Uncrowned Community Builders

Marietta Dabney Gayle joined the Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Club in 2000. She was a delegate to the 2001 Empire State Federation Convention, where she won the hearts of her club sisters. Marietta is Sunshine Chairperson of the Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Club and Corresponding Secretary of the Buffalo Region of the Empire State Federation of Women's Clubs, Inc.

The Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Club considers it an honor that she has chosen to use her wealth of knowledge and experience in support of the club's service activities. She is an inspiration to all of the members, with her poise, charm and tireless energy.

With a Master's Degree in Social Work from Columbia University School of Social Work, Marietta was employed in the Y.W.C.A. in Brooklyn, Newark, Bridgeport, and Philadelphia, as well as Friendly Inn Settlement House in Cleveland, Ohio, prior to returning to Western New York. In Buffalo, she worked at the YWCA and the Children's Aid Society before retiring.

Even now, Marietta maintains her interest in continuing education and is considering going back to school to further her studies in the field of human relations. She would like to focus on children and adolescents and their families within the context of neighborhoods and communities. She would like to be able to help children, adolescents, their parents and/or grandparents create a more satisfying and meaningful existence in today's fast paced and challenging times. Her goal is to help families have fun in spite of the trials and tribulations they have experienced.

She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; New York State Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers; St. Andrew's Episcopal Church and A.A.R.P. Marietta participates regularly, in the Senior Centers of the Salvation Army, the Emslie Street YMCA and the Senior Water Workout at the YWCA She has also been appointed to the Board of Directors of Canaan House.

Marietta is the proud mother of five children. Her travels have taken her to South Africa, Senegal, the Dominican Republic, and Barbados as well as several states. She has also traveled to Switzerland to visit her son, a federal official, and his family.