Officers & Members

Celebrating the life of Dorothy Jefferson - Recording Secretary.

It is with great sadness that The Young Women’s League, Inc. (YWL),  announces the passing of Dorothy Jefferson, Recording Secretary, on July 15, 2020.  Dorothy was a member of the League for 48 years and recently celebrated her 96th birthday. She joined the League in June 1972 sponsored by Rose L. Walker, now deceased. During her tenure in the League, Dorothy served in several elected offices in the role of President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, and Corresponding Secretary. Her appointed offices included Program Chair, Historian, and Committee Chair of various activities and Archivist. 

As Recording Secretary, Dorothy captured ALL meeting notes in shorthand (a lost art), recording every word, verbatim, of the meeting participants.  Dorothy held great prominence within the League, and was therefore sought out to provide guidance and the voice of reason and intention regarding YWL traditions, and past practices that outlined our mission and by-laws. Dorothy had a steadfast commitment to the YWL for almost 50-years. She was exceedingly proud of the organization, its community-based contributions and her personal commitment to always represent the League with integrity, grace, and a spiritual presence. Her willingness to serve was evident throughout her tenure.  Her interest in the development of our young people was always evident in her recommendations to the League regarding its monetary contributions.

Dorothy was honored with a Lifetime Service Award in 2016, for her many contributions to the Young Women’s League, Inc.  She will be greatly missed but never forgotten. In Lieu of flowers, Dorothy's family has requested that donations be made to The Young Women's League, Inc. in her memory.  A PayPal button has been placed here to facilitate their request.

The Young Women's League Celebrates the Life of Advisor Emeritus The Honorable Sterling Tucker.

The Honorable Sterling Tucker, Advisor Emeritus to the Young Women's League, Inc. (YWL), which is a non-profit, served our organization for over 50 years as our advisor, mentor, and friend until his retirement in 2013. At that time, we appointed him Advisor Emeritus and continued to consult with him for his invaluable sense of wisdom and guidance.  We are profoundly saddened by his passing on July 14, 2019.

Sterling moved to the DC area in 1956 and spent his entire life in service to the Metropolitan DC community. It was his constant engagement in addressing the needs of this city and surrounding areas that aligned his purpose with ours and made the union of Tucker and the YWL a successful match for so many years. 

As our advisor Sterling served the League with The Honorable W. Henry Greene, Attorney Jessie Dedman, The Honorable Fred Durrah, The Honorable Judge John D. Fauntleroy, Kathryn Moses, The Honorable William S. Thompson, Dr. Charlene Drew Jarvis, and the Rev. I. Benni Singleton.

He, along with his peers, lead us in numerous community engagements such as the furnishing of a recreation room at Ft. Meade, facilitating holiday events for service members, providing equipment and furnishings to St. Ann’s Infant Home, the Howard University Hospital, the Children’s National Medical Center, the Whitman Walker Clinic, and Martha’s Table, to name a few of our various project over the years. He encouraged us to apply for membership to the NAACP, the National Urban League, to provide support to various relief funds to assist those in critical need due to natural disasters, and the implementation of our annual Young Women’s League scholarship fund, which awards monetary scholarships to graduating High School seniors in the Metropolitan DC area, in their pursuit of advanced degrees.

Sterling touched us, and he cared for us individually and collectively. He loved the League and instilled in us a purpose and drive to always care for others that will forever be his legacy entwined in ours. We love him and are so grateful that he gave so much of himself to the YWL.

In Remembrance of Advisor Emeritus Rev. Dr. Israel Benni Singleton

In Remembrance of Advisor Emeritus Rev. Dr. Israel Benni Singleton

On March 11, 2018, one of our dearest Advisors, the Rev. Dr. Israel Benni Singleton, transitioned into the next chapter of an amazing life. A life well-lived and shared by so many, Benni, as he was called by the League, family and friends, served as an advisor from January 2007 until June 2015, when his resignation was reluctantly accepted. He rarely missed a meeting or event and during his tenure with us, provided guidance, wisdom, humor and a realistic lens through which to assess our commitment and service to the Metropolitan DC community. Benni always used sound judgment in providing guidance and possessed a wealth of experience which he willingly shared with each one of us. He was honored by the League at our 75th Anniversary Ball, held in November 2016, held at Martin's Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Maryland for his years of commitment and service to our organization. He always had a way to keep us on track and to provide a sense of clarity and vision, which was grounded by his own faith and service that was a life-long commitment.

Benni joins a legacy of past advisors who are a valued part of the Young Women’s League’s legacy. He served us well, with integrity and honor. Benni will be missed and we are grateful for his contributions and service.