From November 3-5, 2006, members of Cohort II of the Scott-Hawkins Leadership Institute convened in Chicago, Illinois for a fun-filled weekend of friendship, interaction with National Leadership, seminars and workshops focusing upon the key concepts of leadership, and a deeper understanding of the historical role of the African-American woman.

Links Sia Barnes (C) with National President Link Gwendolyn B. Lee (L) and Central Area Director Link Jeanine Quick-Frasier (R)

Link Sia Barnes is a member of the institute and attended the retreat which featured National President Gwendolyn B. Lee, National Vice-President Margot James Copeland, Central Area Director Jeanine Quick-Frasier and many other leaders within the Links organization. The Institute is led by Link Jayne Khalifa (dean) and Links Jan Collins-Eaglin and Deborah Brittain (Assistant Deans).

Links Sia Barnes and Rosel Wilson ( Nassau, Bahamas Chapter) (L) with National Vice-President Link Margot James Copeland (center)

The institute was developed from the vision of 13 th National President Link Gladys Gary Vaughn, who sought to identify, develop, mentor and train women aged 21-45 to assume leadership roles in fraternal, civic and cultural organizations. The 60 members of Cohort two from around the world were inducted at the 35 th National Assembly in Philadelphia, PA, and will graduate in 2008 at the 36 th National Assembly in Seattle, WA. There the members of Cohort II will present a service project and display their development over the two year program. Cohort II will also meet in 2007 across the country at the Links’ Area Conferences.

Links Sia Barnes and Regina Jackson ( Alameda Contra- Costa, California Chapter)

In addition to the valuable insight, knowledge, wealth of information and guidance, the members of SHLI II have also developed lifelong friendships with Link sisters from across the country and around the world. The Scott- Hawkins Leadership institute is just one of the many examples of the chain of friendship created by the Links organization.