Gary Chapter of Drifters, Inc.

2023 SHERO Patrons

Louis & Debroah Anderson

Angela Avgerinos

VanessaBiffle

Brad Cochran

Bruce Cochran

Kyle Cochran

Royal Cochran

Zach Cochran

BJ Cochran

Lauren Cohen

Janice E. Dorsey

Marlon Ellis

Jill Ellis

Jasmine Ellis

DeLynne & Michael Exum

Sheila Glass

Abigail M. Gregory

Aliyah M. Gregory

Lance M., Jr. Gregory

Marguerite and Walter Hampton

VictoriaHannah

Beverly Harris

Deborah A. Hendrix

Tracey Hoyles

Pastor Shawntee' Hunter

Etta Hunt-Sigler

Matrie Irving

Joseyln Jones

Ayanna Jones

Patrica Joyner

Ella Kelly

Pearl King

John King

Eugene King

Stephanie King

Dr. John & John Jr. Little

Candace Luter

MDM Community Advocates

The Gary Chapter Drifters Beginnings

Drifter Mattie Ballow of the Indianapolis Drifter Chapter called Alyverne Coopwood in 1984 and asked if she would like to charter and organize a group in Gary, Indiana. Indianapolis would have the National Convention in 1986 and would sponsor the newest chapter, Gary. Alyverne was excited about the idea and responded yes.

Alyverne started making plans by calling the following ladies: Clytee Gibbs, Savelia Imagene (Jean) Johnson, Susie Hubbard, Suda Hopkins, and Imogene Edwards. Clytee Gibbs invited Millie Adams, Imogene Edwards contacted Mildred Armour, sisters Ola Grace Thomas and Constance (Connie) Hill who became the founding members of our Drifter Chapter.

They met with Joy Gaddie and Mattie Ballow of the Indianapolis chapter and they were pleased. This meeting sealed Gary’s wish — ”Drifter shere we come.” The ladies began planning to meet the requirements for the development of the Gary Chapter. Alyverne Coopwood became the Founder of the Gary Chapter of Drifters, Inc. Imogene Edwards “winked and smiled” and made her choice by selecting Constance Hill as the first Gary President.

Gary Drifters enjoyed the comradery of attending their first, Drifter Convention in Indianapolis, August 25, 1986 and became official Drifters. The Drifter organization continues to blossom throughout the country, Gary Sponsored the Decatur-DeKalb, Georgia Chapter.

Through the years, Gary Drifters membership has grown building a stronger and more empowering organization. We have contributed to the following organizations: Marion Home, Sickle Cell Foundation, Roosevelt Alumni, West Side Theatre Guild, Trade Winds, Y.W.C.A., Drifting Dunes Council of Girl Scouts, Jamil Houston Fund, Scholarship Fund s in the community, Simmons Loving Care Health Facility and Love Don’t Hurt Like That, LLC.

Program

Welcome

Drifter Jessica Sullivan-Wilson

Who are the Drifters

Drifter Pearl King

Lord’s Prayer

Leona Chandler

Invocation/Blessing of Meal

Driftwood Robert Wilson

Lunch is Served

About the SHEROS

Drifter Daisy Purnell

SHEROS Awards and Recognition

Drifter Wilhemina Leslie

Introduction of Scholarship Recipients

Drifter Karen Fitzgerald Tillman

Musical Selection

Closing Remarks

Nakea S. Barksdale

Catisha Toney is the Founder and Executive Director of Coates, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to educational equity and providing college and career strategies to young adults and their families . She is a graduate of Indiana University who has more than 15 years of experience working in education developing, coordinating and implementing policy and college and career readiness programs. Throughout her entire career she has been working for, speaking for and representing underserved students. Catisha is an advocate for equity in education and an educator who is passionate about creating opportunities for underserved students and young adults, so that they can pursue their dreams and positively impact their families and communities.

Marisa Simmons is an esteemed educator with over 20 years of experience. As an educator, her desire is to help all students meet their fullest potential, by fostering an atmosphere of academic excellence and promoting a positive, fun, and nurturing family environment. Mrs. Simmons holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. She has worn many hats-serving as a preschool teacher, elementary and middle school teacher, Instructional Coach, Corporation Test Coordinator, Special Education Coordinator, and Assistant Principal. Marisa is a very visible principal and loves spending time in classrooms with the scholars and coaching teachers. Mrs. Simmons was recognized as the District 1 High School Principal of the Year by the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP) in 2022.

