DRAFT - Indianapolis Chapter Yearbook 2021-2022

INDIANAPOLIS CHAPTER

70thAnn

Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

President’s messsage

Over 70 years, the mothers of the Indianapolis Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. have endeavored to build a legacy for not only our children but all children in our community. It suffices to say the COVID-19 pandemic brought unique and unforeseen challenges to our chapter and the overall organization during the 2021-2022 program year.

At the start of the program year, a brand new recently installed executive board was asked to lead while always embracing and focusing on the organization’s mission in an effort to steady our course while serving the children and engaging the members.

The $100,000 question which overshadowed member engagement, children/teen engagement and overall activity planning was whether an activity would be virtual, in person or hybrid? This was a question we all grew to dread over the course of the 2021-2022 program year. Each format was accompanied by a set of guidelines of what could be done and what could not be done. We visited and re-visited guidelines from the CDC, federal government, state/local government and national Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Host moms and committee chairs ultimately found a way to deliver substantive, enjoyable and engaging programming irrespective of the format. The regional and national levels of the organization also executed virtual, in-person and hybrid event and programming activities which served as examples for our chapter members.

In the summer of 2021, the mid-western region hosted the 67th biennial Teen Leadership Conference in virtual/hybrid format. Indianapolis teens had a local in-person conference experience at the Bottleworks Hotel downtown Indianapolis while simultaneously zooming into the conference command center in Columbus, Ohio. Indianapolis had a record 29 teens registered and attending the teen conference. At TLC were filled with pride and a little sadness as we said good-bye to Regional Teen Foundation Chair and Indianapolis graduating senior Sydney Williams on a job well done.

The mid-western region also executed virtual/hybrid time two when they hosted the 32nd biennial Mothers’ Regional Conference in hybrid format. Mother members participated virtually and the REB and select regional team members where in-person at a location in Chicago. The chapter had 32 mothers and associates to register and attend. Indianapolis leadership secured a local Airbnb to offer mothers the opportunity to enjoy portions of the conference in an in-person setting.

Mother Member Deidre Lindsey was unanimously elected by delegates to the office of Regional Treasurer. At the beginning of September to further challenge and adjust how we did Jack and Jill the National Executive Board issue updated covid-19 organizational guideline and at the same time the country was made aware of the a new covid delta variant spreading through communities. In spite of these developments, the chapter went on to host an in-person local Jack and Jill Day event at Urban Air Adventure Park with over 100 mothers and family members in attendance. September also marks the anniversary of the chapter’s founding.

The chapter celebrated 70 years of existence on September 26th, 2021 at the Hotel Carmichael in Carmel, IN. Mothers Kiahna Davis and Dierdre Reed served as co-chairs of the 70th Anniversary inperson event. The event was an unforgettable platinum affair with over 125 attendees which included regional and national VIPs RD Tanya Watson, NT Nadine Gibson, RT Deidre Lindsey, IPNVP Tanya Hand, and PMAL Paula Ingram. Also in attendance was royalty from the ranks of the associates’ jewels which included several past presidents and past chapter officers who helped build the proud legacy of the Incredible Indianapolis Chapter. Current leaders, members and husbands rounded out the list of attendees to give a multi-generational presence which represented past and present chapter history makers. Chapter Historian Rachelle Hardiman Bible presented a slideshow deck showcasing photos and quotes from chapter president from 1971 up through 2021. Efforts are continuing to complete the list of chapter presidents from 1951 to the present date in preparation for the 75th chapter anniversary in 2026.

In the late fall of 2021, executing routine events of our Jack and Jill program year were further complicated by the omicron variant of covid-19. Mothers were increasingly concerned about the health and safety of members and their family with regard to meeting in-person and hosting grade group activities in person. Thus, members agreed to use a hybrid format to host chapter events and activities for the remainder of the program year or until the medical and public health community offered more favorable guidance.

