RE-ELECT

LINK KAREN COLE

WESTERN AREA VICE DIRECTOR

EXPERIENCE Membership • 20 year member, The Links, Incorporated

Beverly Hills West (CA) Chapter; with a stellar record of leadership, impact and innovation

• Proven leader with bold execution and documented outcomes to her credit

National Leadership Positions • Scott Hawkins Leadership Institute, Cohort II • Program Reviewer, ‘07-present • National Membership Committee • National Ethics and Standards Committee • WA Representative, ‘20 National Mission Trip

Area Leadership Positions • WA Vice Director, ‘19-present • WA Secretary, elected 2 terms • WA Nominating Committee, elected 2 terms

Chapter Leadership Positions • President, ‘11-’14 • 2nd Vice President/Program Chair/Protocol

Chair/Strategic Planning Chair ‘07-’11 Membership in Other Organizations • Black Women's Agenda, Incorporated, Board of

Directors, ‘12-present • Jack and Jill of America, Inc., LA Chapter • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha

Gamma Omega Chapter • Association of Black Women Physicians, Past

President • Stanford Black Alumni Association Southern

California, Past President • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Xi Beta

Chapter, Stanford University, Charter Member • Green Gavel Electronic Unit, NAP, elected 1st VP/

Membership Chair, Charter Member

COMPLIANCE National Assemblies

Virtual Assembly ‘20; Indianapolis ‘18; Las Vegas ‘16; National Harbor ‘14; Orlando ‘12; Detroit ‘10; Seattle ‘08; Philadelphia ‘06; Atlanta ‘04; Chicago ‘02; San Francisco ‘00

Western Area Conferences Austin ‘19; Denver ‘17; Sacramento ‘15; Houston ‘13; Scottsdale ‘11; Fort Worth ‘09; San Diego ‘07; Los Angeles ‘05; Las Vegas ‘03;

Employment History • Neuroradiology and Pediatric Radiology, Long Beach

Memorial Medical Center/Miller Children's Hospital, ‘97- present

INNOVATIVE OUTCOMES Best Practices instituted • Core Values Refresher Course for MVPs and Chapter

Members • Founders' Day Observance/70th WA Anniversary

• Donor Sabbath Worship Service • 60 Chapter Community Service Project • Produced Founders' Day Skit

• Leadership Summit - The Art of Membership • Nominating Committee, Election, 40s Under 40,

Alumna and Platinum Affairs, WA Chairs • Links Family Feud • MVP Friendship Directory • "You've Been Core Valued" • WA Service Hour Engagement Initiative • LINKSpressions - weekly encouraging words of sisterly

support

FAMILY HISTORY Married to Connecting Link Robert L. Cole, Jr.

Mother to Heir-o-Links Raleah and Karsten Sister of Link Dawn Ragland Belton, San Bernardino Valley (CA) Chapter

My Dear Sister Links:

I am Link Karen Cole and I write to ask for your support to continue in Friendship and Service to you as Western Area Vice Director. I have held Area positions under four Western Area Directors. Much has been accomplished in service to our Area. I have worked with our illustrious Area Director, Link Lorna Hankins, to achieve the goals within her vision to "Increase our Collective Impact by Valuing our LINKED Individuality" while working in concert with 60 dynamic and hard working Vice Presidents of Membership (MVPs).

I am most grateful to have served and seek to earn your continued support as your Area Vice Director. Please allow me to present to you the gallery of work that supports our Area Director, MVPs, chapters and members. Following the 2018 election cycle, I hit the ground sprinting to serve you by:

Conducted monthly MVP Webinars emphasizing the Core Values while defining membership categories.

Implemented Chapter efforts to attract new members and employ retention support strategies.

Led first Western Area Virtual Founders’ Day Program 2020.

Supported Area elected and appointed Leadership Team.

Served on the National Membership and Ethics and Standards Committees.

Provided direction and guidance on Intake and Orientation.

Led MVPs to conduct year long Friendship Activities.

Served National Leadership Subcommittee presenting post 2020 Assembly Workshops.

Led and supported all aspects of membership services.

Provided operation support and assistance.

Next, I gladly showcase the palette of achievements realized, with the engagement of the MVP Subcommittees,

towards the WA membership goals.

Goal 1. To improve our alignment with national guidelines and procedures:

• Developed quantitative chapter Core Values Refresher Course where 10 groups of 6 MVPs co-developed and presented measurable presentations that track penetration.

