The Columbia (SC) Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. is pleased to announce the election of Tonia Johnson Alston as chapter president. A longtime member and former Second Vice President of Finance and Fund development, Johnson Alston brings a stellar record of service, dedication and leadership to the role.
President Johnson Alston sees her role as pivotal, requiring a blend of vision, leadership and skill. She aspires to provide guidance and mentorship to advance the chapter’s mission of advocating for Black women and girls and promoting leadership development and gender equity in health, education, and economic empowerment. She is particularly committed to mentoring and empowering the next generation of leaders.
Johnson Alston’s professional background includes: recently retired Chief of Police, Retired U.S. Navy and leadership roles in several civic and professional organizations, including current President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated; Z-POWER Board member; Devine Nine Foundation Board Member; National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives; and the Palmetto State Law Enforcement Officers Association.
Johnson Alston succeeds outgoing president Valarie Byrd. The chapter thanks Byrd for her two years of dedicated leadership and congratulates all newly elected officers for 2025–2027:
First Vice President: Dr. Stephanie McMillan
Third Vice President: Cheryl King
Recording Secretary: Mary Miller McClellan
Financial Secretary: Keonye Johnson
Treasurer: Tawanda Webb
Nominating Committee Chairperson: Dr. Rokami Gillette
About the NC100 Black Women
The Columbia (SC) Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women was founded by Mary Miller McClellan in February 2012 when she convened a group of Columbia’s most progressive women leaders on the campus of Benedict College for an interest meeting. From its inception, Mary, a former member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Long Island (NY) Chapter, believed that the dynamic group of women whom she had invited to join her would embrace the vision and mission of this national organization. Subsequent to completing extensive training in chapter development, the chapter was chartered by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at a “New Chapter Chartering Ceremony” at the Marriott Hotel, Columbia, SC. Leaders from the National Coalition traveled from the New York City Headquarters to officiate the chartering. This significant milestone was celebrated with sister chapters from Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama, as well as notable local officials that included Representative James Clyburn, Mayor Steve Benjamin, Columbia City Manager Teresa Wilson, members of the 100 Black Men of Greater Columbia, Richland County Council representatives and members of the Devine Nine, totaling an attendance of greater than 450 friends and supporters.
