About Us
Our Mission, History and leadership
Who We Are
As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the Northern Virginia Chapter is dedicated to advocacy, community service, leadership development, and the enhancement of career opportunities through networking and programming. The objective is to raise the voices of Black women and girls through our events creating a forum for collaboration and partnerships. The Northern Virginia Chapter is leading projects and collaborating with other community organizations to address issues impacting the health, education, and economic empowerment of Black women and girls. This also includes fostering civic engagement and political empowerment.
OUR MISSION
To advocate on behalf of Black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education, and economic empowerment.
OUR VISION
OUR CORE VALUES
OUR PURPOSE
Foster principles of equal rights and opportunities; develop our membership potential for effective leadership and participation in civic affairs; take action on specific issues of national and local importance; and collaborate with other organizations to achieve mutual goals.
CHAPTER HISTORY
With 35 ambitious members, the Northern Virginia (“NOVA”) Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. was chartered on January 22, 1984. It was under the visionary leadership of Ms. Evelyn Reid Syphax. She was a native of Lynchburg, Virginia and a 1948 graduate of Virginia Union University having earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Language Arts. Ms. Syphax was revered by her community and upon earning a master’s degree at New York University, she moved to Arlington County, Virginia in 1951. There she taught third and fourth grade classes at several Arlington elementary schools and by 1955, she married Archi Syphax, Sr. (Arlington’s first Black firefighter).
The contributions by Ms. Syphax were substantial as she became the founder of Arlington Montessori School in 1966. She served on the Arlington School Board from 1980-84 (including terms as chair and vice chair). Then as president of the Arlington Historical Society, she helped to establish the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington. Ms. Syphax passed in March of 2000, leaving a rich legacy honored by the Arlington School Board by naming an annex near the Arlington Education Center in her name.
In addition to honoring Ms. Syphax’s commitment to education in Arlington County, the Northern Virginia Chapter established a mentoring program for young ladies, partnering with Arlington Public Schools for nearly forty years. The mentoring program provides a substantial curriculum for the young ladies, covering topics ranging from S.T.E.A.M. education, college preparation, and leadership development.
CHAPTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PARTNERSHIPS
We are proud of the strong partnerships, alliances, and generous supporters we have established in our communities.
