4 minute read
Affiliates Spotlight: National Coalition of 100 Black Women
Virginia W. Harris, MPA, CIA, CGFM National President
Fresh off their high-profile 20th Biennial Conference in Orlando Florida, members of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated (NCBW) are energized and motivated to continue their important advocacy work on behalf of Black women and girls in communities they serve across the country.
Despite the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic continues to create, NCBW was able to pull off another successful conference October 6 through October 10, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. Their first hybrid conference pulled in approximately 380 inperson and 400 virtual participants. The conference theme was NCBW POWER UP! – Excellence LEADs to Change.
The 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization has over 3,800 members in 62 chapters in the U.S. The members serve in top leadership roles in federal, state, and local government, academia, health care and other areas that are consistent with the organization’s national work in health, education, economic empowerment, leadership development and public policy.
The prestigious 5-day event showcased informative and engaged workshops, motivational speakers, an exciting awards ceremony, high-powered concert with Grammy and American Music Award Nominees After 7 and culminated with a soul stirring worship service that left members Powered Up and Ready to LEAD! The participants were remarkable people whose stories and paths to leadership were inspirational and prime examples of what it means to Power Up and Lead. They spent the week engaged in building strategies to address unique challenges in the areas of health, education, and economic development. All of the conference honorees and national honorary members have proven track records in working tirelessly towards equity for all and being strong advocates for those whose voices and views are not represented at tables and in rooms where decisions are made.
“Our 20th Biennial Conference was a huge success. We were surrounded by exceptional people. Our discussions were powerful with intent. This is a critical time for our communities and nation. Racial and gender equality must be addressed. We put the powers to be on notice that we are not going to stand by and let a partisan agenda roll back every health, educational, economic, and political gain we have made in the last 50 years,” said NCBW National President Virginia W. Harris
Leading the discussions were notable speakers, panelists, and award recipients; Congresswoman and U.S. Senate candidate Val Demings (D) Florida, CIA Diversity Outreach and Recruiting Chief Dr. Reginald King, CIA Deputy Assistant Director for Diversity & Inclusion Sonya Holt, GTI Executive Vice President and Head of Research & Development Dr. Kim Whitley, Black Women’s Health Imperative President Linda Goler Blount, Enterprise Holdings Vice President & GM John Wyatt, Senior Vice President of HR at The Cocoa Cola Company Valerie Love, WBA Senior Vice President, Global Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Carlos Cubia, The Coca Cola Company Vice President of Community and Stakeholder Relations Alba Castillo Baylin, Chairman of the 100 Black Men of America, Incorporated Thomas Dortch, National Cares Mentoring Movement Founder Susan Taylor, Apple, Inc. U.S. Education Leadership and Learning Team Dr. Eric Wood, Truist Foundation President Lynette Bell, NCNW President Dr. Johnetta B. Cole, The Links, Inc. National President Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, PPICW CEO Dr. Felicia Phillips, and Founder, President and CEO – Trumpet Awards Foundation Xernona Clayton.
Virginia W. Harris, who completed her second and final term as the organization’s 9th National President at the conference, has been heralded for her exemplary leadership and fundraising skills, and building great relationships. For the past 30-years, President Harris has held numerous positions at the national and local chapter levels. She leaves an indelible mark as an NCBW leader.