Mothers and their families welcomed the 2022 new year with the same fervor, hope and optimism as in years past. However, cold, flu and covid continued to cause many of JNJ events to switch from in-person to virtual format. Even though MLK Day of Service and TriState Children’s Cluster pivoted to virtual events, mothers, teens and children collected pantry food items, cleaning products and made warm blankets to donate to residents of Coburn Place as well as donating to Souper Bowl of Caring. Virtual TriState Children’s Cluster was hosted by the Louisville Chapter with the theme of “EmPOWERing Tomorrow’s Leaders with Today’s Trends”: T.I.K.T.O.K. Technology is Key to Transforming or Kids”. The promise of the 2nd Spades Fundraising event was sidelined and replaced with the stand-in member assessment to satisfy our chapter obligation to Jack and Jill Foundations. Weary and fatigued by the pandemic, the mothers of Indianapolis continued to persevere for the mission of our beloved Jack and Jill.

As winter turned into spring, we continued to be optimistic in terms rushing to register for summer Teen Leadership Conference and National Convention; grooming regional teen Vice President candidate Samantha Suggs; attending in-person Black Family Day to celebrate tenure complete moms Gina Montiero, Ann Osuntokun and graduating seniors Luke Sayliah Brady, Luke Hayes, Zoe McMullen, Mide Osutokun and Jenna Springer; and intaking and initiating eight new members into the chapter. New members in the 2022 class include Nicole Caldwell-Gross, Valerie Gathers, Ayana Rowley Henderson, Diane Houston, Kimberly Jones-Jefferson, Jamilia King, Adrienne Sims, and Nicole Wilson.

The covid-19 pandemic has proven to be a game changer with respect to how we have lived our daily lives since 2020 and thus how we now do Jack and Jill. The 2021-2022 program year was a testament to the creativity, perseverance and commitment of Indianapolis mother members to the mission of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. I am proud and humbled to have served as chapter president during this historic time.

Indianapolis Chapter Executive Board

Monique Hill French Sergeant at Arms

MeKeeba Lomax Protocol Chair

Dawn May Associates Chair

Anna Ivory-Lavergne Lead Teen Advisor

Rachelle Hardiman Bible Historian

Deirdre Reed Foundation Chair

Sherry Warren Parliamentarian

Shamika Anderso Financial Secretary

Tawana Ware Recording Secretary

Dana Austin Corresponding Secretary

Tania Makins Editor

Kelly Payne Treasurer

Danette Howard Program Director

Nneka Breaux Vice President

Annette Suggs President

Deidre Lindsey Mid-Western Regional Treasurer

Sigrid Elston Chaplain

Membership Committee

» Vice President Nneka Breaux, Chair

» Sherrie Brady

» Tamarah Brownlee

» Monique Hill French

» Hilma Green-Riley

» Jennifer Springer

2021 - 2022 Indianapolis Chapter

Lisa Anderson

Kimberly Bacon-Gray

Nneka Breaux

Angele Thibodeaux Burns

Shamika Anderson

Adrienne Bedford-Jones

Chrisonia Broadnax

Darrianne Christian

Rona Ash

Rachelle Hardiman Bible

Kendell Brown

Akilah Darden

Tavonna Harris Askew

Marly Bradley

Patricia Brown

Kiahna Davis

Dana Austin

Sherrie Brady

Tamarah Brownlee

Karen DeFrantz

2021 - 2022

Indianapolis Chapter

Sigrid Elston

Maxine Henderson

Anna Ivory-Lavergne

Deidre Lindsey

Monique Hill French

Terri Hill

Tomika Jefferson

Amanda Lockett

Hilma Green-Riley

Karen Holly

DeLaina Jones

MeKeeba Lomax

Hope Hampton

Danette Howard

Delilah Morgan Jones

Tania Makins

Lisa Hawkins

Pamela Humes

Samantha Jones-Davis

Gina Monteiro

2021 - 2022

Indianapolis Chapter

Tene Wright

Felicia Williams

Crystal Williams

Angela White-Randolph

Sherry Warren

Tawana Ware

Tia Thomas

Annette Suggs

Jennifer Thorington Springer

TaLai Smith

Charise Shoffner

Lisha Shelby

Deirdre Reed

Lindiwee-yaa “Lindi” Randall-Hayes

Ronika Pletcher

Kelly Payne

Chelsea Overstreet

Ann Osuntokun

Allison Osler

Pendana Odle

Dennisha Murff

Stephanie Young Moss

2021 Mid-Western Region Mothers Conference

The 2021 Mid-Western Region Virtual Mothers Conference was attended by 26 mothers and 5 associates.

Conference Highlights...

