2026 National Convention Town Hall Program

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JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INC.

Assembled in Purpose

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Charting the Course

Launching Leaders

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BA LT I M O R E , M A R Y L A N D

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J U LY 2 1 – 2 6 , 2 0 2 6

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WELCOME

The Power of Us

A Celebration of Leadership and Collective Impact

Welcome to The Power of Us Town Hall.

This evening is built on a simple belief: progress is never the work of a single institution, a single leader, or a single community. It is the result of people choosing to invest in one another and refusing to accept that opportunity should be reserved for a fortunate few. Tonight, we recognize leaders and organizations whose work demonstrates that principle every day. From classrooms and hospitals to newsrooms, neighborhoods, boardrooms, and technology labs, they are expanding access, removing barriers, preserving history, and creating pathways that allow others to thrive.

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WELCOME

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CONTINUED

The conversations we share tonight come at an important moment. Across the country, communities continue to wrestle with questions of educational equity, economic mobility, healthcare access, technological advancement, and civic trust. The individuals we honor this evening are not simply responding to those challenges; they are helping to shape solutions. Their work reminds us that meaningful change rarely happens through rhetoric alone. It happens when people commit themselves to service, invest in institutions, tell difficult truths, and remain dedicated to the long work of opening doors that were once closed.

As the inaugural Power of Us Town Hall, this gathering reflects the enduring mission of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. For more than eighty years, our organization has understood that leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility. We believe that when families, institutions, and communities work together, they create opportunities that extend far beyond a single generation. It is our hope that tonight's dialogue challenges us to think more boldly, collaborate more intentionally, and leave with a deeper understanding of how each of us can contribute to a stronger future. The power we celebrate this evening does not belong to any one person or organization.

It is found in what becomes possible when people choose to act, serve, and lead together.

Together, we are The Power of Us.

Darlene McGhee Whittington N AT I O N A L P R E S I D E N T

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THE

POWER

OF

US

Evening Program Order of Events Public Town Hall Meeting Baltimore, MD

Musical Prelude Opening & Welcome Lift Every Voice and Sing Performed by DeMola the Violinist Welcome Address Darlene McGhee Whittington 28th National President

Introduction of Host Laura Coates

Greetings & Acknowledgements Introduction of Awardees The Charge Closing

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LEADERSHIP

National Executive Board The officers charting the course for the association.

Darlene McGhee Whittington

Ily J. Houston

Deidre S. Lindsey, PharmD, MBA

Tasha B. Penny

N AT I O N A L P R E S I D E N T

N AT I O N A L V I C E P R E S I D E N T

N AT I O N A L T R E A S U R E R

N AT I O N A L P R O G R A M D I R E C TO R

Tamika Henderson

Vanessa Caston LaFleur

N AT I O N A L R E C O R D I N G S E C R E TA R Y

N AT I O N A L C O R R E S P O N D I N G S E C R E TA R Y

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Suzanne Ornelas N AT I O N A L E D I TO R

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FEATURED

PERFORMER

DeMola

Afrobeat & Hip-Hop Violinist · Artist · Singer

Demola is an award-winning, self-taught, multi-genre violinist, singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist known for redefining the violin in contemporary music.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and now based in Houston, he blends Afrobeats, reggae, hiphop, R&B, jazz, and classical influences into a signature sound.

An internationally acclaimed performer, Demola has appeared on major stages and broadcasts worldwide, captivating audiences with electrifying performances that bridge classical artistry and modern music.

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PREMIER

JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA INC

SPONSOR

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FEATURED

GUEST

Laura Coates CNN Anchor & Legal Analyst

Laura Coates is CNN's chief legal analyst and anchor of Laura Coates Live, where she brings sharp legal insight to the day's biggest stories at the intersection of law, politics, and culture.

An Emmy-nominated journalist, she has led CNN's coverage of major legal and political events, including Supreme Court decisions, impeachment proceedings, and high-profile criminal trials.

A former federal prosecutor, bestselling author, and Princeton and University of Minnesota Law graduate, Coates is widely recognized for making complex legal issues accessible and engaging.

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PL ATINUM

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SPONSOR

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THE 47TH CONVENTION

Honors & Recognitions Celebrating leaders and organizations advancing access, service, and opportunity.

Power of Legacy in Learning Morgan State University Presented by Ily J. Houston, National Vice President

Power of Investment Shelonda Stokes Presented by Deidre S. Lindsey, National Treasurer

Power of Service to Others American Red Cross Presented by Tasha B. Penny, National Program Director

Power of Access Digital Harbor Foundation Presented by Tamika L. Henderson, National Recording Secretary

Power of Beginnings March of Dimes Presented by Vanessa Caston LaFleur, National Corresponding Secretary

Power of Record and Remembrance The Afro Presented by Suzanne Ornelas, National Editor

Power of Voice and Presence Karine Jean-Pierre Presented by Darlene McGhee Whittington, National President

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GOLD

JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA INC

SPONSOR

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POWER OF LEGACY IN LEARNING

HONOREE

Morgan State University Represented by Stacey L. Benn, Senior Executive Assistant to the President

Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University and the state’s largest historically Black college or university.

