2023 Mid-Western Region Mothers Conference Souvenir Journal

THE JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INC.

INDIANAPOLIS CHAPTER SUPPORTS

D E I D R E L I N D S E Y

"Delivering the Dream"

t o o u r C o n f e r e n c e g t h e R e g i o n a l T e a m f o r y o u r h a r d w o r k , c o m m i t m e n t a n d d e d i c a t i o n t o b e i n g M i s s i o n M i n d e d a n d D r e a m D r i v e n .

F r o m y o u r M i d - W e s t e r n R e g i o n a l E x e c u t i v e B o a r d

RegionalDirector TANYAWATSON

RegionalAdvisors

Alice Peoples Ypsilanti

NadineGibson Cincinnati

Vanessa Williams Ypsilanti

ChapterDevelopmentCo-Chair

RashidaDairyko

WesternCook County

ChapterDevelopmentCo-Chair

AgnesGodwin Hall Cincinnati

Regional Committee Chairs

Regional Teen Lead Advisor

Shea Burden Columbus

Regional Teen Advisor

AnnaIvory-Lavergne

North Oakland/Macomb

Teen Committees Chair

LuVerda Martin Milwaukee

Teen Committees Co-Chair

TalletteKitchen Ypsilanti

Regional Growth Chair

JanineSanders Jones CityofLakes

Regional Growth Advisor

AlicePeoples Ypsilanti

Logistics Coordinators

Terra Williams Dayton

Luchara Wallace

Southwestern Michigan

CourtneyWade WestSuburbanChicago

Teen Competitions Chairs

Lana Levens Ypsilanti

Nicole Flemming West Suburban Chicago

TeenCompetitionsAdvisors

CreshunaCade St. Louis

Shermanita Cotton Ypsilanti

National ConventionPlanning Chair

AnitraAllen DerbyCity

NationalProgramDirector MARVISDONALSON

Regional Treasurer DEIDRELINDSEY

Registration Committee Chair

CreshunaCade St. Louis

Regional Technology

StephanieWilliams MotorCity

Documentation

Chelci Fudge

Erie Shores

Editor

FaithMitchell Chicago

Marketing

Paulina Johnson

OaklandCounty

Chaplain

Michelle Stoutermire

North Oakland/Macomb

Parliamentarian/

Bylaws TaskForce Chair

DeadraWoods Stokes

SouthSuburban Chicago

CommunityImpact Committee Chair

Jennifer McCormick-Bridgewater

GreaterGrandRapids

Vendor Manager

YvonneBlake Chicago

Awards

Kia Banks

Magnificent Mile

Protocol Coordinators

Jill McCauley

Cincinnati

IndiaKaczmerak

Akron

Leadership Assistants

MichelleStoutermire

North Oakland/Macomb

JanaeTucker Columbus

SabrinaWilliams

Indianapolis

TiffanyEllis

WesternCookCounty

National/RegionalCommitteeChairs

Regional/NationalProgramming Chair

LaKindra Pruitt-Grooms

North Shore

Regional/National Protocol

ReeshemahHoward

North Oakland/Macomb

RegionalSecretary CYNTHIA MIREECOPPIN

RegionalMemberAtLarge JAMIJ. ERVIN

StrategicPartnership

KassandraHayes

North Shore

Leadership TrainingandDevelopment

National Technology

StephanieMays-Hurst Detroit

Regional/NationalMembership

CeceliaBolden

Windy City

Regional/NationalBylaws

JessicaPrice Smith

Cleveland

Regional/NationalPoliciesandProcedures

KimberlyMitchell

South SuburbanChicago

Regional/NationalLegislative

BrandyMerritt

AnnArbor

Regional/NationalPublicRelationsChair

Darrielle Snipes

Akron

Regional/NationalNominating

LaDawnNorwood

LakeShore

Regional/National Associates Chair

LoriTaylor

WestSuburbanChicago

Regional/NationalWeareOne Chair

KelleyKellis

Southwestern Michigan

Regional Chair/National Fathers' Auxiliary

David Wade

WestSuburban Chicago

Strategic Planning

LaShawn Nichols

MotorCity

National TaskForce

Alumni Connections

CandiceHarrison

Toledo

National Youth Trip

Deidra Jenkins

Western CookCounty

NationalFoundersDay

Constance Grady-Woodberry

Magnificent Mile

NationalHistorical Task Force

Lavone L. Lee

Cleveland

National Cultural Trip Chair

Kimberley Crouch

Ypsilanti

Governance

Janee Drake Circle City

DorindaAndrews

GreaterLansing

SmallandMighty

GinaL. Jones

GaryINorthwestIndiana

OurHealthMatters

MonicaMoore

LakeShore

Growing Strategically

Janine Sanders Jones

Cityof Lakes

Emergency Responders

DianaFisher

Circle City

NationalAdHoc Committees

