The Links Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation, founded in Philadelphia, PA in 1946 by Margaret Rossell Hawkins and Sarah Strickland Scott.  Linked in friendship, the organization is committed to improving the quality of life for others through service and advocacy at the local, regional, national and international levels.  Since its inception the organization has grown to over 12,000 women of color in 276 chapters located in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Bahamas and Germany.  It is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations comprised of extraordinary women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry.

The members of the Links Incorporated are influential decision makers and opinion leaders who make a difference in their communities and the world.  They are business and civic leaders, role models, mentors, activists and volunteers who work towards a common vision by engaging like-minded organizations and individuals in partnership.

Links Incorporated members contribute hundreds of thousands of documented hours in community service annually – strengthening their communities and enhancing the nation through programming in five program facets: National Trends and Services, The Arts, Services to Youth, International Trends and Services and Health and Human Services.  Our local chapter, The Asheville Chapter of the Links Incorporated was founded in 1988 under the guidance of Nan Delany Johnson.  It is the only chapter in Western N. C.

The Asheville Chapter of the Links Incorporated is known for several signature programs: Girls Club, a middle school mentoring program, the White Rose Luncheons that highlights local artists, Health Walk- A –Thons, and our scholarships.  Organ Donor / Healthy Heart education programs, and Mountain Mardi Gras Dance are other events enthusiastically received by the community. Current membership is comprised of business owners, artists, program directors, realtors, lawyers, educators, administrators, and homemakers.