Message from chapter 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

Best-Dressed Links

Our first winner was Link Felicia Coleman (not pictured in the winning attire)

Our second winner was Link Terri Woods-Campbell (featured in her winning attire)

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."

Link Luwenda Pollard

Link Edna Hampton

Link Ella Shankle

Not pictured- Link Sandra Jennings

Link Hazel Rowe- September 2012

Links Inc. Meet & Greet

Members of the Waco Chapter of The Links, Inc. and guests enjoyed a Meet & Greet on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Baylor School of Social Work in Downtown Waco.

About 50 members and guests attended the event coordinated by Link Vashon Sutherland, membership chair. The keynote speaker was Link Tanya Brice, Ph.D., who discussed the history of African-American women's organizations.

"Members of modern organizations might benefit from some of the same tactics used throughout history," Brice said. "We have a strong, rich history that we should never forget."


Brice included women such as Harriet Tubman and Mary McCleod Bethune in her discussion. She offered insight and tidbits of information not usually addressed in history books.


"The talk was interesting because she included some facts that I was unaware of before today," said Link Felicia Coleman, who chaired the decorations committee.


The Meet and Greet is held annually to allow members to mingle with women in the Waco community. The attire was dressy/casual and attendees enjoyed a variety of pastries, fruit and coffee, which were provided under the direction of Link Demetra Kennedy and her committee.

"I want to send out my sincere thanks to each of you for stepping and up and contributing to the success of the event," said President Josette Ayres.  

Services to Youth Activites - Girls Conference in September

By Demetra Kennedy

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.  Basis 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.  

Links Friendship Month Activities

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!