Waco Chapter of The Links, Inc.
The Waco of the Links, Inc. was chartered in 1974 petitioned by Link Dolly Adams, who was on leave from Angel City Chapter Los Angeles, Calif. The formal installation was held on May 25, 1974 with Link Vera Codwell, national vice president, serving as installing officer.
Charter members were Beulah Barksdale, Dolores Harris and Martha Forney. The chapter has a great history. Since its inception, members have emphasized friendship, scholarship and outreach.
Today, the Waco Chapter of The Links, Inc is comprised of more than 35 women. They are active in the community and strong members of the Central Texas work force. Click the links below to learn more.
Our Social Media
By Demetra Kennedy, Chair
Waco Chapter partnered with Bledsoe Miller Recreation Center to present a one day conference for girls focusing on career goals, health/hygiene and fitness.
The Beauty Industry was used a platform to introduce girls to careers in hairstyling, salon ownership, and jobs focusing on the business aspect of manufacturing and marketing of beauty products. Presenters were Tyrone Campbell (hairsytlist), Mia Moody, Ph.D. (writer), Terri Woods-Campbell, MD (physician), Vashon Sutherland (engineer), Josette Ayres (marketing), and Connie Powell, JD (lawyer).
The Health/Hygiene workshop focused on two areas, which were Glitter Germs Experiment and Emergency Pack it up and Travel Kit. The Glitter and Germs activity focused on the spread of germs from one person to another and how hand washing reduces the spread of germs.
The Emergency Pack it up and Travel Kit activity was designed to help girls focus on what are the important items to pack when there is a dire emergency evacuation in their community. Bases of this activity was lessons learned from hurrican Katrina. Links Felica Coleman and Connie Powell facilitated this activity.
A Zumba activity was conducted by Link Sonya Todd. This activity focused on how exercise can be fun, and healthy.
Waco Chapter of Links Inc and Bronze Eagle Flying Club of Houston partnered together to bring to the Waco Community the Bronze Eagle Youth Fly-in. This Fly-in was open to all of the Waco Community, but the chapter strongly recruited the participation of Black youth in the Waco community.
Black Youth have an opportunity because the 2011 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook indicates that by 2030 the global aviation industry will require 460,000 new commercial airline pilots and 650,000 new commercial airline maintenance technicians.
There over were more than 205 children who participated in this event.
"Community support was great," said Demetra Kennedy, who chaired the event for the Links. "The community has asked we repeat the event in 2012."
The event provided youth the opportunity to do the following:
1. Meet Black pilots (including an astronauts)
2. Experience flying in a plane
3. Learn about Black pioneers in aviation
4. Operate flight simulators
5. Experience the world of air traffic control
6. Meet military and civilian pilots,
7. Tour TSTC Aviation Maintenance Hanger
8. Create aviation art
9. Compete in the Boeing Balse Wood Glider Throw
10. Gain hands-on experience in an Aircraft Sheet Metal Workshop
11. Experience the display of all the planes and helicopters (including some military aircraft)
12. Gain insight on the U.S, Air Force and U.S. Naval Academies.
13. Learn about Les Morris Summer Flight Academy run by Black Pilots of America.
The Waco Chapter of The Links, Inc. shared in the festivities of this year's Pumpkin Event sponsored by the Art Center on Oct. 30. The event featured apple bobbing, pumpkin carving, games, a costume contest and more.
Links members helped participants create artistic masks using paper plates, paint, glitter, yarn and an assortment of other items. Not only did Links members have a great time, but Heir-o-Links joined in the celebration as well.
"I can't believe we got to carve a pumpkin," said Timothy Hall Ramirez, who cleaned his pumpkin alone, and carved it using a special kit supplied by The Art Center. "It was so much fun."
The event was free and open to the public. It is held annually at The Art Center of Waco, which is housed on the McLennan Community College campus.
Scholarships
Each year the Waco Chapter of The Links, Inc. offers scholarships to deserving students. If you would like to be considered, please fill out the application below. Good Luck!
2008-2009 Scholarship recipients:
Shirdora Thompson: School and Major: University of Houston, with a major in Electrical/Biomedical Engineering. Goals: To graduate in my major, work in my field, use my knowledge to help others, open a homeless shelter, start an abused and mistreated shelter for animals, be productive in church, and to get married and have a family.
Susan Nichole Thames: Major area of Study intended: Sports Medicine (orthopedics) or English Education. Awards: Who's Who Among American High School Student, Connally HS student of the month, 17-AAA Regional Qualifier. Activities: Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Track, Varsity Volleyball, Varsity Cheerleader, Texas Association of Future Educators
Shalisa Lawson: Major area of Study intended: Education. Awards: Girls Scouts of America Gold Award. Activities: Volunteer for Friends for Life, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Adopt a Nursing Home, Read to Lead, Art Feast, and Gifts for Grannies
Lyrondra Gaines: Major area of Study intended: Esthetician. Awards: Miss High Kick, Miss Hip Hop, Miss Outstanding Sophomore. Activities: Volunteer for Keep Temple Beautiful Put It Here Campaign, Feast of Sharing, and Secretary for Sunday School Ministry
form1.pdf
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To encourage Waco Link sisters to wear green attire to meetings, President Josette Ayres and Link Vashon Sutherland instituted a monthly contest in which the best dressed member wins a prize and is allowed to walk the runway.
