NIA Collective

From the President’s Desk

Hello, NIA Sistahs!

Thank you to all who attended and/or supported NIA Collective’s 20th Annual Gathering, Journey Home. Special moments abounded. Meeting and getting to know women from throughout the country (Hawaii was in the house!); and from Canada, England and Germany was a rewarding experience. A very special thank you is extended to our keynote speaker, renowned writer, Alice Walker, for generously sharing her time and words of wisdom. Many props to our primary sponsor, PrivacyWear, Inc., for financial support and unwavering belief in our mission.

NIA’s 21st Annual Gathering will be Back to the Ranch, Walker Creek Ranch in Petaluma, CA, that is. Walker Creek’s comfortable lodges and dorms include carpeting, central heating and ample bathroom facilities. Visual outdoor treats abound--hiking trails, grazing cattle, singing birds, and deer feeding on the hillsides.

If you absolutely cannot be with us at Walker Creek this year, do consider supporting NIA with your financial contribution. Your contributions ensure scholarships to the gathering for those with hardships and also help to sustain NIA throughout the year. Remember, NIA is a 501c3 non-profit organization and your donations are tax deductible.

On a more serious note: I am having health and life challenges. I had not been feeling my best for sometime and my discomfort progressed into a heart attack. I am recovering from heart surgery. My saving grace has been my faith in God, a positive outlook on life, and family and friends. I am healing nicely and look forward to seeing you at the gathering, where I will share my testimony. I am thankful for all the love, prayers and encouragement that have come my way from you, my NIA family. I am stepping down as NIA president in order to focus on my health. Wendy Herndon is serving as Acting President until further notice. Your continued support will sustain NIA as our 21st year comes to a close.

As you go about your daily lives, I wish you good health, supportive friendships and many positive experiences