I Am Not Alone + We Are Family + We Belong + Run the World (Girls) + We Are Blessed
Photo of YANAsisters 2024 Retreat
By Briene M. Simmons
WE ARE ONE
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Connection Coach, Speaker, Retreat Facilitator, Meditation Teacher, Reiki Master, Doula, Sound Healer, Author, and Attorney Imani Monica McCullough is a vibrant voice for women worldwide. Through her transformative platform, YANAsisters, she thrives on helping women live more passionate and authentic lives.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
A writer since she was 8 years old, a reader since 3, today Kellyn O. McGee’s essence of being a learner and teacher shows up as a law professor, editor, certified yoga teacher, podcast lover, and owner of a virtual book cellar –with a collection waiting for the right moment to be savored.
Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Dian WalterMilton moved to Houston to pursue a career in aviation. With 35 years of experience as a flight attendant and 24 years as a licensed realtor, she feels especially grateful for her twin sons, supportive spouse, and her mother, who has been her unwavering foundation.
Dionne Smith, a single mother and HR professional, proudly holds degrees from The University of Texas at Austin (BS) and Texas Southern University (MBA). A charter member of the Katy Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta since 2020, she is also a devoted believer, fur mom, music lover, and bibliophile, and, at 55, is fully embracing her fearless spirit.
Founder of Legacy Studio, a law firm specializing in wills, trusts, and estates, Rebecca Cummings serves as a professional executor and trustee, guiding delicate family and financial conversations. This year, she celebrates the 25th anniversary of opening her first law firm.
Sonja Natasha, a dedicated public servant, believes that total wellness is essential for a healthy life. Passionate about helping women achieve balance in physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness, she is a licensed instructor in Zumba, Zumba Toning, and Strong HIIT. An avid runner, she also enjoys yoga, strength training, and expanding her collection of workout wear.
IN THIS ISSUE
FIVE WOMEN SHARE HOW CONNECTION CHANGED THEIR LIVES
10 “I AM NOT ALONE” – Imani Monica McCullough, YANAsisters: “I’ve seen women share truths that they have never told a single soul, only to find out they aren’t so ‘bad’ or different or ‘out there’ as they thought. And I’ve seen women go from being virtual strangers to real sisters in a weekend... Connection is truly the cure for what ails us.”
14 “WE ARE FAMILY” – Sonja Natosha Brown, Black Girl Magic, The Peloton Edition: “Community is not only those people who are in our immediate vicinity, but it is a wide net of those who have the same goals, passions, needs, and wants, and have come together through something as simple as an exercise bike.”
16 “WE BELONG” – Rebecca Cummings, Georgia Association of Women Lawyers: “GAWL is not the association of women lawyers, it is the association for women lawyers. It helps emphasize that we meet women lawyers where they are, and just by being women and lawyers they belong in our community.”
20 “RUN THE WORLD (GIRLS)” – Dionne Smith, GirlTREK: “I have seen people step out of their comfort zones by challenging themselves to walk longer miles or hike along trails that may be a little too steep for them to walk alone. Knowing that a sister is there to help you climb that hill and be patient with that sister opens up a whole new confidence.”
24 “WE ARE BLESSED” –Dian Walter-Milton, The N.O.E.L. Organization: “I’ve learned that working together with like-minded individuals amplifies our impact - the sense of community and shared purpose drives us to achieve more than we could individually.”
What Has Your Women’s Group Taught You?
YANA’VERSARY Invite
YANA Bookclub Invite
What is YANAsisters?
LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER
My sisters,
The year was 1988—a time of asymmetrical haircuts, Guess jeans, and hitting the dance floor to Teddy’s Jam on repeat. Thursdays held their own ritual: we’d gather around the dorm TV to watch A Different World, excitedly soaking in the stories that felt so much like our own, before dressing up for Soul Night.
Strangely enough, when I think back on that time in my life, it’s not the fashion or the parties that stand out—it’s the friendships that I remember most. Meeting women who became my aces, my sisters by choice. Women who over the years have become my lifeline. Through life’s twists and challenges—divorce, grief, cancer—they were there, steadfast and unwavering, reminding me of the incredible power of unity. Together, we are truly boundless—our friendship proving that with the right support, anything is possible.
It was these friendships formed during freshman year—and one very inspiring dormmate named Mo—that led me to consider going out for a sorority. Though the thought of pledging had never entered my mind before, when my friends started talking about it, I felt a tug, an urge to explore what it would be like to build a lifelong sisterhood, especially with women who stood for something bigger than themselves. The women in this sorority carried themselves with strength and grace, each one a
testament to the sorority’s values and their own. And my dreams of leaving a mark on the world felt naturally aligned with their mission of service and scholarship.
So, in the fall of 1989, three of my “Boundless” sisters and I pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Two more would pledge later.) The sisterhood I’d experienced with these friends had laid the foundation, but DST took it to a global level. I learned the remarkable impact we could make when we worked together with a shared purpose and the true depth of “having someone’s back.” For the past 35 years, my linesisters and I have shown up for each other, season after season, like family. Together, we’ve celebrated in good times, comforted each other in losses, and fortified each other’s dreams.
DST gave me the confidence to lead, the courage to explore my creativity, and yes, a crash course in event planning. DST was the platform that allowed me to plan my first retreat for 100 women on campus in 1992—a gathering that would plant the seeds for YANAsisters, and the retreats I would go on to organize two decades later. Not everyone views sororities the same way today, and
I understand that. But for me, Delta was transformative. Without the leadership, confidence, and event-planning skills I gained, there might never have been a YANAsisters.
All of this is to say that I’ve seen, up close, the power of a united collective. When we come together as one, we don’t just amplify our voices—we strengthen our causes, inspire change, and create a ripple effect that moves far beyond ourselves. In honor of this, our Editor-in-Chief and I are dedicating this issue of CONNECT to the women’s groups and movements that have shaped us, lifted us, and transformed us—from the sororities that we each pledged, to nonprofits investing in future generations, to professional and social networks empowering women, to healthy living movements that inspire us to be better, and to YANAsisters itself. Our unity has the power to inspire, create, and transform. Together, we’re unstoppable.
To each of you, I encourage: find strength in numbers. Seek out the groups that resonate with your spirit, where you can connect to a mission larger than yourself and surround yourself with women who feel like family. It will not only elevate the world—it will elevate you.
We Are One
Imani
P.S. We dedicate this issue to the memory of the incomparable Frankie Beverly. If you ever had the pleasure of attending a Frankie Beverly and Maze concert, you’ve undoubtedly experienced the power of connection that we write about in this issue.
Yoga
IS A PRAYER
by Kellyn McGee
We help each other, for we know there’s no other, like our sisterhood.
~From the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Hymn*
I didn’t always want to be an “AKA.”
In high school, I thought I would pledge another sorority. But almost as soon as I stepped foot on Howard University’s campus as a freshman, I knew Alpha Kappa Alpha was the only choice for me. Perhaps it was the conversations I had with my roommate (who had been an AKA debutante) and a friend from high school who lived down the hall. Perhaps it was seeing student leaders and scholars around campus in their pink and green. Perhaps it was walking by the chapter’s tree or by the building where the sorority was founded. Perhaps it was that one of my favorite professors is a member. Whether it was one of these reasons or something else that sparked my interest, it was solidified my first year at Howard.
I didn’t pledge as an undergrad but am proud to be a life member of the sorority, with almost thirty years of service. Through the years, I have been a member of different chapters and have formed relationships with countless women – my sisters - who made the same lifelong commitment as I did. I have served in our communities with these women, from Southeast Georgia to Central Pennsylvania. Alongside my sisters, I have cleaned up parks, painted classrooms, read scholarship applications, fed the unhoused, wrapped Christmas gifts at the mall, set up and broken down tables at health fairs, worked on community forums, chaired various Cotillion committees, and otherwise volunteered to represent the sorority and chapter at county and city events.
