Welcome from the Chapter President
Greetings and welcome to the official website of The Gainesville (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated!
It is an honor to serve as President of this distinguished chapter, linked in friendship and connected in service. Since our chartering in 1985, the Gainesville (FL) Chapter has championed impactful programs and meaningful partnerships that enrich the lives of our communities, especially in the areas of education, health, civic engagement, and the arts.
Our Chapter is proud to be a part of a legacy over 40 years strong, an intergenerational bond of extraordinary women dedicated to uplifting others through purposeful initiatives. We stand on the shoulders of trailblazers and visionaries who paved the way with courage and grace, and we remain steadfast in our pursuit of excellence.
As you explore our site, you will find highlights of our events, community collaborations, and youth enrichment programs that reflect our passion for service and commitment to transformational change. We invite you to join us on this journey, whether through partnership, sponsorship, or by simply learning more about who and what we do.
In Friendship and Service,
Alena Lawson Bennett
President, The Gainesville (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated
About The Gainesville (FL) Chapter of The Links Incorporated
Our Vision
The Links, Incorporated will impact the quality of life for human-kind through community service. In response to an ever-changing society, The Links, Incorporated will increase its participation nationally and internationally for a stronger partnership with people of good will and good deeds.
Our Mission
The Links, Incorporated is a volunteer service organization of concerned and talented women, who linked in friendship, enhance the quality of life in the larger community. The organization is primarily concerned with enriching, sustaining and ensuring the identities, culture and economic survival of African-Americans and persons of African descent.
To contribute to the formulation of a positive, productive, and culturally diverse society, The Links, Incorporated also focuses on education, cultural enrichment, health and wellness, and civic involvement. This focus is implemented through strategies such as public information and education, economic development, and public policy.
The Gainesville (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated developed out of F.O.C.U.S. (Females Organized for the Challenges of Unity and Self Awareness), a civic organization founded in 1978, dedicated to improving the physical, emotional, intellectual and moral status of African American women. It consisted of women from the local university and the Gainesville community. The primary program was called College Admission Requirements Essentials (CARE). It was successfully launched on April 7, 1984, with a grant from the Community Instructional Service.
This program was designed to help high school students raise their SAT scores. It was successful, and the grant was renewed for the 1985-1986 academic year. This program was the chapter’s Umbrella Project. The Charter Day was May 18, 1985 with the inducting officers Link Carolyn Washington, Southern Area Director, and Link Jacqueline Robinson, National Chapter Establishment Officer attending. Our National Vice-President, Link Regina Jollivette Frazier, and National Director of International Trends and Services, Link Gwendolyn Welters were also present.
2025-2026
Meet our Elected Officers
Alena Lawson Bennett
President
Venisha White-Buchanon
Vice President
Romona Jackson
Secretary & Recording Secretary
Fredna Wilkerson
Treasurer
Andranique Boone
Financial Secretary
Morgan Cobran
Corresponding Secretary
List of Chapter Members
Catherine Barnes
Kim A. Barton
Cynthia Batts
Sharon Bourges-Jones
Bridget Boynton
Florida Bridgewater-Alford
Tyran Butler
Ethel D. Campbell
Gussie Campbell
Sabrina Campbell-Peoples
S. Yvette Carter
Cynthia Moore Chestnut
Rosemary Christy
Morgan Ellis Cobran
Anntwanique Edwards
Kimberly Green
Carlean Harris
Chakesha Harvey
Stephanie Hill-Palmer
Mae Islar
Janice Jackson
Romona Jackson
Verna Johnson
Marie-Alixe Kima
Jean Kiner
Marsha Kiner
Diyonne McGraw
Faye McKnight
Leanetta C. McNealy
Catherine Mickle
Jacquelyn E. Moorhead
Tara Morgan Johnson
Kimberly Nisbett
Jackie Paris
Sylvia B. Parker
Carrie Parker-Warren
Tova Peterson
Leila W. Pratt
Deloris Rentz
Michelle Rutledge
Rosa Rutledge
C. Ann Scott
Christina Shaw
Harriet Stafford
Anna Streater McAllister
Cynthia Strickland
Antwinette S. Williams-Battle
Doris Willis
Gladys Wright
Our Programming Facets
The Links, Incorporated has a long tradition of promoting and engaging in educational, civic and inter-cultural activities that enrich the lives of members of the Black community at large. The cornerstone of our service is our five programming facets — Services to Youth, The Arts, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services, and Health and Human Services.
Services to Youth
The Arts
National Trends and Services
International Trends and Services
Health and Human Services
Support Our Mission
"The success of The Links is tied to the generosity of our supporters. Please consider making a donation to our organization so that we can continue our Mission."
Upcoming Events
november, 2025
Real Impact, Real Friends: Boots on the Ground for Our Community.
Our Partner
Caring and Sharing Learning School in Gainesville
The Gainesville (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated
We would love to hear from you. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to us via social media or email gainesvillefllinks@gmail.com.