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Meet Our Team

Dr. Geraldine McHugh-Williams
President
As President of Beta Chapter, Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., Geraldine McHugh-Williams leads with dedication and vision, shaping chapter programs and mentoring members to ensure the organization's values of sisterhood, scholarship, and service thrive. She has been a cornerstone of the chapter's leadership, providing guidance and continuity across its many initiatives.
Professionally, Dr. McHugh-Williams has dedicated her career to education and advocacy. With a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, she has served as a school social worker and spent over two decades as a special education teacher. Her work emphasizes mental health, housing stability, food security, and breast cancer awareness, reflecting her deep commitment to community well-being.
Outside her professional and sorority roles, Geraldine enjoys reading, farming, crafting, walking, crochet, and scrapbooking. Active in her church, she serves as a vestry member, youth leader, usher, and Sunday School teacher, continuing her lifelong devotion to faith and service.

Joyce Balfour
Recording Secretary
Joyce Balfour has held multiple leadership roles in Beta Chapter, including Chapter President, and now Recording Secretary, where she promotes growth and ensures the chapter's legacy continues for future generations.
With over 35 years in the health insurance industry, Joyce specialized in benefits administration, regulatory compliance, and client advocacy. She holds two professional certifications from the Health Insurance Association of America and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Connecticut State University.
Joyce's love of animals has brought six dogs, two birds, a gerbil, and even a turtle into her life over the years, reflecting her warmth and compassion beyond work and sorority life.

Janet Falconer-Crawford
Treasurer
As Treasurer of Beta Chapter, Janet Falconer-Crawford oversees the financial health of the organization, ensuring accurate reporting, budgeting, and long-term sustainability of chapter resources.
A graduate of Hartford College for Women and Saint Joseph University, Janet retired after 37 years as a Special Education and Elementary Teacher in Hartford, leaving a lasting legacy in education alongside her contributions to financial leadership.
Outside of her roles in education and the sorority, Janet enjoys bowling and has been a UCONN Women's Basketball season ticket holder for over 20 years, reflecting her enthusiasm and school spirit.

Bonita Brandon
1st Vice President
Bonita Brandon has been a member of Beta Chapter for over 20 years, serving as Secretary, Treasurer, Dean of Intake, and now First Vice President. In this role, she supports the Chapter President, facilitates meetings, and fosters growth and innovation while strengthening the chapter's legacy.
Academically, she earned a Bachelor's degree in Human Services from Springfield College and a Master of Education from Cambridge College in Massachusetts. Professionally, Bonita is a Supervising Addiction Counselor with the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, with over 30 years of experience in human services and behavioral health.
Beyond work and sorority life, Bonita serves as an usher in her church and participates in her agency's Quality of Work Life committee, demonstrating her ongoing dedication to service, wellness, and community advocacy.

Nora Brown
Corresponding Secretary
A member since 1978, Nora Brown has served Beta Chapter as President, Vice President, Dean of Intake, and Corresponding Secretary. She is especially known for chairing the Apple for the Teacher‚ scholarship fundraiser, honoring educators and supporting students.
Professionally, Nora built her career in education and has represented the chapter at numerous regional and national conferences, contributing over four decades of dedicated service.
Nora remains committed to expanding the chapter's reach, including efforts to establish an undergraduate chapter in Hartford, honoring the legacy of trailblazing Sorors before her.

Marva Perrin
Journalist
Marva Perrin joined Beta Chapter in 1989 and has served in multiple leadership roles, currently as both Journalist and Technical Advisor. She documents chapter milestones and ensures the preservation of its history for future generations.
Professionally, Marva retired in 2021 as Director of Field Operations for the Connecticut Department of Social Services, where she led 13 regional offices and over 1,000 employees in delivering vital state and federal programs.
Outside work, Marva enjoys dancing, traveling, sports, and time with family, bringing energy and warmth to every aspect of life.

Andrea Grant
2nd Vice President
Andrea M. Grant, Second Vice President of Beta Chapter, leads initiatives to strengthen the chapter's presence and impact in the Greater Hartford area. Through collaboration with sister chapters and community groups, she ensures the chapter remains a dynamic force for service and sisterhood.
A licensed clinical social worker with the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Andrea brings over a decade of experience in public service and private counseling, having run her own part-time counseling practice since 2012.
Outside of her professional and sorority roles, Andrea enjoys singing and is pursuing music literacy, blending personal growth with her passion for community engagement.

Wendy Lee
Financial Secretary
Since joining Beta Chapter in 2007, Wendy Lee has served as Chapter Journalist and now Financial Secretary, managing chapter funds with precision and transparency while embodying the values of sisterhood and service.
Raised on a 300-acre farm in Georgia, Wendy learned independence early‚ mastering skills on the farm, before bringing her talents to Beta Chapter leadership.
Her combination of financial stewardship, resourcefulness, and Southern warmth makes Wendy a trusted leader within the chapter.

Judy Williams
Dean of Intake
Since joining Beta Chapter in 1989, Judy A. Williams has served with dedication, now as Dean of Intake, where she recruits and mentors new members to carry forward the chapter's legacy of service and sisterhood.
She retired after 37 years with the Connecticut Department of Social Services, advancing from Eligibility Services Worker to Social Services Operations Manager while also working as a long-term personal care attendant for individuals with disabilities.
Known for her laughter, warmth, and love of dancing, Judy brings joy and positivity to both the sorority and her community.
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