By: Valerie Baston
The Arlington Crown Jewels Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. embodies the national organization’s long-standing mission of serving youth and uplifting communities through leadership, advocacy, and volunteerism. As part of TLOD’s legacy, the chapter focuses on empowering young people—especially through the Top Teens of America program— while promoting educational excellence, personal development, and civic responsibility.
Members work collectively to strengthen the social fabric of the community and model the values of service, dignity, and distinction. In addition to youth development, the Arlington Crown Jewels Chapter supports TLOD’s broader initiatives, including community beautification, senior citizen outreach, and partnerships with local organizations.
Through service projects, mentoring, and collaborative events, the chapter contributes to creating a positive, sustainable impact in the Arlington region. Their efforts reflect the national organization’s commitment to improving the quality of life for all people while celebrating sisterhood, professionalism, and compassionate leadership.
Top Ladies of Distinction, Incorporated was founded in Tyler, Texas in 1964 by eight women as a nonprofit education- al and humanitarian organization. There are five major thrusts, or pro- grams of service—Status of Women, Community Beautification, Senior citizens, community Partnerships, and Top Teens of America; however, the number one thrust is Top Teens of America.
Arlington Crown Jewels is the first chapter in the 60-year history of Top Ladies of Distinction, Incorporated to be chartered in Arlington, Texas, and the only existing chapter in Tarrant County. Under the leadership of National President and CEO Eddie Lee Marsh and National Area One Director Rhonda Harris, Chapter Organizer LaShica Walton, Esquire, along with 18 ladies, chartered the Arlington Crown Jewels Chapter on September 20, 2025, at the Westin Hotel in Southlake, Texas. This chapter is #2110 of the national organization.
The members are: LaShica Walton – Chapter Organizer; and 18 Charter Members: Trista Allen, Theresa Austin, Valerie Baston, Leah Benson, Andrea Boone, Melonie Carnegia, Tarnecha Cook, A. Denise Cummings, Nichelle Dawkins, Pearl Garden, LaSandra Gillard, Deborah Jackson, Melissa Johnson, Cory Moody Rice, Kebra Moore, Carmen Moss, Kim Rich-Rice, and Debra White. This chapter is comprised of attorneys, a sitting city council member, educators, nurses, a CEO, an author, a publisher, court personnel, an underwriter, and accountants. The chapter serves Tarrant County and the surrounding cities of Arlington, Mansfield, Grand Prairie, Kennedale, and Fort Worth.
