Welcome to NCNW Fox Valley Section
Message from our President
Greetings Sisters & Visitors,
Welcome to the official website of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) Fox Valley Section! Thank you for your support of our Section. We hope you find our site helpful and informative.
We are proud of the legacy created by Dr. Mary McCloud Bethune nearly 90 years ago. Not only are we proud of our National Organization, but also of our local Section which serves Outagamie, Fond Du Lac, Green and Osh Kosh counties of Northeast WI. Seated in Appleton, WI, we were chartered on October 7, 2025. As you learn of our rich history, you will find that we will remain steadfast in our mission to "lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families, and communities."
We welcome you to come meet, fellowship and experience sisterhood amongst a tight knit group of women who believe in the power of sisterhood and share a deep love and commitment for our African-American communities.
Thank you for visiting our website. We invite you to come back for updates and announcements regarding upcoming events.
Sincerely,
Karen Nelson
Fox Valley Charter President
History at a Glance
In the Beginning
Founded on December 5, 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) emerged as the first national coalition of African American women’s organizations. As an “organization of organizations,” it was built to unify women’s groups across the country and advocate for the civic, educational, economic, and social empowerment of women of African descent, their families, and their communities. Over the decades, NCNW has maintained that legacy through leadership, service, advocacy, and global initiatives—continually operating on the pillars of education, health equity, economic empowerment, and social justice experienced in a variety of therapeutic approaches to help clients achieve their goals.
Fox Valley History
In the Spring of 2025, Karen Nelson convened a meeting of ladies interested in understanding the steps of chartering a Section in Appleton, WI. Sanctioned groups in NCNW are known as Sections, not Chapters. There is only one other Section in the State of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, chartered in 2020. The meeting was attended by Karen Nelson, Tasha Banks, Charm Der, Dr. Belynda Pinkston, Dennetra Williams, and Yvette Dunlap. State President Synovia Moss led us through the process.
The 5-Member Organizing Group consisted of:
President - Karen Nelson
Vice-President – Tasha Banks
Finance/Treasurer - Dennetra Williams
Secretary - Dr. Belynda Pinkston
ByLaws Committee Member – Charm Der
These women used their collective skills to curate an effective Membership Drive with a Spaghetti Dinner Mix & Mingle at the Appleton Public Library on Monday, July 21, 2025 followed by and a virtual Meet & Greet July 23, 2025 online. Attendees of both events committed to the plan of “Each One Reach One” toward our goal of 35 paid members required by HQ to charter a new Section.
The National Council of Negro Women Fox Valley Section was chartered on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 with 40 members by National Board President Dr. A. Lois Keith, Officiant at Wilders Bistro, a Black-owned business in Appleton.
Vision Statement
Our Vision for 2025-2027:
The NCNW Fox Valley Section envisions a community where health equity and social justice are not aspirations, but realities for every Black woman, family, and community member we serve. We will be a catalyst for transformative change, addressing systemic barriers to healthcare access, advocating for policies that advance racial justice, and empowering our members to become leaders in the fight for equity. Through strategic partnerships, evidence-based programming, and unwavering commitment to our community, we will create pathways to wellness, opportunity, and justice that honor the legacy of those who came before us while building a stronger future for generations to come.
Our vision is on one accord with those of our Founder Dr. Mary McCloud Bethune and National President Emeritus Dr. Dorothy Irene Height. We carry the vision forward in the Fox Valley today. We are a group of activist women: the voices for the voiceless, advocates for the marginalized, and agents of change in our African-American community.
Meet our 2025-2027 Executive Board
President, Karen Nelson
Second Vice-President, Allayah Manns
First Vice-President, Natasha Banks
First Vice-President, Natasha Banks
Second Vice-President, Allayah Manns
First Vice-President, Natasha Banks
Second Vice-President, Allayah Manns
Second Vice-President, Allayah Manns
Second Vice-President, Allayah Manns
Secretary, Robyn R. Rodgers
Financial Secretary, Sarah Long-Radloff
Financial Secretary, Sarah Long-Radloff
Financial Secretary, Sarah Long-Radloff
Financial Secretary, Sarah Long-Radloff
Financial Secretary, Sarah Long-Radloff
Treasurer and Chaplin, Carla Manns
Financial Secretary, Sarah Long-Radloff
Treasurer and Chaplin, Carla Manns
Parliamentarian, Charm Der
Historian, Dr.Belynda Pinkston
Historian, Dr.Belynda Pinkston