2018 Northern California Cluster Booklet

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Far Western Region 2018 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER CONFERENCE

Committed with

to

Serving

excellence

Rho Upsilon Omega October 13, 2018

PLEASANTON, CALIFORNIA

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2018 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER CONFERENCE

Committed to Serving with Excellence Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Far Western Region

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority INCORPORATED Alpha Kappa Alpha Corporate Office

5656 South Stony Island Avenue

Chicago, IL 60637-1997

(773) 684-1282

FROM THE 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 15, 2018 Greetings Sorors of the Fabulous Far Western Region: Welcome to the 2018 Fall Cluster conference season. The theme for the 2018 Cluster is: “Committed to Serving with Excellence�.

Attending Cluster is a FABULOUS opportunity to connect with other sorors and learn about our new and exciting powerful SM

program Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service . We are excited to bring forth informative workshops and presentations that will benefit you personally and your fellow chapter sorors, and seek to provide to you with a meaningful experience. The dates of the fall conference are: Pacific Northwest Cluster, September 29, 2018, Delta Upsilon Omega, Seattle, WA Northern California Cluster, October 13, 2018, Rho Upsilon Omega, Pleasanton, CA Southern Cluster, October 20, 2018, Eta Lambda Omega, Pasadena, CA Intermountain Cluster, October 27, 2018, Theta Theta Omega, Las Vegas, NV I invite you to attend one or all Cluster conferences and join us as we make a commitment to serve with Excellence. I would like to extend a special thanks to our Cluster Coordinator Liaison, Cluster Coordinators and our esteemed Cluster Conference Chairmen for their extraordinary leadership and efforts in planning for our Cluster conferences.

I look forward to seeing you at Cluster. Please feel free to contact me by email at cdixon@aka1908.com. Thank you for everything you do on behalf of Alpha Kappa Alpha and the Far Western Region!

Sisterly yours, Carol R. Dixon Far Western Regional Director

AKA Far Western Region | Fall 2018Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern 1 2018 Northern California Cluster Conference | Committed to Serving with Excellence

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2018 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER CONFERENCE

Committed to Serving with Excellence

Soror Carol R. Dixon Far Western Regional Director P.O. Box 730190 San Jose, CA 95173 Greetings Sorors: Welcome to the 2018 Far Western Region Cluster Conference! Attending Cluster Conference is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other sorors. Here you will learn more about best practices and membership engagement strategies while gaining valuable tips on implementing impactful programs locally through our 20182022 International Program under the theme, Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service.SM Alpha Kappa Alpha’s founders envisioned a sisterhood that would be of service to all mankind. Their leadership, sacrifice and example has ignited a commitment to excellence to which I hope we all aspire daily. Cluster Conference allows us to learn more about our five program targets, Signature Program — #CAP, and seven Community Impact Days in an intimate setting. The Conference also provides a forum for members to share creative ideas and program strategies that can be implemented in our chapters.

Under the leadership of Far Western Regional Director, Soror Carol Dixon, you will gain valuable instructions and tools on ways to implement the programs that will be carried out under the 2018-2022 International Program.

Through the successful implementation of these programs, we will continue to solidify Alpha Kappa Alpha’s legacy by hosting impactful programs that will benefit the communities in which we live, work and serve. Soror Dixon, her Regional Leadership Team, and International Committee Members will have the opportunity to interact with you during Cluster and will share your ideas and feedback with the Directorate and their respective committees.

Your Cluster Coordinators and the members of the hostess Chapter have worked tirelessly to ensure that your Cluster Conference is executed with excellence. I know you will join me in commending them for their hard work and in congratulating them on a job well done.

I look forward to visiting your region and hearing about your program achievements. Please feel free to contact me by email at president@aka1908.com and look for me on Facebook and Twitter.

Thank you for your commitment to excellence and for all that you do on behalf of our beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha!

Yours in Alpha Kappa Alpha Excellence,

Soror Glenda Glover Supreme Basileus 2018 Northern California Cluster Conference | Committed to Serving with Excellence

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2018 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER CONFERENCE

Committed to Serving with Excellence

August 15, 2018 Fabulous Far Western Region Sorors: As we launch the 2018 Cluster Conferences, I look forward to continuing to serve as the Far Western Region Cluster Coordinator Liaison. I consider it an honor to be a part of such a progressive region led by a dynamic regional director who “dares to be different”. This platform, introduced two years ago, has elevated our region to an even more prominent place on the Alpha Kappa Alpha map. It has been with your support as each cluster has responded to many requests in a timely manner and have exemplified an attitude of service.

The upcoming 2018 cluster conferences have been planned with the standard of excellence. This is not a new bar for our region. However, as we continue to provide service to all mankind, we know that better can be even better.