Beverly Hills West Chapter Endorsement The Members and the Executive Board of the Beverly Hills West (CA) Chapter are proud to announce that we are endorsing Link Karen Ragland Cole, MD, M.P.H., M.B.A. as Western Area Vice Director. Link Karen has put forward ambitious and achievable plans for two years, demonstrating leadership presence, impeccable judgment, and ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced dynamic setting. She’s a strong leader who communicates ideas clearly, boldly presents new concepts, and leads with honesty and transparency. She is a thoughtful leader that understands the organization’s market and has the ability and the intuition to make the right decision as well as a keen observer of how things should change for the better. An Area Vice Director must maintain a harmonious team that pulls together in the same direction. Link Karen is an action-oriented, strategic adviser who demonstrates expert skills and knowledge to advise the membership in the Western Area on what they need to do and how to do it. Link Adell Batchelor Walker, MA, President

Goal 2. To know, understand and follow our governing documents:

• Held 15 Monthly MVP webinars to date to review chapter bylaws (membership section), Constitution and Bylaws, Manual of Procedures.

Goal 3. To recognize the value of and cherish each member:

• Continue to promote So Glad She's My Sister 2.

• Designed, You’ve Been Core Valued! to recognize Link sisters who best exemplify the Core Values.

• Spearheaded the first virtual Area wide Founders’ Day Observance that featured Donor Sabbath recognition worship service.

• Produced 60 Chapter “Shelter Insecurity” community service project with accompanying informational video.

• Oversaw and produced the re-enactment video of “Philadelphia Club Meeting” that led to the Founding of The Links, Incorporated.

• Coordinated the Founders’ Day Chapter Commemorative and New Member table books.

Goal 4. To sustain and grow the membership:

• Encouraged best practices to educate and improve the efficiency of candidate orientation sessions and induction process.

• Introduced online candidate test.

• Assisted 33 chapters to successfully complete candidate orientation sessions that yielded the induction of 131 new members.

Goal 5. To increase membership engagement and chapter efficiency:

• Developed and compiled MVP Chapter Profile that yielded the MVP Friendship Directory.

• Directed MVP WA chapter profile survey compilation.

• Introduced Western Area Service Hours Engagement Initiative.

• Led the Sustainability Core for the first ever Virtual Leadership Summit.

• Workshop presentation, “The Art of Friendship” that premiered member information driven, “Links Family Feud" game show competition.

My work demonstrates consistent leadership in “sister centric” relations. I would be humbled and delighted to continue in this role. I ask for your prayers and support to continue to serve our beloved Western Area.

In Friendship and Service, Western Area Vice Director

Karen Cole, MD, MPH, MBA, PRP

It is my pleasure to endorse the candidacy of Link Karen Cole who seeks a second term as Western Area Vice Director. I became aware of her energetic, caring manner and love of Linkdom when she served as my escor t , dur ing an Area Conference, when I was Area Vice Director. I knew then that this energetic, inquisitive, talented Link Sister was going to be around awhile.

I have truly enjoyed watching Link Karen climb the ladder of success on the Chapter and Area levels. She’s all about creativity, unity, commitment, and friendship. Link Karen will lead you in the right direction because she leads in a values-oriented, “sister centric” manner. I proudly recommend this phenomenal leader without hesitation.

Link Constance Fitzpatrick Smith, Stockton (CA) Chapter, 16th WA Director

Link Karen consistently delivers with energy, enthusiasm and commitment. She has a solid understanding of and love for The Links, Incorporated and the Western Area. Over the years I observed her in Scott Hawkins Leadership Institute, and when she served in other elected WA positions: WA Nominating Committee and WA Secretary. Link Karen has always been efficient, effective, and demonstrated a balance of attention to detail with listening and excellent communication skills. As Area Vice Director, she continued to build and sustain relationships. Most of all, she is flexible and adaptable and she figured out how to deliver consistent service to chapter MVPs in the midst of the pandemic. AWESOME. I highly recommend her for another term as Western Area Vice Director.