The chapter's first winner was Link Felicia Coleman who sported a crisp, frilly, white blouse with an elegant ruffled collar along with a sporty green jacket and skirt.
The second winner was Link Terri Woods-Campbell, who took the runway in a beautiful Links scarf, ruffled blouse and black slacks.
"Her matching travel cup helped seal the deal," said Link Vashon who spearheads the effort.
Link Ayres said she thinks the contest encourages members to put forth a little extra effort to look good when they come to monthly meetings.
"It is a great way to encourage our members to look their best in Links' attire," Ayres said. "It is fun and in good spirit."
The Links had a blessed time visiting members of the Alzheimer's wing of the Woodland Spring's Nursing home. About 12 members participated in the activity meant to bring joy to the facility's clients.
"It is always good when we can give back to the community," Link Felicia Coleman said after directing several traditional hymns.
The Links received a special treat when one of the patients began to play the piano. In addition to singing church hymns, Links members passed out travel-sized toiletries such as soap, lotion, vaseline and shampoo.
Heir-)-Links pitched in by talking to patients and spreading joy through smiles, hugs and handshakes.
"It is always nice to bring a smile to someone's face," said Heidi Hall, who formed a special friendship with a younger patient who recently sustained a motorcycle injury. "It is really hard to see someone there who is close to your age. But you never know where God is going to place you."
The Waco Chapter had a great time at Link Vashon Sutherland's house on Saturday, Nov. 5. Vashon and her committee provided baked Irish and sweet potatoes and all the fixings. We also had delicious sweet potato and cream cheese pies baked by Link Sonya Todd.
The highlight of the afternoon was having the privilege to win door prizes. LinkVashon passed out creative and fun prizes such as relaxing bath salts, candles with cute sayings attached such as, "Enjoy these relaxing bath salts while you are hard at work for the Links, Inc.!"
Members had a great time during this Friendship Month Activity.
"It is always nice to hang out with our chapter," said Link Ella Shankle. "I love these ladies."
Other activities planned for the month include visiting Woodland Springs Nursing home, attending church services as a chapter and dining at a local restaurant after work. Good job membership committee!
About The Links, Incorporated
The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946. The membership consists of 12,000 professional women of color in 270 chapters located in 42 states, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. It is one of the nations oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of extraordinary women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry.
The members of The Links, Incorporated are influential decision makers and opinion leaders. The Links, Inc. has attracted many distinguished women who are individual achievers and have made a difference in their communities and the world. They are business and civic leaders, role models, mentors, activists and volunteers who work towards a common vision by engaging like-minded organizations and individuals for partnership. Links members contribute more than 500,000 documented hours of community service annually strengthening their communities and enhancing the nation. The organization is the recipient of awards from the UN Association of New York and the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation for its premier programs.
The outstanding programming of The Links, Incorporated has four facets which include National Trends and Services, The Arts, Services to Youth and International Trends and Services. The programs are implemented through strategies such as public information and education, economic development, and public policy campaigns.
Information taken from The Links, Inc. National Web site
Message from our chapter's president:
As I continue to serve as president of the Waco Chapter of The Links, Inc., I must reflect on our previous achievements and goals set in place by our membership. I firmly believe in order to be successful, we must build upon the shoulders of giants. I am thankful for our founders' vision and commitment to enriching the lives of our community members. As a chapter, we will continue to make a difference in our community.
As we build our chapter, we must incorporate numerous activities that will highlight our national programming themes as well as continue to increase our presence in our community.
“Above all we must realize that each of us has the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, starting with our own families and local communities. It is my goal to impact the world as a chapter. Needless to say, there is work to be done and members of the Waco Chapter of The Links, Inc. we need must work together to make this year a success.
Sincerely,
Josette Ayres, Waco Chapter President
Vice President
President
Second VP
Treasurer
Corresponding Secretary
Recording Secretary
Thank you for visiting our Website. Please check back with us as we will update it periodically. Also, visit Web pages for the National Office and the Western Area linked below. Featured on the right are links to our blog and Facebook page .
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D.
Editor
President's Message
About Us
Contact
Meet our chapter president, Link Josette Ayres who has served in the leadership position for two years. Under her leadership the chapter has flourished.
The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946. The membership consists of 12,000 professional women of color in 270 chapters located in 42 states, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
Each year the Waco Chapter of The Links, Inc. offers scholarships to deserving students. If you would like to be considered, please fill out the application on our scholarships page.
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