Our own Deidre Lindsey was unanimously elected to serve as the 2021-2023 Mid-Western Regional Treasurer

Indianapolis Chapter was recognized for being 3rd in the region in Overall Foundation Giving and 2nd in the region in Foundation Giving Per Capita

Indianapolis Chapter was recognized with a Legislative Programming Award for our Teens’ “Vote 2020: So Now What?” event

The first class of the MidWestern Region Rising Star Leadership Academy had their graduation ceremony. The class included 6 moms from the Indianapolis Chapter

Although the conference was virtual, we had opportunities to gather in small groups to fellowship and have a bit of fun with our fellow Mothers and Associates.

2021 Mid-Western Region IL Area/ Tri-State Mothers Workday Cluster

Twelve of our Indianapolis Chapter moms attended the IL Area/Tri-State Area Workday Cluster in Chicago, October 22-23. The theme was “Building Your Bench Strength.” Mothers enjoyed sessions about health and wellness, social issues affecting our communities, and the latest organizational information and best practices for Jack and Jill chapters. The Indianapolis Chapter moms were excited for the opportunity to fellowship with each other and with our sister chapters during this first in-person conference since the pandemic began.

Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

Program Committee

Program Director: Danette Howard, Chair

Assistant Program Director: Chelsea Overstreet

PreK-K Grade Group Chair: Amanda Washington Lockett

1st-3rd Grade Group Chair: Tomika Jefferson

4th-5th Grade Group Chair: Charise Shoffner

6th-8th Grade Group Chair: Delilah Morgan Jones

9th-12th Lead Teen Advisor: Anna Ivory-Lavergne

Pre-K-K All Stars

Grade Group Chair: Amanda Washington Lockett

Pre-Kindergarten:

Khariss Lavergne, Landon Lockett, Ava Williams

Kindergarten:

Makenna Broadnax, Ellington

Christian (LOA), Parker French

1st - 3rd Grade Explorers

Grade Group Chair: Tomika Jefferson

1st Grade: Jeremiah Anderson, Ava Howard, Amelia Randolph, Anderson Williams, Lena Williams, Ava Wright

2nd Grade:

Alana Darden, Tiana Darden, Preston French, Anniston Thomas, Langston Williams

3rd Grade: Ayo Breaux, MacKenzie Brownlee, Chelsea Davis, Martin Hil II, Datrick "D.J." Jefferson, Braylon Makins, Logan Smith, Antonio Williams, Jr.

4th - 5th Grade Trailblazers

Grade Group Chair: Charise Shoffner

4th Grade:

Aiden Darden, Covington Davis, Celani Elston, Jonah Henderson (LOA), Jada Jones, Ava Moss, Jackson

Odle, David “Trey” Overstreet III, Ajani Williams

5th Grade:

Lavender Anderson, Ibrahim Breaux, Collin DeFrantz, Brooke Henderson (LOA), William Howard III, Cameran Shoffner, Laila Smith, Nasya Ware

6th - 8th Grade Prime Time

Grade Group Chair: Delilah Morgan Jones

6th Grade:

Alexander Anderson, Chandler Askew, Charlie Austin III, Shelbee Bible, Ethan Brownlee, Travis Darden, Jr., Sasha Davis, Laila Makins, Averi Murff, Morgan Reed, Reid Shelby, Rylan Shelby

7th Grade:

Aaden Brady, Sutton Christian (LOA), Grant DeFrantz, Joshua Henderson (LOA), Arie Jones, Lydia Jones, Korinne Lavergne, Morgan Lomax, Chloe Moss, Ella Pletcher

8th Grade:

Jordan Anderson, Kennedy Askew, Kamau

Elston, Avery Hawkins, Brooke Hawkins, Isaiah Hayes, Jacobi Warren, Nya Wright

9th - 12th Grade Apex Teens

The Apex Teens had a busy program year filled with business meetings, social activities, including a “Jingle Mingle Holiday Party” with teens from the Circle City Chapter, grade group activities, community service, and fundraising.

