Pomona Valley Section
National Council of Negro Women
Objectives
The Objectives of the NCNW are:
To unite non-profit national organizations of women in a council of national organizations primarily concerned with the welfare of Negro women.
To promote unity among women's national organizations and among all women and girls in matters affecting the education, culture, economic, social, and spiritual life of America.
To build a common fellowship of women devoted to the task of developing creative relations among people at home and abroad.
To serve as a clearinghouse for the dissemination of information concerning the activities of organized women.
Mission Statement
The National Council of Negro Women, Pomona Valley Section is committed to promoting community involvement, educational achievement, and self-pride in the Pomona Valley region. We are further committed to the fulfillment of the legacy of Mary McLeod Bethune; "Leave no one behind."
Our Mission is to:
Fill the gaps that exist in our communities, specifically those of ethnically diverse women and their children.
Help build and open the doors for young women; breaking down barriers, and building bridges of understanding and opportunity, so that they may cross with the knowledge of perseverance and success.
Educate and empower the youth in our community from pre-school to high school, through tutorial programs, literacy programs, and parent interaction and intervention programs.
Plan positive community events for the youth of Pomona Valley that will encourage them to reach for the stars of the future.
Commit us to being open-minded, compassionate, loving, and spiritually filled with all persons from different walks of life.
Pledge
It is our pledge to make a lasting contribution to all that is finest and best in America so that her heritage of Freedom and Progress will be infinitely enriched by the integration of all the people (regardless of race, creed, or national origin), in the economic, social, cultural, civic and political life of their country and thus achieve the glorious destiny of a true and unfettered democracy.
Mary McLeod Bethune
Born of slave parents in South Carolina, Mary McLeod Bethune was educated in South and North Carolina and Illinois. Through prayer, determination, and unbounded faith, she opened the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School with just 5 students, using a small school savings of $1.50. Today, this school is a thriving institution known as the Bethune Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida, accredited in 1943.
During 38 years as a college president, Mrs. Bethune participated in numerous constructive efforts of her time. She served as Director of Negro Affairs for the National Youth Administration, Special Advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Minority Affairs, and New Deal Government, and from 1936 -1945 she served as an informal "race leader at large" for the administration. She was one of the most influential African American Leaders in the Black Cabinet, which organized the Federal Council on Negro Affairs. and Special Assistance to the Secretary of War. Mary Mcleod Bethune received eight honorary college and university degrees.
Mrs. Bethune founded the National Council of Negro Women in 1935. She considered the vast potential of uniting the power of 800,000 Negro Women. She became the Council's first president for over fourteen years. In 1974, she became the first black leader and the first woman to have a monument, the Bethune Memorial Statue, erected on public parkland in Washington D.C.
After a lifetime of gracious living and working on behalf of people worldwide, Dr. Bethune quietly passed away on May 18, 1955. Her works enrich her memory and her rare spirit. The National Council of Negro Women's national headquarters is in Washington D.C., on Pennsylvania Avenue. Currently, we have 240 Sections connecting nearly 4 million women worldwide through national and community-based health, education, and economic empowerment services and programs in the U.S. and Africa.
From Our President
With great gratitude, I welcome you to a new chapter of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), Pomona Valley Section. As I begin my term as President, I am honored to build on the legacy of the remarkable women who came before us and dedicated themselves to sisterhood, education, service, and community. Guided by our founder Mary McLeod Bethune’s vision, we will continue to create opportunities that empower women, strengthen families, and positively impact our community. Our vision for this administration is simple: to expand our section, strengthen our sisterhood, and build a legacy of leadership and service.
Over the next two years, we will focus on growing our membership, developing emerging leaders, expanding our community impact, strengthening our financial foundation, and creating opportunities that will sustain NCNW Pomona Valley Section for generations. I am excited to serve alongside our Executive Board and all our members as we bring new ideas, energy, and purpose to this important work. I invite you to share your gifts, voice, and passion as we move forward together. Our next chapter is here, and I truly believe our best work is still ahead. Let us grow together, lead with purpose, and serve with love.
Sincerely,
Autumn Washington
2026-2028 President, NCNW Pomona Valley Section
Upcoming Events
How can you help?
We deeply appreciate your generosity, regardless of the amount. Your support enables NCNW to expand the reach and effectiveness of our programs and advocacy efforts. Thank you for standing with us and for your commitment to this vibrant organization. Your contributions truly make a difference.
“Leave No One Behind!”
Mary McLeod Bethune