Our History

Established in 1946, The Links Incorporated, is one of the oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. The national organization has a membership of over 17,000 women in 299 chapters in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and the United Kingdom.

We promote civic, intercultural, and social enrichment for humanity. There are five (5) facets that define our focus and programming structure for setting goals. These facets are: The Arts, Health & Human Services, National Trends & Services, International Trends & Services, and Services to Youth.

We are a public service, non-partisan, volunteer organization, and as such, our foundation—The Links Foundation, Incorporated—is a 501 c (3) tax-exempt organization because of our purposes and pursuit of charitable endeavors.

The Palos Verdes Chapter (CA), chartered in 1982, has served Los Angeles and South Bay communities for over 40 years. We have awarded over $620,000 in scholarships to high school students in Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Carson, and South Bay Los Angeles. Our chapter has also expended over $545,000 on our award-winning programs and performed over 86,000 service hours through community activities and collaborations with the local partners and the charities we support.

Membership is by invitation to women who reside in the Palos Verdes Peninsula and adjacent cities throughout the South Bay. The organization’s members are a diverse group, including professional women in business, law, medicine, education, entrepreneurship, and community leadership. Our Chapter is 100% volunteers.

Our Mission and Values

OUR MISSION
FRIENDS TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES THROUGH SERVICE!

OUR VALUES
FRIENDSHIP, SERVICE, LEGACY, RESPECT, FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS, HONESTY/TRUTH, CONFIDENTIALITY, INTEGRITY, COURAGE, RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY.

Our Code of Ethics is built upon a core set of values that are rooted in our organization’s history and philosophy while consistent with the evolution of our organization.

Fundraising Activities

Fundraising activities in which our members are required to participate include our scholarship fundraiser held bi-annually in March, and our year-round solicitation of grants and Corporate contributions.

Past Presidents of the Palos Verdes (CA) Chapter

Past Presidents of the
Palos Verdes Chapter

Cynthia Williams
2015-2019

Brenda Williams
2010-2015

Janet Baszile
2007-2009

Annette Little
2005-2007

Anita Hayes
2003-2005

Jacqueline Sholes
2001-2003

Helen Fobi
2000-2001

Carmen Kennedy
1997-1999

Dolores Caffey-Fleming
1995-1997

Patricia Wainwright
1993-1995

Marcia Mills
1991-1993

Celestine Wooten
1989-1991

Ethelyn Lundy
1987-1989

Lillie Wilson
1985-1987

Kathy Payne
1984-1985

Carroll Williams
1983-1984

Rita Marshall
1982-1983