The word “yoga” is derived from “yuj” in Sanskrit and its meaning is to unite, yoke, join,
or connect. In a yoga practice, it is the union of the mind, body, and spirit. When we move in poses, we unite our body with our breath. When I think of my sorority and my sisters, I know that I am connected to thousands of women worldwide with a singular purpose: to serve mankind. We join hands, link arms, toil together in unison. We are yoked as one body, one purpose.
Alpha Kappa Alpha hasn’t just offered me opportunities to provide community service. It has also provided me with leadership skills that I have used personally and professionally. It has also expanded my circle of friends. I have developed close relationships with sisters I’ve met in other organizations because we’ve been “raised right” in Alpha Kappa Alpha; we know how to serve. Outside of the sorority, my sisters have encouraged and supported me in pursuing leadership positions and career changes. They have recommended me to serve on panels about the legal profession and to teach community yoga classes.
I have moved across the country a number of times since I’ve been a member and I have always been able to find a community of sisters wherever I’ve landed. It is one of the beauties of this sisterhood: there is always a sister nearby.
I cannot count all the joyful memories I have from being a member. One special one, though, is the trip I made with 400 sisters to the United Arab Emirates for the chartering of our chapter in Dubai. I wonder if the founders of the sorority dared to imagine the worldwide impact their legacy has become. The vision of scholarship and service by a small group of women on a college campus that was only forty years old has endured for more than 116 years and has grown to more than 300,000 women who’ve been initiated in chapters on continents from America to Africa and Asia.
I also cannot list here all of my trailblazing sisters, but here are few of my favorite “firsts”: Constance Baker Motley (first Black woman appointed as a federal judge), Yvette Lee Bowser (first Black woman to develop her own primetime series: Living Single), and Kamala Harris (does she need a descriptor?).
It makes me smile when someone says to me, “I could tell you’re an AKA.” It means, hopefully, that I’m living and serving the vision of our founders.
Alpha Kappa Alpha is a service organization and a sisterhood. And there is no other like it.
*Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1908 at Howard University as the first Black Greek-letter organization for college-educated women.
“Being a part of XR Women has shown me the power of women supporting women through shared knowledge, collaboration, and encouragement. I was honored to win the XR Women Impact Award in 2022 for my work teaching youth and adults how to engage with virtual reality. In an industry where the media often emphasizes men’s contributions, XR Women amplifies the voices and achievements of women, fostering a sense of belonging and inspiring more women to thrive in AR/VR.”
- Deshjuana (Tampa, FL)
“Being a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc has shown me the power and importance of leaving a legacy. Serving the community with my sisters is a bond like no other! But, what’s most important to me is watching my 86 year-old mother passing this torch of connection and service - first to me and now to my daughter, strengthening our family.”
- Karla (Atlanta, GA)
“Partnering with other powerhouse women to create an investment club has been an empowering experience. I’m learning different ways to expand my legacy and build generational wealth.”
- Tamara (Dallas, TX)
“Being a member/part of Black Girls Run has shown me that I am not alone. When I ran my first marathon in 2006, I could count on three fingers the number of Black women I saw running. Fast forward 18 years later, and we are everywhere. Different sizes, different speeds, but supporting and encouraging one another. We take up space intentionally, unapologetically at the start line, and celebrate together at the finish line.”
“Being a part of the initial and subsequent calls with Win with Black Women reignited an instinctive energy in me that confirmed/reminded me of how truly powerful and inspiring our collective action can be. When we unite and rise above all that might at times divide us, and join forces as THE eternal sisterhood protectors of democracy, WE
“Being a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has afforded me with an abundance of blessings that I have received and also given to others in our community. Resources, sisterhood and shared social, cultural and religious experiences have contributed to my professional and personal growth and I am forever grateful, especially to my linesisters.”
- Tamela (Austin, TX)
I AM NOT
alone
by Imani Monica McCullough
What is the name of your organization/movement? YANAsisters (“YANA” means You Are Not Alone).
When did you start the group? Our first retreat was in April 2013.
