelphia, PA; Phoenix, AZ; Salt Lake City, UT; and Waterloo, IA.

aarp are you ready

The Links, Incorporated is partnering with AARP to implement the Are You Ready program. This innova-tive, comprehensive program will provide tools and resources to support African-American women who are either preparing for life as they age or are currently dealing with the aging process. The program includes components for preventative measures during each specific life stage and provides health, wellness and finan-cial support and services to the 50-plus community.

maCy’S rWaNda path to peaCe aNd heart oF haiti

In partnership with Macy’s, The Links, Incorporated has lent its support to the rwanda path to peace initiative. Through the sale of one-of-a-kind hand-woven baskets made by the women of Rwanda, this life-changing initiative raises awareness about the remarkable movement for the economic empowerment of the women of Rwanda. Macy’s generous donation of Rwanda Baskets for auction, has helped The Links, Incor-porated raise much-needed funds for the programming efforts of the International Trends and Services facet.

Fall 2010 brought the expansion of the Macy’s partnership through the joint support of the heart of haiti program. The heart of haiti brings trade and aid to the earthquake-devastated country through a program for selling traditional Haitian artisan home décor products, available in 25 Macy’s stores and on macys.com. Macy’s has also awarded program grants to the Detroit (MI), Fort Worth (TX) and Windy City (IL) Chapters.

Our partners and sponsors are passionate about their involvement with The Links, Incorporated and play a critical role in helping our organization of accomplished, dedicated women work toward the realization of making the name Links not only a chain of friendship, but also a chain of purposeful service.


There are numerous ways to form a partnership with The Links, Incorporated. We invite you to join us in partnership as we impact the lives of countless men, women and children all over the world through our program facets: Services to youth, national trends and Services, International trends and Services, The Arts, and health and human Services.

SuSaN g. KomeN For the Cure®

The Links, Incorporated has partnered with Susan G. Komen for the Cure® to promote the Circle of Promise to local communities by working with the 274 chapters and Susan G. Komen for the Cure® affiliates and the Komen on the Go™ mobile trailer. We mobilize to reach and teach African-American communities about proper breast health care in an effort to eliminate the disproportionate number of black women’s lives lost to breast cancer.

habitat For humaNity iNterNatioNal

The Links, Incorporated officially launched its partnership with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) in August 2009 at the Governance Meeting in Atlanta, GA. This partnership will allow The Links, Incorpo-rated to strategically respond to the long-term housing needs of people living without decent and affordable shelter in the United States, Africa and the Caribbean. Following the Haiti earthquake disaster in January 2010, The Links, Incorporated was able to make a substantial impact on survivors by mobilizing members to support HFHI’s mission of providing stable housing options in Haiti’s devastated regions. This partnership with HFHI will also facilitate future collaborations between the organization’s chapters and HFHI affiliates.

the heart truth™

This national campaign aims to increase women’s awareness of heart disease and its dangers. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among African-American and Hispanic women. Women of color also have high rates of the major risk factors for this disease including obesity, lack of physical activity and high blood pres-sure. As a partner of The Heart Truth, we are working to spread the message of heart disease prevention in the communities we serve. The Heart Truth, the creators of the Red Dress, the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness, is sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

NatioNal CareS meNtoriNg movemeNt

This youth outreach initiative aims to mobilize the collective African-American community to become men-tors, volunteers and advocates for young people, in association with national and community organizations. We can and must address the critical issues that prevent our youth from reaching their full potential.

National Partners

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Historically black colleges and universities (HbCus) have made historic and ongoing contributions to the general welfare and prosperity of our country. Established by visionary leaders, america’s HbCus have, for over 150 years, produced many of the nation’s leaders in business, government, academia, and the military and have provided generations of ameri-can men and women with hope and educational opportunity.

the nation’s 105 HbCus are located in 20 states, the district of Columbia, and the u.S. virgin islands, and serve more than 300,000 undergraduate and graduate students. these institutions continue to be important engines of economic growth and community service, and they are proven ladders of intergenerational advancement for men and women of all ethnic, racial, and economic backgrounds, especially african americans.

– president barack Obama’s Executive Order promoting Excellence, innovation and Sustainability at Historically black Colleges and universities, Feb. 26, 2010

CENTRAL AREA FOCUS

Heart of LinkdomCentral Area Links launch HBCU campaign.

L

Teree Caldwell-Johnson, Central Area Director

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“ For almost everyone, education is a way up and for many it is the way out. Unfortunately, too large a number of these bright students are not able to follow their dreams because they can’t afford to pay for tuition or books.” - kentucky State university president, Mary evans Sias

Nearly 750 Links gathered at the Central Area Breakfast at the 37th National Assembly this summer to show support for the Area’s HBCU Heart of Linkdom Campaign: Give! Reach! Grow!, which aims to provide endowed scholarships worth $200,000 to 16 historical-ly black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

“This initiative, which was unanimously adopted at the 2009 Area Conference, will allow the Central Area of The Links, Incorpo-rated to establish a permanent legacy at each of the HBCUs in our service area thus achiev-ing long-term sustainability of this important educational endeavor,” says Central Area Director Teree Caldwell-Johnson.