A Carnegie-classified R2 institution, Morgan offers more than 150 academic programs and is nationally recognized for advancing research, innovation, and community impact.

Presented by Ily J. Houston, National Vice President

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THE

NEXT

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STOP

IN

YOUR

JOURNEY

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POWER OF INVESTMENT

HONOREE

Shelonda Stokes Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

Shelonda Stokes is President and CEO of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and Executive Director of the Downtown Management Authority, where she leads efforts to strengthen and transform Downtown Baltimore.

Under her leadership, nearly $7 billion in active and planned development has been catalyzed through strategic investment, public-private partnerships, and innovative initiatives.

Presented by Deidre S. Lindsey, National Treasurer

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IN

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CELEBRATION

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POWER OF SERVICE TO OTHERS

HONOREE

American Red Cross Represented by Ebony Rose-France

The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

Serving communities across the United States and around the world, the organization provides disaster relief, supports military families, collects lifesaving blood, and helps communities prepare for emergencies.

Presented by Tasha B. Penny, National Program Director

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CONVENTION

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SPONSOR

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POWER OF ACCESS

HONOREE

Digital Harbor Foundation Represented by Andrew Coy, President & CEO

Digital Harbor Foundation is a Baltimore-based nonprofit dedicated to expanding digital equity, increasing diversity in technology, and using innovation for the public good.

Since 2013, its Tech Lab has empowered underserved youth through hands-on STEM education in coding, digital fabrication, and makerspace technologies.

Presented by Tamika L. Henderson, National Recording Secretary

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CONVENTION

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SPONSOR

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POWER OF BEGINNINGS

HONOREE

March of Dimes Represented by Stacey Y. Brayboy, SVP, Public Policy and Government Affairs

March of Dimes is a national nonprofit who leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, education, and advocacy, and provide programs and services so that every family can get the best possible start.

“Since 1938, we’ve built a successful legacy to support every pregnant person and every family — in partnership with amazing organizations like Jack and Jill of America, Inc.” Presented by Vanessa Caston LaFleur, National Corresponding Secretary

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CONVENTION

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SPONSOR

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POWER OF RECORD AND REMEMBRANCE

HONOREE

THE AFRO Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, CEO & Publisher

AFRO News is one of the nation's oldest continuously operating Black-owned media companies, informing, empowering, and advocating for communities since 1892.

For more than 130 years, AFRO has amplified Black voices, strengthened communities, and advanced impactful storytelling for generations.

“Our mission at the AFRO has always been clear—to inform, to advocate, and to empower.”

Presented by Suzanne Ornelas, National Editor

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OFFICIAL

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MEDIA

SPONSOR

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POWER OF VOICE AND PRESENCE

HONOREE

Karine Jean-Pierre Karine Jean-Pierre is a bestselling author, activist, media commentator, and former White House Press Secretary and Senior Advisor to President Joe Biden.

She made history as the first Black person, first openly LGBTQ+ person, and longest-serving woman to serve as White House Press Secretary.

“Hope is not a feeling. Hope is not even optimism. Hope is action.”

Presented by Darlene McGhee Whittington, National President

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A M E R I C A N R E D C R O S S PA R T N E R S H I P

Community Resource Fair Blood Drive

This year was a monumental year for our partnership with the American Red Cross. Our Jack and Jill chapters exceeded expectations with 50 blood drives, 1,400 units of blood, and 685 units from Black and African American donors.

WHY GIVE? THREE REASONS

01 One unit of donated blood can save up to

Today is no exception — we’re hosting a blood drive right here at our Community Resource Fair

three lives.

from noon–3:00pm, looking to secure 100 units in a month that is historically low for donors.

02 In the United States, the need for blood disproportionately affects people of African

G I V E B L O O D , G E T R E WA R D E D

$20 Amazon + $15 Fandango gift cards

descent.

03 Sickle Cell Disease affects 1 in every 365 Black or African American births — 90% of those living with it in the U.S. are of African descent.

Let’s keep the momentum going — every unit given is saving three lives. for every donor — scan to schedule your appointment

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Thank You, Baltimore!

From the Inner Harbor to Charm City's welcoming streets, thank you for hosting our 47th National Convention with warmth, history, and heart.

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WITH

GRATITUDE

Our Convention Sponsors

TOP SPONSOR

P L AT I N U M S P O N S O R

GOLD SPONSORS

S I LV E R S P O N S O R S

BRONZE SPONSORS

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

COMMUNITY SPONSORS

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Thank You For assembling in purpose and charting the course together.

JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INC.

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BALTIMORE 2026