2017 InterMountain Cluster Booklet

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

®

Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 INTERMOUNTAIN CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority INCORPORATED Alpha Kappa Alpha Corporate Office = 5656 South Stony Island Avenue = Chicago, IL 60637-1997= (773) 684-1282

OFFICE OF: Carol R. Dixon Far Western Regional Director P.O. Box 730190 San Jose, CA 95173 Phone: 408-218-1714 E-mail: cdixon@aka1908.com August 21, 2017

Greetings Sorors of the Fabulous Far Western Region!

Welcome to the 2017 Fall Cluster Conference “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is a dynamic and powerful organization. We strive and we do work hard to make a powerful impact in our communities.

The Cluster conference workshops will focus on the advancement of our International Program show casing best practices, fostering sisterly relations, nominating and membership intake updates. I encourage you to take this time to learn and reflect on how you and your chapter continue to make an impact.

I applaud the 2017 host chapters – Xi Psi Omega (Anchorage, AK), Eta Rho Omega (San Jose, CA), Upsilon Beta Omega (Salt Lake City, UT), and Tau Beta Omega (Los Angeles, CA). I would also like to thank the Cluster Coordinators under the leadership of Dorothy J. Smith- Jackson, Cluster Coordinator Liaison for their exemplary work in planning for our Cluster conferences: Pacific North-West Cluster-Leslie Sims-Lawson, Northern California Cluster-Shelia Kibble-Gibson, Inter-Mountain Cluster-Zephanye L. Sistrunk and Southern California ClusterDesiree DeShay-Weakley.

I look forward to seeing you during this Cluster conference season as we continue to amplify “Powerful Service and Powerful Impact” in the Fabulous Far Western Region. Thank you for your service. It is my honor to serve as your Regional Director.

Sisterly yours,

Soror Carol R. Dixon Soror Carol R. Dixon Far Western Regional Director

Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

®

Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 INTERMOUNTAIN CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, INCORPORATED® Alpha Kappa Alpha Corporate Office ▪ 5656 South Stony Island Avenue ▪ Chicago, IL 60637-1997 ▪ (773) 684-1282

OFFICE OF:

Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson Supreme Basileus P.O. Box 250841 Milwaukee, WI 53225 August 17, 2017 Soror Carol R. Dixon Far Western Regional Director P.O. Box 730190 San Jose, CA 95173-019 Greetings, Sorors!

Welcome to the 2017 Far Western Region Cluster Conference! Attending Cluster is a great opportunity to learn more about best practices and membership engagement strategies, connect with other sorors in attendance, and gain tips on implementing powerful programs locally through our International Program Launching New Dimensions of ServiceSM. As you know, our Founders had a vision of promoting sisterhood and service to all mankind. Today, the desire to achieve excellence is exemplified within all of us, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we pass on the torch of leadership, service and sisterhood to one another. Within Alpha Kappa Alpha, Cluster Conference allows us to learn how our programs and community impact days are being carried out in a more intimate setting, and it provides a forum for us to share creative ideas and strategies that can be implemented through our chapters.

Under Far Western Regional Director Soror Carol R. Dixon’s leadership, you will learn how to maintain the exemplary work being done under Launching New Dimensions of ServiceSM. We want to solidify our sisterhood’s legacy by hosting impactful programs that will be a benefit to all. Soror Dixon, her Regional Leadership Team, and International Committee Members will have a chance to interact with you at Cluster and will share your ideas and feedback with their respective committees and the Directorate.

As always, I look forward to hearing about your various achievements while visiting your chapters!

Please feel free to contact me by email at president@aka1908.com and look for me on Twitter or Instagram (@AKAintpres).

Thanks again for everything you do on behalf of our beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha!

Sisterly yours,

Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson Supreme Basileus

Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

®

Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 INTERMOUNTAIN CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”

October 21, 2017 Greeting Sorors: As your InterMountain Cluster Coordinator, I am extremely excited to welcome you to the 2017 InterMountain Cluster Conference. Our Far Western Regional Director, Soror Carol R. Dixon, is challenging each of us to expand our vision of service and sisterhood through this year’s theme, “Powerful Impact, Powerful Service.”

Sorors, it is imperative that we renew our A-K-A spirit and focus on eradicating the social barriers and environmental injustices plaguing our communities. Accomplishing our individual and chapter goals increases our powerful impact on our communities and further establishes the presence of Alpha Kappa Alpha throughout our region and beyond.

I remain proud of the robust execution of programs by our engaged membership of the chapters and general members that comprise the InterMountain states of Arizona, Nevada and Utah.