It’s a worthy goal given the mounting expense of a college education. “For almost everyone, education is a way up and for many it is the way out,” says Kentucky State University President Mary Evans Sias.“ Unfortunately, too large a number of these bright students are not able to follow their dreams because they can’t afford to pay for tuition or books.”

CENTRAL AREA FOCUS

all pledges must be paid in full by april 30, 2011.

checks payable to: the links Foundation, incorporated c/o Jarnell Burks craig, central Area Treasurer 4346 Hidden orchard lane indianapolis, in 46228

You may also donate online at www.centralarealinks.org.

more Ways chapters can support hbcus:• Mentoring• Coaching• Communityengagement• Personaldevelopment• Internshipopportunities• Testprep(LSAT,GRE,MCAT,GMAT)

dorothy CoWSer yaNCy, cHAir nATionAl HBcu iniTiATiVe, atLanta (Ga) CHaptEr

the heart of linkdom campaign allows Central area links to:

GIVE!giving of our time, talent and resources is what The links, incorporated does best. The central Area HBcu Heart of linkdom cam-paign provides a mechanism for each of us to address the educational and scholarship needs of those who attend the 16 HBcus located in the central Area.

REACH!reaching out, reaching back and reach-ing beyond has become a mantra of The links, incorporated. central Area links are “Powering the Promise” by reaching students who are on the path to becoming successful global contributors. our resolve to use our individual and collective reach can make a profound difference for students who may not otherwise be able to complete their educa-tion. With your help we can indeed change the world, one degree at a time.

GROW!nurturing a seed and watching it grow is what the central Area HBcu Heart of linkdom campaign is all about. our efforts to raise $200,000 to establish endowed scholarships at 16 HBcus located in the central Area will ensure that educational opportunities for our children and our children’s children are avail-able for years to come.

The event’s keynote speaker, John Wilson, executive director of the White House Initia-tives on HBCUs, joined the breakfast from Washington, D.C. via Skype technology. The Morehouse College graduate, who serves as a liaison between the executive branch, HBCUs and 32 federal agencies, encouraged and congratulated the Central Area on its sorely needed efforts on behalf of HBCUs.

The Area’s first endowed scholarship was established at Fisk University in memory of 13th Central Area Director JoAhn Brown-Nash, under the leadership of Margot James Copeland, then the 15th Central Area direc-tor. Jeannine Quick-Frasier, the 16th Central Area director, continued the tradition by establishing an HBCU Fund to support all of the HBCUs in the area.

The Heart of Linkdom Campaign will endow scholarships at the following Central Area HBCUs:

1. Arkansas Baptist College 2. Bluefield State 3. Central State University 4. Chicago State University 5. Harris Stowe State University 6. Kentucky State University 7. Knoxville College 8. Lane College 9. Langston University 10. LeMoyne-Owen College 11. Lincoln University of Missouri 12. Philander Smith College 13. Tennessee State University 14. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 15. West Virginia State 16. Wilberforce University

KATHy wAdE, CENTRAL AREA COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR, CInCInnAtI (Oh) ChApter


The Michigan links for Darfur (MlD), compris-ing the 10 Michigan chapters, presented 7,000 petition signatures to u. s. senator carl levin (D-Mi), chair of the powerful senate Armed services committee, in september. The petition called for the “u.s. President and congress to lead international efforts to protect the lives and human rights of the Darfurian people and bring peace to the region.”

The chapters joined forces to answer the call issued at the 2009 central Area conference, and by our national office, to raise awareness concerning the genocide occurring in the Darfur region of the sudan.

links across the state helped educate friends, family, co-workers and others about the des-perate situation in this region as they garnered

support for an end to the conflict and requested signatures on MlD petitions. “We were elated to have 100 percent of the Michigan chapters collaborate in this initiative,” says kathy Har-rison, chair of Michigan links for Darfur and vice president of the Detroit (Mi) chapter. “The sis-terly energy and passion for helping to remedy the Darfurian situation was powerful, as dem-onstrated by the many creative and far-reaching educational projects that were implemented.”

MlD also obtained support from then Michigan governor Jennifer granholm as well as the state legislature. granholm issued a proclama-tion declaring April 10, 2010 Darfur genocide Awareness Day in Michigan, which encouraged “residents of this state to learn more about the Darfur conflict and to support those who are

working toward ending this tragedy.” Addition-ally, the Michigan legislative Black caucus sponsored a resolution in support of the Dar-furian people, which was adopted by both the Michigan House and senate.

“The situation in Darfur continues to warrant our attention,” Harrison says. “We are grateful to have had an opportunity to urge our state and federal governments and the international community to intervene and bring an end to the atrocities that continue in that region.”

liNda morriS belFord, FLINt aREa (MI) ChaptER

miCHigAn LinkS UniTE in dArFUr AdvoCACy iniTiATivE.

