Assembled in Purpose Charting the Course
Launching Leaders
The Power of Us
A Celebration of Leadership and Collective Impact
Welcome to The Power of Us Town Hall.
This evening is built on a simple belief: progress is never the work of a single institution, a single leader, or a single community It is the result of people choosing to invest in one another and refusing to accept that opportunity should be reserved for a fortunate few Tonight, we recognize leaders and organizations whose work demonstrates that principle every day From classrooms and hospitals to newsrooms, neighborhoods, boardrooms, and technology labs, they are expanding access, removing barriers, preserving history, and creating pathways that allow others to thrive
The conversations we share tonight come at an important moment Across the country, communities continue to wrestle with questions of educational equity, economic mobility, healthcare access, technological advancement, and civic trust. The individuals we honor this evening are not simply responding to those challenges; they are helping to shape solutions Their work reminds us that meaningful change rarely happens through rhetoric alone It happens when people commit themselves to service, invest in institutions, tell difficult truths, and remain dedicated to the long work of opening doors that were once closed.
As the inaugural Power of Us Town Hall, this gathering reflects the enduring mission of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated For more than eighty years, our organization has understood that leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility We believe that when families, institutions, and communities work together, they create opportunities that extend far beyond a single generation It is our hope that tonight's dialogue challenges us to think more boldly, collaborate more intentionally, and leave with a deeper understanding of how each of us can contribute to a stronger future The power we celebrate this evening does not belong to any one person or organization It is found in what becomes possible when people choose to act, serve, and lead together
Together, we are The Power of Us.
Darlene McGhee Whittington
Evening Program
Order of Events
Public Town Hall Meeting
Baltimore, MD
Musical Prelude
Opening & Welcome
Lift Every Voice and Sing
Performed by DeMola the Violinist Welcome Address
Darlene McGhee Whittington 28th National President
Introduction of Host Laura Coates
Greetings & Acknowledgements
Introduction of Awardees
The Charge Closing
National Executive Board
The officers charting the course for the association
Darlene McGhee Whittington
NATIONAL PRESIDENT Ily J. Houston NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
Tamika Henderson NATIONAL RECORDING SECRETARY
Deidre S. Lindsey, PharmD, MBA
NATIONAL TREASURER
Tasha B. Penny NATIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Vanessa Caston LaFleur
Suzanne Ornelas NATIONAL EDITOR
DeMola
Afrobeat & Hip-Hop Violinist · Artist · Singer
Demola is an award-winning, self-taught, multi-genre violinist, singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist known for redefining the violin in contemporary music.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and now based in Houston, he blends Afrobeats, reggae, hiphop, R&B, jazz, and classical influences into a signature sound.
An internationally acclaimed performer, Demola has appeared on major stages and broadcasts worldwide, captivating audiences with electrifying performances that bridge classical artistry and modern music
Laura Coates
CNN Anchor & Legal Analyst
Laura Coates is CNN's chief legal analyst and anchor of Laura Coates Live, where she brings sharp legal insight to the day's biggest stories at the intersection of law, politics, and culture
An Emmy-nominated journalist, she has led CNN's coverage of major legal and political events, including Supreme Court decisions, impeachment proceedings, and high-profile criminal trials
A former federal prosecutor, bestselling author, and Princeton and University of Minnesota Law graduate, Coates is widely recognized for making complex legal issues accessible and engaging
Honors & Recognitions
Celebrating leaders and organizations advancing access, service, and opportunity.
Power of Legacy in Learning
Morgan State University
Presented by Ily J Houston, National Vice President
Power of Investment
Shelonda Stokes
Presented by Deidre S Lindsey, National Treasurer
Power of Service to Others
American Red Cross
Presented by Tasha B Penny, National Program Director
Power of Access
Digital Harbor Foundation
Presented by Tamika L Henderson, National Recording Secretary
Power of Beginnings
March of Dimes
Presented by Vanessa Caston LaFleur, National Corresponding Secretary
Power of Record and Remembrance
The Afro
Presented by Suzanne Ornelas, National Editor
Power of Voice and Presence
Karine Jean-Pierre
Presented by Darlene McGhee Whittington, National President
Morgan State University
Represented
by
Stacey L. Benn, Senior Executive Assistant to the President
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University and the state’s largest historically Black college or university.
A Carnegie-classified R2 institution, Morgan offers more than 150 academic programs and is nationally recognized for advancing research, innovation, and community impact
Presented by Ily J Houston, National Vice President
Shelonda Stokes
Downtown Partnership of Baltimore
Shelonda Stokes is President and CEO of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and Executive Director of the Downtown Management Authority, where she leads efforts to strengthen and transform Downtown Baltimore
Under her leadership, nearly $7 billion in active and planned development has been catalyzed through strategic investment, public-private partnerships, and innovative initiatives
Presented by Deidre S. Lindsey, National Treasurer
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
Serving communities across the United States and around the world, the organization provides disaster relief, supports military families, collects lifesaving blood, and helps communities prepare for emergencies
Presented by Tasha B Penny, National Program Director
H
Represented by Ebony Rose-France
Digital Harbor Foundation
Represented by Andrew Coy, President & CEO
Digital Harbor Foundation is a Baltimore-based nonprofit dedicated to expanding digital equity, increasing diversity in technology, and using innovation for the public good. Since 2013, its Tech Lab has empowered underserved youth through hands-on STEM education in coding, digital fabrication, and makerspace technologies.
Presented by Tamika L. Henderson, National Recording Secretary
March of Dimes
Represented by Stacey Y Brayboy, SVP, Public Policy and Government Affairs
March of Dimes is a national nonprofit who leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies We support research, education, and advocacy, and provide programs and services so that every family can get the best possible start
“Since 1938, we’ve built a successful legacy to support every pregnant person and every family in partnership with amazing organizations like Jack and Jill of America, Inc ”
Presented by Vanessa Caston LaFleur, National Corresponding Secretary
H O N O R E E
THE AFRO
Dr Frances “Toni” Draper, CEO & Publisher
AFRO News is one of the nation's oldest continuously operating Black-owned media companies, informing, empowering, and advocating for communities since 1892
For more than 130 years, AFRO has amplified Black voices, strengthened communities, and advanced impactful storytelling for generations
“Our mission at the AFRO has always been clear to inform, to advocate, and to empower.”
Presented by Suzanne Ornelas, National Editor
Karine Jean-Pierre
Karine Jean-Pierre is a bestselling author, activist, media commentator, and former White House Press Secretary and Senior Advisor to President Joe Biden. She made history as the first Black person, first openly LGBTQ+ person, and longest-serving woman to serve as White House Press Secretary
“Hope is not a feeling Hope is not even optimism Hope is action.”
Presented by Darlene McGhee Whittington, National President
Community Resource Fair Blood Drive
This year was a monumental year for our partnership with the American Red Cross Our Jack and Jill chapters exceeded expectations with 50 blood drives, 1,400 units of blood, and 685 units from Black and African American donors
Today is no exception we ’ re hosting a blood drive right here at our Community Resource Fair from noon–3:00pm, looking to secure 100 units in a month that is historically low for donors
One unit of donated blood can save up to three lives
02 In the United States, the need for blood disproportionately affects people of African descent 03 Sickle Cell Disease affects 1 in every 365 Black or African American births 90% of those living with it in the U S are of African descent.
Let’s keep the momentum going — every unit given is saving three lives.
For assembling in purpose and charting the course together.
