Yolonda Fredericks Boone, president of the Gulf Coast Chapter of The Links Incorporated, shares insights about the organization’s mission and impact.
WHAT IS YOUR ORGANIZATION’S PURPOSE?
The Gulf Coast Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, is a part of a national organization of professional women committed to friendship and service. Our mission is to enrich, sustain and ensure the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other people of African ancestry through impactful community service, educational programming and civic engagement.
HOW HAS THE ORGANIZATION GROWN AND EVOLVED OVER TIME?
The Links, Incorporated, was founded in 1946 by two influential and visionary women who believed in the power of collective service. The Gulf Coast (MS) Chapter was chartered on Nov. 18, 2017, to extend that vision to Mississippi’s Gulf Coast communities. At our foundational core lies the belief that friendship, coupled with service, has a transformational impact on our communities and our own lives. Over the years, The Links Incorporated has grown to over 300 chapters and 17,000 members.
WHO ARE YOUR TYPICAL MEMBERS?
Our chapter has 32 active members. We are comprised of accomplished women from various professions — educators, healthcare professionals, business leaders and civic leaders — who are dedicated to service and committed to improving the quality of life for underserved communities. Membership is by invitation and reflects a strong commitment to volunteerism and leadership.
WHAT’S NEW AND EXCITING WITH YOUR ORGANIZATION?
One exciting highlight is our NSBE Jr. (National Society of Black Engineers Junior) Chapter, where students build robots and prepare to compete in the VEX Robotics Competition. This program nurtures early interest in science, technology, engineering and math while building teamwork and leadership skills.
We also lead the Empowering Futures Through Mentorship program, a partnership with the Gulfport Job Corps Center that focuses on civic engagement, healthy living, career decision-making and cultural enrichment for young adults.
Each March, we host our annual Black Family Wellness Expo, a signature event that brings the community together around health and wellness. The expo offers access to local health resources, nutrition education, homeownership and banking information, fun activities and wellness services.
Additionally, we host an annual fundraiser to support our service programs. Most recently, we donated to community kitchens addressing food insecurity along the Coast.
Recurring initiatives include youth mentoring, voter engagement, breast cancer awareness, HeartLinks and family wellness.
HOW IS YOUR ORGANIZATION HAVING A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY AND THOSE IT SERVES?
Our impact is reflected in various initiatives, from awarding scholarships to supporting historically Black colleges and universities to leading voter registration drives and health-awareness campaigns. One of our most significant accomplishments is our ongoing youth mentorship program, which provides leadership development and life skills.
HOW DOES YOUR ORGANIZATION EMPOWER OR SERVE WOMEN IN PARTICULAR?
We intentionally create spaces where women can lead, grow, and serve. We empower women through mentorship, leadership development and community engagement within our membership and the broader community.
Our programs often include workshops on financial literacy, career advancement and health awareness tailored for women and girls. A recent initiative, Leading Ladies, gave young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs a platform to connect with established community leaders and gain insight into empowerment, fearlessness and grit.
By fostering intergenerational mentorship and promoting personal and professional growth, we help women confidently step into leadership roles and make lasting contributions to their communities.
WHAT HAVE YOU HAVE LEARNED OR GAINED BY BEING INVOLVED WITH THIS ORGANIZATION?
The most rewarding aspect is sisterhood and shared commitment to purpose. Being surrounded by dynamic women who uplift one another while creating meaningful change has been empowering and inspiring. It’s taught me the value of collective leadership and the deep impact of intentional service.
WHAT ARE THE ORGANIZATION’S GOALS OR HOPES GOING FORWARD?
Looking ahead, we aim to expand our community programming, deepen partnerships with local organizations and continue advocating for quality and inclusion in education, health and civic life. We also are committed to growing our membership with women with diverse skills and a passion for service.
WHAT DOES YOUR ORGANIZATION DO WELL, AND WHAT IS IT SEEKING TO IMPROVE?
We excel at designing and delivering impactful and culturally relevant community programs. Our strength lies in collaboration, leadership and consistency. Moving forward, we’re working to increase our visibility, expand our digital presence and build stronger intergenerational engagement.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD OUR AUDIENCE KNOW?
The Links, Incorporated is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of women of color, with a rich legacy of service, friendship and advocacy. The Gulf Coast (MS) Chapter embodies that legacy locally, and we welcome opportunities to collaborate with others who share our passion for community empowerment.