Lead Teen Advisor: Anna Ivory-Lavergne

Teen Sponsors: Marly Bradley, Lisa Hawkins, MeKeeba Lomax, Gina Monteiro

9th Grade:

Jada Brown, Jackson Burns, Julian DeFrantz, Jacob Henderson (LOA), Karrington Payne, Cole Reed, Jade Springer

10th Grade:

Alexander Ash, Gabrielle Bradley, Nia Breaux, Daniel Brownlee, Leighton Christian (LOA), Charlese Cross, Gabriel Hampton, Cameron Hawkins, Kristen Lavergne, Jaidyn Lindsey, Collier Payne, Hillary Riley, Shaune Shelby II

11th Grade:

Pasha Anderson, Nicholas Brown, Robert "Dru" DeFrantz IV, Theryn Gray, Madison Holly, Lauren Humes, Blaire Jones, Philip Jones, Malia Lomax, Lincoln Murff, Emma Pletcher, Ramon Randolph, Samantha Suggs, Aniya Thomas

12th Grade:

Sailyah Brady, Luke Hayes, Zoe McMullen, Ayomide Osuntokun, Jenna Springer

A group of Apex from across the region gathered in Grand Rapids, Michigan to participate in the 2021 Michigan/Ohio Area Workday. They engaged in a series of panel discussions and lectures about topics ranging from racism in modern society to financial literacy.

During the March activity, Apex explored the economics of fashion, creating a look out of thrifted items and walking the runway in a fashion show.

The Apex Mentors (EBoard) and Mentees (Freshmen) gathered at Royal Pin Woodland bowling alley to bowl and get to know each other.

The Apex teens help to raise awareness about the „Rethink Your Drink“ campaign by speaking to a panel of speakers about their community and creating a TikTok

2021-2022 Teen Executive Board

President: Samantha Suggs

Vice President: Blaire Jones

Secretary: Gabrielle Bradley

Treasurer: Kristen Lavergne

Foundation Chair: Malia Lomax

Editor: Nia Breaux

Parliamentarian: Jaidyn Lindsey

Legislative Liaison: Lauren Humes

Sergeant at Arms: Gabriel Hampton

Chaplain: Cameron Hawkins

Apex Community Service

During the 2021-2022 program year, the Apex teens completed service projects in partnership with Changing Footprints, Coburn Place, and Excell Center School. They also held fundraisers for The Day Spring Center, Coburn Place and the Jack and Jill Foundation.

Community Service at Excell Center School

The Apex teens volunteered in partnership with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Mu Omega Chapter to sew dresses made from pillowcases to be shipped to young girls in Africa.

The Apex Teens had an ongoing service project with Changing Footprints in Indianapolis. Volunteers sorted donated shoes into categories with a team lead from Changing Footprints. These shoes will be shredded and used as recycled materials to make other products.

On The Hill Legislative Summit 2021

A group of our Apex Teens attended the 2021 Jack and Jill On The Hill Legislative Summit, September 9-12 in Washington, DC. While there, the teens connected with some of our Indianapolis Chapter alumni to tour the campus of Howard University.

Saliyah Brady

Saliyah Brady is a senior at Carmel High School in Indiana and is the daughter of Marcus and Sherrie Brady, Esquire. She has been a member of the Indianapolis Chapter for four years where she also served as Teen President. Before that she was a member of the Greater Metropolitan-Atlanta Chapter for three years. In addition to maintaining over a 4.2 GPA, leading the top-ten, nationally ranked, Carmel High School Women’s Soccer team as captain, playing basketball, and participating in Track & Field, Saliyah has been inducted into National Honor Society. Other academic accolades include Academic All-Conference each year, Dean’s List, Honor Roll, and a Class Award in U.S. History. She had the distinct honor of being among 80 student leaders invited to attend the CHS Annual Student Leadership Seminar. After receiving academic and athletic scholarship offers from several schools, Saliyah has decided to play Division 1 Soccer at the illustrious Howard University. She is also grateful to have been awarded the Howard University Capstone Merit Scholarship for all four years. Saliyah plans to major in Health Sciences with a Pre-Medicine concentration and minor in Sports Broadcasting, Journalism. She further plans to attend medical school and become a plastic surgeon.

Luke Hayes

Luke Hayes is a senior at Park Tudor High School in Indianapolis, Indiana and is the son of Mr. George and Dr. Lindiwee-Yaa Randall Hayes. He has been a member of the Indianapolis Chapter for 8 years. Luke has been active in the Center for Leadership Development, Black Student Association, and Young Democratic Club, has lettered in varsity lacrosse and football, and has volunteered with numerous community organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, March of Dimes, National Medical Association, and When We All Vote. Luke plans to study psychology and wants to pursue graduate or medical school.

