Great Lakes Gazette Volume 9 by AKA GREAT LAKES REGION

SOARING IN SERVICE AND SISTERHOOD “Greater Together”

A CENTURY OF SISTERHOOD 1924

Registration closed on December 23, 2024

REGISTRATION CLOSED ON DECEMBER 23, 2024

Date of The Great Lakes Academy

Special Edition: Centennial Celebration Recap

Dear Sorors of The Great Lakes Region,

As we reflect on our Centennial Celebration, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the legacy we have built together over the past 100 years. This milestone was a powerful reminder of our region’s strength, unity, and unwavering commitment to service and sisterhood.

The celebration was both inspiring and fulfilling. From impactful service projects that uplifted our communities to the unveiling of The Great Lakes History Museum, we honored our rich history and embraced the theme of being “Greater Together.” It was a joy to stand alongside my sorors, knowing that our shared efforts truly embody our mission of service to all mankind.

As we move beyond this historic year, I am excited about the journey ahead. The foundation laid by the remarkable women who came before us has prepared us to reach even greater heights. Madam Regional Director, Gwendolyn L. Kirtley’s theme, “Greater Together,” serves as a powerful call to action for us to continue collaborating, innovating, and making strides in our communities.

Together, we will define the next 100 years of the Great Lakes Region with excellence, purpose, and sisterhood. Thank you, sorors, for all you do to uplift our region and for being a part of this unforgettable celebration. Let’s carry the momentum forward and continue to make history together.

With sisterly love,

re better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of falls down, one can help the other up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

of the Great Lakes Region, as we reflect on one hundred years of sisterhood, Century of Sisterhood, let us pause to celebrate the threads of love, resilience, urpose that bind us together. Our bond is a tapestry woven with acts of ess, words of encouragement, and unwavering support, strengthened by the ations who walked before us and paved the way. From the humble nings of our region in 1924 to the expansive influence we wield today in 2024, we have stood as a testament to the power of unity Our motto, “By Culture and By Merit,” reminds us that we are called not only to excel but to lift as we climb, carrying one another through triumphs and trials.

In times of triumph, we have lifted our voices together in joy. In moments of challenge, we have leaned on one another for strength, embodying the truth of Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another ” Our connection is more than friendship and sisterhood; it is a divine gift, reminding us that we are never alone. Through our sisterhood, we’ve cultivated a space where dreams take root and flourish. Sisterhood is a sanctuary, a sacred place where burdens are shared, and victories are multiplied. When one of us succeeds, we all rise. When one of us struggles, we extend a hand. This sacred bond reflects the strength of Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Let us honor the legacy we inherit by continuing to walk hand in hand, encouraging each other to step boldly into our God-given destinies. As a region, we shall lean on the wisdom of Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up ” See yourselves pressing forward with hearts full of gratitude and determination, walking in the footsteps of greatness while blazing new trails for those who will follow. As we embark on the next century of sisterhood, carry the torch of faith, hope, and love. May we inspire one another to dream bigger, reach higher, and serve wholeheartedly, trusting that with God and our sisters beside us, we are unstoppable

May this meditation remind us of the power of togetherness, the beauty of unity, and the strength found in the enduring spirit of sisterhood. Join me in committing to nurturing this bond, knowing that through our connection, we reflect God’s love to the world. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds ” - Hebrews 10:24

In Service & Faith, Soror Dwonna D. Lenoir Phi Psi Omega Chapter

GREAT LAKES

AGLO Alpha Gamma Lambda Omega

Charter Members

The names of the charter members, as shown in the accompanying image, are listed here in alphabetical order: Kimberly A. Alabi-Isama, Leslie D. Best, Danielle Cato, Januari Chapman-Street, Krystal Copeland, Me’Chelle Donahoo, Ashley Nicole Edmond, Denise Gardner, Renee Gilmore, Nerissa Goodman-Session, Leslie Graham-Andrews, Sarena Harris, Aliya Courtney Hines, Anastacia Horton, DeLisle C. Horton-Willis, Bernadette Hudgins, Angela Ingram, Francina James, Sabrina James, Tiffeny Jones, Asenath Jones-Richmond, Lisa Lamar-Hamilton, Ryane LeCense, Leniya Leonard, Brittani Logan, Brittney Major, Charlene Mallory, Cassandra Mann, Stephanie Mays-Hurst, Brandy C. Merritt, Tia’Von Moore-Patton, Kisha Murray-Dread, Janecki A Nance, Micah Elizabeth Nance, Beverly Norrell-Aitch, Florence Perry, Yvette Pinchem-Stewart, Briana Quaker, Marie Quaker, Cynthia F. Reaves, Erinn Reed, Frederika H. Robinson, Pamela Jean Rogers, Cheryl Rush, Santana Schneider, Shantonya Scott, Yolanda Shannon-Bates, Rhonda J. Smith, Roshunda Steele, LaTonia (Toni) Stewart-Limmitt, Alisha Thomas, Carmen Tutt, Devonna Watts, Stacia Weeks, Jennifer Wiley, Earnetta Williams, Deidre Woodhouse Phillips, and Sommer Woods.

