Our Founders & National History

The Charmettes, Incorporated is a national civic organization that had its beginnings when friends Gwendolyn Baker Rodgers and Frankie Drayton Thomas recognized the need for an organization that would bring together women with similar ideas, principles and backgrounds to organize themselves to utilize their skills, talents and resources for community impact. They invited ten of their friends to join them, and on June 17, 1951, the West Palm Beach Charmettes were created.

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The work of the initial chapter had immediate impact in the community, and soon new chapters were being developed throughout Florida and beyond. Our chapters are engaged in programs and activities that provide assistance to individuals and families in need in areas including: education, health, scholarship, and community development. In 1981, the organization adopted a national thrust to eradicate cancer in our lifetime. In addition to our cancer awareness and education programs, we have contributed more than $950,000 to the Howard University Cancer Center (HUCC) in Washington, D.C., to support cancer research and services. In 2006, the HUCC Chemotherapy Infusion Center was named, “The Charmettes, Inc. Gwendolyn B. Rodgers Chemotherapy Infusion Suite,” in honor of our long-term generous support.

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Today, The Charmettes, Incorporated is a nationally recognized women’s community service organization, known for getting results and making a difference in the lives of African Americans and their communities. With 20 chapters active throughout Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., we are poised for even greater accomplishments in the future.

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The women of The Charmettes, Incorporated are dedicated, distinguished achievers and community builders.