To honor their journeys in personal growth, empowerment and sisterhood, 15 young ladies were celebrated at the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency’s seventh LYDIA Society Trumpet Ball. This year’s theme was “A Royal Diadem,” chosen by MDHA Resident Services Manager and LYDIA Society Founder Michael “Mike” Green.
“The Royal Diadem represents the crown that all girls, women, mothers, daughters and sisters wear daily,” said Green. “They may not realize the magnitude of their greatness, but from the perspective of MDHA’s Resident Services Department, we see them all as royalty.”
MDHA hosted the Trumpet Ball in partnership with Meharry Medical College School of Public Health, Vaccine for All and the Resident Associations at MDHA properties at the Cal Turner Family Center for Student Education on Sunday, July 27, 2025.
Wearing gorgeous white gowns and accompanied by an escort of their choice, this year’s LYDIA Society Assembly of Girls wowed guests as they entered the ballroom, completed the signature debutante curtsey and then performed a rehearsed dance. The night ended with the crowning of 2025 Miss LYDIA Society, Melinda. The new queen was chosen to represent the 2025 Assembly of Girls by a selection committee. She was crowned by her predecessor, Makenzi, the 2024 Miss LYDIA Society, and MDHA Chief Operating Officer Candace Jamison.
Melinda is a resident at MDHA’s Cumberland View. She is a senior in high school and hopes to pursue a career as a veterinarian. During her reign as Queen, Melinda plans to champion awareness and advocacy for people in the blind or visually impaired community.
The LYDIA Society is a coming-of-age organization designed to engage teenage girls living at MDHA properties and teach them about topics such as writing, technology and health. The participants take part in an eight-week summer program that includes specialized workshops led by Dr. Leah Alexander-Otukpe and the Meharry Medical College Master of Public Health program. Once the program is complete, the LYDIA Society participants are recognized at the annual ball, where a Miss LYDIA Society is named.
“These young ladies sacrificed their time, learned new skills and ventured outside of their comfort zones all in an effort to realize new dreams and goals. It is our collective hope that all LYDIA Girls recognize that the sky is no limitation to what can be achieved,” said Green.