AGOO Alpha Gamma Omicron Omega

Charter Members - Cheryl Acuff, Brandeis Bell, Kellie Black, Lydia Butler, Tavares Carney, Renita Barge Clark, Karen Currington, Kylar Daniels, Angela Dorsey, Sabrina Fergerson, Kamara Gardner, Curtrise Garner, Charity Godbold, Chloe Godbold, Vickie Hall, Stephanie Hall-Harris, Bessie Harris, Marcia Hordge, Kiesha Jackson, Danyele Jarvis, Kimberly Johnson, Shardae Hughes Johnson, Carla Jones, Felicia Jones, Pamela Jones, Joree Kidd, Rhoshonda Knox, Donna Lewis, Brandi Marable, Crystal Martin, Simona Miller, Adrienne Nichols, Rochelle Prestage, Tiphany Pugh, Christa Reeves, Cynthia Rogers, Kennedy Rogers, Kynika Sims, Michelle Southward, Chanel Stitt, Anita Tucker, Kimberly-Joy Webb-Horsley, Markisha D. Williams, Carmen Wilson, Crystal Worthem, Teniesha Wright-Jones

Corner

WELCOME TO THE SORORITY

2 Ivies of Distinction Eta Omicron Chapter

PerfeKt Eclip8e Nu Theta Chapter

Nguvu Milele

Iota Upsilon Chapter

Pentatonix

Rho Rho Chapter

Kode Pink Theta Tau Chapter

The program took place May

Soror Hailey Love

The most memorable part of the Leadership Fellow experience for me was hearing from so many amazing sorors over the course of the week. We learned from wonderful leaders in the professional world as well as our sorority. Through those discussions, I learned more about our sisterhood and what it looks like to be an impactful leader!

Soror Andrea-Rose Sample Oaks

I enjoyed meeting so many of my fellow undergraduate sorors from across the world and utilizing all the information we were taught in our chapters to showcase our leadership efforts in our communities.

Soror Aniya Sebens

My most memorable experience was being able to connect with my sisters informally during our visit to the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. From the moment we arrived, there was an immediate sense of joy as we explored the grounds together. Seeing all the animals in such a natural and open environment was incredible, but it was the shared moments of laughter, awe, and joy that really made the day special.

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will focus on Aspiring Leaders who SOAR chieve. Respond).

y 19-25, 2024, in Dallas, TX.

Soror Sierra Petties Experience

The most memorable part of my Leadership Fellows experience was the incredible honor of introducing Former Supreme Basileus Carolyn House Stewart. Leading up to that moment, I was overwhelmed with nerves at the n front of such an esteemed audience. However, my fellow Leadership Fellows were truly amazing they encouraged me, offered kind words, and helped calm my nerves, turning what could have been a stressful experience into one of joy and support. Preparing for the introduction also allowed me to delve deeply into her inspiring story, which was a powerful reminder of the impact of resilience, leadership, and service. That moment not only taught me about the strength of sisterhood but also solidified my confidence to step into leadership opportunities in the future.

Soror Chidera Tagbo

One of the most memorable aspects of my Leadership Fellows experience was the opportunity to engage in thoughtful discussions and generate innovative ideas aimed at strengthening our sisterhood and enhancing the prosperity of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Collaborating with my Leadership Fellows cohort and having the chance to present our ideas to Madam Supreme was truly an unforgettable experience. It was an incredible opportunity to contribute to the ongoing growth and success of our beloved sisterhood.

UNDERGRADUATE

EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY BOARD OF REGENTS HONORS XI CHAPTER OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC.® FOR 75 YEARS OF SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP

KUDOS ON BEING TAPPED INTO THE ORDER OF OMEGA

Soror Mayson Bates with the Order Of Omega inductor Belle Fahey

Toledo, OH - Congratulations to Soror Mayson Bates, Alpha Lambda Chapter Basileus; she was “tapped into The Order Of Omega” on October 8, 2024. The Order of Omega recognizes that the top 5% of Campus Greek leaders celebrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service. During Alpha Lambda’s Skee-Week event, Order of Omega members surprised Soror Mayson, honoring her as one of only 24 students selected from over 100 applicants. A senior at the University of Toledo, Soror Mayson is majoring in Speech and Language Pathology. She is a member of the university’s Women’s Track and Field team and holds key leadership roles as Standards and Protocol Chairman for her chapter and Vice-President of the NPHC. Her dedication to academics, athletics, and Greek life exemplifies Alpha Kappa Alpha’s commitment to Soar to Greater Heights!