Mrs. Simmons is married to her wonderful husband of 14 years and the mother of four children. Her foundation encompasses a deeply rooted spiritual base, a highly supportive family, and a great school community. Marisa remains humble, gracious, and even more focused on meeting the needs of the scholars, staff, and parents at Thea Bowman Leadership Academy in Gary, IN.

Dr. Esther Goodes

Dr. Goodes has been an educator for 25 years. She is a proud Alum of West Side High School and Purdue University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management.

She taught at Tolleston Middle School and Lew Wallace High School in Gary. While teaching, she obtained her 5-12 Mathematics license and Master’s Degree from IUN. She received her Principals’ License from Indiana Wesleyan after she served as the Principal of New Tech Innovative Institute, where she was tasked with not only being a principal of a new and innovative school, but also had to develop the school and its culture.

Dr. Goodes served as the Executive Director of Secondary Education for the School City of Hammond, where she oversaw seven secondary schools. She obtained her Superintendent’s License and Educational Specialist degree from Indiana State University while she worked in Hammond. She later served as the Assistant Superintendent in East Chicago.

Bahiyah Shabazz is an investment strategist, business economist, and author who helps the community invest through wealth building to close the equity gap. Through a Financial and economic background, she advises on how to break down numbers to build for-profit through planning, investing, and positive economic growth.

Benita J, Nicks

Benita was born and raised in Gary, IN. She was joined in holy matrimony to Chief Warrant Officer Michael D. Nicks (United States Coast Guard retired). Together, they have 3 daughters, 3 sons, and 6 grandchildren. She is the product of the Gary Community School Corporation, Beveridge, Tolleston, West Side. She completed her undergraduate studies as Valparaiso University, earning a B. A. in Economics. She completed her graduate studies at Indiana University Northwest. She was one of the first seven students in UTEP (Urban Teacher Education Program).

Benita started and completed her teaching career of 30 years in the Gary Community School corporation. She taught at Tolleston Middle School, Banneker Achievement Center, Lew Wallace High School and West Side Leadership Academy. Twenty-seven years of her career was at West Side, where she taught secondary mathematics. She also served as Mathematics Department Chairperson and Mathematics Coach for several years. She mostly enjoyed coaching and sponsoring the Academic Super Bowl teams and sponsoring the Andrea Brown Charles chapter of the National Honor Society.

Benita is a lifelong member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church where she has served for over 15 years as Fellowship Coordinator, and currently, Outreach Coordinator. After retiring from the Gary Community School Corporation, Benita has worked as a part-time administrative assistant at Ascension Lutheran Christian School. She is currently a volunteer reading tutor and will provide mathematics support as well during the summer.

Dana A. Kelly-White

Dana A. Kelly-White a native of Gary, IN, is the youngest child of Ben T. Kelly and Ella N. Kelly.

She is a member of First A.M.E. Church. She graduated high school from Bishop Noll Institute. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Audiology/ Psychology from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Post Baccalaureate Certification in Public Affairs with an emphasis in Epidemiology from Indiana University Northwest and an Associates of Science Degree in Mortuary Science from Ivy Tech Community College. She is a Licensed Funeral Director/ Embalmer and Manager of Smith Bizzell and Warner Funeral Home. She is a 29-year active and financial member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Alpha Sigma Sigma Chapter. Dana has been married to Richard White for 20 years and together they have three daughters and one son. Her personal life, professional and sorority affiliations allow her to participate and contribute to the many community service initiatives in which she loves. Just to name a few she holds dear, Breast Cancer Awareness, Rosenbaum Family House for families of Cancer patients receiving treatment at WVU, March of Dimes and the Special Olympics. Mrs. White loves God, her family, her community, and the families that she serves.

Marcella Gregory

Marcella Gregory has lived in Gary, IN for over 62 years, graduating in 1978, from William A. Wirt High School. Ms. Gregory has one son, a grandson and a granddaughter which she enjoys visiting in California.

Currently retired, Marcella previously worked at Metra Railroad as a Labor Relations Union Specialist and at Fifth Third Bank as a Personal Banker for a combined eight years. Ms. Gregory also worked 18 years for Advantage Sales and Marketing, as a Consumer Goods District Manager, covering four states IL, IN, MI and WI, selling delicious items like: M & M’s and Snickers Candy Bars.

In 2013, Marcella took a year off to return to school at the age of 52 completing her college education, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Labor Relations from Indiana University Northwest. Ms. Gregory has volunteered with various organizations since the 90's engaging with youth and community issues. When not volunteering, Marcella spends her time going to live music events and working in her yard.