Page 53 - 2021 TLOD WORKBOOK FINAL

TOP LADIES OF DISTINCTION, INC.

Lady Kendra Gillespie | National Top Teens Director

Building the next generation of leaders

Greetings Ladies, Teens, Lords, and Guests!

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The 50 Area I Leadership Conference will convene “virtually” as we
continue to face unimaginable challenges that cross the entire spectrum
from race to health to our very own democratic way of life. And through
the past year was filled with much uncertainty of what the future may hold,
this year’s conference theme, “Reinventing Ourselves to Continue to
Provide Outstanding Service to our Members and Our Communities,”
demonstrates the resilience of our Nation, our people and this
organization. Through it all, we’ve kept the faith, shared with others, and
continued to serve our communities at large. Congratulations on 50 years
of outstanding service!

We also kept the momentum with our new National Top Teens of America (TTA) Program of
Work, ExCEL: Excellence through Culture, Education and Leadership. Over the past year, we
have exceeded fundraising goals, increased teen-to-teen engagement, and embarked on
multiple joint TLOD-TTA programming efforts. In addition to an active National TTA
Executive Board, Teen Chase and the Area I TTA Executive Board demonstrated leadership
by taking the helm to engage Teens and encourage participation throughout the past year. I
expect no less during your Area conference which will prove to be educational, enlightening
and empowering. Though we are all virtual, we remain connected, and strong in our
commitment to Top Teens. Teens, you are extraordinary. Advisors, you are exceptional in
every way. I am proud of what you were able to accomplish, and even prouder that you did it –
“Serving Our Community with Innovation and Safety."

I look forward to “seeing you” online during this special virtual conference and learning from
each of you the many creative ways you’ve contributed your time and talent to make our
communities a better place. It is with sheer excitement that I join you and get to know you.
Thank you for all that you do in the name of Top Teens and Top Ladies!

Finally, I’d like to send heartfelt congratulations to Lady Annie Mouton, National Area
Director, Lady Lynette Smith, Area Top Teens Advisor, Teen Chase Roberts, Area TTA
President, and the entire Area I Leadership Team on a job well done. I wish you all the best as
you move forward to transform lives in our communities. One Teen. One Lady. One
Community at a time.

Again, congratulations on an outstanding conference!

Yours in service,

Lady Kendra

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