Xi Chapter Basileus Taylor Eppinger and Eta Iota Omega Graduate Advisor Patricia Thornhill were present to accept the recognition from EMU President James Smith

UNDERGRADUATE

IOTA UPSILON CHAPTER SHINES AT THE BLACK EXCELLENCE AWARDS

THETA TAU CHAPTER INSPIRES VOTER REGISTRATION AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT ON CAMPUS

Theta Tau University of Detroit Mercy

UNDERGRADUATE

SOARING THROUGH THE AKALYMPICS

EMPOWERING VOICES: THETA TAU CHAPTER LEADS VOTER REGISTRATION AT UDM

and the importance of voting to a University

Theta Tau Chapter member Natasha DavisMickles explains the voter registration process

of Detroit Mercy student

Alpha Lambda packing CHIPP bags for Riverside Elementary with the Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter

Alpha Lambda at our “What’s the Tea?” Event with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

2025 UNDERGRADUATE Cluster Coordinators

Cailyn Calhoun

Michigan Theta Tau

Soaring Into The Next Century: Honoring The Past, Inspiring The Future

WESTERN NEW YORK WESTERN NEW YORK

Saturday, October 5, 2024

Saturday, October 5, 2024 Amherst, NY Amherst, NY

NORTHERN OHIO / WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

Gwendolyn L. Kirtley Regional Director

Saturday, October 12, 2024

Akron, OH Akron, OH

MICHIGAN MICHIGAN

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Saturday, October 19, 2024 Novi, MI Novi, MI

WEST

VIRGINIA WEST VIRGINIA

Saturday, October 26, 2024

Charleston, WV Charleston, WV

SOUTHERN OHIO SOUTHERN OHIO

Saturday, November 2, 2024

Dayton, OH Dayton, OH

Anthony Reed

President & CEO

Across The Great Lakes Region CONNECTING

Recap:

Host Chapter Basileus (far left) - Sorors Rosanna Jivens, Madam Regional Director - Gwendolyn L. Kirtley (green), Host Chapter Cluster ChairmanShannon Moore, and Host Chapter Cluster CoChairman, Ericka Williams

Soror Shannon D. Teague Southern Ohio Cluster Coordinator

Community Service Projects - book and feminine hygiene products donations

Madam Regional Director

Soror Gwendolyn L. Kirtley

Recap:

SOUTHERN OHIO CLUSTER IN ACTION...

*All Southern Ohio photos by Personal Papparazzi Photography

Let’s celebrate the end to a fabulous cluster season!

1*9*0*8 AKATIVATE! - Soror LaTonya Y. Denson, Great Lakes Representative to the Sisterly Relations Committee

Beta Eta Omega Chapter (Dayton, Ohio)

Madam Regional Director and Soror Rachel Ashburn Mallory, 24th Great Lakes Regional Director

Lambda Mu Chapter - Miami University

Women’s Health Panelists: Dr. Rebecca Grant (far left), Cheryl Williams, RN, MRD, Dr. Cassandra Suggs Williams and Krystal Martin.

Saturday, October 26, 2024 Charleston, WV

Recap:

ENJOY THE VIDEO BELOW FOR PICTURES FROM THE 2024 WEST VIRGINIA CLUSTER!

Saturday, October 26, 2024

Ch l WV

UNDERGRADUATE Cluster Impact

The undergraduate members of the West Virginia Cluster were represented at every aspect of the 2024 WV Cluster!

The sorors of Nu welcome everyone to the Cluster!

Soror Malia Whiting of Eta Omicron and Soror Clarke Moore of Nu Chapter participate in the Pretty Girl Chat panel

Soror Zyiah Bailey of Eta Omicron, studying future doula, serves as Women’s Health Panelist

Soror Destiny Patterson of Nu served as the escort to Madam Regional Director Kirtley

The sorors of Eta Omicron participate in all the activities at the Cluster

Soror Diorre Robertson of Nu served with distinction as the West Virginia Undergraduate Cluster Coordinator

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Novi, MI

MICHIGAN CLUSTER EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS IN ATTENDANCE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE DONATIONS!