What prompted you to start the group? The short answer is that I wrote a book in 2009 called YOU ARE NOT ALONE, which included my most vulnerable
thoughts about my search for love and purpose, my hurt in losing a husband to schizophrenia, my fear of losing my mom, and that indescribable feeling you get when you think you’re the only one. I realized these feelings weren’t new – that I’d somehow never quite felt like I belonged... Fast forward to 2013: I partnered with another coach (Lashana Williams) to host the first retreat. It was magical!
How many members are currently in your organization? Over 20,000 women have joined the YANA Movement.
What is the primary purpose of your organization/ movement? YANAsisters helps women experience the power of connection to God, themselves, and others. Our core pillars are authenticity, connection, and belonging.
What are the most impactful initiatives or projects your group has undertaken together? Although our Facebook group and meetup activities are a constant, and our international retreats have been incredible, I think our domestic retreats are the most impactful. Bringing women together for a weekend of deep connection activities - where they can fully and authentically “exhale” - has to be the most powerful thing I’ve ever seen.
How has your organization/ movement evolved over time? We began with domestic retreats in 2013, then over the years to follow added: meetup activities in Atlanta, a private Facebook group, meetup groups in 8 other cities, international retreats, our quarterly magazine, the bookclub, and more... And it’s not just the organization that has grown. I’ve grown through “mothering” this beautiful sisterhood.
What have you learned about the power of connection since becoming a member? I’ve learned that authenticity and vulnerability create space for more powerful and meaningful connection. When we open up and
expose ourselves, it gives others the freedom to do the same. And we all learn, grow, and heal.
How have you seen the power of connection yield results within your group? I’ve seen women share truths that they have never told a single soul, only to find out they aren’t so “bad” or different or “out there” as they thought. I’ve seen women say “I love you” or “I’m beautiful” to themselves for the very first time. I’ve felt women achieve a level of healing that they never expected. And I’ve seen women go from being virtual strangers to real sisters in a weekend... Connection is truly the cure for what ails us.
I’VE SEEN WOMEN GO FROM BEING VIRTUAL STRANGERS TO REAL SISTERS IN A WEEKEND.
What was your most memorable experience of connection within your group? At the end of one of our retreats, we did an exercise called Earth Angel. The ladies were in groups of 4, and each person in the group took turns selecting and sharing a mantra with the group. Then for a full minute, the person boldly proclaimed their mantra and the other 3 group members repeated it back.
When it was time for the last woman to share her mantra, the other groups had all finished, so instead of 3 ladies repeating the mantra, there
were 30+ yelling her mantra – YOU ARE NOT ALONE - back to her. By the end, we were all hugging and crying. It was so powerful.
How does your organization foster meaningful connections among members? We offer different types and levels of connection to meet each woman where she is. Our members can connect by reading our magazine, joining our Facebook group, engaging in virtual activities (including our bookclub), attend a live meetup in their city, or retreat with us –domestically or abroad.
Can you share a story where a connection within the group led to personal or professional growth? It’s a little known fact that I used to be TERRIFIED to speak in front of a large audience. YANA stretched me and gave me a comfort that I never knew possible – all because I know I have a room of ladies cheering me on and wanting me to succeed.
How has being a part of this group changed your perspective on community and belonging? My perspective hasn’t changed, but this group has reaffirmed what I always believed. When we feel seen, heard, affirmed, and supported; we know we can do and be anything.
How has the organization helped you connect with your own strengths and passions? Because of YANA, I’m a better coach, writer, speaker, facilitator, retreat planner, listener, empath, and all around woman. But, as importantly, I remember that before my ex-husband’s mental health crisis, I had a dream that my life would somehow make a difference. I didn’t understand it at the time, but when my whole world crumbled, I kept telling myself to hold on, because somehow it would all be used for something good one day... So now, every time I look at what we’re doing in YANA, it confirms that God has a purpose for me.
family WE ARE
by Sonja Natasha Brown
What is the name of the organization/ movement that you are part of?
Black Girl Magic: Τhe Peloton Edition.
When did you join? I joined in February 2021.
What prompted you to join? It was the middle of the pandemic and I was in need of motivation. Prior to the pandemic, I enjoyed group fitness classes where I could feed off the energy of my classmates. This group filled a gap that I needed to be filled.
