A White Rose Evening: Where Legacy, Leadership, and Sisterhood Met in the Room

Courtesy Photo- ( L to R) Jan Henderson, Yanice Carter and Brenda Henderson. Connection, community, and celebration all in one frame.

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March 19, 2026, BATH, Mich. — There are events you attend, and then there are moments you feel.

The 2026 White Rose Gala, hosted by the Lansing/East Lansing Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, was one of those moments.

Held at Eagle Eye Golf and Banquet Center, the evening brought together leaders across business, education, healthcare, law, and civic engagement for a celebration rooted in service, sisterhood, and sustained impact.

Centered around the theme “A White Rose Legacy: Friendship, Service, and Impact,” the gala honored individuals and organizations whose work continues to shape and strengthen communities across Mid-Michigan.

Honoring Leadership That Moves the Needle

The evening’s most anticipated moments came with the presentation of the prestigious ATHENA Awards:

• ATHENA Individual Leadership Award

  Sharonda McDonald-Kelley, Head Coach of Michigan State University Softball, recognized for her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field.

• ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award

  Advent House Ministries, honored for its critical work supporting families facing housing instability through shelter, food access, and community outreach.

These recognitions were not just ceremonial; they were reminders of what intentional leadership looks like in action.

The Atmosphere: Elegance with Purpose

With live music by 496 West setting the tone, the room carried a rhythm of grace, excellence, and quiet power. But beyond the program, beyond the formalities…

There was something deeper. A shared understanding that this wasn’t just about recognition.It was about continuation.

A Sponsor. A Storyteller. A Strategic Presence.

As a proud Bronze Sponsor, The Chronicle News was not just present; it was positioned. Not simply observing the moment, but documenting it, amplifying it, and preserving it. Supporting spaces that celebrate women’s leadership and community impact aligns seamlessly with The Chronicle’s mission: To uplift the stories that shape culture, community, and legacy.

And in rooms like this, that mission becomes visible.

As a proud Bronze Sponsor of the 2026 White Rose Gala, The Chronicle News stood not only as a witness to the evening but as a contributor to its success.

A Seat at the Table, and a Presence in the Room

For Publisher Yanice Carter, the evening was more than attendance; it was alignment.

Moving effortlessly between conversations, connections, and coverage, she captured the essence of the night:

• Established leaders and emerging voices sharing space

• Conversations that extended beyond introductions

• Relationships forming in real time

This is what community looks like when it’s working. Photo by Chronicle Media Group: Yanice Carter with Attorney Teresa A. Bingman, Esq., Co-Chair of the White Rose Gala

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More Than a Gala. A Legacy in Motion.

Founded in 1946, The Links, Incorporated, remains one of the nation’s most influential volunteer service organizations, with over 17,000 professional women of color dedicated to:

• Education

• Health equity

• Economic empowerment

• Civic engagement

The Lansing/East Lansing Chapter continues that legacy locally, and the White Rose Gala stands as one of its signature expressions of impact.

Proceeds from the event support programming that directly benefits women, youth, and families across Mid-Michigan.

Capturing the Night

From podium moments to quiet exchanges, the evening told its story in layers:

• A room filled with purpose and poise

• Laughter woven between legacy conversations

• Connections that will outlast the evening itself

And through it all, one truth stood clear:

This was not just an event. This was alignment.

The Chronicle Perspective

The Chronicle News does not simply cover events. It documents legacy in real time.

Because nights like the White Rose Gala are not just meant to be attended…They are meant to be remembered, archived, and shared with intention. And in a room full of roses, what stood out most was the future being built in real time.

Strategic Media Coverage Matters

Events like the White Rose Gala deserve more than a recap.

They deserve intentional storytelling, strategic visibility, and lasting media presence.

From on-site coverage to post-event features, The Chronicle News continues to partner with organizations to ensure their impact is not only seen, but felt long after the room clears.

For media coverage, storytelling partnerships, or event features:info@thechroniclenews86.comThere are events you attend, and then there are moments you feel.