Twenty-nine years ago, there was a vision.  The idea for formalizing a local chapter of the Continental Societies, Inc.  was developed by Beverly Pollard.   She was inspired when she was invited by her friend, Jean Ravennah, to attend the chartering weekend for the Charleston, South Carolina Chapter.  

Although Beverly was unable to attend the event, she stayed in touch with her friend, Jean.   During that period, Beverly inquired about forming a chapter of the Continentals. Jean gave her highlights and then directed her to Edna Calhoun, Fourth National President and member of the Washington, DC Chapter.  

Beverly sought the help of her sister, Veda Patterson, in identifying dedicated and concerned women; and the planning for a Northern Virginia Chapter began.   Veda Patterson thought long and hard about who to invite and invited some of her friends from the Northern Virginia Alumni Chapter of Howard University.

The first formal meeting was held at the home of Veda Patterson on March 7, 1993.  The goals, purpose and structure of the organization were discussed.  The group identified specific locations to volunteer.  The interest group planned activities such as AIDS awareness, resume development for high school students and parenting skills at the Charles Houston Center in Alexandria.

The members of the Washington, D.C. Chapter became the sponsoring chapter for the Prospective Northern Virginia Chapter.  Often, the prospective members would meet with the Washington, D.C. president, Continental Barbara Morgan, to receive guidance and insight. The ladies also met often to fellowship among each other

On July 31, 1993, the Northern Virginia Chapter was chartered as a chapter of the Continental Societies, Inc. by Seventh National President, Dee Evelyn Mathews. The other installing officers were Kathleen Williams, National Second Vice President; Edna Calhoun, National Membership Chair; Adessa Lewis White, Regional Director. The Charter Members of the chapter were Yvette Scott Briscoe, Crystal Wallace Ford, Brenda Wilson German, Audrey Hunter Harrod, Joan Johnson, Pat Maiden Johnson, Geraldine Lewis, Vivian Moore, Veda Patterson, Poinsettia Galloway Peterson, Beverly Patterson Pollard, Glenn Logan Scott and Edith Swann.

During the chartering weekend, members of the prospective chapter fellowshipped with Continentals from many chapters and participated in workshops. The workshops included presentations  on the history of the Continentals and organizational structure conducted by Seventh National President, Dee Evelyn Mathews; National Programs conducted by Kathleen Williams, National Vice President; Regional Meetings conducted by Continental Adessa Lewis White, Fifth Mid Atlantic Regional Director; Financial obligations by National Treasurer Continental Doris Smith and Continental Jean Cooper National Financial Secretary; Constitution and Bylaws by  National Parliamentarian Continental Patricia Morris and Special Awards by Edna Calhoun, Fourth National President.

The chartering event and banquet were held at the Sheraton Crystal City Hotel located in Arlington, Virginia.  Members from many chapters attended.  Guests attended from Washington, DC; Lansing, MI; Durham, NC; Roanoke, VA; Florida; Newport News, VA; Philadelphia, PA; New York, New York; and Delaware. The event was featured in the Afro American Newspaper.

Continental Beverly Pollard, organizer and founder of the Northern Virginia Chapter, became the first chapter president.

The Northern Virginia Chapter is comprised of members who live in Northern Virginia, the District of Columbia and Maryland. Additionally, our chapter has had members who represent many professions and have used their professional expertise to serve children in their local communities. Members are medical professionals, attorneys, engineers, accountants, government officials and educators. Many of the members have managed to serve in leadership on the local, regional and national levels of other organizations while remaining committed to the Continentals. These organizations include: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., National Council of Negro Women, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, the Links, Inc., Junior League, National Society of Black Engineers, the National Bar Association, Howard University Alumni Association, Hampton University Alumnae Association, the Urban League and the NAACP. Members have also served on nonprofit boards for the YMCA of Alexandria, YMCA of Greater Washington and Meridian Public Charter School to name a few.

During its 29-year history, the Northern Virginia Chapter has hosted two regional meetings. During the tenure of Chapter President, Continental Veda Patterson, the Northern Virginia Chapter hosted the 14^th Mid Atlantic Conference when the region was under the leadership of the Seventh Mid Atlantic Regional Director, Sadye White. The Regional Conference was held on March 13 and 14, 1998 at the Crystal Gateway Hotel in Arlington, VA.  The Mid Atlantic Regional Conference was chaired by The Northern Virginia Chapter Charter member, Geraldine Lewis.    The Regional Conference was well attended with many Continentals from the region in attendance as well as the Eighth National President, Kathleen Williams.

The Northern Virginia Chapter also hosted the 26^th Annual Mid Atlantic Regional Conference. The Conference was Chaired by Continental LaFrances Williams and Continental Beverly Mims on March 12-14, 2010 at the Embassy Suites located in Dulles, VA during the tenure of the tenth Mid Atlantic Regional Director, Comatha B. Johnson, Goldsboro, NC Chapter.

Northern Virginia members were active members of the National Conclave Planning Committee for the 50^th Anniversary National Conclave held in Tysons Corner, Virginia. Continental Robin Browder actively assisted with planning the H.E.E.R. Awards Luncheon and the silent auction.  

Members of the Northern Virginia Chapter have served on the regional and national level and on several national committees. Continental Robin Browder served as Regional Parliamentarian for the Mid Atlantic Region. Continental Vickie Collins served as Mid Atlantic Regional Credentials Chairman for the 26^th Mid Atlantic Regional Conference, which was held in Dulles, VA. Continental Lani Shaw served as Regional Credentials Chairman for the 30^st Mid Atlantic Regional Conference under the leadership of 11^th Mid Atlantic Regional Director, Nkechi George Winkler. Continental Cherie Furlow served as Regional Corresponding Secretary. Organizer and Founder Continental Beverly Pollard served as National Jewelry Chairperson. Continental Kim King has served as National Chaplain and National Sergeant at Arm and served on several National Committees. Continental Robin Browder has served as National Sergeant at Arms, National Parliamentarian, National Second Vice President, and served on several National Committees. Continental Cherie Furlow served on the National Budget and Finance Committee.  

The heart of the Northern Virginia Chapter has been its programs. The Northern Virginia Chapter has hosted programs in both Arlington and Alexandria Virginia. They have partnered with several community organizations including the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Kamp Kappa and Northern Virginia Urban League, to name a few. Additionally, the Northern Virginia Chapter was Selected by Northern Virginia Planning District Commission to assist with the implementation of an HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and the Preventive Marketing Initiative. As part of this effort, they provided training sessions for teens on HIV/AIDS.

The Continental sisters in Northern Virginia have been innovative when planning and implementing their community service programs. Historically, the members have worked closely with the Charles Houston Community Center, the Walter Reed Community Center, Alexandria YMCA, Cameron Elementary School, INOVA Fairfax, the Carpenter’s Shelter, the Hopkins House and the Alexandria Community Shelter to name a few.

They have provided community Health Fairs where children received information on healthy eating, safety instruction from police officers and fire fighters and learned how to be physically fit.  The members took high school students to the Annual HBCU Fair at Alfred Baptist Church and on an HBCU Bus Tours where students were able to visit several HBCUs in Virginia to include, Hampton University, Virginia State, St. Paul’s, Norfolk State. 

Annually, the Northern Virginia Chapter hosts the Valentine Card Project where members and elementary students have created hand-made valentine cards that are delivered to critically ill children at INOVA Fairfax Hospital.  The members have also hosted an event called Little Ladies who Brunch and Read, the goal of which was to expose elementary school girls to etiquette and encourage them to read. The event featured African American female leaders who spoke to the young ladies about the importance of reading and furthering their education. The Northern Virginia Chapter members also created the Barret Center Reading Project where they read to students and distributed donated books to students in attendance. Plus, sisters have videotaped books for librarians in schools to use at their leisure to show to the children.

In collaboration with the Northern Virginia Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, members of the Northern Virginia Chapter also hosted a STEM career fair for middle school girls attending school in Arlington County. During the STEM fair, students listened to NOVA Continentals who were working in STEM fields discuss their careers and the path that led them into STEM.   In another collaboration with the National Council of Negro Women the Northern Virginia chapter has participated in an annual Oratorical Competition for students to obtain scholarships for college.

The Northern Virginia Chapter has consistently supported homeless children in Northern Virginia. They have taken children from the Arlington Community Shelter for an afternoon of fun at the Black Rodeo; supported Shelter House-sent toiletry and household items and hosted holiday parties for children at the Alexandria Community Center to include a baby shower for babies born at the shelter.

The Northern Virginia Chapter members all love to have fun with children. As part of that sentiment, they have hosted a field day at Cameron Run Elementary School and provided toys for over 600 children in attendance. They have sponsored young children to attend Burgundy Farms summer camp and summer camp at the YMCA of Alexandria. Yearly, the NOVA Continentals have sent camp bags to middle school boys attending Kamp Kappa. The bags are camouflage and contain items young boys tend to forget when going to camp such as bug spray, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, sunglasses and a book. The NOVA Continentals have also hosted the Colgate Dental Van on many occasions for several elementary schools in Northern Virginia.

The NOVA Continentals have also worked hard to maintain sisterly relations. Annually, they host their Jazz Brunch where guests enjoy good food and listen to live jazz. They have hosted boat rides, Murder Mystery Parties and bus trips to Atlantic City, NJ. 

The Northern Virginia Chapter of the Continental Societies, Inc. has had nine chapter presidents. They are: Continental Beverly Pollard, Continental Veda Patterson, Continental Vickie Collins, Continental Beverly Mims, Continental Robin Browder; Continental Kimberly King; Continental Lani Shaw; Continental Cherie Furlow; and Continental Carrie Knighton.