How many members are currently in your organization? 34,000+ members.
What is the primary purpose of your organization/movement? The primary purpose of the group is to create a space for African American women to celebrate their individual and collective triumphs in their fitness journeys.
What are the most impactful initiatives or projects your group has undertaken together? The initiative that has been most impactful for me in the group are the Swarms. Swarms are group rides at designated times each day. We all workout with the same hash tags, high-five one another in the class, and post pictures on the same social media thread after the classes. A beautiful collage is
then created and you are reminded that there is always a sister riding along the fitness and life journeys with you.
Although we are exercising virtually, the swarm rides/strength classes remind me that I am never alone, and that there is a sisterhood of women encouraging me in the classes and rooting for me to do well.
How has your organization/movements evolved over time? Although it is a virtual group, they now hold several local in person meet and greets throughout the country.
What have you learned about the power of connection since becoming a member? The power of connection transcends space, distance, and time.
How have you seen the power of connection yield results within your group? Recently, a member posted about her daughter losing her father during her freshman orientation week at college. She was asking for prayers and any resources that could assist her daughter. Not only was there an outpouring of love and support from members, members who lived in the area offered to provide assistance.
I personally reached out via a direct message, because I live in the area where her daughter attends college, but I am also an alumna of the university. I’ve never met the member in person, but she was in a time of need, so it was important to let her know that although she was hundreds of miles away from her only child, I was available to provide in person support to her if/when she ever needed it.
How has being a part of this group changed your perspective on community and belonging? It hasn’t changed my perspective on community and belonging, but it has broadened my perspective. Community is not only those people who are in our immediate vicinity, but it is a wide net of those who have
the same goals, passions, needs, and wants, and have come together through something as simple as an exercise bike. While the bike was the common thread of interest, the community involves supporting complete strangers in a no-judgment way, that is both supportive and corrective.
In what ways has your organization encouraged members to step out of their comfort zones? The women who post in this group offer the most transparency that I ever seen. There is a circle of trust that has been created and even with over 34,000 members, you know that it is a safe space. You are encouraged to post about the place of your journey in which you are currently. There’s no need to wait until you achieve your “goal,” because every step along the journey is a victory worthy to be celebrated.
How has the organization helped you connect with your own strengths and passions? Watching the women in this group, from all walks of life, at different stages in their fitness journey, has motivated me to not only work out more, but I am pushing myself to new limits to achieve new levels of health and wellness. The women in this group do not allow you to criticize yourself, and they celebrate you in every victory (no matter how big or small you may deem it to be).
WE BELONG
By Rebecca Cummings
What is the name of the organization/movement that you are part of? Georgia Association for Women Lawyers (GAWL). I was president of the organization over 20 years ago, but the connections I made remain the core of my professional network and my circle of friends.
When did you join? When I moved to Atlanta in 1997.
What prompted you to join? I didn’t know many people and wanted to connect with women professionals and make friends.
What is the primary purpose of your organization/ movement? To serve the interests of women lawyers in Georgia.
What are the most impactful initiatives or projects your group has undertaken together? Leadership training and mentoring.
How has your organization/ movement evolved over time? With each generation of women, the focus of the organization changes to meet their needs. When GAWL was founded, women couldn’t even sit on juries! When I was president more than 20
years ago, my goal was to shine a spotlight on women’s underrepresentation on continuing education speaker panels.
What have you learned about the power of connection since becoming a member? Connection is power! Together we can accomplish so much more than we could if we were isolated working alone in our offices.
How have you seen the power of connection yield results within your group? When we gather together, we find that we face similar challenges as women lawyers and can mentor each other. For instance, I have been a part of some incredibly candid and helpful conversations about business development that only occurred because of high trust among members.
What was your most memorable experience of connection within your group? GAWL has a number of mentoring circles, affinity groups, neighborhood networking groups, and other groups to help people get connected. I started a group for new women partners at law firms. We met monthly for more than 10 years as we navigated our careers together. These women are still some of my closest friends.
How does your organization foster meaningful connections among members? As mentioned, small groups are a key way to help members meet each other and find organic connection around common interests.