Zoe McMullen

Zoe Jade McMullen is a senior at University High School in Carmel, Indiana and is the daughter of Gina Monteiro and Yves McMullen. Zoe is a sixteenyear member of the Indianapolis Chapter. Zoe is a varsity tennis player, Black Affinity member, 4-year High Honor Roll, Center for Leadership Development (CLD) Scholar, Debutante Cotillion First Runner Up, former Jack and Jill Teen Secretary, Legislative Liaison and Nominating Chair, National “We All Vote” School Leader, 100 plus 2021 community service hours and National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Overseas Study Abroad Program Recipient - S. Korea. Zoe has received 9 college acceptances but is undecided where she will attend. She has been awarded over $750,000 in scholarship funds and is awaiting decisions for several more. Zoe will major in Psychology or International Business with a minor in Korean language.

Ayomide Osuntokun

Ayomide Osuntokun is a senior at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indianapolis, Indiana and is the son of Drs. Wale and Ann Osuntokun. He has been a member of the Indianapolis Chapter for 15 years. Ayomide volunteers at the Northside Mission Food Pantry at Second Presbyterian Church and the annual Eunice Kennedy Shriver Special Olympics. His top college choices include Michigan University, University of Southern California, and Purdue. He is undecided on whether he will play college football. He will major in finance and minor in business/economics and plans to work for a Fortune 500 company.

Jenna Springer

Jenna Springer is a senior at Culver Academies Preparatory Boarding School in Culver, Indiana. Jenna is the daughter of Peter and Jennifer Springer. She has been a member of the Indianapolis Chapter for 13 years. She is a Duchossois Distinguished Scholar, planning to major in Chemical Engineering. She has been recognized with a Mastery of Learning distinction and maintained a Gold A (High Honors) throughout her academic career while serving as a mentor, school ambassador, and tutor. Among her leadership positions at Culver Girls Academy (CGA), Jenna completed her rotation as Senior Prefect-the highest position in the Prefect System.

2021 Teen Leadership Conference

A record 29 of our Apex Teens gathered in downtown Indianapolis for the Virtual 2021 Mid-Western region Teen Leadership Conference, June 16-20. The teens attended business meetings, elected new regional teen officers, recognized graduating seniors, and connected with each other and virtually with other chapters. We also celebrated the service and tenure of IP Teen Foundation Chair, Sydney Williams, and IP Teen Nominating Committee member Shelby Lindsey who both are now 2021 Jack and Jill Indianapolis alumni.

2022 Tri-State Children’s Cluster

Our Kindergarten - 8th Graders participated in the 2022 Tri-State Children’s Cluster, which was held virtually via web conference due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The children completed fun science experiments, art projects, and had a cooking lesson where they made a fresh pasta dish.

2022 National Youth Trip - Black Wall Street - Tulsa, Oklahoma

A few of our children were able to squeeze into the 2022 National Youth Trip, which sold out in a matter of minutes. Activities included tours of historical Black Wall Street and Tulsa Race Riot exhibits, and a black rodeo event.

Celebrating 70 years… On mission. On Purpose. Since 1951.

Chapter 70th Anniversary Committee

Kiahna Davis, Co-Chair Foundation Chair Deirdre Reed, CoChair

Tavonna Harris Askew

Historian Rachelle Hardiman Bible

Hope Hampton

Dawn May*

Gina Monteiro

Kathy Radford*

Sabrina Williams*

*Associates

Special acknowledgement to additonal Associate Jewels who contributed to the success of the 70th Anniversary celebration: Lynn Hamilton, Sally Mills, Tanya Hand, Julie Hall, Paula Ingram-Coleman, and Lori Clark.

The Indianapolis Chapter Celebrates 70 Years

On September 8, 1951 the Indianapolis Chapter was installed as the 33rd chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated and the 7th chapter of the Mid-Western Region. What started with a group of 10 mothers bringing their young children together for monthly activities has grown into a large and thriving chapter committed to youth leadership and development, philanthropy, and community service. Through flagship programs like the Youth Economic Empowerment Summit, Beautillion Militaire scholarship program, and Breakfast with Santa, the Indianapolis Chapter has created a lasting legacy in the local community.

