By Gwendolyn H. Daniels
Correspondent
Mrs. Irish Lynn Clark, the newly elected president of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (NANBPWC), Garland, Texas Club will kick off her two-year term by hosting her first club meeting this month.
Irish, a native of Port Arthur, Texas, was raised by both parents, Ira L. Carter, Sr. and Vera Carter, in a household of five children.
She was born fourth in line and has two brothers and two sisters.
Irish is a graduate of Port Arthur’s Lincoln High School, and she chose to attend college at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, where she received a Bachelor’s of Science in Community Health Education and a Master’s of Science in Health Promotion.
She and Byron, (Irish describes him as “my wonderful husband of 11 years”), have two children: Blake, 10, and Blythe, 8.
With 20 years of experience in health services, Irish began her professional career as a Community Health Educator with the Beaumont Health Department. She then joined the Texas Department of State Health Services and serves as a Registered Sanitarian within the Manufactured Food Division.
Irish initially became interested in the NANBPWC Garland Club after attending Club events with her mother-in-law, Wathenia (Tina) Clark.
She explained, “I recognized a strong desire to become involved with this organization. The Club’s programs are highly informative and provide valuable support to the community in areas of health, technology and entrepreneurship.”
Sponsored by Tina Clark, Irish joined the NANBPWC Garland Club three years ago. During her tenure, she has served on the Founders’ Day Committee, where she played a key role in organizing and maintaining the online auction, alongside First Vice President Gilda Smith.
“The purpose of the auction is to generate funds for scholarships benefiting students within Garland ISD,” she said.
In addition to Founders’ Day duties, Irish previously served as the Club’s Correspondence Secretary.
As President Irish Clark begins her two-year term, she shared her philosophy on leadership. “To be an effective leader, you must be willing to serve. A leader empowers others to reach their highest potential.”
She has great expectations for her presidency.
“During the next two years, my objective is to enhance the visibility of the Garland Club within the community through dedicated service. We intend to achieve this by actively participating in local events and engaging the community in our diverse array of programs.”
She added, “My favorite bible verse is Proverbs 3:6. ‘In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path.’ I seek God’s guidance in all aspects of my life. My Mother has always taught me to keep God in all my business. I am excited and enthusiastic to start this new journey with the Garland Club. I have great club sisters, and Garland is a great community to serve.”
For more information on the NANBPWC Garland Club, contact them at: www.garlandnanbpwc.org.
Gwendolyn H. Daniels is a freelance writer, member of Kaiser Street Baptist Church, Life Member of the NAACP, breast cancer awareness activist in Dallas County, and past president of the South Dallas BPW Club.