Can you share a story where a connection within the group led to personal or professional growth? A fellow GAWL member reached out to me to talk about
possibilities for her next professional chapter. I suggested she consider joining a new law school that was opening in Savannah. Through my connections she started her teaching career. The enclosed photo is a gathering at my house to toast her move to her second faculty position.
How has being a part of this group changed your perspective on community and belonging? GAWL is not the association of women lawyers, it is the association for women lawyers. It helps emphasize that we meet women lawyers where they are, and just by being women and lawyers they belong in our community.
In what ways has your organization encouraged members to step out of their comfort zones? Helping lawyers understand the business of practicing law – necessary for success but not taught in law school.
How has the organization helped you connect with your own strengths and passions? It was in GAWL that I was first exposed to formal organizational strategic planning. I found my passion for facilitating strategic planning retreats and have since facilitated retreats for subsequent GAWL boards, other non-profits and law firms.
YANASISTERS is an intergenerational wisdom circle for women — like you. We’ve created this safe space, this spiritual space, to celebrate our womanhood. Here, with us, you will find healing. You will find happiness. You will find hope.
And most importantly, you will find a new you.
Join us at www.yanasisters.com
WHAT IS YANASISTERS?
Connection is the essence of our community. Whether through our intimate online group, coaching programs, local meetups or one of our transformative destination retreats, we are here to support you in this season of your awakening. We share our stories, our pasts and our pain—lovingly and openly—to show one another that we are more alike than we are different.
We defy the notion that differences divide us. We are women who are all shapes, sizes, skin tones and swag. But our spirits—our souls— are every bit the same. And we only have one rule. Leave all judgment at the door. You arrived here today, not by coincidence, but because you know existing isn’t enough. We believe that too, and we want to support you to manifest something meaningful in your life—whether that something is more joy,
more freedom, more confidence and selflove, a more fulfilling profession or a better relationship. YANA is as much about recovery as it discovery. As you exhale your pain and inhale your passion and purpose, you will find you can do—and be—anything. But first, Superwoman, you must take off the cape.
When you need love, we’re here. When you need an embrace for your body or your soul, we’re here. When you need the freedom to explore those hidden, but treasured, parts of yourself, we’re here.
When you need to free yourself to be yourself, we’re here.
We, your sisters, welcome you with warm, open arms.
BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
RUN THE WORLD
(Girls)
by Dionne Smith
What is the name of the organization/ movement that you are part of?
GirlTREK: The 7Lakes Steppers.
When did you join? I joined in 2018.
What prompted you to join? Seeing my friend enjoy the camaraderie with other black women who were also concerned about their health.
How many members are currently in your organization? Nationwide over 1 million; Locally approximately 20.
What is the primary purpose of your organization/movement?
GirlTREK is a life-saving sisterhood. We are a campaign to heal intergenerational trauma, fight systemic racism and transform Black lives. As women organize walking teams, they also mobilize community members to support advocacy efforts and lead a Civil Rights-inspired health movement. GirlTREK’s membership is currently at over one million and growing every day.
What are the most impactful initiatives or projects your group has undertaken together?
GirlTREK has become one of the most effective public health interventions in the country. According to their website, women have experienced weight loss, experienced fewer symptoms of depression, and were prescribed less medication than previous years.
How has your organization/movement evolved over time?
GirlTREK was founded by Morgan and Vanessa in 1996, and this year hit its milestone of inspiring 1 million Black women to walk towards their healthiest, most fulfilled life.
What have you learned about the power of connection since becoming a member?
It feels great to be connected with other women of color who are concerned with preserving their mental health as well as their physical health. It’s a group of like-minded accountability partners.
How have you seen the power of connection yield results within your group?
Members celebrate health milestones and the increasing number of black women concerned about each other spiritually as well as physically.
What was your most memorable experience of connection within your group?
One of the most memorable experiences within GirlTREK was reconnecting with a dear friend of mine from college. The rekindling of
that friendship allowed us to strengthen our personal relationship.