POLITICAL ACTION

below: Representatives of Michigan Links for Darfur present petitions to U. S. Senator Carl Levin (D-MI). From Left to Right: Denise Mallett, Great Lakes (MI) Chapter; Linda Morris Belford, Flint Area (MI) Chapter; Kathleen O’Quinn, Renaissance (MI) Chapter; Kathy Harrison, Detroit (MI) Chapter; U.S. Senator Carl Levin; Barbara Whittaker, Oakland County (MI) Chapter; Karen Patricia Williams, Lansing/E. Lansing (MI) Chapter; and Sandra Harris, Ann Arbor (MI) Chapter.

CENTRAL AREA FOCUSL



The Links International Foreign Affairs and Business Empowerment for Youth program launched with 25 students at Howard Uni-versity’s Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center. To date, several Eastern Area Chap-ters have adopted the program and helped build bridges between minority students and careers in international business and foreign service.

The Silver Spring (MD) Chapter, in partner-ship with the Universities at Shady Grove, sponsored a week-long program for students from 14 high schools in Montgomery Coun-ty, Maryland. The seminar increased student’s awareness of entrepreneurship within the global community with intensive lectures, special guest speakers, web-based research labs, and small group activities.

LIFe program introduces youth to global entrepreneurship.

EASTERN AREA FOCUS

bishetta d. Merritt, Eastern Area Director


Westchester County (NY) Chapter Links pose with Eastern Area Director Bishetta Merritt, 14th National President Gwendolyn B. Lee and National Vice President Margot James Copeland at the 37th National Assembly in Detroit.

Greater Providence (RI) Chapter LIFE program participants enjoy a taste of college life.

Greater Providence (RI) Chapter LIFE program participants pose at Bryant University.

The Greater Providence (RI) Chapter collaborated with Bryant University to de-velop its LIFE program for minority high school students throughout the state of Rhode Island. The 2010 program included a half day mock UN program, created around “The Tragedy of Darfur.” Jason Fortin, a Bryant University sophomore, facilitated the activity, in which students learned about the various UN roles and the situation in Darfur. Following a dinner hosted by Bryant University, the LIFE program participants were given the VIP treatment at the evening’s annual interna-tional debate against The Cambridge Union Society (England) Debate Team.

The Westchester County (NY) Chapter’s LIFE program develops future global citizens with its focus on United Nations conferences and educational events, etiquette training, international literary book discussions, college experience, and immigration conference. Their LIFE program’s focus on immigrants and citizen-ship gave academy students opportunities to participate in a national dialogue.

ModENA gooLEy, OLd dOMInIOn (VA) ChApter

dAwN HANKiN CLiETTE, EASTERN AREA COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR, MetrO-MAnhAttAn (ny) ChApter

biSHETTA d. MERRiTT, EASTERN AREA DIRECTOR, WAShInGtOn (dC) ChApter

LIFe program continued

EASTERN AREA FOCUSL



CommiSSion on Childhood Obesity Prevention

forged ahead in new Orleans.

SOUTHERN AREA FOCUS

Childhood obesity is one of the most critical and debilitating health problems affecting thousands of children, and it calls for The Links, Incorporated to take a more aggressive, proactive, and collaborative ap-proach to develop strategies to overcome this epidemic,” says Southern Area Director Mary F. Currie.

To that end, the Southern Area convened its fourth meeting of the Commission on Child-

“ hood Obesity Prevention (CCOP), a panel of leading health experts charged with determin-ing long-term solutions for addressing obesity among African-American youth. The Sep-tember meeting in New Orleans introduced several key financial and educational resources that will aid in The Links’ efforts to improve the health and wellness of young people.

The Commission unveiled a policy brief, “Childhood Obesity in the African-American

Community: Issues and Policy Recommenda-tions from an African-American Perspective” by Dr. Jada Moore Ruffin; a children’s activity book; and The Kid’s Edition, a curriculum designed to help chapters plan the program content of childhood obesity programs.

Wells Fargo/Wachovia announced a $35,000 grant to support community outreach efforts. The donation is the most recent financial backing of the CCOP initiative.


history of the Commission on Childhood obesity prevention

• empanelled May 15, 2009 in Jacksonville at the southern Area conference

•includes ten national experts in diverse disciplines: obesity prevention, pediatric/family medicine, nutrition, physical activity, health education, public health, public policy, community development, private sector initiatives, child/adolescent psychology and program evaluation

•meetings & locations: october 31, 2008 Atlanta, georgia May 15, 2009 Jacksonville, Florida october 30, 2009 Atlanta, georgia september 10, 2010 new orleans, louisiana

Dr. Kisha B. Holden, associate director, Community Voices and Men’s Health Initia-tives and assistant professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Morehouse School of Medicine issued a Request for Proposals for Links chapters interested in receiving one of seven $2,500 grants for chapter childhood obesity programming.

Beyond the chapter grants, the $300,000 Kel-logg Foundation funds will support the col-lection and dissemination of the CCOP find-ings; visitation to selected states to document the prevalence of obesity among African-American children; establishing a community report that includes an agenda for collabora-tive action concerning obesity prevention; and the establishment of a permanent entity. A comprehensive, culturally-centered cur-riculum targeting African-American children (for schools and organizations) is in place. The current grant funds the program through September 30, 2012.