Link Barbra Ruffin-Boston, San Francisco (CA) Chapter, 15th WA Director

PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENTS SUPPORT LINK KAREN! Link Karen Ragland Cole has demonstrated outstanding teamwork and compassion for membership concerns for the past two years. She has served our area well, by being collaborative, dependable, patient, knowledgeable and kind. Her commitment and dedication to our organization, coupled with her willingness to work hard have made her an excellent Area Vice Director. I enthusiastically endorse Link Karen Ragland Cole to be re-elected as Western Area Vice Director Link Glenda Newell-Harris, Alameda Contra Costa (CA) Chapter, 16th National President

When I think of someone who is committed, and dedicated to the high ideals, and purposes of The Links, Incorporated; someone who has an impeccable record of seamless service both in her Chapter and in the Western Area; someone whom I know to be very efficient, and a true visionary leader, I think of Karen Cole. During the time I have known her, I have found her to be a hard worker, and a very compassionate, and caring person. She takes her role and responsibilities seriously. As the Western Area Vice Director her performance has been nothing less than stellar. Link Karen has a lot of positive energy, and a lot to give to this organization. It is my pleasure to again endorse Karen Cole for the position of Western Area Vice Director. Link Gwendolyn B. Lee, South Suburban Chicago (IL) Chapter,14th National President

Link Karen Cole has served our beloved organization with a joyful and confident heart for more than 20 years in a variety of leadership roles, including Chapter President, Western Area Secretary currently Western Area Vice Director. She is standing for election to a second term as Western Area Vice Director. I urge your support of her candidacy. At a tumultuous time in our nation, every organized group of Black women must do its share in helping to heal the land and those suffering from the decisions that have diminished such time honored values as truth, integrity, accountability and justice. Imbued with a deep understanding of the concept of the ‘beloved community’, she has already effectively demonstrated that she is part of the next generation of competent and credentialed, visionary, vibrant, courageous and confident Black women willing to step out of their comfort zones to ensure safe places for those we serve. These words from Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, penned many years ago, appropriately express my view of Link Karen: “We need visions for larger things for the unfolding and reviewing of worthwhile things.” The societal issues seen in the states comprising our organization’s Western Area are the same societal issues impacting the Nation in its entirety—we, The Links, Incorporated, need to be at the tables that seek solutions. To get there, we must continue to expand our “service through friendship” legacy—electing leaders with a cooperative spirit who will take bold action, and who exemplify a willingness to work with others to improve the common good.”

Link Gladys Gary Vaughn, Potomac (VA) Chapter, 13th National President, Dean Emeritus Scott Hawkins Leadership Institute

I enthusiastically endorse and support Link Karen Cole for Western Area Vice Director. As your 8th National President, I presided over the chartering of the Beverly Hills West (CA) Chapter in 1985. Over the years, I have watched Link Karen assume the roles of Facet Chair, Vice President, Chapter President, WA Nominating Committee member, Western Area Secretary and now Western Area Vice Director. She has the required skills and talent, and is a poised and prepared leader. She is a team-player with the tenacity to get the job done. I have every confidence that if re-elected, she will serve with distinction. Please join me in supporting her.

Link Dolly Desselle Adams, Atlanta (GA) Chapter, 8th National President

PAST WESTERN AREA DIRECTORS SUPPORT LINK KAREN!

When Link Karen Ragland Cole was elected to the position of Western Area Vice Director in 2019, she approached her role as “chief friendship officer” with enthusiasm, vigor, and purpose. Throughout this term, she has been relentless in her effort to enhance the mission and vison of the Western Area and The Links, Incorporated. Link Karen brings her extraordinarily high level of energy and creativity to this position and the products emanating from her work, on behalf of the area leadership, are amazing. Since our first encounter in 2004, I have witnessed Link Karen’s strong work ethic and devotion to friendship and service propel her into leadership roles at the chapter and area levels. It is my pleasure to offer this statement of support for re-election of Karen Ragland Cole as Western Area Vice Director.

Link Sandra Dorsey Malone, Dallas (TX) Chapter, 14th WA Director

It gives me great pleasure to ask you to join me in support of Link Karen Cole’s re-election to the office of Western Area Vice Director. Link Karen has demonstrated through her many years of active service in her chapter and in Area involvement that she is goal oriented with a focus on getting the job done through collaboration, dedication, commitment and a sense of sisterhood. This is evident by her noteworthy accomplishments. Link Karen is a leader that we need to ensure that the Western Area of The Links, Incorporated continues to be a beacon of light and excellence in Linkdom. Please join me in voting for Link Karen Cole to continue as our Western Area Vice Director. Barbara Lord Watkins, Dallas (TX) Chapter, 12th Western Area Director

There is always a need for those who believe in strengthening the ties that bind us in friendship and service. Link Karen is one such person who possesses these beliefs and I support her candidacy for re-election as Western Area Vice Director.

Link Thelma J. Rice, Inglewood Pacific (CA) Chapter, 11th WA Director