Who We Are

                                        History of The Ladies of Grandiflora (NC)

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The charismatic organizers of The Ladies of Grandiflora, Karen Schooler, M.D., and Camille  Kluttz-Leach, J.D., assembled a gathering of extra special friends who were uniquely outstanding  in their careers, community service, and philanthropy. These ladies had worked together over  many years in various organizations committed to the betterment of society. They shared a  truly remarkable appreciation for each other and they were individually dedicated to a higher  purpose while serving the communities of Guilford and Alamance Counties for the greater good.

 

The summers of 2016 and 2017 turned out to be serendipitous for what would become The Ladies of  Grandiflora. There were at least three key interactions that proved fortuitous. The first was  an inspiring personal conversation in Philadelphia between Glenda Newell-Harris, MD 15th  National President of the Links, Incorporated and Karen Schooler, MD. The second was  during Black Philanthropy month, whereby Karen Schooler and Camille Kluttz-Leach shared long  days of fun and fellowship with many amazing women of the Links, Incorporated. These ladies  had converged on Martha’s Vineyard for their annual Links on the Vineyard Luncheon and  were a spectacular illustration of collective generosity and friendship. The third key interaction was a  chance encounter with a member of the Links, Incorporated who shared valuable wisdom as a  charter member of a chapter. In addition, there are two wonderful women who remained  steadfast in their optimism and encouragement of our efforts. Dr. Joan Prince of the  Milwaukee (WI) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated and Kathryn Simmons, MPH of the Eastern Shore (NY) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated would become a source of renewed  motivation throughout the years.  

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Given the similar purpose and missions and our desire for a broader impact, it was decided to pursue  establishing a Links, Incorporated chapter. This would enable the friends to better serve the  communities in which they lived. A letter of inquiry for chapter establishment was submitted on  August 31, 2017 and the requested supplemental information was provided in June 2018. The  original composition of The Grandifloras changed slightly from its inception in August of 2017. The  Ladies of Grandiflora originated as The Grand Magnolias but changed their name as they  grew and transformed in membership. Dedicated to their friendship and service, the Ladies of  Grandiflora remained passionate and committed to establishing a remarkable Links, Incorporated  chapter.  

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The Ladies of Grandiflora consists of 33 upstanding and outstanding members of the  community, ranging from corporate and non-profit executives, judges, senator, physicians,  dentists, lawyers, educators, researchers and entrepreneurs. These exceptional chartering  members are: Karen Schooler, Camille Kluttz-Leach, Sheila J. Allen, L’Tanya Joy Bailey,  Shannon Banks, Mary Branch, Cheryl Bryant-Shanks, Roslyn Crisp, Lora Cubbage, LaVern  Delaney, Mae Douglas, Alison Durham, Joyce V. Fairley, Nannette Funderburk, Ivan Godette,  Charlene Green, Eleanor Greene, Yvetta Grier, Whitney Haddix, Mishi Jackson, Dorrette Ibazebo,  Travella Langford, Michelle Lester, Candace Bradley McDonald, Claudia Claiborne Miller, Felicia Millner, Shona  Morgan, Jacqueline Norman, Gladys A. Robinson, Jamillah Robinson, Shawnee’ Robinson, Leslie  Sadler, and Phyllis Wyatt. 

 

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