Links from four chapters gave testimony before the Commission. The Tallahassee (FL) Chapter created the “Youth Health Leader-ship” Initiative (YHL), an ongoing partner-ship with the Millicent Holifield Academy of Allied Health Sciences at James S. Rickards High School. The Academy, established in 2006, provides students with knowledge and skills to enter higher education health

SOUTHERN AREA FOCUSL

profession services. The YHL addresses issues related to childhood obesity and the inequity of representation of African-Americans and other minorities in the health profession. Penny Ralston-Davis testified for the Tallahas-see chapter.

The Charlotte (NC) Chapter crafted “Health Linkage” a weight management program that promotes health and wellness through education, self-awareness and physical fitness in a fun and entertaining environment. The family-based approach focuses on prevention of obesity and sedentary behaviors, one family at a time. Chapter president Eddyce Hobson testified.

The Durham (NC) Chapter and The Links Foundation, Incorporated were awarded a $100,000 grant from the Ford Foundation in 2009 to conduct “Links Give: Social Justice Philanthropy and Civic Engagement,” a program to enhance Links’ social justice phi-lanthropy and to help members increase their obesity program efforts. Micheline Malson, director of The Links Give, testified.

The Fort Valley (GA) Chapter’s “Health Choices/Healthy Bodies” obesity project tar-geted 126 sixth graders, their parents/guard-ians, their health/physical education teachers and the community in rural middle Macon County. The students served were most at risk for health disparities due to increased poverty levels, unemployment and illiteracy rates and the high number of single-parent families. Chapter president Robertiena Fletcher testified.

MAxiNE SMiTH, SOUTHERN AREA COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR, ChArLeStOn (SC) ChApter

ViViAN L. KERR, LOUISIANA COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR, BAtOn rOuGe (LA) ChApter

linksinc.org | ARoUNd THE AREAS

Commission on Childhood Obesity prevention continued

Mary Currie, Southern Area Director


1. Dr. David Satcher, former Surgeon General of the United States and current director of the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at the Morehouse School of Medicine addressed the Southern Area’s 2010 Leadership Summit in New Orleans.

2. Charlotte (NC) Chapter President Eddyce Hobson.

3. Tallahassee (FL) Chapter President Linda Dilworth.

4. Links Give Director Micheline Malson.5. CCOP Commissioners Dr. Calvin

McLarin, Dr. Toni Moody, Dr. Rodney Lynn, and Dr. Ruby Takanashi.

6. Fort Valley (GA) Chapter President Robertiena Fletcher.

7. Left to Right: Delores Bolden Stamps, 8th National President Dolly Adams, National President Margot James Copeland, New Orleans, La. Mayor Mitchell Landrieu and Mary Currie.

8. Mayor Mitchell Landrieu and CCOP Commissioner Andrew Young.

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WESTERN AREA FOCUSL

Racial PROFILINGWestern Area Leadership Summit explores the immigration debate in Arizona.

R acial profiling in the united states is an abhorrent societal ill that has lasted well be-yond the 1960s civil rights movement. Today, African-Americans routinely complain of unwar-ranted traffic stops by law enforcement and aggressive monitoring by retail outlet security personnel. And this racial profiling dialogue has expanded to include the largest growing ethnic group in the united states—latinos.



The latino community, specifically those within the state of Arizona, find themselves at the epi-center of the immigration debate. several mem-bers of The links, incorporated learned more about this issue at the Western Area leadership summit in Phoenix.

At the request of Western Area Director Barbra ruffin-Boston, san Francisco (cA) chapter, a panel of experts representing the various constitu-ents of this debate addressed summit participants. kay lovelace Taylor, presi-dent of the Phoenix

(Az) chapter and Western Area conference committee chair Jennifer Harper of the Phoenix (Az) chapter facilitated the discussion.

Panelists included Penny Willrich, Phoenix school of law professor; Jeri Williams, assis-tant chief of the Phoenix Police Department; Dr. Matthew Whitaker, associate professor in the Department of History, college of liberal Arts and sciences, Arizona state university; Mary rose Wilcox, Maricopa county Board of super-visors; and rev. oscar Tillman, president of the Maricopa county Branch nAAcP.

The centerpiece of the debate is legislation that was sponsored by Arizona governor Jan Brewer that requires the issuance of federal registration papers to latino citizens as outlined in the Arizona state Bill 1070. This piece of the legislation (along with a few other key provi-sions) was put on hold through a temporary injunction issued by u.s. District court Judge susan Bolton. The legislation is said to have emerged due to the ever-increasing growth of undocumented workers who have migrated from Mexico to Arizona. The state filed an urgent appeal of the judge’s ruling. Many legal experts believe the case is ultimately headed to the u.s. supreme court.

“it is not that latinos are just beginning to ar-rive in Arizona, but the country as a whole has 10-14 million undocumented workers across the nation,” according to latina activist and Maricopa county Board of supervisors member Mary rosa Wilcox.