How does your organization foster meaningful connections among members? Each member picks an adjective to describe herself and we address each other using that adjective in front of the person’s name. We get to learn about each other’s personalities based on the adjective they picked. For example, I am “Dependable Dionne”. You can depend on me to uplift you and be your biggest cheerleader.
Can you share a story where a connection within the group led to personal or professional growth?
GirlTREK has helped me personally spread the brand name and purpose of the group. When I was a member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., I was asked to bring in a guest speaker with a focus on health and wellness. I was newly indoctrinated into the group, so I asked one of our walk leaders to attend a meeting a introduce GirlTREK to them. The informational session was a gateway to bring in approximately 25 new members to the group.
How has being a part of this group changed your perspective on community and belonging?
I’ve always stressed the importance of community unity via my sorority affiliation and other civic organizations, but GirlTREK allowed me to shift the focus to the betterment of black women’s health and mental wellness.
In what ways has your organization encouraged members to step out of their comfort zones?
I have seen people step out of their comfort zones by challenging themselves to walk longer miles or hike along trails that may be a little too steep for them to walk alone. Knowing that a sister is there to help you
GIRLTREK ALLOWED ME TO SHIFT THE FOCUS TO THE BETTERMENT OF BLACK WOMEN’S HEALTH AND MENTAL WELLNESS.
climb that hill and be patient with that sister opens up a whole new confidence.
How has the organization helped you connect with your own strengths and passions?
GirlTREK has helped me connect with culture. I have a greater appreciation for the strength of a black woman and our ability to overcome challenges. I have placed a greater value on my state of mind as I work hard to fight against diseases and conditions that plague our community. I have a better appreciation of my physical body, how it works, and how I view my body. It’s not always about the size, but how this vessel of life houses my spirit and determination.
“Being part of women’s political movements - from the Ann Richards campaign, to Women’s Marches, to the 44,000 call - has taught me the true meaning of strength, purpose, and love for humanity. Being godly in my thoughts, words, and deeds has maintained all of this and more when standing up and fighting for what is right.”
- Brooks Brown (Pearland, TX)
“Being a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. has shown me the strength and power of sisterhood, where unity creates real, lasting bonds. Together, we uplift each other and serve our communities with purpose and dedication.”
- NiTara (Atlanta, GA)
Being a member of the Corporate Counsel Women of Color has reminded me that in a world where our value may be questioned, we are more than enough, with an incredible network of women (and other allies) to help sustain us, lift us, and propel us forward.
- Faith (Atlanta, GA)
BLESSED In the city
by Dian Walter-Milton
What is the name of your organization?
The N.O.E.L. Organization Inc., which stands for Neighborly Organization Empowering Lives. Our Motto is “It’s a Blessing to be a Blessing.”
When did you start this organization? We founded this organization in December of 2022.
What prompted you to start it? The N.O.E.L. Organization was founded in the aftermath of the pandemic to address the pressing needs of our community.
How many members are currently in your organization? We currently have 31 members on our roster and 3 male mentors.
What is the primary purpose of your organization/movement? Our primary purpose is to uplift others through our community work and our social activities.
As sisters, we strive to inspire one another and make a meaningful impact in the community.
What are the most impactful initiatives or projects your group has undertaken together? Our mentorship program, back-to-school drive, health and wellness seminar, buff and polish program (personal care services for our seniors), support of the unhoused community, and women’s empowerment programs are our most impactful initiatives.
How has your organization/movement evolved over time? Since December 2022, the N.O.E.L. Organization has grown from addressing immediate needs to offering comprehensive support programs. We expanded from school supply drives and meal distributions to mentorship, health seminars, and women’s empowerment initiatives.
What have you learned about the power of connection since becoming a member? I’ve learned that (1) working together with like-minded individuals amplifies our impact - the sense of community and shared purpose drives us to achieve more than we could individually; (2) building meaningful relationships within the organization provides a strong support system; and (3) the connections formed within the organization empower members to grow personally and professionally.
How have you seen the power of connection yield results within your group? I’ve seen that connection leads to successful initiatives, fosters emotional support, generates fresh ideas, helps us support more people, and empowers members to grow.
