On Her Mind: International Service Organization's Tulsa Chapter Supports Local Community
TULSA, OK — A small but mighty group of women is lifting each other up, forming strong friendships while serving the community.
The Links Incorporated is one of the nation's oldest volunteer service organizations that's by invitation only for women of African descent. A Tulsa woman joined the local chapter and said it's made her a better wife, mother, and employee.
"When I got the letter, I was like, hmm, I'm excited that someone thought enough of me to ask me to be in this illustrious organization," said Felicia Jones-Senter.
Felicia joined The Links six years ago and said it's enriched her life.
"For me, it's the friendships, it's the connections," Felicia said.
A member invited Regina Baker to join The Links 13 years ago, and now she's the Tulsa chapter president.
"I was just honored, I didn't really know about The Links at first, but then I did my research and I found out the organization just aligns with my core values," Regina said.
The Links, Incorporated is an international service organization for professional women of African descent, with more than 17,000 members in the U.S., the U.K., and the Bahamas.
Joel Lyn-McCormick is the vice area director for the 3,000 members in the central area, which covers 72 chapters in 17 states, including Oklahoma's two chapters. She was inducted into the Oklahoma City chapter and said The Links made her move to Tulsa much smoother when her family relocated about 20 years ago.
"I was immediately able to become entrenched in the community, to begin doing the things that I enjoy doing, serving and giving back to my community," Joel-Lyn said.
She said the money the Tulsa chapter raises stays in our community.
Earlier this year, the Tulsa chapter of The Links partnered with the Oklahoma Birth Equity Initiative for Black Maternal Health Week, hosted a black family wellness expo, provided professional attire to 130 students at Okmulgee High School, and just awarded $10,000 worth of college scholarships to four graduating seniors.
"It means a lot that we know that we made a difference, even if it's just in one person's life," Regina said.
"We help the underprivileged, so we are there for those who don't have anybody else," Felicia said.
Across the world, members of The Links contribute one million hours of community service each year. The Tulsa chapter's 35 members logged 2,800 of those hours.
"We're doing some great things in the community, and we don't want that to be a secret," Felicia said.