About The Topeka (KS) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated

Topeka (KS) Chapter History

The Topeka Chapter of The Links Inc. was organized in November 1958 and sponsored by the Kansas City Chapter. The Chapter was organized by Gladys DePriest, Ethel Woodson and Dimple Watkins. Installed by Vivian Beamon and sponsored by the Greater Kansas City (MO) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Charter members included Carrie Coleman, Jean Ann Price, Gladys DePriest, Annette Rease, Mary E. Gaines, Lucinda Todd, Evelyn Harper, Dimple Watkins, Dorothae Harris, Joy Williams, Oletha Jenkins, Ethel Woodson, and Arbeecher Kerford.

Programs and initiatives hosted by the Topeka (KS) Chapter of The Links include Black History Programming, Positive Image Award, Annual Fashion Show, African-American Read-In, Links to a Bright Beginning Program, Linkages to Life Donor Program, and the International Black Doll Project.

In 2018, The Association of Fundraising Professionals in Topeka awarded the Topeka (KS) Chapter the 2018 Outstanding Volunteer Organization.

In 2019, the Topeka (KS) Chapter recognized that in order to get more high school girls interested in STEM careers we needed to expose them to STEM in middle school. The GirlsLink program was created for 7th grade girls to participate in a 4-week exploration on the basics of robotics and coding using the “Artificial Intelligence and Robotics" curriculum. Through fundraising efforts and donations from community partners, the Topeka (KS) Chapter was able to host two groups of 20 girls for the spring of 2020. Unfortunately, COVID-19 prevented the second group of girls from finishing their curriculum. The chapter has plans to restart the program in the fall on 2021.

To combat COVID-19, vaccines are vital for the health and sustainability of our community. In an effort to get more people of color vaccinated, the Topeka (KS) Chapter partnered with local PBS station KTWU to provide a TV program to highlight facts about The Virus and the Vaccine with panelist from our trusted community physicians and advocates. The program was well received and received recognition from the office of the Governor of The State of Kansas.