Today’s Cluster Conference provides an opportunity for sorors to focus on developing and implementing activities aligned with our International Programs, Launching New Dimensions of ServiceSM and to drive maximum impact in our communities. As sorors of the Far Western Region, we are proud of our steadfast commitment to continuously working towards being “Supreme in Service to All Mankind” and we will share some highlights of your remarkable commitments to service today.

Tea roses to the host chapter, Upsilon Beta Omega, under the leadership of Conference Chairman, Soror Shauna GravesRobertson, Conference Co-Chairman, Soror Ptoshia Merrills and Basileus, Soror Emma E. Houston, for their time, talents and tender care to make the 2017 InterMountain Cluster Conference an enormous success and ensure each soror present today feels welcomed. We hope you enjoy your stay in beautiful Salt Lake City, UT! Additional tea roses to all sorors in attendance. You are each greatly appreciated for your powerful service, your sisterliness and your support to the Fabulous Far Western Region, the InterMountain Cluster and our sisterhood.

Sisterly regards,

Soror Zephanye L. Sistrunk Soror Zephanye L. Sistrunk InterMountain Cluster Coordinator Psi Upsilon Omega

Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

®

Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 INTERMOUNTAIN CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”

October 21, 2017 Greetings Sorors of the InterMountain Cluster!

The sorors of the “Unique Beautiful Outstanding” Upsilon Beta Omega Chapter in Salt Lake City, Utah, are thrilled to welcome you to the 2017 InterMountain Cluster Conference! As Upsilon Beta Omega Chapter celebrates its 24th year of service, it is our distinct honor to host the InterMountain Cluster Conference under the direction of our Far Western Regional Director, Soror Carol R. Dixon. Madam Regional Director and the Regional Leadership Team have worked to ensure that today’s Cluster Conference includes informative sessions and workshops to help us continue to make progress in our local communities and throughout the world as we continue to “Launch New Dimensions of ServiceSM.” As part of our ongoing effort to support local students through our AKA One Million BackpacksSM project, the InterMountain Cluster Conference community service activity involves the collection and donation of backpacks to Nibley Park K-8 School. This school is a part of the Salt Lake City School District and its principal is our very own Frances P. Battle. Thank you for bringing your backpacks!

As we extend this heartfelt welcome to you, we invite you to rely on your Upsilon Beta Omega sorors to assist you with whatever you need to get the most out of today’s Cluster Conference. We are excited you have joined us and look forward to the opportunity to interact with you as we learn and grow in our sisterhood during this conference.

With sisterly love,

Soror Emma E. Houston

Soror Shauna Graves-Robertson

Soror Ptoshia Merrills

Soror Emma E. Houston

Soror Shauna Graves-Robertson

Soror Ptoshia Merrills

Basileus Upsilon Beta Omega

Chairman 2017 InterMountain Cluster Conference

Co-Chairman 2017 InterMountain Cluster Conference

Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

®

Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 INTERMOUNTAIN CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”

Upsilon Beta Omega Chapter Salt Lake City, Utah

Soror Evette Allen Soror Robyn L. Badon Soror Frances P. Battle Soror Gretchen Battle Soror Nellie C. Cox Soror Melanie Davis Soror Treshain N. Elerson Soror Candyce Fly-Lee Soror Shauna Graves-Robertson Soror Joyce M. Gray

Soror Emma E. Houston Soror Lourdes Johnson Soror Eden Lorvinsky Soror Diane Lovell Soror Theresa Mbaku Soror Ptoshia Merrills Soror Patricia Ryan Thomas Soror Beatryx Washington Soror Elicia Williams-King

Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

®

Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 INTERMOUNTAIN CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”

2017InterMountain Cluster Conference Committees

Soror Shauna Graves-Robertson Soror Ptoshia Merrills

Chairman Co-Chairman

Soror Frances P. Battle Soror Robyn L. Badon Soror Lourdes Johnson Soror Beatryx Washington Soror Zephanye L. Sistrunk Soror Elicia Williams-King Soror Dorothy J. Smith Soror Desiree Weakley Soror Emma E. Houston Soror Melanie Davis Soror Diane Lovell Soror Lynette P. Henley Soror Robyn L. Badon Soror Robyn L. Badon Soror Gretchen Battle Soror Treshain N. Elerson Soror Lourdes Johnson Soror Emma E. Houston Soror Diane Lovell Soror Robyn L. Badon Soror Shauna Graves-Robertson Soror Ptoshia Merrills Soror Treshain N. Elerson Soror Ptoshia Merrills Soror Diane Lovell Soror Frances P. Battle Soror Emma E. Houston Soror Shauna Graves-Robertson Soror Treshain N. Elerson Soror Theresa Mbaku Soror Beatryx Washington Soror Elicia Williams-King

