I organized the Eastern Howard County Section of NCNW from a deep conviction that when women gather with purpose, we cultivate the power to transform our community . My vision is rooted in womanist principles of service, advocacy, and collective flourishing—a commitment to ensuring that our communities are not only seen but heard, healthy, and thriving. Ultimately, I desired a space in my County where we could identify, educate, equip, and empower leaders who would leave a legacy of sisterly service to others.
Reverend Dr. M. Joy Epps (Co-Founder)
CHARTER MEMBERS
Dr. Charlene Allen Teresa Holley
Mia Anderson Veronica Jean-Pierre, M.Ed, NCC
Antoinette Barnett Christy D. Lewis
Kim Leah Bright, MD Crystal Marable
Candice Burns Matisha Marshall
Susan Carter-Chavers Vikki Goodrich Mason, MBA
Betty Clark Antonio Mason
Shelby Cooper Ronda McCall
Dr. Avareena Schools-Cropper Wallicia McNeil
Dana Couch Dr. Thea Mitchell-Anderson
Tanya Davis, MTh., MEd., B.Ed. R. Gail Miller-Myers
CasSandra M. Dorsey Lavenia A. Nesmith
Leon Epps, Jr. Kimberly J. O’Bryant
Roberta L. Epps, J.D. Dr. Marilia A. Phillips
Rev. M. Joy Epps, MDiv Bethanie Parrish-Salaam, DHA
Dr. Scheherazade W. Forman Kiyonda Hill Powell
Lisa Fox Corannetta J. Robinson
Tanesha Gibson Renae Ross
Kamilah Goodrich Gaye C. Stokes, M. P. C.
Johnnye Goodrich Akbar Tolbert
Kamala Green Reverend Dr. Ruth Travis
Marie D. Harvin Carolyn White
Kimberly Gilbert-Henderson, MPH Tierra S. Wilson
A Welcome from the President
On behalf of the members of the Eastern Howard County Section (EHCS) of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., it is my great pleasure to welcome you to our website.
It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as President of the Eastern Howard County Section. EHCS was co-founded by our late President Emerita, Vikki Goodrich Mason, and our Past First Vice President and Historian, Rev. Dr. Marqui Joy Epps, and was officially chartered on June 20, 2024.
Our Section is deeply rooted in a legacy of service, advocacy, and activism and guided by the vision, fearless commitment, and transformational leadership of our founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. As part of the National Council of Negro Women, we are committed to leading, advocating for, and empowering women of African descent, their families, and our communities.
Through meaningful community engagement and service, EHCS works to address the diverse needs of residents throughout Howard County, Maryland, and surrounding communities. As an “organization of organizations,” NCNW brings together individuals, sections, affiliates, and organizations united by a shared commitment to service and community advancement.
Our work is centered around NCNW’s four priorities:
· Economic Empowerment
· Education
· Health Equity
· Social Justice
Through these priorities, EHCS develops and supports programs designed to create meaningful and lasting impact in our community. Our members are actively engaged in a wide range of service initiatives. We support civic engagement through voter registration volunteer training and voter registration drives. We address food insecurity by donating food and essential supplies to local resource centers and volunteering with food banks. We support education by providing school supplies to children and developing workshops and resources for college students.
Our commitment to health and wellness is reflected in initiatives that promote health awareness, provide comfort items to breast cancer warriors, and distribute menstrual hygiene products to local schools and community organizations. Each of these efforts reflects our commitment to serving our community with compassion, purpose, and intention. I invite you to explore our website to learn more about the Eastern Howard County Section of NCNW, discover our upcoming programs and events, and find opportunities to connect with us and become involved in our work. Whether through service, education, advocacy, or fellowship, there is a place for you within our NCNW family.
Together, We Rise. Together, We Thrive.
Michelle Moses-Yearwood
Executive Committee 2026-2027