That said, the most hotly debated issues sur-rounding the legislation are: How should the state respond to the swollen rolls created by un-documented workers who receive state social services? How should the state respond to the rising incidence of crime allegedly committed by undocumented workers? And how should the state respond to the job losses among Ameri-can citizens to undocumented workers?

Professor Willrich suggests that these questions are fraught with hypocrisy. Most of the experts argued that many employers over the years have taken advantage of the undocumented latino underclass. “These questions used to be met with a wink and a nod as employers rou-tinely hired undocumented workers,” she says.

The panel was unanimous in suggesting that specific immigration laws need to be in place. each advanced the idea that the undocu-mented worker issues should not become the platform for local politicians to run on as they

seek elected office. nAAcP head, rev. oscar Tillman urges “citizens [to] vote in those who carry their interests.”

local law enforcement representative Jeri Williams, voiced strong opposition to boycotts saying, “We do not need a boycott, we need a call to action.” she further stated that the Phoenix area is experiencing the largest civil unrest actions in its history as a result of this law that leaves law enforcement under-resourced and unclear of how to respond. “citizens do not need to be stopped or detained unless there is a reasonable suspicion for the stop,” she says. she added that bill 1070 is fraught with ambi-guities that are problems for law enforcement.

Tillman pressed for the continued interven-tion of the obama administration to stand for justice. The solutions the panelists presented for consideration in a comprehensive immigration reform package were:

• Thegovernmentshoulddevelopameaningful guest worker program for the undocumented worker.

• Immigrantsshouldseeklegal citizenship status.

• ImmigrantsshouldlearnEnglish.

• Unscrupulousemployersshouldbeheldac-countable for offering jobs to immigrants.

• Criminalsshouldbedeported.

• TheObamaadministrationshouldmoveforward with The Dream Act.

• U.S.JusticeDepartmentshouldreviewabuse of power within the Arizona county sheriffs office.

• Dialogueanddiscussionof“realreform”should continue.

• Locallawenforcementshouldbeprovidedadequate resources.

ChryStle SWaiN, WesTern AreA coMMunicATions cHAir, auStin (tX) CHaptEr

WESTERN AREA FOCUS

“ We do not need a boycott, we need a call to action.” - Jeri Williams, assistant chief of police,

phoenix police department

Jeri Williams, assistant chief, Phoenix Police Department; Rev. Oscar Tillman, president of the Maricopa County Branch NAACP; Dr. Matthew Whitaker, associate professor Department of History, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Arizona State University; Kay Lovelace Taylor, president, Phoenix (AZ) Chapter.

barbra Ruffin-boston, Western Area Director

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Congressional LinksCongratulations to terri Sewell, birmingham (aL) Chapter, and Frederica Wilson, Greater Miami (FL) Chapter! both Links were elected to the House of representatives in november 2010. they have joined Eddie bernice Johnson, dallas (tX) Chapter, and Sheila Jackson Lee, Houston (tX) Chapter, in Congress.

Top Left: U.S. Representative Terri Sewell, a graduate of Princeton, Oxford and Harvard, is the first black woman Alabama has sent to Congress.

bottom Right: U.S. Representative Frederica Wilson, a former teacher, principal and school board member, served in the Florida State Legislature for a decade before ascending to Congress.

Check out the next issue of LInked for more information on these stellar Links.

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LinkS To WatCh

Jacqueline Moore BowleS Jack and Jill of america, inc. immediate Past President Milwaukee (WI) Chapter

elected in 2006 and unanimously re-elected in 2008, Jacqueline Moore Bowles has just completed two terms as the 21st national president of Jack and Jill of America, inc. The organization of more than 9,500 families nurtures future leaders through programming, legislative advocacy, volunteer service and philanthropy.

currently, Bowles is president and ceo of creative Marketing resources, a public relations and advertising agency specializing in urban and ethnic audiences. clients have included McDonald’s corp. and government entities, earning the firm a national Minority supplier Development council national supplier of the Year Award.

The state of Wisconsin named Bowles outstanding Woman in Business. she received a national Black MBA Association People on the Move Award, a Trailblazer in Business Award from Alpha kappa Alpha sorority, inc. and a Top ladies of Distinction Award.

Her volunteer service includes board work for the university of Wisconsin Foundation, goodwill industries of southeast Wisconsin, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Visit Milwaukee, and the university school of Milwaukee.

Bowles earned a Bachelor of science in Business Administration from Marquette university and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing and Finance from keller graduate school.

she is married with two sons and the family belongs to st. Mark AMe church in Milwaukee.

KiMBerly S. BuDD Massachusetts Superior court associate Justice Middlesex County (Ma) Chapter

noted criminal and civil attorney and the past director of the Harvard Business school’s commu-nity Values Program, kimberly s. Budd has been sworn in as an associate justice of the Massa-chusetts superior court. she was nominated by governor Deval l. Patrick who officiated at the investiture ceremony.

Budd began her career as a trial lawyer in the litigation department of a large Boston law firm. she then spent several years as a federal prosecutor with the u.s. Attorney’s office in Boston, where she served in the Major crimes unit and the organized crime Drug enforcement Task Force. she later joined the office of the general counsel for Harvard university where she handled a wide variety of civil matters.

Budd has been tapped to serve on the governor’s Task Force on Public integrity. This body’s recent report served as the basis for landmark ethics and lobbying reforms that were recently signed into law.

Budd graduated from georgetown university in 1988 and earned her law degree from Harvard law school in 1991. she is the daughter of Wayne A. Budd, the former Massachusetts u.s. Attorney.

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roMonDa D. Belcher Polk county District associate Judge des Moines (Ia) Chapter

Polk county District Associate Judge romonda D. Belcher is the first African-American woman to be appointed judge in iowa. The north carolina native moved to Des Moines to study law at Drake university—she graduated in 1995. While there, she clerked for then iowa supreme court Justice louis lavorato and interned for the Polk county Attorney’s office. For the past 15 years, as an assistant Polk county attorney, she has prosecuted juvenile, civil and criminal matters that will now come before her on the bench.

The active attorney has been a mediator for the Volunteer lawyers Project and a project coordina-tor for the iowa national Bar Association’s “A Monumental Journey” public art project. The goal of that initiative is to erect a monument to honor the pioneer African-American lawyers who founded the national Bar Association.

Belcher’s activities also include acting with the langston Hughes Players, often portraying historic African-American women.

Belcher graduated from Howard university in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts (cum laude) in Admin-istration of Justice, and a minor in Broadcast Journalism. she is a 2008 graduate of the scott Hawkins leadership institute, cohort ii.

carol a. GoSS The Skillman Foundation President & ceo oakland County (MI) Chapter

she’s been featured in the new York times, Fortune magazine named her a Visionary of Detroit, and Crain’s detroit business cites her as one of southeast Michigan’s Most influential Women. As president and ceo of The skillman Foundation, carol A. goss is at the center of the storm surrounding meeting the educational needs of Detroit’s school children. With nearly a half-billion dollars in assets, skillman is Detroit’s second largest foundation. The private independent foundation’s mission is to improve the lives of children in metro Detroit by strengthening schools and neighborhoods.

goss came to skillman in 1998 with more than 20 years of philanthropic and social work field experience. she was named to her present position in 2004. goss has worked as a program officer at the stuart Foundation in san Francisco, as program director at the W. k. kellogg Foundation in Battle creek, Mich., and has a background in social work that includes experience in child welfare, family services, and youth development.

A native of Detroit, goss earned both a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and a Master of Arts in social Work from the university of Michigan.

she is a member of Delta sigma Theta sorority, inc., and a long-distance runner. Married to Tom goss, the couple has three daughters and three grandchildren.

LinkS To WatCh continued

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erMa JohnSon haDley Texas women’s hall of Fame inductee Fort Worth (tX) Chapter

she spent more than four decades educating the students of the Tarrant county college (Tcc) District, the new chancellor now sees her name ranked alongside America’s former first ladies and astronauts in the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame. A member of Tcc’s founding faculty, Hadley served as interim chancellor for nine months before being named permanent head of the two-year commu-nity college in March. Hadley is the fourth chancellor, the first woman and the first African American to lead Tcc.

some of the innovations she brought to the institution include creating the Tcc employee scholar-ship Program for support staff and developing the Human resources Department into an office that actively helps to nurture and expand the careers of faculty, staff and administrators.

Hadley has been honored as a local Freedom’s sister as part of the national smithsonian institution Traveling exhibition. she is the first African-American woman to chair a number of boards in north Texas: the Dallas-Fort Worth international Airport Board, the Tarrant county Hospital District Board of Managers; and the north Texas commission.

Hadley earned a Bachelor of science from Prairie View A&M university and a Master of education from Bowling green university. she completed the seminar for new presidents at the Harvard uni-versity graduate school of education and was awarded an honorary Doctorate of education from Paul Quinn college.

DoroThy GolDen harriSon South carolina african-american achiever Charleston (SC) Chapter

chief Administrative officer Dorothy golden Harrison is the first female—and African-American—officer in the 94-year history of the charleston Water system. she oversees human resources, customer service, auditing and purchasing.

Harrison groomed herself for this position during her 26 years in banking. she served communi-ties of color, helping innovate strategies to make loans and banking services accessible to more midlands and low-country professionals, churches, and small businesses. she was among the first African-American vice presidents and one of the first commercial bankers in south carolina licensed as an investment broker.

The 2011 AT&T south carolina African-American History calendar features Harrison. it’s published to identify African-American role models for youth and honor notable achievers with ties to south carolina.

in addition, Harrison has been lauded for her community service and professional accomplish-ments, including the key to the city of columbia, s.c. and the lieutenant governor’s Award for exceptional service to the state. she sits on the Advisory Board of First citizens Bank of south carolina, the college of charleston’s Foundation Board and the President’s Advisory council. she is immediate past president of both the charleston (sc) chapter of The links, incorporated and Trident urban league.