Registration Registration Gifts Gifts Vendors Vendors and Philacters Program Program Program Decorations Decorations and Protocol EAF 50/50 EAF 50/50 Technology Technology Technology Golden and Diamond Soror Needs Logistics Logistics Transportation Evaluations Evaluations Protocol Protocol Protocol Protocol Hostess and Hospitality Hostess and Hospitality Hostess and Hospitality Hostess and Hospitality Hostess and Hospitality Hostess and Hospitality

Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

®

Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 INTERMOUNTAIN CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® InterMountain Cluster Conference

Agenda Saturday, October 21, 2017 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Salt Lake City, Utah

Soror Zephanye L. Sistrunk, InterMountain Cluster Coordinator, Presiding

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Registration & Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

General Session

Opening and Introductions

Soror Shauna Graves-Robertson Cluster Conference Chairman Upsilon Beta Omega

Welcome

Soror Ptoshia Merrills Cluster Conference Co-Chairman Upsilon Beta Omega

Meditation

Soror Lavern Tarkington 23rd Far Western Regional Director Delta Beta Omega

Rededication

Soror Carol R. Dixon Far Western Regional Director Rho Delta Omega Soror E. Lavonne Lewis 22nd Far Western Regional Director Theta Theta Omega Soror Lavern Tarkington 23rd Far Western Regional Director Delta Beta Omega

Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

®

Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 INTERMOUNTAIN CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”

Greetings from Supreme Basileus (video)

Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson Supreme Basileus

Greetings and Introduction of Regional Director

Soror Emma E. Houston Basileus Upsilon Beta Omega

State of the Region

Soror Carol R. Dixon Far Western Regional Director Rho Delta Omega

Undergraduate Cluster Report

Soror Zephanye L. Sistrunk InterMountain Graduate Cluster Coordinator Psi Upsilon Omega

Graduate Cluster Report

Soror Zephanye L. Sistrunk InterMountain Graduate Cluster Coordinator Psi Upsilon Omega WORKSHOPS/REPORTS

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

International Nominating

Soror Saeida Miller Far Western Region Representative to the International Nominating Committee Eta Lambda Omega

10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Break

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Risk Management Summit Re-Cap

Soror Carol R. Dixon Far Western Regional Director Rho Delta Omega

11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Backpack Presentation

Soror Frances P. Battle Program Chairman Upsilon Beta Omega

12:00 p.m. – 12:05 p.m.

Invocation

Soror E. Lavonne Lewis 22nd Regional Director – Far Western Region Theta Theta Omega

12:05p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch

Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

®

Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 INTERMOUNTAIN CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”

1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Membership Intake Process

Soror Shauna Graves-Robertson Far Western Region Representative International Membership Committee Upsilon Beta Omega

1:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Program “Best Practices”

Soror Juanita Dawson Far Western Region Representative International Program Committee Mu Epsilon Omega

2:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Sisterly Relations Activity

Soror Robyn L. Badon Sisterly Relations Chairman Upsilon Beta Omega

2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Educational Advancement

Soror Shauna Graves-Robertson Educational Advancement Foundation Captain Upsilon Beta Omega

3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Conference Wrap up/Evaluation

Conference Chairmen

3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Closing

Soror Zephanye L. Sistrunk InterMountain Cluster Coordinator Psi Upsilon Omega

Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

®

Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 INTERMOUNTAIN CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”

2017 Cluster Conference Workshop Descriptions

Risk Management – Leadership Summit Recap Workshop Presenter: Soror Carol R. Dixon, Far Western Regional Director Description: This workshop will provide a recap on the Risk Management Summit held at the 2017 Leadership Seminar in Las Vegas. You will be empowered to take an active part in eliminating, reducing and managing risk facing Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Campaigning in AKA: ’08 Things You Should Know Workshop Presenter: Soror Saeida Miller Description: This workshop will provide the Top ‘08 things that sorors should know regarding the certification and campaign processes, including a detailed review of key dates, tips on compiling Candidate Certification Packet, and the rules for campaigning. It is recommended that attendees bring a copy of "So You Want to Run for Office" to the workshop.

LNDS: The Best of the Best - Program Best Practices Workshop Presenter: Soror Juanita R. Dawson Description: Please join your regional representative to the International Program Committee to hear an update on our LNDS Program Results and to celebrate the Best of the Best in our region! You will also learn how to quickly implement LNDS programs by leveraging the best practices learned during this workshop.

