38 | September/October 2018
challenges in school and at home.
"Being around the ladies helped me
to think about setting goals for myself
and having the support and to believe
in myself to achieve them," Amaya said.
"One day I hope to become a nurse to
help others."
e power of being around such
role models was borne out on June 29
when Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard
was elected the 17th president of the
national organization. Leonard, a native
of Fayetteville and graduate of both
Reid Ross High School and Fayetteville
State University, grew up accompanying
her mother to Links events in
Fayetteville. Twenty-two years ago, she
joined the Links chapter in Arlington,
Virginia, and became involved in
the national organization, serving in
positions of increasing responsibility.
Jeffries Leonard, who holds a Ph.D.
in psychology and a master of science
degree, has a broad background in
public health, including expertise in
minority health and behavioral health
programs, policies and legislation.
e Links, Inc., has a steadfast
dedication to serving others and
improving the quality of life for all
in Fayetteville. e group's next
fundraiser is a Treasure Our Chest
Breast Cancer Walk 3K on Saturday,
September 22. On February 2 of next
year, the group will hold its annual
Friendship Luncheon at the Iron Mike
Conference Center at Fort Bragg.
"e friendships formed are truly
special," King said. "It is a sisterhood
that really is grounded in friendship
and love for community. Every lady
brings her own successes and accolades
in her own right but it's all placed to
the wayside and we link resources and
efforts to impact lives in a meaningful
way."
For more information, visit
fayettevillenclinks.org.
At the organization's 23rd annual Friendship Luncheon in February, attendees
were encouraged to wear red or white.
