support is inspiring. My personal chapter history would not be complete without acknowledging those I have been privileged to sponsor, Jasmine C. Houston, Kimberly Freeman, and Congress Member Sydney Kamlager-Dove.

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As a member of the illustrious Beverly Hills West (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated (“BHW”) it became my intent to be actively involved and to learn as much as possible about The Links, Incorporated. I wanted to serve my community and my chapter to the best of my ability. It is now my privilege and honor to serve a second term as President, and to be a member of a national committee appointed by Ethel Isaacs Williams, J.D., National President.

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As I embark on the 2025-2026 Program year, I am filled with enthusiasm for what we will collectively accomplish. In sisterly solidarity, I serve alongside all of our elected officers and those I have been honored to appoint to a variety of positions that keep our chapter moving forward.

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Under the theme “Honoring Our History and Advancing Our Future”, we started my 2023-2025  term, with “Slay in May” and slay we did, setting the agenda, defining our direction, and illuminating what it means to honor our history and advance our future. In the current term (2025-2027), we started with “Map Milestones in May” celebrating our 40th Chapter Anniversary, A Red Ruby Affair.

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The foundation of our chapter was clearly established starting on May 25, 1985 with Joyce T. Black as our organizer followed by 12 other Presidents. Mrs. Black’s legacy continues through her daughter, chapter member Jeanine Black. Our history is also exemplified through Linda Valdry-Thomas and Susan Valdry, daughters of our second President, Doris Valdry and Holly Lake, daughter of our seventh President, Barbara Lake.

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The office of Presidency comes with great responsibility, and so I continue to rely upon the wisdom of our current active Past Presidents through the inaugural Past Presidents’ Council created in 2023 which includes:

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La-Doris McClaney - 8th 2003-2007 (Our Only Active Charter/Platinum Member) 
Monet Daniels- 9th 2007-2011 
Karen Cole-10th 2011-2014 (Current Western Area Director) 
Ruth Creary-11th 2014-2017 (Chair Past Presidents’ Council) 
Adell Walker-12th 2017-2021 
Sherril Rieux-13th 2021-2023 
Natasha Joplin-Lightfoote (Former San Jose (CA) Chapter President) 

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While I will continue to reflect on our history my goals in this term will focus on “Advancing Our Future” as we continue to seek ways to create financial sustainability for the benefit of our college scholars and our community-based programming. We are spreading the word of our good works through our award winning chapter podcast, “Community in Conversation”  (available on our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@beverlyhillswestlinks1692) with my co-host Tanya Acker. 

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Trust in my leadership and confidence in my ability to expand our footprint in the community and throughout Links motivates me. Transparency transcends me. To that end, we have first time committees like the Past Presidents’ Council, Family Linkages, and Press and Community Engagement. These committees add to our Chapter’s ability to fulfill multiple components of The Links, Incorporated and share the results of our commitment with the community at large.

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Thank you to all the members of the Beverly Hills West (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. One of the tenets of our organization is “Family Relationships” and so I am also grateful to thank my family, my rocks…Cedric, my hubby, who cheers me on unconditionally, my children, Danielle, Zya and her husband Ikhide, and my son Coleman. Jasmine C. Houston, a member of our chapter and my niece, supports in every way possible; as do my siblings and a host of relatives and dear friends whose love circles me. Gratitude to all those who claim me as family, my BFF and sis for life Bridget Harper; Ruth Creary, Pastor J. Edgar Boyd and First Lady Florence Boyd. 

 

Historically yours,
Zna Portlock Houston, Esq.
President
Beverly Hills West (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated