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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Eddie Lee Marsh |
Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. (TLOD) is a special group of women across the United States. They work together to help people and make communities better. This organization has about 7,000 members in 111 different groups, called chapters. Their main office is in Houston, Texas.
How TLOD Started
The idea for Top Ladies of Distinction came from Major Ozell Dean of Washington D.C. She thought of it during a special lunch at the White House. TLOD was officially formed in 1963 after a meeting with former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson.
Major Dean was a very important person. She was the first African-American flight nurse in the United States Air Force. The group was created to use the skills of women in the U.S. to help solve social problems. They especially wanted to help young people. The organization became officially recognized in 1964. Their first big national meeting was held in 1969.
What TLOD Does
Top Ladies of Distinction has many programs and projects. These programs help solve social issues and improve communities that need support. They focus on making a positive difference for everyone.
Helping Young People
TLOD has special programs for young people, including anti-bullying efforts. They also offer mentoring to guide and support youth. Each local chapter must have a teen program, called Top Teens of America. These programs teach important life skills. Teens learn how to solve conflicts peacefully and manage their money. They also learn coping skills to handle tough situations.
Supporting Communities
The organization also works with local senior citizen centers. This helps connect different generations in the community. TLOD raises money and supports other important groups. These groups include St. Jude, the NAACP, National Council of Negro Women, Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, and UNCF. By working with these partners, TLOD helps many different causes.
