ITTA BENA, Miss. — The Mississippi Delta (MS) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, in collaboration with Mississippi Valley State University’s International Programs Department, hosted the 2025 “Sowing Seeds of Service – Internationally” Spring Day Party on March 29 inside the R.W. Harrison HPER Complex on MVSU’s campus.
The annual celebration highlighted the organization's mission to uplift underserved and often marginalized populations through education, cultural engagement, and global service.
Founded in 1946, The Links, Incorporated, is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of women committed to enriching communities and improving the quality of life through friendship and service. Chartered in 2012, the Mississippi Delta Chapter lives out that mission across the region—especially through its growing partnership with MVSU, a historically Black university established in 1950 with a similar purpose of advancing education and opportunity in the Mississippi Delta.
The 2025 celebration featured several key highlights that demonstrated the strength of that partnership. Three international students were awarded scholarships, while one student received a laptop through a special raffle. Attendees also enjoyed a fashion show featuring traditional garments representing the students’ native countries and a cultural dance performance titled “The Land of the Freedom” by Phoyphailin.
The Links chapter also used the occasion to present the 2025 Sowing Seeds of Service Awards—recognizing individuals and organizations within the region who have made exceptional contributions in one of The Links’ five program facets. This year’s honorees included:
- Services to Youth – Dr. Tamala Boyd Shaw, Executive Director, Leflore Legacy Academy (Greenwood, MS)
- The Arts – The Lyceum Committee, Coahoma Community College (Clarksdale, MS)
- National Trends and Services – Eta Theta Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
- International Trends and Services – Ms. Christina Radulescu, International Student Advisor, MVSU
- Health and Human Services – Dr. Mary A. Williams, CEO and Founder, Urgent & Primary Care (Clarksdale, MS)
“The Mississippi Delta Chapter is comprised of friends working diligently to transform communities through service,” the organization shared. “We are proud to recognize others who exemplify that same dedication and impact.”
With a shared vision of empowerment and cultural awareness, MDCL and MVSU expressed deep appreciation for their growing collaboration and ongoing work to make a positive difference locally and globally.
