My dear Link sisters-

What an exciting time in the evolution of our beloved sisterhood! We are both benefactors and agents of change-standing on

our illustrious history and boldly, confidently changing with the times while staying true to the vision of our founders. The

Links, Incorporated epitomizes an organization functioning at the highest levels, working collaboratively, cooperatively and

collectively with its members and other constituents to effect transformational change in the communities we serve around

the world. Friendship and Service remain the cornerstones of our existence even as we seek solutions to social, economic

and political issues that test our resiliency and sabotage all sensibility. We remain strong as an organization because of the

quality, caliber and commitment of our members. We transform lives and communities because of the power of our

collective voice and our passion. We rise because it is all we know-we are the daughters of Margaret and Sarah; as members

of The Links, Incorporated, superlative achievement is in our DNA. It is our destiny. As your Western Area Vice-Director, I will work hard to maintain the level of excellence for which we are recognized by

insuring that chapters operate in an atmosphere of respect and friendship; by broadening members’ understanding and

usage of our governing documents; by aligning chapter membership activities with area and national imperatives, and by

leading transparently and inclusively with an open door policy that respects and values the opinions, suggestions and

concerns of ALL of our members.

My personal, professional and Links experience and hands-on training have prepared me to assume the immense

responsibility of this position and I am honored to be a candidate. For over twenty years, I have honed my skills at

communications, consensus-building, team motivation and strengthening group dynamics. At the chapter, area and national

level of this great organization, I have chosen and been selected for leadership. I have worked tirelessly to promote the

ideals of The Links, Incorporated and to acknowledge, celebrate and provide an environment and opportunity for growth for

my Link sisters. I am ready to take on the challenge of often difficult membership issues by listening more than speaking, by

praising and not condemning, by believing rather than doubting.

I am firm in my belief that my Link sisters are extraordinarily-gifted women-privileged at having been extended the invitation

to join and blessed to have the opportunity to work with like-minded individuals to change the world. The contributions and

legacy of The Links, Incorporated are indelible, and they begin and are perpetuated by our members. I humbly ask for your

vote for Western Area Vice-Director and I will do all that I can to build on our tradition of excellence.

teeped in History, tepping Boldly into the Future S

The Privilege of Service

NATIONAL Governance 2011-Present

National Communications Committee 2011-Present

AREA

Communications Chair 2011-Present Communications Committee 2010-Present 41st Western Area Conference Chair 2013

Western Area Fund Development Committee 2011, 2013 40th Western Area Conference Civic Luncheon Committee

Mistress of Ceremonies 40th Western Area Conference Civic Luncheon 2011

Key Planner 40th Western Area Conference 2011 Key Planner Western Area Leadership Summit 2012

CHAPTER President 2009-2011

Vice-President Programs 2005-2009 Vice-President Membership 2012-Present

Historian 1996 Fund Development Chair 2009-2011

Fundraising Gala Chair 2006 15th Anniversary Gala Chair 2011

Charter Member 1995 Communications Chair 2010-2011

Lorna Hankins Candidate for Western Area Vice-Director

LinkLorna

AN

Link Lorna is a visionary leader who has successfully served and

demonstrated her ability to mobilize, brand and communicate as

the Western Area Communications Chair. Link Lorna will bring

passion, purpose and promise as Western Area Vice Director. She

exhibits a voice of compassion, commitment and excellence in

Linkdom. “Friendship and Service” is her hallmark.

Link Cassandra Hughes Webster

The Links, Incorporated

National Communications Chair 2010-2014

Shelby County (TN) Chapter

REFLECTIONS

It is a privilege and an honor to support the candidacy of Link Lorna Hankins as

Western Area Vice Director, The Links, Incorporated. Link Lorna has not only

been a faithful friend but a true inspiration in all things. Her brilliance in

creating, organizing and implementing programs has been proven many times

in her professional career and her work in Linkdom. Link Lorna is truly a friend’s

friend--quick to compliment, slow to criticize. Her emotional wisdom has no

bounds. A great leader makes everyone feel included and appreciated. A

great leader moves an organization forward through her wisdom, actions,

motivation and humility. This is the embodiment of Link Lorna’s character and

why I support her for Western Area Vice Director, The Links, Incorporated.

Pamela Freeman Fobbs Western Area Chair, National Trends and Services Fresno (CA) Chapter

Steeped in History, Stepping Boldly into the Future

NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES Philadelphia 2006

Detroit 2010 Orlando 2012

NATIONAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT Washington, D.C. 2013

WESTERN AREA LEADERSHIP SUMMIT Phoenix 2010 Houston 2012

WESTERN AREA CONFERENCES Phoenix 2011 Houston 2013

Dear Link Sisters and Friends,

It is with the utmost pride and humility that I offer this letter of endorsement on behalf of

Link Lorna C. Hankins. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with Lorna for the

past ten years. We served as Executive Board Officers for Gulf Coast Apollo (TX) Chapter

and respected the strengths and differences that each of us brought to the team and we

relied on each other for council and help in completing our tasks to the best of our abilities

and the betterment of our organization. That respect and admiration ultimately led to the

longstanding friendship that we share today.

