The President's Corner
Dear Sisters of the Nashville Chapter of Les Gemmes,
As we move from Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday in January, Black History Month in February and now we honor women in recognition of Women's History Month.. So here we are, celebrating and honoring Women. As the Nashville Chapter of Les Gemmes member, Rene' Whittaker says, "This chapter is made up of phenomenal women." We start at home, with our chapter and honor these women with sincere graciousness for their humility, hard work, dedication, skill, knowledge and hope for a better tomorrow for us all.
In the Nashville Chapter there are lawyers, judges, educators, entrepreneurial, medical field experts, newspaper publishers, accountants, engineers, and so much more, just to name a few. These women stand strong and proud. Each exudes care and concern for their families, communities, the nation and the world. They indeed are phenomenal. That spirit blooms beyond themselves and touches others because wherever they are, they leave something good for the world.
One particular program is the Lighting the Path for Giris Initiative, and we affectionately call our girls, "Jewels." Our goal is to mold, support, encourage and expose them to positive activities. That is revealed by them continuing their academic pursuits with college, which we support financially and doing great things in the community. Women of note are throughout the Les Gemmes organization with its nearly 20 chapters, nationwide. Each and every member brings something outstanding to the group. This organization started in ???? and continues to be a beacon of light for others.
Beyond, Les Gemmes, historically, there are outstanding women who have blazed trails for us to follow, Rev. Jerena Lee, the first female preacher in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, as well as Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the first elected and consecreated female Bishop in the AME, , Mary McCloud Bethune, Fannie Lou Hamer, Dr. Susie McClure, Ida B. Wells, Sojourner Truth, Eleanor Roosevelt,,Mae Jemison, astronaut, Corazon Aquino, first president of the Philipines, and United States Vice President Kamala Harris, and so many more, to numerous to name. The point is, simply, women are the backbone of this world, and we should encourage each other to be strong and continue to move forward.
Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. Women’s History Month 2024 will take place from Friday, March 1 - Sunday, March 31, 2024.
Presidents Message
It is a pleasure to welcome you to the Nashville Chapter of Les Gemmes, Inc. You are entering a wonderful journey about accomplished African American women who focus on the growth of our jewels. Through the years, Les Gemmes, Inc. has adopted programmatic goals to reach citizens throughout the United States. The Nashville Chapter has made its impact under the National Program Initiative, Lighting the Path for Girls. In this initiative, we mentor young ladies in the community from middle school through high school and college. The young ladies are referred to as our “Jewels.” Monthly, we engage with the Jewels through cultural and educational activities. In this process, we enhance life skills, which address character development, building integrity and high self-esteem. We also expose the Jewels to a myriad of cultural, civic and community oriented experiences and assist them in understanding the importance of giving back to their community through hands on service activities.
The signature event for the Nashville Chapter of Les Gemmes, is the annual Literary Luncheon. It takes place every year in the Winter-Spring time, that aligns with Black History Month and Women’s History Month.
We invite you to journey with us, learn about our signature program, get to know our members and invest in our activities for our Jewels. We are focused on lifting, supporting, and guiding Jewels. We invite you to travel our journey with us. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime.
Warmest regards,
Dr. Phyllis Qualls, President
As we move from Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday in January, Black History Month in February and now we honor women in recognition of Women's History Month.. So here we are, celebrating and honoring Women. As the Nashville Chapter of Les Gemmes member, Rene' Whittaker says, "This chapter is made up of phenomenal women." We start at home, with our chapter and honor these women with sincere graciousness for their humility, hard work, dedication, skill, knowledge and hope for a better tomorrow for us all.
In the Nashville Chapter there are lawyers, judges, educators, entrepreneurial, medical field experts, newspaper publishers, accountants, engineers, and so much more, just to name a few. These women stand strong and proud. Each exudes care and concern for their families, communities, the nation and the world. They indeed are phenomenal. That spirit blooms beyond themselves and touches others because wherever they are, they leave something good for the world.
One particular program is the Lighting the Path for Giris Initiative, and we affectionately call our girls, "Jewels." Our goal is to mold, support, encourage and expose them to positive activities. That is revealed by them continuing their academic pursuits with college, which we support financially and doing great things in the community. Women of note are throughout the Les Gemmes organization with its nearly 20 chapters, nationwide. Each and every member brings something outstanding to the group. This organization started in ???? and continues to be a beacon of light for others.
Beyond, Les Gemmes, historically, there are outstanding women who have blazed trails for us to follow, Rev. Jerena Lee, the first female preacher in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, as well as Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the first elected and consecreated female Bishop in the AME, , Mary McCloud Bethune, Fannie Lou Hamer, Dr. Susie McClure, Ida B. Wells, Sojourner Truth, Eleanor Roosevelt,,Mae Jemison, astronaut, Corazon Aquino, first president of the Philipines, and United States Vice President Kamala Harris, and so many more, to numerous to name. The point is, simply, women are the backbone of this world, and we should encourage each other to be strong and continue to move forward.
Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. Women’s History Month 2024 will take place from Friday, March 1 - Sunday, March 31, 2024.
- The 2024 theme celebrates “ Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” This theme recognizes women who understand the need to eliminate bias and discrimination from individuals' lives and institutions.
Presidents Message
It is a pleasure to welcome you to the Nashville Chapter of Les Gemmes, Inc. You are entering a wonderful journey about accomplished African American women who focus on the growth of our jewels. Through the years, Les Gemmes, Inc. has adopted programmatic goals to reach citizens throughout the United States. The Nashville Chapter has made its impact under the National Program Initiative, Lighting the Path for Girls. In this initiative, we mentor young ladies in the community from middle school through high school and college. The young ladies are referred to as our “Jewels.” Monthly, we engage with the Jewels through cultural and educational activities. In this process, we enhance life skills, which address character development, building integrity and high self-esteem. We also expose the Jewels to a myriad of cultural, civic and community oriented experiences and assist them in understanding the importance of giving back to their community through hands on service activities.
The signature event for the Nashville Chapter of Les Gemmes, is the annual Literary Luncheon. It takes place every year in the Winter-Spring time, that aligns with Black History Month and Women’s History Month.
We invite you to journey with us, learn about our signature program, get to know our members and invest in our activities for our Jewels. We are focused on lifting, supporting, and guiding Jewels. We invite you to travel our journey with us. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime.
Warmest regards,
Dr. Phyllis Qualls, President