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Jo ann JenKinS aarP Foundation President Reston (Va) Chapter

Jo Ann Jenkins has been appointed to lead the charitable arm of one of America’s largest member-ship organizations. The AArP organization advocates for public policy and packages financial and investment products for its massive 40 million members. The AArP Foundation focuses on aging with dignity, assisting low-income older Americans in meeting their basic needs for food, shelter and medical care, and serves more than five million seniors each year. Jenkins has served on the AArP services, inc. board of directors since 2004.

Jenkins brought more than 25 years of leadership, management, planning and business experience to the AArP Foundation from the library of congress. As chief operating officer and second-in-command at the library, she managed a staff of more than 4,000 and an operating budget of more than $600 million. Jenkins served as the library’s official spokesperson, testifying before congress and working to enhance the exhibits and collections.

raising more than $20 million to underwrite the groundbreaking library of congress experience, the interactive exhibit won national and international awards. This educational program won Jenkins the 2010 Women in Technology leadership Award.

A founding member of the u.s.-Japan Young leaders Program, Jenkins is married to Frank g. Jenkins and is the mother of two children.

BrenDa lauDerBacK Susan G. Komen for the cure national Board Member plano North Metro (tX) Chapter

As a 5-year breast cancer survivor and retired national marketing professional, lauderback is uniquely suited for her mission of educating and inspiring women to take charge of their health. The former president of nine West – Wholesale and retail group dedicates her time to telling her compelling story in order to erase myths as she advocates for early detection. she urges women to communicate with family and friends about health matters in general and about the importance of early detection of health conditions in particular. she cautions women against allowing fear to stand between them and a mammogram.

lauderback chairs the audit committee of the susan g. komen for the cure Board and serves as a liaison to The links, incorporated. she is an ambassador for The circle of Promise and is an active member of the Plano north Metro (Tx) chapter.

The retired corporate executive serves on four corporate boards: Big lots corporation; select comfort; Wolverine World Wide; and Denny’s corporation. Her career achievements include win-ning the career Woman of Achievement Award from the YMcA of cincinnati and the Bragg Award for outstanding Achievement from the Black retail Action group. lauderback is married to Dr. Boyd Wright and they have two adult children, Phallon and Adam.


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Jacqueline PoPe Top ladies of Distinction national President texas Spring Cypress (tX) Chapter

Jacqueline (Jackie) Pope is national president of Top ladies of Distinction, inc. More than 3,500 teens participate in the community service organization’s signature program, Top Teens of America.

Pope’s professional background includes serving as executive assistant to Anthony W. Hall, Jr., chief administrative officer for the city of Houston.

Her service includes work on the boards of True Blue community endowment and membership in the Barbara Jordan Houston section of the national council of negro Women. she is a graduate of leadership Houston class xiii, and is also a member of executive Women international, the red Hat society, and Delta sigma Theta sorority, inc., as well as gethsemane Missionary Baptist church.

Pope has earned numerous awards including the outstanding Texan Award; the uncF Volunteer of the Year Award; the grambling state university “Tiger Award” which goes to outstanding alumni, and was honored as a Phenomenal Mother by The ensemble Theatre.

The louisiana native earned a Bachelors of Arts in social Work from grambling college (now uni-versity) and a Master of Arts in social Work from the university of Houston.

Marcia PrewiTT SPiller national association of independent Schools Board chair azalea City (Ga) Chapter

Marcia Prewitt spiller is head of school at The children’s school in Atlanta and was elected chair of the board at the annual meeting of the national Association of independent schools (nAis). The membership organization is the national voice of independent education, representing 1,400 inde-pendent schools and associations. spiller has been a member of the board since 2004.

Her experience includes serving as vice chair of the board and as chair of the equity and Justice committee for nAis, which monitors legislation and tracks global trends in education.

Her involvement in independent education includes working on the boards of the southern Associa-tion of independent schools and the elementary school Heads Association. she has been president of the georgia independent school Association and the Atlanta Area Association of independent schools. spiller also works with independent schools internationally, consulting in the accreditation process for schools in nicaragua, columbia, el salvador, Dubai and the united Arab emirates.

spiller is a graduate of Fisk university and earned graduate degrees from The ohio state university and georgia state university.

spiller is the proud mother of two children.

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connie B. STeele Virginia Morticians’ association President Roanoke (Va) Chapter

Members of the Virginia Morticians’ Association, inc. elected connie B. steele president at the or-ganization’s 82nd Annual convention, held in Falls church. she addressed the 200 attendees at the convention’s inaugural ball, with her speech “Honor our legacy, embracing change to empower the Future.”

The Virginia Morticians’ Association is one of Virginia’s oldest associations, established in 1928. Member firms are throughout the region, including the states of Virginia and Maryland, and Wash-ington, D.c.

steele and her husband, the rev. Dwight o. steele sr., own and operate serenity Funeral Home and cremation service in roanoke.

DeBra a. Toney national Black nurses association President Las Vegas (NV) Chapter

A robert Wood Johnson executive nurse Fellow, Debra A. Toney serves on the nominating group of the u.s. Food and Drug Administration, chairs nevada’s office of Minority Health Advisory committee and serves on the advisory committee of the office of research on Women’s Health, a research group funded by the national institutes of Health.