As President and Vice President of Membership of Gulf Coast Apollo (TX) Chapter, she

coaches different teams of women in leadership roles and has an ability to get others to

work together to ensure success.

She is outgoing and self-confident and enjoys including others in accomplishing challenging

tasks. She is extremely creative and encourages others to tap into their creative juices,

whether large or small, to showcase their talents and help others. She looks for

opportunities to encourage the team to produce their best efforts through doing

something that they ultimately love.

Link Lorna is a good listener and organizer and this has served her well. She is a loyal and

compassionate friend and can be counted on to be there for you whenever she is needed.

She has all of the qualities that are necessary for an Area Vice Director to be successful.

Gulf Coast Apollo (TX) Chapter is fortunate to have her in current leadership positions and

we look forward to her leadership talents propelling Western Area to even greater

excellence.

I am confident that she will be an exceptional Western Area Vice-Director and I am proud

to call her my Link sister and friend. I enthusiastically endorse her for this position.

Link Janice Hall, President Gulf Coast Apollo (TX) Chapter

PAST AND CURRENT AFFILIATIONS

Jack & Jill of America, Incorporated Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

UCLA Alumni Scholars Texas Association of Mediators

Trial Consultants of America University of Houston Dispute Resolution Center

State Bar of Texas Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Section Clear Creek ISD Curriculum Planning Committee

Association of Fundraising Professionals Muscular Dystrophy Association, Los Angeles, California

Cystic Fibrosis (“65 Roses”) Association, Los Angeles, California Sickle Cell Association of the Texas Gulf Coast

National Kidney Foundation Houston Ballet

Houston Museum of Fine Arts

HONORS AND AWARDS

Jack & Jill of America, Incorporated, Clear Lake/Bay Area Chapter Woman of Achievement Honoree 2011

Ensemble Theatre, Houston, Texas Mother of the Year Honoree 2002

Sickle Cell Association of the Texas Gulf Coast Gala Honoree 2007

Community Champion 2008

AN

Steeped in History, Stepping Boldly into the Future

MY PRIDE AND JOY

Heir-O-Link Dr. Jennifer Bianca Davis Psychologist

Fresno, California

Heir-O-Link Bruce Edward Davis Actor, Former Professional Football Player

Los Angeles, California

Heir-O-Link Ian Michael Davis Writer

Houston, Texas

SPECIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES

As a certified mediator, I have been trained in helping others reach accord in the midst of divergent, and, often, contentiously conflicting positions. My work with individuals, families, corporations, and other groups, has facilitated communication and partnership between former disputants by helping them to understand the origin of their discord and how to resolve those issues by working together in an environment of mutual respect and regard for each other’s values and visions. Over the years, I have been panelist, keynote speaker, and consultant at conferences and symposia related to communications and public relations best practices, public opinion assessment, and persuasion techniques. My 4-year tenure as The Links, Incorporated Western Area Communications & Public Relations Committee Chair has given me a bird’s eye view of issues and concerns of my Link sisters and the awesome opportunity to be their voice via our area communications vehicles. I am proud that during my years of service, we elevated our social media presence and provided another tool for our sisters to stay connected in friendship and service. As a nonprofit executive and fundraising specialist, I have enjoyed the exercise of connecting manpower to mission to improve the quality of life for the underserved. Finally, trial consulting, and, in particular, jury selection, has enhanced my ability to understand what motivates behavior and how to reward positive action so that it is sustainable. I am trained and ready to serve at the next level.

EMPLOYMENT

I am currently the Executive Director of the Southeast Texas

branch of The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) where

awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease is our

goal. Previously, I served as Executive Director of the Sickle

Cell Association of the Texas Gulf Coast (SCATGC), where

our mission was improving the lives of individuals, families

and communities impacted by sickle cell disease. Other

employment has included trial consulting and mediation of

intellectual property cases, along with speech writing and

human resources management. My dream is to retire to a

hidden island paradise and write the next great American

novel!

PERSONAL

I enjoy long-distance running, reading, studying words and their origins, entertaining, and spending time with my friends and family.

Professional, college, and recreational sports have always been a big part of my family’s life-we are constantly in motion! A graduate of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), I am an

Alumni Scholar and active participant in the university’s recruitment and development initiatives. In addition to my commitment to The

Links, Incorporated, I am a volunteer for organizations and groups that address domestic violence, health care disparities in African American communities, and women’s economic empowerment,

among many others. I am a proud member of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston’s Third Ward and have served on the

boards of directors for a variety of organizations across the country.

I consider myself privileged to lead a life in service to others.