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Novi, MI

Recap:

12, 2024 Akron, OH

Recap:

Saturday, October 5, 2024

Amherst, NY

CLUSTER CONFERENCE SOARING HIGHLIGHTS CONT’D

The Period Poverty and Book Donations Service Projects were a success A total of 284 books and 10,876 feminine hygiene products were collected. Also, the presentations were informative and encouraging: “Swag & Soar” with Programs, “AKA1908 Activate” with Sisterly Relations, “Soar to the Polls” with Connection & Social Action, Leadership Development Training Module 1 credit and Women’s Health discussion about fibroids and other health challenges for women One significant highlight was showing the Diamond and Centenarian Soror Video for WNY Cluster and allowing Diamond Soror, Ruth Cathey, to present and share a few words of encouragement.

International Committees GREAT LAKES

""GreaterTogether" GreaterTogether"

Strengthen Our

Alpha Rho Omega: Mentoring with a Twist

Alpha Rho Omega Sorors enjoying Painting with a Twist

Phi Psi Omega Forget Me Nots

Empower Our

Alpha Rho Omega Members Move and Groove for Better Health

Alpha Rho Omega Chapter and "Fast Freddie" Anderson

Lambda Pi Omega Boosts School Spirit

Lambda Pi Omega

Enhance Our

Phi Psi Omega Shred Day

Community Shredding Event

Phi Psi Omega

Empower Our

Empowering Our Community Through Awareness: Alpha Rho Omega Chapter Hosts Mental Health Impact Day

Eta Upsilon Omega and Mu Phi Address Childhood Hunger

Soror Ra'Shanda M Glenn, Basileus and Empower Our Families Committee Members

Mental Health Impact Day Expert Panelists

Eta Upsilon Omega members

Advocate for

Eta

Gayle

Advocate for

Lambda Pi Omega Chapter Hosts Meet the Judges to Promote Civic Engagement and Social Justice

Detroit, MI Lambda Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® continues its commitment to community engagement and social justice advocacy. On September 7th, the Connections and Advocate for Social Justice Committees hosted a successful “Meet the Judges” event at Wayne County Community College. Approximately 100 community members, students, and Divine Nine members gathered to hear from candidates for judge in Wayne and Oakland Counties. The event featured a distinguished panel of current and retired female judges, including Judges Charise Anderson, Sheila Gibson, Denise Langford Morris, Debra Nance and Demetria Brue. Detroit City Clerk and chapter member Janice Winfrey, educated attendees on early voting, navigating ballots and voting “nonpartisan” for positions like judges. Winfrey reminded everyone that voting is our right and our civic duty to ensure justice in our communities.

Build Our

Eta Iota Omega Chapter exceeds $1,908 spend goal to support Black-Owned business for Black Dollar Days

Inkster, MI – Eta Iota Omega Chapter kicked off Black Dollar Days at Flood's Bar and Grill, surpassing their spending goal of $1,908. Members enjoyed great food and camaraderie while supporting the Black women-owned establishment. The chapter came together with a mission to uplift Black businesses and exceed their financial target, significantly impacting Flood's Bar and Grill. This iconic restaurant, co-owned by Stephanie Byrd and Cristina Byrd, continues their family's generational legacy in the hospitality industry, offering a vibrant dining experience.

Eta Iota Omega's dedication to fostering economic empowerment within the Black community was evident through their collective effort and enthusiasm By choosing to support Flood's Bar and Grill, the chapter enjoyed a memorable evening and contributed to the ongoing success of a local business committed to excellence.

Members of Eta Iota Omega Chapter gathered at Flood’s Bar and Grill during Black Dollar Days

Enhance Our

Alpha Alpha Omega: 10 Years of Service

MembersofAlphaAlphaOmegaChapterofgatheredto beautifySquirrelHillaspartoftheirten-year partnershipintheAdopt-A-Highwayprogram

SORORSSoaring

Diamond Soror Edna "Dixie" Smith

Alpha Beta Beta Omega Chapter

"Diamonds Last Forever"

Initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® through the Beta Eta Chapter on December 9, 1949, Soror Elizabeth has embodied the true spirit of sisterhood. It is with deep admiration and gratitude that we honor our Diamond Soror Elizabeth Louise Walker Foster, during the year 2024. Soror Elizabeth has been an blessing to Omega Epsilon Omega since its inception, proudly serving as a charter member on December 13, 2015. A Lifetime Member, Soror Elizabeth has served as Co-Chairman of Jewels of Distinction, where she continues to impart her wisdom and guidance to fellow Sorors. Soror Elizabeth’s legacy extends beyond her personal achievements by establishing two scholarships. The James E. Foster, Sr. Scholarship honors her late husband that supports senior students pursuing engineering or architecture and the Elizabeth Foster Scholarship helps students aspiring to become teachers. As we celebrate Diamond Elizabeth Foster, we acknowledge not only her remarkable contributions but also the enduring impact she has had on the lives of her Sorors and the community. Her legacy is a true testament to the everlasting brilliance of a Diamond.