Top Ladies of Distinction facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | TLOD |
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| Formation | September 8, 1964 |
| Founders | Franchell Boswell, Ina Bolton Brown, Augusta Cash Latham, Ozell Dean, Willie Lee Glass, LaVerne Madlock, Ruth Payne Smith, Georgia Prestwood Nelson |
| Type | Educational and humanitarian organization |
| Headquarters | Houston, Texas, United States |
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National President
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Sharon J. Beard |
Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. (TLOD) is a national group that helps people. It is based in Houston, Texas. TLOD has about 7,000 members. These members are part of 111 different chapters. These chapters are located all over the United States.
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How Top Ladies of Distinction Started
The idea for Top Ladies of Distinction came from Major Ozell Dean. She was in Washington D.C. at a White House lunch. TLOD officially began in 1963. This happened after a meeting with former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson. Major Dean was very special. She was the first African-American flight nurse in the U.S. Air Force.
The group was formed to use the skills of women. They wanted to help with social issues. They especially focused on problems affecting young people. The organization became official in 1964. Their first big national meeting was held in 1969.
What Programs Does TLOD Offer?
Top Ladies of Distinction runs many programs. These projects help solve social problems. They also work to improve communities that need help.
Helping Youth Through Programs
One important focus is on young people. This includes programs to stop bullying. They also offer mentoring for teens. Local chapters must have a teen program. This program is called Top Teens of America.
Teen programs teach important skills. These include how to solve disagreements. They also teach about managing money. Teens learn coping skills too.
Supporting Communities and Other Groups
TLOD chapters also work with senior citizens. They collaborate with local senior facilities. The group also raises money. They support other organizations. These include St. Jude, the NAACP, National Council of Negro Women, Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, and UNCF.
