Anchorage Chapter History

Anchorage, Alaska has always been a city of great opportunity. However, activities that focused on leadership development in African American children were limited. Mothers in the community voiced that they wanted more for their children. What followed those concerns was a determination to provide more for our children within the community of Anchorage. From there a Jack and Jill Interest group was organized during the winter of 1999 by Vara Allen-Jones.

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Over the next several months a series of phone conferences occurred with the existing Executive Board of Jack & Jill of American, Inc. These phone conferences grew increased interest and an organizational visit was arranged in June 2000. Ingrid Miller, 17th National President, Sylvia McGee, Vice President, and Shirley Barber James, 15th National President came to Anchorage, Alaska and met with the interest group of mothers at the University of Alaska Anchorage campus.

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During this meeting, the National representatives from Jack and Jill educated the Anchorage interest group on the history, goals, and aims of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. After the initial meeting, the mothers decided to move forward and began the necessary steps to chartering a Jack and Jill chapter in Anchorage, Alaska. In the fall of 2001, the Alaska Angels became a provisional group.

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The Alaska Angels hit the ground running. Many activities were planned and conducted focusing on the national thrust of Jack and Jill. One of the big kick off events was the first family holiday gathering. This event really highlighted our efforts to give more to our children and continues to be a well-attended signature event of the Anchorage chapter. As the chapter continued with activities, a provisional organizers training was being held in New Orleans in January 2002, by Dr. Catherine Collins. The Alaska Angels were represented during this one day event which aided in the movement towards being chartered as a chapter.

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The result of our continued efforts to provide outstanding programming for our children in the name of Jack and Jill paid off in the summer of 2002. During the National Convention held in July of 2002 in Los Angeles, CA, the Alaska Angels officially became a provisional chapter. Wanda Wilson, Pamela Washington, and Vara Allen-Jones represented the group at this convention. It was only the beginning for this small but mighty chapter.

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Immediately following provisional status, the Alaska Angels hosted the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Regional Directors meeting in Anchorage under the leadership of Far West Regional Director Gretchen Garner Easter. This leadership meeting was attended by each Regional Director as well as some of their spouses.

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The Alaska Angels grew wings and became a fully chartered chapter in the fall of 2002. The Anchorage Chapter was installed and chartered on Friday October 4, 2002 at the Sheraton Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. The 19th National President Ida Younge, Regional Director Gretchen Garner Easter, and Far West Regional Secretary/Treasurer Rochonne Simmons were in charge of the ceremonies. The 15th National President Shirley Barber James and Associate Mattie Johnson were guests from Savannah, Georgia and assisted with the installation and celebration.

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The charter members of the Anchorage, Alaska Chapter are: Vara Allen-Jones - President, Wanda Wilson-Vice President, Mattie Alexander, Yvonne Charles, Sandra Coleman, Adrian LeBlanc, Germaine Burd, Amanda Holmes, Beverly Jones, Tanya Green, Pamela Washington, Leisa Roberts, Delmonicia Williams, Denise Knox, Stephanie Butler, and Juita Johnson.

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Since our official charter in 2002, the Anchorage chapter has hosted the Northern Cluster AWD, October 8, 2005, October 3, 2009, and October 13, 2012. The Anchorage chapter has also successfully facilitated a children’s cluster in March of 2007. Our most recent success is the hosting of the Far West Region’s 27th Biennial Mothers’ Regional Conference in July of 2013 and the Far West Region's Teen Conference in 2017.

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Chapter presidents: Vara Allen-Jones (2002 – 2004), Wanda Wilson (2004 – 2006), Hisa Fallico (2006), Delmonicia Williams (2006-2008 & 2008-2010), Tanya Williams (2010- 2012), Vara Allen-Jones (2012-2013), Dionne Willis (2013-2014), Tracey Parrish (2014-2015), Janderia Burrell (2015-2017), Jervette R. Ward (2017-2018), Jillian Woodruff (2018-2021), Terria Ware (2021-2023), and Shayné Wright (2023-Present).