Ten visionary friends that envisioned a service-oriented organization of friends that would “Link” together to create a chain of strength to improve the quality of life and provide for those in need.

FORT WORTH (TX) CHAPTER
Chartered: December 5, 1959

About the Fort Worth (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated

For 65 years, the Fort Worth (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has been a catalyst for transformative change across Tarrant County. Founded by 10 visionary women committed to advancing their community, the chapter remains a dynamic network of civic-minded professionals united in friendship and service. It operates as one of 299 chapters of The Links, Incorporated—a premier international nonprofit organization established in 1946, comprising nearly 18,000 accomplished women across 41 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
Dedicated to enriching, sustaining, and securing the cultural and economic well-being of people of African descent, The Links, Incorporated has long served as a beacon of excellence. The Fort Worth Chapter upholds this legacy through powerful programming and deep community engagement. Its members are leaders in medicine, law, education, public service, and entrepreneurship—each bringing their talents to bear on the collective goal of equity, empowerment, and progress.
Over its distinguished history, the chapter has been led by 25 presidents—beginning with inaugural president Hortense Barnett-Chatman and continuing through to its current leader, Kerensa Nero. Many past presidents have extended their leadership to the national and area levels, including Erma Johnson Hadley (National and Western Area Treasurer), Mattie Peterson Compton (National and Area Parliamentarian), Theresa Brewton Lyons (Western Area Recording Secretary), and Beatrice Tapps Self (Western Area Nominating Committee). Jennifer Giddings Brooks, a former chapter president, served as the founding Dean of the Scott Hawkins Leadership Academy, while President Kerensa Nero currently serves on the Western Area Services to Youth Committee.
Leadership is woven into the fabric of the chapter. Members such as Kalisha Holland (National Programming Committee), Shirley Pace (Western Area Chaplain), Felicia McLeod Abram, D.O. (Western Area Conference Workshop Coordinator), and Leah King (Chairperson of the 44th National Assembly) exemplify the chapter’s reach and influence. The chapter currently includes 46 Active Members, 13 Alumna Members, and 2 Platinum Members—including five graduates of the Scott Hawkins Leadership Institute and four graduates of the Links Leadership Academy, two of whom earned special distinction.

Grounded in the mission of fostering a just, vibrant, and culturally enriched society, the Fort Worth Chapter delivers impactful programs in the five transformational facets of The Links, Incorporated: Services to Youth, The Arts, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services, and Health and Human Services. In collaboration with valued partners and sponsors, the chapter consistently creates programming that uplifts communities of color and advances measurable outcomes.

The chapter strongly supports the Western Area’s vision and strategic priorities—particularly in promoting STEM education and advocating for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Since its inception, the Fort Worth Chapter has awarded multiple college scholarships and contributed over 165,700 documented service hours.

Its signature initiative, STEM NOW and Into the Future, has received top honors at the 46th and 47th Western Area Conferences and the 44th National Assembly. This award-winning program, operating under the chapter’s Umbrella Service Delivery Model, serves over 750 students annually, from preschool to high school, providing hands-on, culturally relevant STEM experiences.

As the current Western Area leader in Services to Youth, the Fort Worth Chapter has earned the region’s highest programming recognition. Its achievements are made possible by strong community alliances with Fort Worth ISD, NSBE Jr., Young STEM Professionals, NAACP, and AARP.

As the chapter enters its 66th year, it remains committed to a future shaped by visionary leadership, sustainable impact, and an enduring legacy of service.

The journey continues. The legacy lives on.

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The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946.

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