Page 97 - The Crown 2015-2017

Top Ladies of Distinction/Top Teens of America

Nonpareil Chapter Retreat -August 12, 2017

The Nonpareil Ladies of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. came together on August 12,
2017 at the Southern University Smith-Brown Memorial Union for their annual chapter
which included a day of learning, motivation, and bonding. Holding fast to its theme:
“Nonpareil, Where are We Now and Where are We Headed? I am My Sister’s Keeper,”
the retreat was jammed packed with activities, dynamic presenters, and fellowship.
Retreat coordinators, Ladies Felecia Barnes and Ladies Patricia Doucet did a marvelous
job providing fun and engaging ice breakers to familiarize the Ladies with one another,
coordinating a delicious breakfast and lunch, and giving away many door prizes. Lady
Constance Carroll quizzed the ladies’ knowledge of the organization during her
TLOD/Nonpareil Trivia game. The energy, excitement, and enthusiasm radiated
throughout the room.

The Nonpareil executive leadership team served as presenters for the event. Lady
Barbara Thomas Parker shared with the Ladies a thought provoking presentation titled,
“Am I My Sister’s Keeper?” Lady Joyce Louden, 1st Vice President, reviewed TLOD
National Program Thrusts, while Lady Mary Thomas, 2nd Vice President presented TLOD
National Projects and Partnerships. The Ladies participated in two breakout sessions
overseen by each thrust and project committee chairs to plan and harvest new ideas for
this year’s chapter programming.

Lady Clonise Stewart served as the motivational speaker for the event. Lady Stewart
spoke about the importance of sharing positivity with everyone. She urged the group to
always make sure that each lady “Filled her cup” with encouragement and support for one
another rather than with negativity. She presented each lady with a keepsake tea cup with
the inscription, “Fill My Cup” as a reminder of her empowering message.

Our illustrious President, Lady Doris Brown shared her five goals for this year. These
goals include
1. Building and maintaining an organizational infrastructure to support the organization’s
mission; 2. Increasing and sustaining membership; 3. Enhancing the Top Teens program;
4. Building and maintaining a financial infrastructure that follows TLOD mandates; and
5. Developing and implementing stellar programs and projects. She spoke about all that
has been done in the first 30 days in office and gave projections for the next 30 days. All
of the Ladies were engaged and pledged to be a part of the chapter building process.
Immediately following the retreat, eight potential “Ladies in Waiting” were presented to
the chapter.

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