There are events… and then there are gatherings. The kind where the air hums with purpose, the heels click with intention, and every conversation feels like a seed being planted for something bigger. The New York Chapter CHUMS, Inc. 3rd Annual Women’s Empowerment Event was firmly the latter—a polished, purposeful afternoon where elegance met impact and sisterhood showed up dressed for the moment.
Set against the refined backdrop of the Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse, the affair unfolded like a well-composed symphony—layered, intentional, and rich with community resonance. From the moment guests entered, greeted by emerald and gold accents that whispered legacy and prestige, it was clear: this was not just an event. This was a statement.
And darling, the statement was power looks like us.
The Program: A Tapestry of Excellence
Guided by Mistress of Ceremonies Temitope Famodimu, the program moved with grace and rhythm. It opened with a grounding prayer by Chaplain Karin Campbell—an anchoring moment that set the tone for what would be a spiritually infused and purpose-driven experience.
From there, the room leaned into celebration and recognition. President Melanie Stewart welcomed attendees with the kind of warmth that feels both official and deeply personal—like being ushered into a legacy rather than just a room.
The Westbury Corps Ensemble added musical texture, while the Westbury Corps Dance Team brought movement and youthful energy to the afternoon. It wasn’t just programming—it was storytelling through sound, motion, and presence.
And then came the heartbeats of the afternoon: the honorees.
Honoring the Women Who Do the Work
Community Service honoree Carmen Lloyd was recognized with a reverence that spoke volumes—not just for what she has done, but for what she represents. Later, Barbara Edwards and Jeannine A. Corbin were honored, each name echoing through the room like a reminder that legacy is not inherited—it is built, brick by intentional brick.
These weren’t surface-level accolades. These were acknowledgments of women who have rolled up their sleeves, leaned into their communities, and done the work when nobody was watching.
The Keynote: A Moment That Landed
When Vanessa Baird-Streeter, President & CEO of the Health & Welfare Council of Long Island, took the stage, the room shifted—subtly, but unmistakably. You could feel it. The kind of quiet that signals people are not just listening… they’re receiving.
Introduced by Gwendolyn Enocher-Washington, her keynote was less speech and more transmission—a call to action wrapped in lived experience, leadership, and clarity.
She didn’t just speak about empowerment. She embodied it.
The Vibe: Elevated, Intentional, Unapologetic
Let’s talk about the energy.
Because while the program was structured, the vibe was fluid—warm laughter over refreshments, meaningful exchanges between generations, and that unmistakable feeling of being in a room where everyone understands the assignment: uplift, connect, and build.
The raffles, the citations, the acknowledgments—it all added to the layered experience. Even the smallest details felt curated with care, right down to the closing remarks that wrapped the day in gratitude and forward momentum.
The Bigger Picture
What CHUMS, Inc. continues to do—through scholarships, community service, and intentional programming—is create spaces where women are not just celebrated, but activated.
This event wasn’t about inspiration for a moment. It was about ignition for a movement.
Because empowerment, when done right, doesn’t just make you feel good—it makes you move differently when you leave the room.
And if you ask me? That’s the real luxury.
A Seamless Experience, By Design
What made the afternoon feel so effortless—so fluid, so beautifully timed—was no coincidence. It was the result of thoughtful planning and intentional leadership behind the scenes.
Special recognition is due to Carolyn Barry-Ginyard, Fundraising Chair and Women’s Empowerment Co-Chair, whose coordination and attention to detail helped bring the vision of this empowering experience to life. From program flow to overall execution, her steady hand ensured that every element aligned with the spirit and purpose of the day.
It’s often the quiet precision behind the scenes that allows moments like these to shine so brightly.
Stay Connected with CHUMS, Inc.
Because let’s be clear—this isn’t a one-day affair. It’s a lifestyle, a legacy, a living network of women doing the work on purpose.
If you felt even a spark reading this, consider this your invitation to stay plugged in:
Follow the New York Chapter on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/newyorkchapterchums/
Explore events, initiatives, and ways to engage:
https://linktr.ee/Newyorkchapterchums
Learn more about the national organization and its impact:
https://www.chums-inc.org/
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Michelle M. Mitchell, reporting with a little sparkle, a lot of purpose, and a front-row seat to Black excellence in motion. 