Excellence in service, a commitment to community, and a passion for developing the next generation of leaders have earned the COLA City Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.® an impressive seven awards at the 2026 Area IV Virtual Cluster Conference.
Under the dynamic leadership of Chapter President Lady Kimberly T. Smith, the COLA City Chapter continues to distinguish itself as a growing force for positive change throughout South Carolina’s Midlands. The recent recognition reflects the chapter’s dedication to the organization’s mission of service, leadership, sisterhood, and youth empowerment.
The conference, held under the leadership of Area IV Director Lady Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, celebrated chapters demonstrating exceptional commitment to organizational excellence, innovative programming, membership engagement, and meaningful community impact.
Seven Awards, One Extraordinary Commitment to Service
The COLA City Chapter received seven distinguished honors during the Area IV Virtual Cluster Conference, including:
• First Place in Attendance — Recognizing the chapter with the largest number of members registered for the conference.
• First Place in Attendance — Recognizing the chapter with the highest percentage of its membership registered.
• Area Director’s Continuity Recognition Award — Honoring the chapter’s commitment to organizational continuity and sustained engagement.
• Area IV “We Love Our Top Teens” Award — Celebrating the chapter’s dedication to mentoring, supporting, and empowering young people through Top Teens of America.
• Area IV “Serious About Programming” Recognition Award — Acknowledging the chapter’s commitment to purposeful, mission-driven programming.
• Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson “Shining Brightly” Award — Recognizing outstanding chapter excellence.
• Area IV “Expansion & Growth” Award — Celebrating the chapter’s continued development and organizational growth.
These recognitions represent more than organizational achievements. They reflect a collective determination to transform leadership into action and community service into lasting impact.
Making a Difference Across the Midlands
Established in 2021, the COLA City Chapter recently celebrated its fifth charter anniversary, marking five years of purposeful service, leadership development, and community engagement.
The chapter advances the national organization’s five major programmatic thrusts: Top Teens of America, Senior Citizens, Status of Women, Community Beautification, and Community Partnerships.
Through these initiatives, members have worked to address educational, social, health, and community needs while creating meaningful opportunities for residents across the Midlands.
Investing in Youth and Tomorrow’s Leaders
Youth development remains central to the chapter’s mission. Through Top Teens of America, members provide mentorship, leadership opportunities, community-service experiences, and encouragement to help young people become confident, responsible, and engaged citizens.
The chapter has supported back-to-school initiatives, youth service projects, literacy activities, and opportunities that strengthen relationships between generations.
Its recent “We Love Our Top Teens” recognition underscores the importance of preparing young people not simply for future success, but for leadership and service today.
Supporting Senior Citizens and Strengthening Families
Recognizing the invaluable contributions of older adults, COLA City has supported senior citizens through outreach, service initiatives, and partnerships, including activities benefiting residents at Adams Northeast.
These efforts reflect the chapter’s commitment to honoring older generations, promoting dignity, and strengthening intergenerational connections.
Advancing Health Awareness and Community Wellness
COLA City has demonstrated its commitment to public health through participation in sickle cell awareness and education, blood donation initiatives, breast cancer awareness, and ovarian cancer awareness activities.
Members have supported the James R. Clark Sickle Cell Foundation Scholarship Walk, sickle cell awareness initiatives, and the Ovarian Cancer Coalition Butterfly Release, helping bring attention to important health challenges affecting families throughout South Carolina.
The chapter has also supported fundraising efforts benefiting
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Beautifying Communities and Protecting the Environment through Adopt-a-Highway cleanups, environmental awareness activities, and community beautification initiatives, COLA City members are helping preserve and improve the neighborhoods they serve.
These projects demonstrate the organization’s belief that community pride and environmental stewardship are essential components of building stronger communities.
Empowering Women Through Education, Advocacy, and Leadership
The chapter has promoted women’s empowerment through educational initiatives, civic engagement, estate-planning awareness, and activities recognizing issues such as domestic violence and breast cancer.
Its work encourages women to remain informed, connected, and empowered to advocate for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Leadership Rooted in Sisterhood and Purpose
The COLA City Chapter’s continued progress is guided by a leadership team committed to collaboration, accountability, and service.
Chapter President Lady Kimberly T. Smith serves alongside Lady Henrietta Gadson, First Vice President, and Lady Rosalind Hook-Kilian, Second Vice President.
Together with the chapter’s officers, committee chairs, and dedicated members, they continue to strengthen the organization’s visibility, membership engagement, and impact throughout the Midlands.
The chapter’s guiding spirit, “We Are One,” represents a commitment to collective responsibility, shared purpose, and the understanding that meaningful progress is achieved through unity.
The recent Area IV awards further demonstrate what can be accomplished when women bring their individual talents, professional experiences, and passion for service together for the greater good.
Five Years of Service. A Future of Possibilities.
As the COLA City Chapter enters its next chapter of service, members remain focused on expanding community partnerships, strengthening youth mentorship, increasing service opportunities, and building upon the foundation established during the organization’s first five years.
From educational outreach and health awareness to senior citizen advocacy and environmental stewardship, COLA City continues to demonstrate that meaningful leadership extends far beyond titles and recognition.
The seven Area IV awards serve as both a celebration of the chapter’s accomplishments and an inspiration to continue raising the standard of service.
For the COLA City Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., excellence is not simply something to be recognized. It is a responsibility to be demonstrated through service, strengthened through sisterhood, and sustained through an unwavering commitment to community.
Many Voices. One Vision. One Legacy.