Our History

The Oakland County (MI) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated (OCC Links) is one of 300+ chapters in one of the oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of professional women of color with over 16,000 members worldwide. Our Chapter was chartered May 17, 1981.

For 40+ years our Chapter has actively worked to enrich the lives of those we serve in Oakland County, specifically in the Pontiac Community.  Our fundraising efforts have helped to create transformational programming, including establishing a reading room at the Pontiac Public Library, equipping a classroom at the Women’s Survival Center in Pontiac; ACT and standardized test-taking tutoring; financial literacy training; Model United Nations team tutoring and sponsorship; health and wellness fairs.  In the Pontiac senior community, we have provided computer training, physical and fiscal fitness programs and wellness classes.

Through the generous support of our sponsors, donors, friends, and members the Oakland County Links have donated to the Pontiac Middle School high tech, interactive flat screens, established a clothes closet filled with school uniforms for the students (that is restocked throughout the year), provided a  washer and dryer,  sponsored a field trip to “The Lion King” play, collaborated with students, staff and community leaders to create a vegetable garden in the school courtyard, organized an annual school-wide Christmas party with over 500 children in attendance. In 2020 and 2021 we had to pivot and host the party and all other school events virtually including a visit to outer space with the first African American man in space, Dr. Bernard Harris. In addition to Pontiac, the Oakland County Links has expanded our reach to Birney Elementary School in Southfield providing band instruments and STEAM activities throughout the school year.

Our chapter members have actively helped in spearheading education and healthcare initiatives for schools in Jamaica and The Republic of Ghana.

Our Executive Board Members

Adrienne Foster
Alicia Nails
Alison Jones
Angela Davis
Ayanna Hatchett
Amanda Bryant-Friedrich
Crystal Renee Martin
Deandria Kimble
Debbie Harris
Deirdre Waterman*
Donetta Lefay Houser- Sly
Donna Dulaney
Felicia Owens-Walker
Gloria McDonald
Gwen Malone Rhodes
Jackie Davis-Betserai
Janice Green

Jacquie Munson-Gaines
Jelani Jefferson Exum
Joanne Holbert
*Kathryn Towe Littleton
Kelly Hall
Kimberly Diamond-Berry
Kimberley Renee Will
Lauren Barton
Linda Ware-Smith
Lisa Reynolds Smoots
Lisolee Molten
Lolita Isaac
Linda Jones
Linda Thomas
Lorine Mays-Parker
Machelle McAdory
Monica Rich-McLaurin

Pandora Ellison
Regina Phillips
Robin Wright-King
Tamberlin Golden
Teresa Rodges
Terri Moon
Trudy Gallant-Stokes
Valencia Parker
Whitney Peoples
Winifred Green

*Charter Members

Our Alumnae Members

Laurestine Hatchett
*Anne Mare Ice
Barbara Whittaker
Carol Gibson
Carol Goss
Celeste (Shelli) McDermott
Duryea H. (Dee) Callaway
Elaine Robertson
Jane Hammond
*Jane Savoy
Julia Pate

Kristi Goldner
Linda Smith
Mabel A. Higgs
Pat Parker
Pat Smith
Paula Proctor
Rita Jenkins
*Robbie Johnson
*Roz Miller
Shirley Mann Gray

*Charter Members