The 70th Anniversary Committee delivered a beautiful celebration on Sunday, September 26th at the Hotel Carmichael in Carmel, Indiana. The event featured a historical display, live music, lunch, and greetings and reflections from past and present national and regional officers, our chapter president and historian, and Committee Co-Chairs Kiahna Davis and Deirdre Reed. Thank you to the committee and all of the dignitaries, mother members, associates, fathers, and guests who joined us in honoring this important milestone for our chapter. Special guests included National Treasurer Nadine Gibson, Mid-Western Regional Director Tanya Watson, PNVP Tanya Hand, and Past MWR MAL Paula Ingram-Coleman.

Our History

In the beginning, there were ten. Today, the Indianapolis Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is comprised of 62 families. The local chapter of Jack and Jill had its beginnings in the home of Mrs. Mary Hawkins with several of her friends who had young children. They decided to form a small group of mothers who would periodically take their children to a planned activity, maybe once a month. This continued for several months when it occurred to one of the mothers that it would be appropriate to formalize their actions and apply for a charter, as a chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. The Indianapolis Provisional Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. held its first organized meeting at the home of acting chairman, Mrs. Mary Hawkins on April 3, 1951. At this time, a nominating committee was appointed to select a slate of officers.

Dr. Alberta Turner installed the provisional chapter at a regular chapter meeting on September 8, 1951, at the residence of Dr. & Mrs. Evans. Dr. Turner was assisted by Mrs. Miriam Fountain of Pittsburgh, who sponsored the Indianapolis Chapter. The Indianapolis Chapter was the 33rd chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and the 7th chapter of the Mid-Western Region. The first Executive Board included Mary Hawkins, President; Shirley Evans, Vice-President; R. Leah Thomas, Recording Secretary; and Flora DeFrantz, Treasurer. The charter members were Ruth Bell, Fannie Blackburn, Sarah Daniels, Shirley Evans, Mary Hawkins, Daisy Lloyd, Margaret Mackey, Wilma Sims, Osma Spurlock, and Ruby Thomas.

The Indianapolis Chapter is currently under the leadership of President Annette Suggs (2020-2023). The presidents preceding her were Deidre Lindsey (2017-2020), Andrea Neely (2015-2017); Paula Ingram-Coleman (2011-2015); Tanya Hand (2007-2011); Julie Simonton (2005-2007); Linda Hamilton (2001-2005); Anita Nowlen (1999-2001); Marchusa Huff (1995-1999 [deceased 2012]); Gail Barrett (1993-1995); Patricia Jones (1991-1993); Rose Mays (1989-1991); Jackie Goler (1987-1989); Amelia Bacon (1985-1987); Delores Bullard (1983-1985); Geneva Murphy (1981-1983); and Doris Bradford (1979-1981) *additional names are being compiled to complete our full history.

We take pride in our commitment to youth leadership and development, philanthropy, and community service. Our chapter’s strength is grounded in our flagship programs:

1) Youth Economic Summit;

2) Beautillion Militaire, and

3) Breakfast with Santa.

In 1984, under the leadership of President Delores Bullard, the Indianapolis Chapter launched Beautillion Militaire, a 16-week educational mentoring program for AfricanAmerican high school juniors and seniors in our community. In 1986, the Indianapolis Chapter joined with 100 Black Men of Indianapolis to co-sponsor Beautillion Militaire. In 2022, we celebrate 38 years of making a difference in the lives of young AfricanAmerican males.

Black Family Day 2022

Black Family Day Committee:

Stephanie Moss, Co-Chair

Lisha Shelby, Co-Chair

Adrienne Bedford-Jones

Karen Holly

Crystal Williams

The Indianapolis Chapter celebrated Black Family Day 2022 on Sunday, May 15 at Saxony Hall in Fishers, Indiana with the theme of “Celebrating Black Joy”.

Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with Santa Committee:

Historian Rachelle Hardiman Bible, Co-Chair

Samantha Jones-Davis, Co-Chair

Chrisonia Broadnax

Patricia Brown

Monique Hill French

The Indianapolis Chapter continued our Breakfast with Santa tradition on Sunday, December 12, complete with family pictures with Santa (socially distanced due to COVID-19) and a fabulous Winterlights walking tour at Newfield’s in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Budget & Finance Committee

Treasurer Kelly Payne, Chair

Financial Secretary Shamika Anderson

Deidre Lindsey

Bylaws and Protocol Committee

Parliamentarian Sherry Warren, Chair

Protocol Chair MeKeeba Lomax

Ann Osuntokun

Five Star Committee

Editor Tania Makins, Chair

President Annette Suggs

Vice President Nneka Breaux

Program Director Danette Howard

Treasurer Kelly Payne

Foundation Chair Deirdre Reed

Fundraising Committee

Akilah Darden, Co-Chair

Angela White-Randolph, Co-Chair

Rona Ash

Darrianne Christian

Hope Hampton

Keyla Jones

Ronika Pletcher

Grievance Committee

Vice President Nneka Breaux, Chair

Program Director Danette Howard

Parliamentarian Sherry Warren

Chaplain Sigrid Elston

Kendell Brown

Gina Monteiro

Internal Chapter Financial Evaluation Committee

Samantha Jones-Davis, Chair

Chaplain Sigrid Elston

Terri Hill

Legacy & Archives Committee

Historian Rachelle Hardiman Bible, Chair

Editor Tania Makins

Legislative Committee

Dennisha Murff, Chair

Pam Humes

Nominating Committee

Kendell Brown, Chair

Hope Hampton

Pam Humes

Dennisha Murff

TaLai Smith

Policies and Procedures Committee

Terri Hill, Chair

Kendell Brown

Crystal Williams

Public Relations & Publicity Committee

Editor Tania Makins, Chair

Strategic Planning Committee

Recording Secretary Tawana Ware, Chair

Lead Teen Advisor Anna Ivory-Lavergne

Tomika Jefferson

Dennisha Murff

Crystal Williams

Technology Committee

Kiahna Davis, Chair

Deidre Lindsey

Chelsea Overstreet

Cheer, Courtesy & Health Committee

Corresponding Secretary Dana Austin, Chair

Chaplain Sigrid Elston

DeLaina Jones

Felicia Williams

Community Service Committee

» TaLai Smith, Chair

» Kim Bacon-Gray

» Chrisonia Broadnax

» Lindi Hayes

» Terri Hill

» Karen Holly

» Pam Humes

» Allison Osler

» Ann Osuntokun

» Tia Thomas

» Pendana Wooten-Odle

Foundation Committee

Foundation Chair Deirdre Reed, Chair

Lisa Anderson

The Indianapolis Chapter Foundation Committee kicked off the program year with a Prosperity for the Heart and Mind Community Health Fair funded by a Foundation grant awarded to the chapter in partnership with Coburn Place. The event was open to the community and participants could visit booths to learn about local health products and services, ask questions to our panel of medical, mental health, and dental professionals, get free health screenings, and bring their children to enjoy a cool treat and fun characters.

The Foundation Committee also submitted 6 Jack and Jill Foundation grant applications, 3 of which were awarded.

Other Foundation Committee activities included recognition of Foundation Awareness Month, Giving Tuesday, the national Loose Change Collection project, the “We Down with Low BP” campaign to kick off our national partnership with the American Heart Association, and the Mid-Western Regional Day of Service Move-A-Thon.

2021 Jack and Jill Day / Carole Robertson Day

Jack and Jill Day/ Carole Robertson

Day Committee:

Tavonna Askew, Chair

Karen DeFrantz

Hope Hampton

Karen Holly

Tene Wright

Indianapolis Associates Chair: Dawn May

Associates

Fathers’ Auxiliary

We couldn’t do all that we do without the support of our Jack Pack. Thank you to the Fathers’ Auxiliary for being present at our events, lending your expertise, and holding things down at home while we handle the business of Jack and Jill!

Indianapolis Fathers’ Auxiliary Chair: Jason Breaux

Recognition

Congratulations to Mother Felicia Williams!

Mother Felicia received the MOMentous Membership MOMents award for the MidWestern Region because of her innovative work to bring cheer to our members during the pandemic. We are so proud and thankful for her creativity and leadership!

2021 Chapter Superlatives:

Inspirational Leadership Award: Felicia Williams

Outstanding Mother Award: Tania Makins

Outstanding Associates Award: Sally Mills