I am Linda Nance, founding president of the Annie Malone Historical Society. Through a dynamic array of workshops, lectures, exhibits, videos, and displays, I offer educational opportunities to diverse audiences—from young children to seniors—highlighting the remarkable leadership, philanthropy, and economic influence of Annie M. Turnbo Pope Malone, the trailblazing icon of the African American hair care and beauty industry. Over the years, I have demonstrated strong leadership in various roles: serving as President of the Webster Groves School District, which encompasses five municipalities; contributing as a Board Member of the Missouri School Board Association; and directing resource development for both the Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center and Catholic Services for Children and Youth. My community work also includes serving as a Community Developer for the federally funded Community Partnership Program addressing drug and alcohol abuse in St. Louis, as well as serving as Deputy Sheriff for the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Department in Virginia, where I held the rank of corporal and served on the crisis intervention team, managing complex threat scenarios and negotiations.

In addition to my leadership roles in education and public service, I am a co-founder of the Call to Conscience Interactive Theater Group, which stages interactive theater experiences designed to foster social change. I also serve as the national historian for the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, Inc., an organization founded in 1896 that provides vital services to women, children, and families. As a published writer of poems, magazine articles, short stories, and book reviews, I combine my passion for storytelling with my expertise in history and education. A talented vocalist, skilled pianist, and aspiring harpist, I have also had the honor of guest writing and lecturing for the Oasis organization.