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Our History

Legacy of a Golden Jewel

In the early 1970s, a new town called Reston was taking shape in Northern Virginia. Among its early residents were fourteen women with a shared vision for connection, service, and community. Under the leadership of Mona Head and Antoinette Humphries, they formed The Restonians, gathering in friendship and purpose. 


As their mission grew, they became REAP — Restonians Engaged in Action Programs — turning friendship into a movement that would shape generations.  On September 28, 1975, seventeen members of REAP were formally chartered as The Reston (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.

Co-Founder and First National President Sarah Strickland Scott joined in celebration, with Dr. Pauline A. Ellison presiding. Patricia Harbour, one of the charter members, became the chapter’s first president, helping to set a course of excellence and service that continues to this day. Our founders — Carole Kent Small, Catherine Griffin, Delores Stephenson, Delores Wilkins, Diane Scott, Doris Yancy, Estelle Gaymon, Kathryne Lamkin, LaGretta Butler, Lota Mushaw, Margie Lee, Marion Secundy, Patricia Harbour, Sandra Jackson, Thelma Calbert, and Thelma Fleming — built a sisterhood grounded in faith, leadership, and love of community.

From the start, our mission has been clear: uplift women, empower youth, support elders, and strengthen families. Over the years, programs such as Parasols with GRACE, High eSTEAM, and Are You Ready? have helped young girls build confidence, introduced students to careers in science and technology, and prepared older adults for life’s transitions with dignity. Today, our impact extends far beyond Reston. We have awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships, supported schools in Jamaica, and funded clean water projects across Africa.

Since the beginning, and for more than 50 years, the women of the Reston (VA) Chapter have woven friendship and service into the fabric of our community. Our light continues to shine brightly—a golden jewel within the chain of friendship of our beloved organization, The Links, Incorporated.

Take a walk with us down our virtual video lane.

 For fifty years, the Reston (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has served with heart, purpose, and vision, uplifting communities, empowering youth, and connecting women through friendship and service. This five-part video series captures our journey from local beginnings to global impact, told through the voices of our members who continue to build on the dreams of those who came before us. Each story reflects who we are: women committed to excellence, compassion, and the enduring power of service.   Special thanks to Buoyant | Multicultural Marketing Agency for their exceptional video production and editing, and for helping us tell Our Legacy of a Golden Jewel with beauty, creativity, and care.

Our Story, Our Community

This video tells how our chapter grew alongside the community it serves. When Reston was founded in 1964 as a planned community, The Links helped new residents find connection and purpose.

Members share how the Reston (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated began as Northern Virginia’s “baby chapter” and became known for innovation, leadership, and service. They highlight The Links’ five program areas — Services to Youth, The Arts, National and International Trends, and Health and Human Services — and the many ways these programs meet real community needs. 

From health walks and colon cancer awareness to the annual Red Dress event, this chapter of our story shows how our chapter continues to expand our reach and strengthen lives across the region.

Watch to see how friendship, service, and purpose continue to shape a thriving legacy.  Click here to donate and help us continue with our legacy of impact. 

Transforming Service into Impact through Programming

At the Reston (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, we believe meaningful service begins with listening to our community and responding with purpose. Years ago, we realized it was time to move beyond short-term projects and focus on programs that create lasting change. This commitment led us to develop Are You Ready? — a partnership with AARP designed to help families prepare for caregiving, financial stability, and longer, healthier lives. What started as a small workshop for our members soon grew to reach hundreds across Northern Virginia and inspired other chapters nationwide.

Our work has been recognized at every level, but the true measure of success is the impact we see in the lives we touch. 

Watch and discover how our passion for service continues to transform communities and strengthen families. Click here to donate and help us continue with our legacy of impact. 

Honoring Excellence, Inspiring the Future through Scholarship

We are proud to be a sisterhood of accomplished African American women who lead with purpose and serve with heart. Our scholarship programs reflect that spirit of giving and legacy.

The Dr. Marilyn Madry Lightfoote Scholarship honors one of our beloved members, a brilliant scientist whose groundbreaking work helped advance HIV/AIDS research. Her legacy continues to inspire students pursuing science and medicine. We also celebrate Dr. Loretta Webb, an educator who championed learning and opportunity. Her scholarship supports students preparing to lead and teach.

Each year, we award scholarships and stay connected with our recipients, reminding them they are never alone on their journey.

Watch as love, legacy, and learning continue to light the way forward. Click here to donate and help us continue with our legacy of impact. 

Empowering Youth, Growing Legacy through Services to Youth

We believe every young person deserves the chance to dream boldly and lead with confidence. From our earliest programs, Grace Girls and Bond Boys, to partnerships with the Pearl Girls, we have worked to guide and mentor youth across our community.

Our commitment continues through High eSTEAM, which blends science, technology, engineering, arts, and math with leadership and self-esteem. We also support NSBE Jr., Wild STEM, and Level Up, helping students build life skills, explore the outdoors, and care for the planet.

Watch and see how our dedication to youth continues to grow a legacy of purpose and possibility. Click here to donate and help us continue with our legacy of impact. 

Celebrating Global Impact through International Trends and Lasting Legacy

Over the years, our chapter has grown from serving locally to reaching across borders. What began with reading and sharing supplies at the Mount Zion All-Age School in Jamaica has become an 18-year partnership that now supports more than 100 students through education, nutrition, and opportunity. This effort, shared with the Montgomery (PA) County Chapter of The Links Incorporated, received national recognition and inspired programs across the Caribbean.

Our international service also extends to Africa, where we have built relationships with ambassadors and women leaders, sharing culture, connection, and hope. These experiences remind us that the mission of The Links, Incorporated knows no boundaries. As we celebrate fifty years, we honor the women who built this foundation and embrace the future with pride and purpose.  Watch and celebrate how our legacy continues to expand — from Reston to the world. Click here to donate and help us continue with our legacy of impact. 

Through the Years

From its chartering in 1975 to the present day, the Reston (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has remained steadfast in its mission to uplift, educate, and empower. Each year in our history tells a story of women united by friendship and purpose — advancing civic, cultural, and educational programs that strengthen communities and transform lives. This visual timeline celebrates more than five decades of dedicated service. It highlights signature programs, national recognition, and the countless moments when our members linked arms to make a lasting difference — locally, nationally, and globally.

Click on any image below to view a larger version of the timeline and experience the milestones that continue to shape our journey of sisterhood and service.