As chief administrative officer for rainbow Medical centers, Toney oversees six primary/urgent care and diagnostic centers. she is also president/owner of Tlc Health care services, a licensed home health care agency specializing in private duty nursing and supportive care.

With experience in a variety of health care practice areas, including family practice, ambulatory care, outpatient diagnostics, hospital and home health care, Toney is founder and past president of the southern nevada Black nurses Association; on the boards of the national coalition of ethnic Mi-nority nurse Associations, and the southern nevada Board of Health; and a member of the nevada nurses Association, and the American nurses Association.

Toney serves on the Jourdain kasey Foundation, for the early detection of ovarian cancer; the ovarian cancer Association of nevada; the caucus for African-American nevadans; and the urban league.

she is a member of Alpha kappa Alpha sorority, inc. and an active member of second Baptist church.


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henrie M. TreaDwell Georgia Board of corrections community expert atlanta (Ga) Chapter

governor sonny Perdue appointed Henrie M. Treadwell to the georgia Board of corrections. Treadwell is director and senior social scientist for community Voices. she is also a research professor in the Department of community Health and Preventative Medicine at Morehouse school of Medicine.

Treadwell addresses policy regarding health disparities. she disseminates information as founder of the Freedom’s Voice symposium and the soledad o’Brien Freedom’s Voice Award, is on the edito-rial boards of the American Journal of Public Health and of the international Journal of Men’s Health and gender. she chairs the southern Area’s commission on childhood obesity Prevention.

Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the university of south carolina, a master’s degree in Biology from Boston university, and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Atlanta university. she has also completed postdoctoral work at the Harvard university school of Public Health.

Treadwell served 16 years as program director at the W.k. kellogg Foundation of Battle creek, Mich., and is a member of Delta sigma Theta sorority, inc.

eDiTeD BY aliCia NailS, OakLand COuntY (Mi) CHaptEr


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As I considered what might provide “Linkspiration” to such an inspiring body of women, my thoughts turned to Mildred Hayes one of our beloved platinum mem-bers. She has been a member of our organization for more than 40 years. Having now assumed alumna status in the Petersburg (VA) Chapter, she shared the follow-ing reflections about her early experiences as a Link.

What do you remember about becoming a member of The Links, Incorporated and how was the organization’s focus different in those days?

I became a Link in 1969. I was proud and surprised to have been invited to be a mem-ber. At that time the prime emphasis of the organization was centered around friend-ship and family. Meetings were always in the home and hostesses took great pride in providing a theme for each meeting that would entice those who were coming.

platinum perspectiVe

A PETErSBUrg Link rEFLECTS on 41 yEArS oF mEETing PrESSing CommUniTy nEEdS

Linkspiration

National President Margot James Copeland enjoys a luncheon in her honor hosted by the Petersburg (VA) Chapter in November 2010.

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What kinds of service projects did chapters undertake in those days?

Chapters identified needs in their communities and responded to them; this was before the facets had been launched. In response to the polio epidemic, I remember our chapter hosting a series of basketball tournaments to raise awareness. We also recognized a need to encourage young black males to stay in school. In response to this need we identified male mentors in the community and we paired them with boys. We called this project “My name is Man;” this was long before other like initiatives that are in existence now.

What do you most enjoy about the changes that you see in the organization?

The organization has definitely changed, and delightfully so. today we have a global attitude. I feel good that as an organization we have moved ahead and have embraced so many of today’s challenges. I never dreamed that the Links would become what it is today. I also never dreamed that my goddaughter Margot, the little girl with the three platted braids and the twinkling smile, would one day become our national president.

What traits of young Margot are reflected in her administration’s theme Leading with Excellence ~ Serving with Grace?

As a little girl she was an observer, and I believe that she became aware very early on of the possibilities and potential of this organization.

excellence is achievable because of the caliber of women in our organization. There is so much ‘know-how’ in the Links today. Our members are experts in their fields; we are powerful, intelligent and creative. to serve with grace we must also be women of great character.

Indeed, we have been planted in rich soil, and we are still growing. As each one of us endeavors to embrace the challenge of leading with excellence and serving with grace, may we all hold dear the wisdom, insight, values and hopes of those who paved the way.

KiMbERLEy S. CopELANd, MetrO-MAnhAttAn (ny) ChApter

“ I also never dreamed that my goddaughter Margot, the little girl with the three platted braids and the twinkling smile, would one day become our national president.”

- Mildred Hayes, Petersburg (VA) Chapter

Margot Marietta James

National President Margot James Copeland with Aunt Mildred Hayes and Uncle Burton Hayes.

introducing our FiFth Facet health and human serVices

make African-American

Women’s HealthA Priority

TAke cHArgegeT MoVingeAT WellFinD BAlAncegiVe BAckeMBrAce liFe

Documents

Winter/Spring 2011 – Volume 1 | Issue 1linksinc.org/docs/Links_Journal_Q1_2011.pdf · linksinc.org | Volume 1 | issue 1 linked Leading the Way 2010-2012 Executive Team Winter/spring