Washington, D.C. Chapter
Upward, Onward, United We Stand
Washington, D.C. Chapter Brief History
Washington, D. C. Chapter of Les Gemmes, Incorporated,was sponsored by the Norfolk, Virginia, Chapter and chartered on April 10, 1978.
The induction was held at the Fourth National Conclave in Virginia Beach, VA. The Chapter was the seventh (7th) to join the Les Gemmes sisterhood. There were (14) members inducted. The chartered members were: Gemme Deloise Corbin, Frances Cureton, Florence Easley, Josephine Long, Shirline McLendon, Hilda Jackson, Juanita Barnes, Fran Johnson, Margaret White, Mildred Faunteroy, Rose Walker, Eleanor Scarborough, and Augusta Wilbanks.
Florence Easley is the only chartered member still active in the Washington, D. C. Chapter.
Presently the Washington, D. C. Chapter has (18) active members.
The Washington, D. C. Chapter has played a significant role in their communities during their 47 years of service and has met all National program goals including those outlined in The National Signature Program, “The Dream Initiative”.
Some of the activities done by the chapter were:
- Volunteered at the annual Winter Classic Secret Santa Program sponsored by P.I.T.S. Sports at Largo High School in Largo, MD
- Solicited book bags and other necessary items needed for returning to school
- Donate needed items to the Washington School for Girls, Robert Gray Elementary School, Raymond Elementary School, Port Towns Elementary School
- Walk annually in the “Making Stride Against Breast Cancer” walk/run and Resource Fair
- Award annually “Florence Easley Building a Brighter Future Scholarship” and the Yvonne Neal Book Scholarship
- Established a partnership with DonorChoose.org to support classroom projects in local schools
- Donated, packed and delivered over 20 Thanksgiving bags to SOME (So Others Might Eat) to feed elderly and low-income people
- Adopted a Nursing Home, and donated toiletries and other essential items
- Coat drives for families in the homeless shelter
- Coordinated with local shelter, adopted a family and purchased Christmas gifts for children
- Yearly donations to: NeHe Foundation (Domestic Violence); and created “We Care” Bags full of items needed for women, children and pets when they have to flee their homes for a safe haven.
- Christmas Wreaths for Veterans
- Supported teh SHARE Food Network, Washington, DC by providing families the funds needed for families to purchase groceries at an affordable price.
2024-2026 Elected Officers
President – Michele Carter
Vice President – Darlene Boykins
Secretary – Patricia Dumas
Assistant Secretary – Janet Jones
Financial Secretary – Veronica Green
Treasurer – Germain Tyer
Chapter Representative – Tanya Ransom
President’s Message
Greetings,
As we are all set to begin a new year and say goodbye to 2025, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for the light, love, and dedication you continue to bring to our sisterhood.
Your commitment to the mission of Les Gemmes, Incorporated shines brightly in every act of service, every event, and every moment of support we share. Now more than ever, our communities need our presence, our voices, and our hands.
Let’s continue to step up our community involvement, uplift one another, and lead with the grace and purpose that define us. Every effort—big or small—helps us make a lasting impact.
Your hard work is the reason behind our success. Let us aim for higher goals in 2026 and work hard to achieve them.
Together, we are not just a group of women—we are a radiant force for positive change.
“Let nothing dim the light that shines from within!” ~ Dr. Maya Angelou
Sisterly,
Michele Carter, Chapter President
- May 30, 2026 – “Denim & Diamonds – Boots on the Ground” Day Party.
The Great Hall at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church
730 Bestgate Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401
(Annual Fundraiser – “Florence Easley Building a Brighter Future” scholarship)
- June 2026 – St. Joseph Catholic Church Annual Flea Market.
2020 St Josephs Dr, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
Washington, D.C. Chapter
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