The Links, Inc. Arlington (VA) Chapter

corsec@arlingtonlinks.org

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The Arlington (VA) Chapter of
The Links, Incorporated

Tameka D. Tunsil

President, Arlington (VA) Chapter

Welcome to the official website of the Arlington (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. It is both a privilege and a pleasure to greet you as President on behalf of our committed members and leadership, whose dedication to service and excellence continues to define who we are and how we serve.

For nearly six decades, our chapter has been a steadfast force for positive change in the Arlington and Alexandria communities. Since 1966, we have proudly advanced our legacy of Friendship and Service through meaningful volunteerism, social action, scholarship support, health initiatives, international affairs and the celebration of the Arts—work that remains at the heart of our mission today.

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2025 Red Dress Event

Arlington (VA) Links present $30,000 in grants to community partners. L-R: Lavern Chatman, Arlington (VA) Links Partnership Grants Committee chair; Darlene Akers, Donna M. Saunders Foundation; Daisha Mshaka, Dress for Success DC; Bronte Montgomery, Donna M. Saunders Foundation; Gina Wood, National Coalition of 100 Black Women NOVA Chapter; Suzanne Walker, Arlington (VA) Links President; Alexandria J. Maloney, Black Professionals in International Affairs; Jan-Michael Sacharko, Doorways; Portia Clark, CARE, Inc. Gardening Apprenticeship; Elizabeth Jones Valderrama, OAR; Brenda Martin and LaJuanna Russel, Partnership Grants Committee members (Photo: Daryl Canty, Canterbury Photography).

BREAKING:
Website Press Release: Arlington (VA) Host Annual Holiday Party with a Purpose, Presenting $30,000 in Community Partnerships 2nd Consecutive Year

The award-winning Arlington (VA) Links Host Annual Holiday Party with a Purpose, Presenting $30,000 in Community Partnerships

December 21, 2024 (Arlington, VA)  – The award-winning Arlington (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated hosted its annual holiday party with a purpose on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA. This year’s “Holiday Jingle & Mingle” themed affair was an intimate yet vibrant afternoon celebration featuring a lavish full-course brunch, festive musical entertainment and more. Hundreds of civic-minded guests gathered in the spirit of fellowship and giving to usher in the holiday season.

Central to the event’s mission was the presentation of seven grants totaling $30,000 to deserving nonprofit organizations serving Northern Virginia. This significant investment reflects the Arlington Links’ unwavering commitment to making an impactful difference in the NOVA community. Notably, this marks the second consecutive year of $30,000 in grants.


Grant recipients were on hand to receive their awards and share brief remarks about their organization’s mission and impact:

  • Black Professionals in International Affairs – Alexandria J. Maloney, President 
  • Donna M. Saunders Foundation– Darlene Akers, Board Secretary, and Bronte Montgomery, Treasurer
  • Doorways – Jan-Michael Sacharko, Director of Development
  • Dress for Success DC – Daisha Mshaka, Board Member 
  • CARE, Inc. Gardening Apprenticeship – Portia Clark, President
  • National Coalition of 100 Black Women, NOVA Chapter – Gina Wood, President
  • OAR – Elizabeth Jones Valderrama, Executive Director

Suzanne Walker, Arlington (VA) President of The Links, Incorporated reflected on the chapter’s ongoing commitment to community partnerships, stating that “The Arlington Links Chapter is proud to support these outstanding organizations that are making a meaningful impact in Northern Virginia. This event celebrates the season and also embodies the spirit of giving, which is at the heart of who we are.”

Lavern Chatman, Community Partnerships Chair for the Arlington Links, added: “This is about more than grants—it’s about building relationships and creating pathways for change. We’re honored to partner with organizations that align with our mission of community service and empowerment.”

Founded in 1966, the award-winning Arlington (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has proudly supported numerous non-profit organizations in Arlington and Alexandria, VA. Each year, its members collectively volunteer thousands of service hours to advance programs and initiatives that foster education, health equity, and community enrichment. For more information about the Arlington (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated’s transformative community initiatives, and ways to support their powerful mission, visit www.arlingtonlinks.org.

ABOUT THE LINKS, INCORPORATED: 

The Links, Incorporated, founded in 1946, is an international organization of over 17,000 professional women of African descent dedicated to community service and cultural preservation. With chapters across the U.S., the Bahamas, and the U.K., members contribute over 1 million service hours annually through programs in youth services, the arts, health, and economic empowerment. Recognized for its impactful work, The Links continues to enrich and uplift communities worldwide.                                                                                             ###

Download Press Release Here: Arlington (VA) Links Holiday Party Dec 2024

Our Programs

The Arts

Over the years the Arlington (VA) Chapter has partnered with museums, arenas, arts councils, and corporations in order to support art programs, especially where there is a focus on artists of color.
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Health & Human Services

The Links, Incorporated established the Health and Human Services (HHS) facet in response to the chronic health disparities that persist in black communities and result in the decreased life expectancy of African Americans and other people of African ancestry.
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Services To Youth

The Services to Youth committee is focused on students’ academic successes and healthy engagement in our service area. Our primary goal is to prepare youth to be impactful members of today’s global society.
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