As I have worked with many of you, I’d like to thank you for all you’ve done as a cluster and for how you have assisted your respective cluster coordinator in the execution of her responsibilities.

The next year will require a new focus as we embrace different program targets. Again, when you receive a call for information, I’ve no doubt that you will be ready. Be sure to keep photos and chapter activities/ events up to date as well as chapter newsletters so that you can continue to respond in an expeditious manner.

We will be your voice, so utilize our service in order for the Far Western Region begins Exemplifying Excellence through Sustainable ServiceSM. As all nine states in our region prepare for your cluster conference, we look forward to your presence. As you, yourself register for your cluster conference, encourage other to register and attend, especially our newly initiated sorors. The cluster coordinator team hopes to see you soon.

Sisterly regards,

Soror Dorothy J. Smith-Jackson Soror Dorothy J. Smith-Jackson Far Western Region Cluster Coordinator Liaison Sigma Delta Omega Elk Grove, CA

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2018 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER CONFERENCE

Committed to Serving with Excellence

August 15, 2018 Dearest Northern California Sorors: I owe a huge debt of gratitude to you for your support during the past two years. You were timely submitting pictures, articles and newsletters. You remained a physical presence when we needed to “get the job done.” I love your energy, creativity and I look forward to the next two years as your cluster coordinator.

As you know, cluster after the installation of our new International Officers is always an exciting time. We come together to learn, plan and execute Exemplifying Excellence through Sustainable Service. As in the past two years, we anticipate the Northern California Sorors to continue exceeding expectations of service.

For our newest members, welcome to the sisterhood. We are excited about your attendance at cluster where we expect you will gather extended knowledge and best practices. As one of two cluster meetings, the fall cluster is not only for information, but a time for us to meet and greet our Sorors we see infrequently.

Our past two years under the direction of Madam Regional Director Carol R. Dixon were busy, fun, exciting and successful. I am excited to witness the Northern California achievements with her continued leadership.

See you in October…

Sisterly blessings,

Soror Sheila Kibble Gibson

Soror Sheila Kibble Gibson Northern California Cluster Coordinator Kappa Beta Omega Vallejo, CA

2018 Northern California Cluster Conference | Committed to Serving with Excellence

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2018 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER CONFERENCE

Committed to Serving with Excellence

August 15, 2018 Greetings Sorors and welcome to the 2018 Northern California Cluster!

On behalf of the dynamic members of Rho Upsilon Omega Chapter, we are excited to have you join us in beautiful Pleasanton, California the heart of the Tri-Valley area.

The Regional Leadership Team under the direction of the Fabulous Far Western Regional Director, Soror Carol R. Dixon, has worked tirelessly to ensure that you enjoy the Northern California Cluster Conference.

The 2018-2022 International Program Theme is “Exemplifying Excellence through Sustainable Service.� Our hope is that the information you receive during the conference will broaden your knowledge of the International Programs, and assist you in the development and implementation of said programs in our local communities to advance the mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha with Excellence and underscores our Commitment to Serving With Excellence.

Again, we welcome you to the beautiful Tri Valley. It is our desire that you leave invigorated and informed. We are honored you have joined us and look forward to the opportunity to network, learn, and, laugh together.

In Sisterly Love,

Soror Kimberly Baker-Hunter

Soror Kimberly Baker-Hunter Basileus Rho Upsilon Omega

Soror Tracy M. Fields

Soror Tracy M. Fields 2018 Northern California Cluster Conference Chairman Rho Upsilon Omega

2018 Northern California Cluster Conference | Committed to Serving with Excellence

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Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated

ÂŽ

Fabulous Far Western Region

2018 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER CONFERENCE

Committed to Serving With Excellence

2018 Northern California Cluster

Conference Committee Soror Sheila Kibble Gibson

Cluster Coordinator

Soror Tracy M. Fields

Conference Chairman

Soror Kimberly Baker Hunter

Basileus, Rededication

Soror Judy Bishop

Registration

Soror Marilyn Brooks

Registration

Soror Tracie Christmas

Protocol

Soror Summer Hutchins

Gifts and Courtesies

Soror Sheri Jackson

Vendors

Soror Christina Keys-Dawkins

Decorations

Soror Patricia Lott

Luncheon

Soror Tekicia Lott

Decorations

Soror Connie Mack

Signage, Community Service

Soror Linda Mack

Technology, Signage Soror

Soror Eryka Mathews-Cain

Registration VSG, Community Service

Soror Marlene McDowell

Registration

Soror Lori Morehead

Vendors

Soror Norma Ryles

Gifts and Courtesies

Soror Evangeline Natalie Scott

Protocol

Soror Kelli Patterson

Protocol

Soror LaShone Williams

Registration

2018 Northern California Cluster Conference | Committed to Serving with Excellence

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Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated

®

Fabulous Far Western Region

2018 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER CONFERENCE

Committed to Serving With Excellence Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Northern California Cluster Conference

Agenda Saturday, October 13, 2018 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Doubletree by Hilton Pleasanton, CA Soror Sheila Gibson, Northern California Cluster Coordinator, Presiding 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Registration

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

General Session

Opening and Introductions

Soror Sheila Gibson Northern California Cluster Coordinator Kappa Beta Omega Soror Natalie Scott Protocol Chairman Rho Upsilon Omega

Welcome

Soror Tracy Fields Cluster Conference Chairman Rho Upsilon Omega Soror Kimberly Baker-Hunter Basileus Rho Upsilon Omega

Meditation

Soror Tekicia Lott Chaplain Rho Upsilon Omega

Greetings from Supreme Basileus (video)

Soror Glenda Glover Supreme Basileus

2018 Northern California Cluster Conference | Committed to Serving with Excellence

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Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated

®

Fabulous Far Western Region

2018 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER CONFERENCE

Committed to Serving With Excellence Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Northern California Cluster Conference

Agenda Introduction of Regional Director

Soror Tracy Fields Cluster Conference Chairman Rho Upsilon Omega

Committed to Serving With Excellence Soror Carol R. Dixon Far Western Regional Director Rho Delta Omega

workshops/ reports 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

“Exemplifying Excellence in Service”

Soror Faith Singleton Far Western Region Representative International Program Committee Rho Delta Omega

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

“Enhancing the Membership Experience”

Soror Desiree Deshay-Weakley Far Western Region Representative International Membership Committee Southern California Cluster Coordinator Eta Lambda Omega

12:00 p.m.

Invocation

Soror Archalene Amos Martin 17th Far Western Regional Director International Music Committee CoChairman Eta Gamma Omega

Lunch 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Soror Joyce Suber “Exemplifying Excellence…MIP Excels” Far Western Region Representative International MIP Committee Epsilon Xi Omega 2018 Northern California Cluster Conference | Committed to Serving with Excellence

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Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated

®

Fabulous Far Western Region

2018 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER CONFERENCE

Committed to Serving With Excellence Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Northern California Cluster Conference

Agenda 1:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Sisterly Relations Activity

Soror Sheila Gibson Northern California Cluster Coordinator Kappa Beta Omega

2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Connection & Social Action

Soror Leslye Tinson California State Coordinator General Member

3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Conference Wrap Up

Soror Tracy Fields Cluster Conference Chairman Rho Upsilon Omega

3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Closing

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

2018 Northern California Cluster Conference | Committed to Serving with Excellence

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Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated

®

Fabulous Far Western Region

2018 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER CONFERENCE

Committed to Serving With Excellence

2018 Northern California Cluster

Workshop PRESENTERS Soror Desiree DeShay-Weakley Southern California Cluster Coordinator, Desiree DeShay-Weakley, is a 22year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and was initiated in 1996 in the Epsilon Eta Omega chapter in Pomona, California.

She has held numerous leadership positions including Basileus and AntiBasileus. Other leadership positions include committee chairmen, Graduate Advisor, Parliamentarian, and Administrative Assistant for Undergraduate Affairs to the 24th Regional Director, Soror Barbara Denson Trotter. Soror Desiree was recently appointed the conference chairman for the upcoming 90th Far Western Regional Conference.

She is a Mental Health Training Coordinator for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. She has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology from Grambling State University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from California State University Long Beach. Soror Desiree is married to Paul A. Weakley and the mother to a beautiful daughter, Taylor LeJon Weakley. A servant leader who can best be described as an advocate for the injustices that plague our communities and a voice for the meek and voiceless.

Soror Audrey J. Owens Soror Audrey J. Owens serves on the International Program Committee.

Initiated into Alpha Gamma Chapter at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in Fall 1993, Soror Audrey is a newly crowned Silver Star serving in her 25th year. She’s an active member of Tau Tau Omega Chapter in Santa Monica, CA where she has held numerous leadership positions including Ivy Leaf Reporter, Audit Committee Chairman, Fine Arts/Founders’ Day Committee Chairman and is in her third term as the current Graduate Advisor. Honored to receive the 2017 and 2018 Far Western Region Lucille B. Bryant Graduate Advisor Award, Soror Audrey is proud to supervise her beloved and award-winning Alpha Gamma Chapter. Additionally, Soror Audrey is the Twenty Pearls Heritage Foundation President, Tau Tau Omega’s 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Originally from San Jose, Soror Audrey enjoys spending time with her family and friends, supporting community service activities, and attending theatre and movies.

2018 Northern California Cluster Conference | Committed to Serving with Excellence

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Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated

ÂŽ

Fabulous Far Western Region

2018 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER CONFERENCE

Committed to Serving With Excellence

2018 Northern California Cluster

Workshop PRESENTERS Soror Faith Singleton Faith Singleton is a resident of Sunnyvale, CA and a member of the Rho Delta Omega Chapter in Palo Alto, CA. Faith was appointed as Far Western Representative to the International Program Committee at the 2018 Boule.

Initiated into the Nu Alpha Chapter at Emory University in the Spring of 2015, Faith has had the honor of serving in both international and chapter positions.

Internationally, she has served Alpha Kappa Alpha as Undergraduate Member-atLarge and Undergraduate Representative to the International Building and Properties Committee. Additionally, Faith had the distinct honor of being a member of the 2016 Leadership Fellows Cohort.

Professionally, Faith recently began a new role as a Legal Investigations Associate at Google. Faith loves blogging, mentoring, reading, and spending time with her mother.

Soror Joyce Y. Suber Joyce Suber is a Silver Star member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter, and San Diego. She has served as Southern California Cluster Coordinator and in Epsilon Xi Omega she has held several positions including Basileus, First and Second Anti-Basileus, Anti-Grammateus, Parliamentarian, Historian, ASCEND Coordinator, Debutante Ball Chairman, and served on several committees.

Joyce has been the recipient of many awards including Woman of the Year, Phi Delta Kappa’s Outstanding Educator, and more. Joyce retired in 2012 as the San Diego County Office of Education, Regional Director of the AVID Program. Joyce has a legacy daughter, Arika Wells who resides in Tucson Arizona with husband Raymond and two sons, Delawrence and Jeremiah. Her son Christopher was recently married and resides in San Diego. Joyce was proudly initiated at Washington State University in 1975 with the Zeta Omega Omega Chapter.

2018 Northern California Cluster Conference | Committed to Serving with Excellence

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Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated

®

Fabulous Far Western Region

2018 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER CONFERENCE

Committed to Serving With Excellence

2018 Northern California Cluster

GRADUATE CHAPTERS Alpha Nu Omega - Oakland/Berkeley, CA Delta Zeta Omega - San Francisco, CA Eta Gamma Omega – Sacramento, CA Eta Rho Omega - San Jose, CA Iota Omicron Omega – Fresno, CA Kappa Beta Omega - Vallejo, CA Kappa Gamma Omega - Monterey, CA Mu Zeta Omega - Stockton, CA Xi Gamma Omega - Oakland, CA Rho Delta Omega - Palo Alto, CA Rho Upsilon Omega, San Ramon, CA Sigma Delta Omega - Elk Grove, CA Tau Upsilon Omega - Fairfield, CA Omega Upsilon Omega - Concord, CA

2018 Northern California Cluster Conference | Committed to Serving with Excellence

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Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated

®

Fabulous Far Western Region

2018 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER CONFERENCE

Committed to Serving With Excellence

2018 Northern California Cluster

UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTERS Rho – University of California, Berkeley Alpha Nu – Fresno State University Zeta Psi – San Jose State University Eta Lambda – Sacramento State University Eta Sigma – San Francisco State University, University of San Francisco Mu Kappa – University of California, Davis Xi Beta – Stanford University Xi Pi – California State University, East Bay Upsilon Epsilon, California State University, Monterey Bay

2018 Northern California Cluster Conference | Committed to Serving with Excellence

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Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated

®

Fabulous Far Western Region

2018 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER CONFERENCE

Committed to Serving With Excellence

2018 Northern California Cluster

Vendors Forever Greek Distinctive Couture A Greek Boutique Sondra D's Apparel Creations of Color Le' Shoppe Define Me Greek April Olivia PinkCocoaGifts.com Love Iguehi Connie Taylor Park Lane Jewelry Hazels Bagz Carolyn's Fashions Special Treasures Far Western Region

2018 Northern California Cluster Conference | Committed to Serving with Excellence

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Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated

®

Fabulous Far Western Region

2018 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER CONFERENCE

Committed to Serving With Excellence

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc

FAR WESTERN REGION ONLINE

WEBSITE: www.aka1908.com/farwestern

TWITTER: @AKAFarWestern

FACEBOOK: @AKAFarWestern

INSTAGRAM: @AKAFarWestern

2018 Northern California Cluster Conference | Committed to Serving with Excellence

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Changing

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Bring hope, health and happiness to children around the globe,

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Donate your gently worn shoes.* *Please place shoes inside clear plastic bags that can be tied or otherwise secured (e.g. Ziploc bags).