Curriculum

Tamia Collins McGuire

Cincinnati

Five Star

Kimberly Will

NorthOakland/Macomb

DiversityandInclusion Advisory

CynthiaBowman

AnnArbor

Digital Cheetah

Kimberly Sutton

Cleveland

Sponsorship

KassandraHayes

North Shore

Center ofExcellenceLeads

IL-AreaNorth

KassandraHayes

North Shore

IL-Area South

Cicely Glanton Chicago

Michigan

SheridaDuboseParsons

MotorCity

Ohio

JessicaPriceSmith

Cleveland

Tri-State

Felicia Johnson

GreaterNortheastIndiana

ExecutiveAssistants

NatinaHenson

Akron

MelissaWalton-Jones

Cincinnati

Regional Director

Tanya Watson regionaldirector@jjmidwesternregion.org

330-523-0229

Regional Treasurer

Deidre Lindsey treasurer@jjmidwesternregion.org

317-414-1208

Regional Secretary Cynthia Miree-Coppin secretary@jjmidwesternregion.org

248-640-0326

Regional Member-at-Large

Jami Jones Ervin mal@jjmidwesternregion.org

512-965-8740

National Program Director Marvis Donalson nationalofficer@jjmidwesternregion.org

847-992-8638

jjmidwesternregion.org

July 13, 2023

Greetings and Welcome to the 33rd Mid-Western Region’s Mothers’ Conference!

It has been our pleasure to serve on the 2021-2023 Regional Executive Board. Thank you for all of your hard work and efforts on behalf of children throughout our Region. As we come together to take care of the work of Jack and Jill within our Region please make sure to take the time to connect or re-connect as sister-mothers in beautiful San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Regional Team and Centers of Excellence, led by our Regional Logistics Chair Terra Williams and Logistics Coordinator Courtney Wade have worked tirelessly to plan what we know will be a memorable time of balanced work and play with Jack and Jill friends and our families.

Our conference theme, “Dare to Dream,” is both a reminder and a call to action for the Mid-Western Region. We must never forget that the hopes and dreams we have for the next generation of African American leaders are prayerfully revealed and must be nurtured individually and collectively to reach their full potential. As you serve in your chapters and communities don’t hesitate to share the dreams the Lord has placed in your heart for children. For as you share your dreams, the Lord will anoint the talents and gifts He has placed in others to bring His will to pass. Likewise, let’s also remember to listen to the aspirations the Lord has placed in the hearts of our children and do what is necessary to nurture and grow the unique seeds of purpose He has given them. Our faith is our strength, and His Spirit is powerful. Though we may face challenges and seasons of difficulty in times to come, let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Past National and Regional Officers, we hope that we have carried the torch for this leg of the journey in a way that honors your rich legacy of leadership. Mother Members and Associates, thank you for the opportunity to serve. It has been our pleasure and we appreciate the confidence you placed in each of us to vision, execute and deliver excellence during this biennium.

Enjoy the conference!

Sincerely,

Tanya Watson Regional Director

Deidre Lindsey Regional Treasurer

Cynthia Miree-Coppin Regional Secretary

Jami Jones Ervin Regional Member-at-Large

Jami J&es Ervin Marvis Donalson National Program Director

Dear Mothers of the Mid-Western Region,

I am honored to bring you greetings on behalf of the 202 2-2024 National Executive Board. It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Mid-Western Region 33rd Biennial Mothers’ Conference. I would like to congratulate Regional Director Tanya Watson and National Program Director Marvis Donalson for their phenomenal leadership and service. I want to also thank the entire Regional Leadership Team for their hard work and dedication in all that they do.

