PVS Section President
Marilyn M. Massey-Ball

On behalf of the members of the Potomac Valley Section, National Council of Negro Women, Inc., thank you for visiting our website. The Potomac Valley Section (PVS) was organized in August 1997 and chartered in November 1997. It is one of the last sections approved by the beloved and renowned Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, President Emerita, the longest-serving National President, and Chair of NCNW. Dr. Height served NCNW for 40 years. The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW), is a volunteer, non-profit, membership organization with a mission to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families, and their communities.
We are faithful and dedicated servants committed to serving those in need. The founder of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW), Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, dedicated her life to service and said that “Faith is the first factor in a life devoted to service. Without it, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible.” On December 5, 2025, NCNW commemorates 90 years of service. Our current National Chair, Dr. A. Lois Keith and President and CEO, Rev, Shavon Arline Bradley, continue to lead us in advancing NCNW’s mission and the legacy of Dr. Bethune. To learn more about NCNW, Inc., To learn more about NCNW, Inc., please visit www.ncnw.org.
Accordingly, PVS supports our national organization and cooperates with other local sections to collectively advocate for and reach out to help people in need. PVS is located in Silver Spring (Montgomery County), Maryland. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for women, children, families, and our communities. The PVS motto is “What We Do Matters.” We believe that possibilities are limitless when impassioned leaders, dedicated workers, and committed partners come together on behalf of the most vulnerable by giving hope, showing love, and making a difference for better outcomes.
This November 13th, PVS enthusiastically and proudly celebrates another anniversary! PVS has demonstrated the importance of capturing a multi-generational team of servant leaders in our ranks of 160-plus women and youth while understanding why it is critical to serve vigilantly and visibly in our communities. We offer support in several areas of life including, but not limited to education, economic and financial empowerment, social growth and development, as well as assistance for those struggling with basic needs. We offer support in the form of donations of clothing, household and personal care supplies and food, financial assistance, a girls’ rites of passage program for youth enrichment, and a smart sack initiative that addresses food insecurities for children and their families at risk for hunger.
PVS also offers assistance for homeless women and their families living in shelters, health awareness activities, educational seminars and workshops, and scholarships and book awards for college-bound students. Additionally, our membership provides several cultural events, a seniors’ enrichment program, classroom support in targeted public schools, support for women transitioning into independent living, and much, much, more—all efforts designed to address the needs of Montgomery County residents and neighboring communities. The funding of our community service programs, projects, and initiatives comes at a cost. We welcome donations; know that your support benefits those in need and the communities we serve. If you care to donate to PVS, please depress the “Donate” button below. All donations are tax-deductible.
Wishing you all the best; stay safe during this unprecedented time.
Marilyn M. Massey-Ball
We are faithful and dedicated servants committed to serving those in need. The founder of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW), Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, dedicated her life to service and said that “Faith is the first factor in a life devoted to service. Without it, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible.” On December 5, 2025, NCNW commemorates 90 years of service. Our current National Chair, Dr. A. Lois Keith and President and CEO, Rev, Shavon Arline Bradley, continue to lead us in advancing NCNW’s mission and the legacy of Dr. Bethune. To learn more about NCNW, Inc., To learn more about NCNW, Inc., please visit www.ncnw.org.
Accordingly, PVS supports our national organization and cooperates with other local sections to collectively advocate for and reach out to help people in need. PVS is located in Silver Spring (Montgomery County), Maryland. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for women, children, families, and our communities. The PVS motto is “What We Do Matters.” We believe that possibilities are limitless when impassioned leaders, dedicated workers, and committed partners come together on behalf of the most vulnerable by giving hope, showing love, and making a difference for better outcomes.
This November 13th, PVS enthusiastically and proudly celebrates another anniversary! PVS has demonstrated the importance of capturing a multi-generational team of servant leaders in our ranks of 160-plus women and youth while understanding why it is critical to serve vigilantly and visibly in our communities. We offer support in several areas of life including, but not limited to education, economic and financial empowerment, social growth and development, as well as assistance for those struggling with basic needs. We offer support in the form of donations of clothing, household and personal care supplies and food, financial assistance, a girls’ rites of passage program for youth enrichment, and a smart sack initiative that addresses food insecurities for children and their families at risk for hunger.
PVS also offers assistance for homeless women and their families living in shelters, health awareness activities, educational seminars and workshops, and scholarships and book awards for college-bound students. Additionally, our membership provides several cultural events, a seniors’ enrichment program, classroom support in targeted public schools, support for women transitioning into independent living, and much, much, more—all efforts designed to address the needs of Montgomery County residents and neighboring communities. The funding of our community service programs, projects, and initiatives comes at a cost. We welcome donations; know that your support benefits those in need and the communities we serve. If you care to donate to PVS, please depress the “Donate” button below. All donations are tax-deductible.
Wishing you all the best; stay safe during this unprecedented time.
Marilyn M. Massey-Ball