What was your most memorable experience of connection within your group? Celebrating my birthday with the unhoused community. We shared birthday cake, conducted interviews, and interacted on
THIS JOURNEY HAS BEEN A TESTAMENT TO THE POWER OF FOLLOWING MY INNER GUIDANCE AND EMBRACING NEW EXPERIENCES.
a deeply personal level. This experience filled my heart with joy and highlighted the importance of solidarity and empathy in our shared efforts.
How does your organization foster meaningful connections among members?
The N.O.E.L. Organization does a fantastic job of fostering meaningful connections among members through our mentorship programs, community events, volunteer opportunities, and by offering a range of activities to engage members with different interests and backgrounds.
Can you share a story where a connection within the group led to personal or professional growth? Last year the N.O.E.L Organization organized a health and wellness seminar for our mentees. This event was made possible through the collective efforts
of our members who secured sponsorships from local businesses. This initiative not only benefitted our mentees but also helped our members develop confidence, reinforcing their commitment to community service.
How has being a part of this group changed your perspective on community and belonging? (1) Power of Togetherness: I’ve seen first-hand how impactful it is when people unite for a common cause. (2) Feeling of Inclusion: Being a part of this organization has given me a deeper sense of inclusion. It’s not just about being in a community and sisterhood; it’s about feeling valued and connected to something larger than myself.
In what ways has your organization encouraged members to step out of their comfort zones? Through our diverse initiatives - ranging from intergenerational mentorship and skill building workshops to community projects and social events - members of the N.O.E.L. Organization (ages 30 to 80) have all joyfully embraced the profound importance of sisterhood and building relationships. These experiences have not only empowered us to step out of our comfort zones, but also created a vibrant, supportive community where we grow, thrive, and celebrate together!
How has the organization helped you connect with your own strengths and passions? Growing up as an only child, I never really connected with other women. But this organization has taken me out of my comfort zone in the most empowering way. By being obedient to the spirit and allowing it to lead and guide me, I’ve discovered a profound sense of sisterhood and community. Through my involvement, I’ve not only built meaningful relationships but also uncovered my leadership abilities and passion for service. This journey has been a testament to the power of following my inner guidance and embracing new experiences.
“Being a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. has taught me the importance of fostering sisterhood among women dedicated to community service, civil rights, and social action. My involvement has also given me opportunities to develop and use my talents and gifts, empowering me to reach my full potential in all my endeavors.”
- E. LeVerne (Houston, TX)
“In 1989, I began a 3-year period of death: the death of my dad, the death of my job, the death of my marriage, and the death of my hope. Soon after, I united with Anointed By Christ Ministries - a group of women who’d gone through similar life challenges and found healing through prayer. Through their compassion, our prayers, and the beautiful sisterhood; my hope was reborn and my ministry was birthed - which allowed me to begin helping other women.”
- Joyce (Houston, TX)
“Being a part of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. has taught me the true meaning of sisterhood. As an only child, I am forever grateful for the bond of love, support, and encouragement we share. We are college educated women who pledged to work in our communities to impact change. And even today, we continue this work collectively and individually.”
- Katherine (Houston, TX)
YANA `WE ARE ONE´ Playlist
We created a playlist to listen to as you read through this issue! Search for “WE ARE ONE” on Spotify or use the QR Code below.
We Are One (Maze, Frankie Beverly)
We Are Family (Sister Sledge)
We Belong (Pat Benatar)
Run the World (Girls) (Beyonce)
You Are Not Alone (Mavis Staples)
We’re Blessed (Fred Hammond)
Unity (The O’Jays)
I Am Woman (Helen Reddy)
I Am Woman (Emmy Meli)
I Am Not Alone (Kari Jobe)
Roar (Katy Perry)
I’m Every Woman (Chaka Khan)
For Once In My Life (Stevie Wonder)
One Love (Bob Marley & The Wailers)
Heal the World (Michael Jackson)
Conquerors (Kirk Franklin & The Family)
All content in Connect is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be advice or counseling. Always seek professional help in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your health or the health of others.
© You Are Not Alone 2024 www.yanasisters.com
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