The Mid-Western Region Mothers’ Conference serves as an important and truly inspiring event. In addition to regional elections, leadership training, and membership development, it provides wonderful opportunities for mothers to reconnect and forge new friendships. A s we adjust and welcome our new normal, post pandemic, we realize even more profoundly the valuable impact that is made when Sister Moms join together to work for our children and our organization. Your commitment to leadership development and service is evident by your participation. I would like to thank each of you for giving of your time, talents, and resources for the betterment of our b eloved organization.

Your theme “Dare to Dream” is certainly meaningful and very motivational as we look ahead to purposefully use our leadership skills to make a difference in the lives of all children. We are all in this together, and we must continue to dream and to lead by example. Together, we can show that we are strong moms united as we uplift one another, on mission and on purpose.

It is my prayer that you enjoy everything that the Mid-Western Region 33rd Mothers’ Conference has to offer! Again, congratulations and thank you to NPD Marvis Donalson, RD Tanya Watson, RT Deidre Lindsey, RS Cynthia Miree-Coppin, MAL Jami Ervin, and all of the members of the Mid-Western Region for your service and commitment to excellence in leadership.

In Service For the Children,

Kornisha McGill Brown 27th National President Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated

Greetings Associates and Mothers of the Mighty Mid-Western Region!

It is truly an honor to welcome you to the 33rd Biennial Mid-Western Region Mothers’ Conference in Puerto Rico. Thank you to the Associates Regional Conference Committee and the entire Regional Conference Team for their hard work in planning a wonderful event full of activities for mothers and Associates.

Our conference theme, Dare to Dream continues the ideas and promises of our future African American Leaders As Associates, we are here to uplift and continue the legacy of support for our chapters, mothers, and our children as they Dare to Dream of endless possibilities of their future.

Associates are the foundation upon which this illustrious organization is built. Just as we each did as active mothers, Associates continue to help this beloved organization make Dreams a reality. While we lean more on the “Play Hard” aspect of our motto we are always ready to “Work Hard” to help our children Dare to Dream.

Associates, enjoy the beautiful Puerto Rico Island and getaway activities. And mothers carry on united, with building and paving the way for our children, to Dare to Dream!

In Service, Lori W.

Taylor

Lori W. Taylor Regional Associate Chair

June 7, 2023

Tanya Watson Regional Director Mid-Western Region

Jack & Jill of America

P.O. Box 1215

Brownsburg, IN 46112

Dear Ms. Watson,

As Governor of Puerto Rico, I am pleased to welcome you and all the members of the Mid-Western Region of Jack & Jill of America to your 33rd Mothers’ Conference. Puerto Rico is honored to host you and I commend you for choosing our beautiful Island for this important event.

I trust that all participants of this conference will be able to enjoy Puerto Rico’s unmatched beauty, natural resources, warm beaches, and tourist attractions, as well as our culture, our history and our friendly people. I have no doubt that it will be an unforgettable experience for all

Your conference’s theme "Dare to Dream" is very meaningful. It focuses on the visionary spirit that has guided our American values, as well as the founders of Jack and Jill of America over 85 years ago. This organization’s members collective dream of a better world for the children of the U.S. set a remarkable example for all of us.

By demonstrating their daring spirit, Jack & Jill seeks to raise the next generation of African American leaders, enriching the lives of children through a wide variety of social programs. The commitment and courage of the mothers of Jack and Jill of America are truly inspiring. Their unwavering dedication to nurturing and empowering our youth aligns perfectly with our vision for Puerto Rico's future by cultivating a generation of leaders who will shape a brighter tomorrow for our Island.

Capital of Puerto Rico, I’m delighted to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to all the esteemed attendees of the 33rd Mid-Western Region Mothers' Conference of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. It is an honor and a pleasure to host all of you during this significant event in our beautiful, vibrant and historic city.

This conference holds tremendous importance, as it gathers passionate individuals dedicated to the nurturing and development of African American children in their communities. The values and mission upheld by Jack and Jill of America align seamlessly with our own commitment to create a supportive and inclusive environment in San Juan for the youth of our community.