Membership: Membership Intake Process Workshop Presenter: Soror Shauna Graves Robertson or Soror Toya Davis Description: As we go into our fall Membership Intake Season, we thought we would test your membership IQ. This session will review some of the most frequently asked membership questions. We will also review the Boule and Directorate membership revisions.

Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

®

Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 INTERMOUNTAIN CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”

2017 Cluster Conference Workshop Presenters SOROR JUANITA R. DAWSON Soror Juanita R. Dawson is a member of Mu Epsilon Omega Chapter, Orange County, California. She was initiated Spring 1981 into the Alpha Theta Chapter at Grambling State University. Soror Dawson is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She has worked tirelessly for Alpha Kappa Alpha serving in numerous elected and appointed positions including Basileus, Graduate Advisor, Audit & Standards Committee Chairman, and several committee chairman positions. Soror Dawson currently serves as the Far Western Region Representative to the International Program Committee 2014-2018. In addition to her work in Alpha Kappa Alpha, she serves her community in various organizations including the Claremont Area Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, the NAACP, and is a Legacy Lifetime member of NCNW. Professionally, Soror Dawson is a Senior Manager at Raytheon Company responsible for Governance, Risk Management, Audit and Compliance.

SOROR SHAUNA GRAVES-ROBERTSON Soror Shauna Graves-Robertson is the Far Western Regional Representative to the International Membership Committee. A Silver Star and life member of the sorority. Soror Graves-Robertson was initiated September 2, 1977 at Arizona State University’s Zeta Alpha Chapter. She received the EAF Outstanding Chapter Leadership Award in 2012 and has served as Far Western Regional Representative to the International Constitution Committee and the Heritage Committee. She is a charter member of Upsilon Beta Omega Chapter in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Soror Shauna has served as a Salt Lake County Justice Court Judge for 18 years. The only African American female judge ever appointed or elected to serve in the state of Utah. She is married to John E. Robertson and the couple has three daughters Jacquenita, Soror Jordan and Joei.

Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

®

Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 INTERMOUNTAIN CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”

SOROR SAEIDA MILLER Soror Saeida Miller has been a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated for almost 16 years. She was initiated in Eta Lambda Omega Chapter in Pasadena/Altadena California where she has held a host of leadership positions including: Basileus, Anti-Basileus, Parliamentarian, Philacter, Membership Chair, Graduate Advisory Council and has been the Chair of the Basilei Council for eight years. She was also the General Conference Chairman for the 79st Far Western Regional Conference held in Pasadena California in 2008. Soror Saeida chaired the first cluster regional conference for the Far Western Region under the leadership of Regional Director Soror E. Lavonne Lewis. Soror Miller is also a proud member of the Links Inc., Angel City Chapter in Los Angeles. She holds the position of Co-Vice President of Membership as well as serves on multiple committees.

Saeida Miller was elected to serve as the 2014-2016 Far Western Region International Nominating Representative in April 2014 at the 85th Far Western Regional Conference held in Sacramento, California. She was re-elected to serve again for 2016 - 2018 at the 87th Far Western Regional Conference, held in Portland Oregon in April 2016. Soror Saeida is an experienced educator, professional presenter and a well accomplished educational Sales and Marketing Regional Manager for the West Coast. She has successfully achieved many professional milestones over her 17 years in the industry.

SOROR TOYA P. DAVIS Soror Toya P. Davis is a native Californian and a graduate of California State University, Sacramento, where she received her BA in Social Science. She is currently a Senior Analyst with the Board of Equalization.

She was initiated into Sigma Delta Omega Chapter in June 2003.

Soror Toya is the immediate past Basileus of Sigma Delta Omega Chapter, where she served two terms. She has served as the Vice-Chairman of Service Projects for the 65th Boule in San Francisco; she has also served as Vice-Chairman of Operations during the 85th Far Western Regional Conference in Sacramento, as well as Co-Chairman of the 2011 Cluster Conference in Elk Grove, CA. She has also served as the President of the Northern California Basilei Council. Currently, she is the Chief Executive Administrator to Far Western Regional Director, Carol R. Dixon.

She is very involved the community with such organizations as National Coalition of 100 Black Women.

She is a co-founder of Booktini, Inc., Sacramento Chapter. She is also a member of the Sacramento Chapter of Jack and Jill of America. Soror Toya is the proud mother of one daughter, Lailah. She loves to go to brunch, travel, and spending time with her family.

Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

®

Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 INTERMOUNTAIN CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”

Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern