5th Annual Advocacy Brunch Induction and Scholarship Celebration Saturday, September 17, 2022 10am
AboutUs
In 1981, the Natio k Women, Inc. (NCBW) was form ocate on behalf of black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment. During its 34 year history, NCBW has chartered over 65 chapters with a cumulative membership of more than 3,500 women, representing 30 states.
On September 10, 2016, the New Haven Metropolitan chapter was chartered. That day 43 women launched the chapter's commitment to advocating for the empowerment of black women and girls to advance gender equity in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment.
NationalPresident'sMessage
ChapterPresident'sMessage
Parliamentarian
Joanne Butler
Officers & Members
First Vice President Valencia Goodridge, MBA
Joanne Butler Interim Financial Secretary
Dr. Immacula Cann Cathryn Cann Grace Clark Jones Victoria Dancy Rona M Durham
Jodyann Prendergast Susan R. Samuels
IfeMichelle Gardin
Lisa F. Wilson Willis
Second Vice President Lorraine Gibbons, MBA
President Miriam J. James
Third Vice President
Hon. Robin Wilson
Taylor E. Samuels Gonzalez LaToya Still Carolyn Vermont
Sheila Brown
Sonya Brevard
Karrol Ann Brown, Esq.
Micheka Felican
Valita Luckett
Corresponding Secretary Lisa Johnson
Carlotta Allen
Jenell Lawson, MBA Recording Secretary
Treasurer
Torrie Garner Cook
Karen Lee
Keshia Ann Blake Harp
Valerie King
Dr. Stephanie Burrell Storms
Sherylyn Garner
Rhoda Huxstable
Shareese McLeod
Jenell M Lawson, Third Vice President
of Scholarship
Lorraine A. Gibbons, President Elect Karol-Ann Brown & Dr. Immacula Cann A Goodridge Director & First Vice President J. Wilson Willis,
Lorraine A. Gibbons, President Elect
~Chapter Scholarship and Book Awards~ Introduction of Keynote Speaker Valencia
National
James Benediction Lisa
Carolyn Vermont, Public Policy Chair
Program
Introduction of National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., New Haven Metropolitan Chapter President, Miriam J. James.
Miriam J James, President Welcome of New Members
Special Greetings Marilyn Moore ,Connecticut State Senator
Invocation Victoria Dancy, Interim Chaplain Buffet Brunch ~
Introduction Co-Chairs
~Keynote Speaker – Deborah R. Houston~ “Revolutionizing The Inner Woman” Special Presentation State Senator Marilyn Moore Closing remarks President Miriam
~
Nominating Chair
The Negro National Anthem
James Weldon Johnson
Entertainment by Jazz Musician David Davis
Taylor Samuels Gonzalez, Membership Chair
Greetings and Processional
GuestSpeaker
Deborah R. Houston
Deborah R Houston believes in her purpose of "Revolutionizing The Inner Woman To Move Beyond The Pain Of Her Past In Order To Embrace Her Power & Purpose!" She has devoted her life to providing resources through the avenues of authoring and lecturing that will enable them to do so It is this platform of empowering the whole woman that has catapulted her as a sought after inspirational and motivational speaker. She travels across the world encouraging women to embrace the totality of the women that they were created and destined to become Debb's personal story of a life raised in the ghetto of Philadelphia, PA reminds her audience of the power that lies within and our ability to achieve excellence, to live an abundant life and to serve others. She believes that when we embrace our individual passion, power and purpose, and when we strive to empower one another, we become a collective force that will have a positive impact on our world, affecting generations to follow Debb has been involved in the fashion industry since her early teens and has done extensive modeling on a national level, including magazine and newspaper print, television commercials, runway shows for various clothing companies and some of Americas celebrated designers She accepted an invitation to appear on the runway during the world renowned New York Fashion week and served as a Photo Movement and Runway Instructor for the Wilhelmina Modeling Agency Within these classes, she was able to instruct up and coming models on the following the industry, how to improve their communication skills, take care of their physical and mental well being, to walk with confidence, model etiquette, the importance of obtaining a personal fashion sense & style, being aware of what works for each individual in order to stand out and move forward, the importance of first impressions and the personal empowerment needed to succeed in life She continues to model on a limited basis as she now focuses on the universal empowerment of women to reach for the rediscovery of their best selves while encouraging others to do the same Debb has authored three books "Father Knows Best", "Celebrate U: The Phenomenality of U" and "STYLE On The INSIDE". Each page turning book teaches life changing lessons in a unique way that will leave the reader wanting more Her books have been used as classroom study guides as well lecture themes and workshops Her reading audience continues to anticipate her future works of literature, knowing that from the first page to the last, they will be inspired and encouraged to be their best ~ for themselves and others Debb recently started a podcast entitled “A Dose Of Debb” Her audience has reached international status and continues to grow on a daily basis as she offers practical advice, words of wisdom, empowerment and the extra dose that is needed to get you over, beyond and through life’s struggles To further enhance the lives of women, she recently became a Certified Life Coach and guides women through life’s circumstances with her “LIVE LIFE Mastermind Coaching Series ~ FMWO (For Minister’s Wives Only); Moving Beyond (practical tools to move beyond the pain of the past) and “The P3: Priceless Powerful Purposed” (The Rhythmic Heartbeat of Today’s Young Woman” for women ages 20 40 ) Debb is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and, along with her husband and two daughters, resides in the south
Scholarships & Awards
Major: Criminal Justice Law Program
3+3
Paige Pray
Major: Biology (Pre-Med)
Minor: Chemistry Black Excellence Book Award Recipients
2022
Ashley Aims Howard University
Quinnipiac University
Kierra Thomas Howard University Major: Psychology
These two individuals were ones who shared the same spirit - full of life, wanting to strive for more, and experience all that the world had to offer. They held deep encouragement, love, words of wisdom, and talents that they had the blessing to touch each life they came into contact with. Both of these individuals left an immense impact on their peers and community, where their loss was extremely felt by many. Even to this day. This award is in remembrance of them and the impact that gun violence has on our community. They were truly gone too soon, but always remembered in our hearts.
Forever in Our Hearts: The Deborah Cann & Carlos Gore Memorial Book Award
Forever in Our Hearts: The Deborah Cann & Carlos Gore Memorial Book Award Recipient
Student Bio
Jahnyah Howell
(Paul)
George & Cathy Cann Entrepreneur Book
Award
My grandpa was born in Haiti, and he was the youngest of 12 children. He was the father of 4children, 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. My grandpa was efficient, organized, detail-oriented, and extremely competent in successfully implementing his small mechanic business. He had a great rapport with people of all walks of life and had a high degree of involvement in his community. He was an inspiration to me to start my own small business and inspired our community to be committed to community service. It is an honor to cherish his memory by awarding this scholarship.
Shanice Bernard
George (Paul) & Cathy Cann Entrepreneur Book Award
Recipient
Student Bio
Horace Lawhorn, Jr. Memorial Book Award
Horace Lawhorn, Jr. was born in Camden, South Carolina on October 20, 1934. He graduated from Jackson High School, in Camden, South Carolina. Horace came to New Haven in the early 50’s and began working for Armstrong Rubber and Tire Company, where he worked nearly twenty years until Armstrong relocated out of state. Horace was also an entrepreneur and the proud local business owner of Lawhorn’s General Hauling for over fifty years. He tirelessly served all of the Greater New Haven area from major businesses and law firms to local residential homeowners, and tenants. Horace was a strong advocate for the pursuit of higher education and business ownership. He volunteered for many years at the Dixwell Q House and advocated strongly for its reopening. Unfortunately, Horace was not here to witness his dream: The reopening of the Dixwell Q House. Throughout my youth and into adulthood, Horace would always tell me: “Never say I can’t, but that I will. Be the best at what you do.” These words and Horace’s influence have stayed with me throughout my youth and remain with me today as a Superior Court Judge. Thank you, Horace, for your guidance, love, and support. I love you and I miss you. Your stepdaughter, Judge Robin L. Wilson
Recipient
Horace Lawhorn, Jr. Memorial Book Award
Student Bio
Dajara Bird
"
"The content of a book holds the power of education and it is with this power that we can shape our future and change lives Malala Yousafzai
Noel B. Jones IV Memorial Book Award
The Noel B Jones IV Book Award is named for the Father of Miriam Jones James. The late Noel B. Jones was an educator of the Martin County School System in Robersonville, North Carolina. The late Noel Bunch Jones IV was born on December 29,1923 in Wilson, North Carolina. He earned his Bachelor of Education from Shaw University and his Master of Education Administration from North Carolina Central University. He was a teacher and Assistant Principal at WC Chance/East End, Robersonville High School, and Roanoke High School. He retired from the education arena in 1987. As an educator, my father believed in continuous learning in all aspects of life, whether you are just born or in your golden years. Students from his past years in the schools he taught, still remember their positive experiences and how he assisted in their successes in their lives. These memories included learning about history, rides to athletic events and band events. Also, he assisted in getting youth to use their voice for advocacy. After he retired from the school system, he continued to be involved with civic organizations, alumni groups, and local boards. Noel Jones served on the Martin County Community College board, member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, member of Charles H. Darden Alumni Association, and Treasurer at Saint Mark Church of Christ. Gloria Jones served on the Robersonville Library Board, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and Martin County Retired Teachers Board. They both served on the WC Chance/East End Alumni as advisors along with their fellow students. These involvements enabled them to assist with summer camps for local children and support the educators in the local schools. These two were involved in organizations that promoted education and community involvement. The Noel B Jones IV Book Award represents the commitment that he instilled in our family. The Jones value and commitment to education started early in his life. This book award will be given to a student who will continue the legacy of one educator who was committed to the future of our children.
Student Bio
Noel B. Jones IV Memorial Book Award
Rachel Genn
Recipient
After a brief illness at the young age of 53 Mrs. McLeain passed away. The eldest daughter and grandchildren of Sara Witherspoon McLeain are proud to present a book award in honor of our mother & grandmother to a deserving and talented student.
August 4, 1926, born in Stamford, CT. Sara Witherspoon was raised in a 2 parent home where her dad worked in a factory, and her mom was a homemaker. Her parents were a low-income, hardworking family.
Sara Witherspoon McLeain Memorial Book Award
At the young age of 20, Sara Witherspoon married Lloyd McLeain. Mrs. McLeain raised eight children in the earlier years of her marriage as a homemaker. She then obtained employment at Gimbles Department Store, where she worked for over 25 years until she retired. Mrs. McLeain believed in higher education; however, growing up in the 1940s during segregation yielded limited access to higher education for poor black women. Mrs. McLeain was a Christian woman and enjoyed life, gardening, cooking, and sewing holiday outfits for her children. She loved to entertain, host dinner parties, and she was a competitive pinochle player. Mrs. McLeain firmly believed everyone should use their God-given talents to succeed. She was employed at Gimbles as an interior design specialist, where she helped black families furnish and decorate their homes. Interior design, art, fashion, and decorating was Mrs. McLeain's passion.
Sara Witherspoon McLeain Memorial Book Award
Arielle Jowers
Recipient Arielle Savannah Jowers graduated from Hill Regional Career High School where she is a member of Nat’l Business Honor Society, Nat’l Honor Society and served as Student Council President. She plans to study engineering at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and plans to become and Architectural Engineer.
Winston began employment with Hull Dye & Print Works and Farrell Corporation in Ansonia, CT. Winston continued his education at the University of New Haven, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Operations Management. While employed at Frigitronics in Shelton. Winston earned his PMP certification in Project Management. He later pursued a career change opportunity at Johnson and Johnson (Criticon) where he was employed as an operations supervisor for 20 years. After his retirement, Winston pursued his passion for real estate and insurance, where he received several awards as a top sales representative. Over 40 years ago, Winston confirmed his faith in God as he and his family joined St. Paul’s Catholic Church, West Haven, CT, where he was a dedicated and faithful member. He was an active member of the West Indian American Social Club of Hartford, CT. Winston had a great love for Jamaica and visited his home country often. Family members looked forward to his arrival, smile, and kind heart. Winston was a connoisseur of history
politics.and
Winston Churchill Brown Memorial Book Award
He also enjoyed reading about current events and debating the issues with family and friends. He was also a sports enthusiast, as he often offered financial support to the St. Jago Track Team as they successfully competed annually in the Penn Relay. Winston took great pride in being a devoted father to his daughters; the bond they shared is a true reflection of his compassionate man.
Winston Churchill Brown passed away on Friday, June 1, 2018, at 72. Winston leaves to cherish his memory, loving wife, Jessica Brown; daughters, Charlene Carrette and Karrol-Ann Brown. The Brown family is very proud to present a Memorial Book Award in honor of Winston Brown to a deserving and talented student.
Student Bio
Kayla Pattison
Recipient
Winston Churchill Brown Memorial Book Award
Beulah Barbara Goodall Chambers was born on October 16,1930 in Brown’s Town (Orange Hill), St. Ann, Jamaica to the late William Edmund and Alma Maude (McFarlene) Goodall. Beulah has been the devoted companion and wife to Owen Chambers for over 67 years, and the amazing mother of 6 children, 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Our mom loved everyone, especially young people. She was talented in crocheting, absolutely loved to give, and was an excellent cook. Beulah was a visionary and she believed strongly in education. If she was alive today, she would be humbled to know that her family has awarded two scholarships thus far in her honor that benefittingare students attending colleges. A retiree from the Jewish Home for the Aged in New Haven, Beulah earned her wings at the age of 84. We miss her dearly yet knowing that her legacy lives on.
Beulah Barbara Goodall Chambers
Memorial Scholarship
Beulah Barbara Goodall Chambers Memorial Scholarship
Kendra Hill
Kendra will attend Hampton University and major in psychology with an art minor. She plans to own an art therapy and counseling practice. While an honor student at Hamden Hall Country Day School she served as girls varsity basketball team captain, Black Student Union officer as well as a school ambassador.
Recipient
Membership General Contact Donate membership@ncbwct.org contact@ncbwct.org www.ncbwct.org/support-us Join Us!
We are looking for talented, dedicated, and career-oriented women who are active or emerging leaders in their communities who share our chapter members' desire to make and effect positive change for Black women and girls. As a member of the New Haven Metropolitan Chapter, you will be a part of a group of strong, progressive women both locally and nationally who are there to support and guide you both professionally and personally through our advocacy and service work and the bonds of sisterhood.