San Juan takes great pride in embracing organizations such as Jack and Jill of America, Inc., which empower young minds and foster their educational, cultural, and social growth. We recognize the immense impact your organization has had across the nation, providing countless opportunities for African American children to excel academically, strengthen their self-esteem and make meaningful contributions to society.

During your stay in San Juan, I encourage you to immerse yourselves in the vibrant spirit and rich heritage of our city and the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. Explore our historic landmarks, savor our renowned culinary delights, and indulge in the rhythmic beats of our music and dance. Experience the warmth and hospitality of our people, whose culture is deeply rooted in resilience and unity.

As you gather for this conference, I hope that it will be a time of fruitful discussions, inspiring exchanges, and the forging of new connections. San Juan, with its breathtaking natural beauty and thriving urban scene, serves as the perfect backdrop for such transformative moments. May this event ignite a renewed passion and commitment within each participant to continue advocating for the success and well-being of our future generations.

Once again, I extend my sincere appreciation to Jack and Jill of America, Inc. for selecting San Juan as the host city this year for this distinguished conference. Please accept my best wishes for a successful and enjoyable conference. Our city and our people are eager to ensure your experience is both enriching and unforgettable.

Warm regards,

Miguel Romero Lugo Mayor of San Juan

Congratula

TO THE REGIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD

ON A SUCCESSFUL

33rd Regional Mothers Conference

FROM THE GREATER GRAND RAPIDS CHAPTER

The

VP LaDawn Norwood & President Vanessa Smith

Lake Shore Chapter

MILWAUKEE CHAPTER

Congratulates the Regional Executive Board on a successful

33rd Regional Mothers Conference

Minneapolis Chapter, est. 1952

Mightily serving the Twin Cities Community with Love, Kindness, and Commitment to All Children.

eapolis Chapter the 2021-2023 Executive Board

b well done.

Congratula

TO THE REGIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD ON A SUCCESSFUL

on en s

Holly Pamela Humes

Tomika Jefferson

DeLaina Jones Delilah Morgan Jones

Lockett

MeKeeba Lomax

Tania Makins

Gina Monteiro

Stephanie Moss

Pendana Odle

Skye Smith

Springer

Sherry Warren

Sabrina Williams

Nichole Wilson

Adrienne Bedford Jones LaVonda Ezell Monique French Rachelle Hardiman Bible

Tavonna Harris Askew Terri Hill Danette Howard Samantha Jones Davis Kelly Payne Lindi Randall Hayes Deirdre Reed Charise Shoffner Crystal Williams Milanda Penn Paula Dione Ingram Deavin Arnold-Hadley Dennisha Murff

WE LOVE YOU AND WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK! David, Ayana, Shelby, Jaidyn, & Chance

D E I D R E L I N D S E Y

Sherrie Brady • Jason Breaux • Nneka Breaux • Kimberly Bacon-Gray • Lisa Hawkins

Lindi Hayes Danette Howard • Datrick Jefferson • Tomika Jefferson • Ayana Lindsey

MeKeeba Lomax • Tania Makins • Stephanie Moss • Craig Reed • Deirdre Reed

Olivia Suggs • Tia Thomas • Raifael Williams • Ryan Williams • Sabrina Williams

SOROR

John and Joyce Fleming

As parents, we salute all who support the legacy and future of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and proudly support our committed daughter:

Kassandra Hayes

Mel, Kennedy and Hunter

Proudly Supports the Matriarch of our Family

Kassandra Hayes

President Kassandra Hayes, we are proud to support you!

Your 2023-2025

Fellow Executive Board Members

Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

North Shore Chapter

Willow Creek South Lake

Proudly Supports Kassandra Hayes

Proudly Supports Senior Dean of Admissions

Kassandra Hayes

Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

North Shore Chapter Associates

Proudly Supports Kassandra Hayes

Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

North Shore Chapter

Proudly Supports Kassandra Hayes

Hawkins CILA Care

Proudly Supports Kassandra Hayes

proudly supports

Tonya Seegars Tonya Seegars

Candidate for Mid-Western Regional Treasurer