Michigan State Association

Daughter Richetta Akins, PGDR, PSP, joined the Elks under Lady Camille Temple #755 in 1991. She received her PSP under Woman of the Bible, PGDR in Education. She currently serves as Daughter Ruler of Florence Ames Temple #17, Recording Secretary MPDR Council 64, Unit Commander Taharqa Blue 72nd MP Company Antler Guard, MSA Convention Directress, Deputy Director Education Dept. Region 3 and have worked with the National Education Dept. She currently works as a Human Resources Director for Group Homes. She has been a member of Order of Eastern Stars for over 40+years and serves as Treasurer for Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus.

Tennessee State Association

Daughter Ruler Candace Jones is a deserving candidate exuding the principles of Elkdom.   As Daughter Ruler, she’s a leader, mentor, motivator, and teacher, taking immense pride in the order.  She’s active in the Council, State Association and Grand.  Daughter Jones has a kind and humble spirit, with a server’s heart, always willing to assist.  She can make a room glow when she enters, with her warm and infectious smile.  Daughter Jones leads by example she’s a team player, active in all temple activities, she does not ask daughters to perform tasks that she is not willing to do; she routinely checks on senior/homebound daughters.  She cheers on and celebrates the wins of others, never being selfish or jealous.  To know her is to love her!

New Jersey State Association

Kimberly Handy is a native of Westfield, NJ. She has spent her entire life in Westfield giving service. Her teenage years were spent as a Counselor of the Westfield Community Center Summer Camp trying to help guide the neighborhood youth in positive directions.

Currently serving as Daughter Ruler of Centennial Temple #246.  Through her leadership they work in the community supporting the Westfield Community Pantry, Care One Nursing home in Westfield. She helped save the Lodge from closing when the Lodge was suffering from Westfield Property Tax issues. She helped with recruiting membership.  

(The Lodge is now the only black-owned fraternal organization building in Westfield).

Northwest State Association

Deborah was born in Portland, Oregon, and has two siblings, and five children.  Since joining Dahlia Temple #202 in 2007, Deborah has served in various roles, including Daughter Ruler since 2015, Oregon State Education Directress, the NW State Association Recording Secretary, Past State Presidents Council and Louise Thomas Council.

Following a fire that destroyed much of Billy Webb Elks Lodge #1050 on September 11, 2021, she has dedicated 40-50 hours per week to its rebuilding. Phase 1 of the rebuild is complete, and they continue to seek funds for the interior rebuild.  Deborah also reads to elementary students, mentors high school students, prepares taxes for low-income and senior citizens at no cost.

Louisiana State Association

Sharon S. Sanders, Daughter Ruler, Gloria Jean Harris Temple #1411. Sharon is a native of Baton Rouge LA. Sharon became a member of Capital City Temple in 2006, where she served in various positions including Daughter Ruler. In 2021, due to the loss of her best friend and fellow Elk, Sharon decided that because of the dedication that Gloria Jean Harris had for Elkdom, she wanted to keep her legacy alive by Organizing a new Temple in the city of Baton Rouge naming it Gloria Jean Harris Temple 1411. Sharon received her PGDR Degree at the National Convention in Mobile Alabama in 2023. In 2024 Sharon’s dedication to Elkdom saw her getting elected as the Louisiana Daughter State President, Brothers and Daughters, friends of the Elks.

North Carolina State Association

Daughter Shirlene Taylor has been a devoted and active member of Salome Temple #704 for an impressive 29 years. Throughout her years of dedicated service, she has held numerous key offices, including Trustee, Recording Secretary, Assistant Daughter Ruler, Vice Daughter Ruler, and has faithfully served as Daughter Ruler for over 10 years.  Her passion for service is evident in all she does. Daughter Taylor strongly believes in helping others whenever and wherever she can. She also values fellowship and regularly visits other Lodges and Temples, a commitment she’s excited to deepen now that she is retired.  She also contributes to Hemophilia of North Carolina, advocating for families affected by Von Willebrand Disease and Hemophilia Factor Eight Deficiency. Her work in this area helps educate schools.

Pacific States Association

Daughter Ruler Deloris Willis faithfully served Magnolia Temple #943 for the past three years with outstanding dedication and leadership. Though she resided 45 minutes away, she commits to being at the lodge nearly every day. She serves as Co-Chair of the State Domestic Violence Committee, demonstrating her compassion for service beyond the Temple walls. Under her leadership, the kitchen was beautifully remodeled, and dormant departments were reactivated after COVID-19, helping to keep the Temple's doors open and expanding its services to the community. A long-time, devoted member, Daughter Ruler Willis actively fundraises for all departments. Her tireless work, vision, and unwavering commitment are the reasons she was chosen to lead Magnolia Temple #943 with excellence and pride.