Great Lakes 1st 100 Days with Gwendolyn L. Kirtley

F i r s t 1 0 0 D a y s WINTER 2023 VOL 2 SOARING IN SERVICE AND SISTERHOOD

AlphaKappaAlphaSorority,Incorporated®

D a y s

F i r s t 1

Madam Regional Director

Gwendolyn L. Kirtley

My Dear Sorors of the Great Great Lakes Region!

I want you to know that the “Greater Together” administration belongs to every soror in the Great Lakes Together, we are embarking on what I would say are truly exciting times Yes sorors, times of transition and change, times of soaring and working together with synergy "Greater Together" acknowledges that the whole of our region is collectively greater than the sum of its individual parts We are drawn by a vision of inclusiveness, collaboration and progressive development, and I’m counting on each of you to help make this a reality

Since Boule, we’ve hit the ground running and you haven’t stopped! We’ve embraced “Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood” internationally and within the region and are making great strides One thing is for sure, change is inevitable and can be a good thing in pushing us out of our comfort zone to grow

We’re embarking upon a new way of thinking and working here in the Great Lakes A true paradigm shift We need our region to continue to grow, prosper, and thrive! We are building a leadership pipeline and setting examples for our undergrads, who need us now more than ever. We are soaring!

I’ve already witnessed many of you at work. Let this energy become contagious, I’m looking forward to everyone catching the vision.

As you read along in this special edition, I hope you see and understand the cornerstones of Being and Serving Greater Together and see the progress made todate. I believe in you and your abilities. I believe in your love for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and I believe in your commitment to the furtherance of our Great Great Lakes Region I know we are Greater Together, and I hope you see it too!

From the Desk of The Editor

Happy New Year, Sorors!

What is it about a new year that excites so many of us? As African Americans, we look forward to the tasty “fixin’s” that grace our tables The traditional greens (so your pockets will be full in the new year) and blackeyed peas (so you’ll never be penniless) are staples in most of our homes. It is also a time for us to extend our celebration with family and friends amid joy, laughter and reverence; and a time for us to reflect on the accomplishments of the previous y

o r

This special edition of The Great Lakes Gazette is a celebration of the First 100 Days of the administration. Great Lakes Regional Director Gwendolyn L. Kirtley and all the sorors of the Great Lakes Region hit the ground running showing unbounded energy, creativity and diligence The outcomes of which you’ll see in this issue.

Above all, we hope you’ll see and feel the joy of “The Great Great Lakes Region”. It is in every smile, every belly laugh, every sly glance, every quote and every flawlessly executed task seen in these pages. As MRD says, “Greater Together” we’re drawn by a vision" ... through service and sisterhood.”

Enjoy!

Gwendolyn D. Bush

e d i t

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT GWENDOLYN L. KIRTLEY

Gwendolyn L. Kirtley was installed as the Great Lakes Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc at the 70 Boule in Orlando, Florida She will execute her term under the dynamic leadership of Danette Anthony Reed, Supreme Basileus

In the role of Regional Director, she is responsible for leading over 7,000 accomplished, educated, and service-oriented members who commit daily to enhancing the lives of their respective communities

With a vision for a "Greater" Great Lakes Region, Ms Kirtley has galvanized sorors from the great states of Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, Western New York, and West Virginia to soar “Greater Together” in service and sisterhood.

Gwendolyn was initiated as a charter member of Nu Upsilon Chapter at Capital University in 1981, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy She is a Silver Star and a Life Member Her outstanding leadership abilities have been demonstrated at every level of the organization with a focus on teamwork, collaboration, and open mindedness.

As a member of Alpha Omega Chapter, she has held numerous roles including Basileus and Chairman of Alpha Omega Foundation, Incorporated At the regional level, she has served as Northern Ohio/Western Pennsylvania Cluster Coordinator and Co-chairman of the 87 Great Lakes Regional Conference

Internationally, as a member of the Leadership Development Committee, she co-designed curriculum and facilitated training for hundreds of sorors who have earned various sorority certifications She has presented nearly one hundred sorority workshops

Gwendolyn is a recipient of numerous awards and accolades, notably the Great Lakes Region's Margaret Davis Bowen Graduate Basileus Award and Pamela L Redden Outstanding Silver Star Award

Professionally, Gwendolyn retired with over 36 years of experience with State Farm Insurance She is a former board member of the American Red Cross, Berea Family and Children Services, Garfield Heights Community Center, and Ivy Plaza Management Corporation She is currently an active member of the NAACP, and an ambassador for United Way and the American Red Cross

She is a devoted mother of two adult children, Nichole A Kirtley and Carl Marsalis Kirtley, both of whom are HBCU graduates, She is engaged to Mr Paul Redd Her fiancé, children and church family are counted blessings and constant reminders that to whom much is given, much is required

"Greater Together" i n c l u s i o n

Every soror's voice will be heard!

UNDERGRADUATES

Undergraduates at their best! 5G Networking in Great Lakes!

GREATER TOGETHER

Building strong leadership teams is a cornerstone of "Greater Together " Watch as sorors "Catch the Vision!"

CLUSTER CONFERENCES

Together again - Four states, 5 Cluster Conferences, 1500+ sorors!

ENHANCING OUR SISTER CIRCLES

"My goal is to have a conversation with every soror in the region " - Great Lakes Regional Director Gwendolyn Kirtley

UNDERGRADUATE

ng, Growing, G vanizing, and G

n c l u s i o n

BETA ETA CHAPTER

T-SHIRTS & CONVERSATIONS WITH MRD!

"Undergraduate sorors truly are o You are the brand! Be the br

-Gwendolyn L. Kirtley. Great Lakes Regional Director

Like the ivy, true and sublime, possessing qualities that climb

IMAGINEERING

If we dream it, we can achieve it! Leadership at all levels is essential for Great Lakes Region's success.

To be inclusive is to meet sorors where they are, help them assess their skills, imagine the possibilities and train for present and future positions. That’s “Greater Together.”

GREAT LAKES CLUSTER CONFERENCES

GREATNESS IN FULL SWING

It's written on our faces! We are happy to be together again at cluster. More than 1,500 sorors came together from every state in the Great Lakes Region to soar and celebrate service and sisterhood!

ENHANCING OUR "SISTER CIRCLES"

"It is my intent to get to know all the sorors of the Great Lakes Region. Chapter visits are an opportunity for you to let your voice be heard."

--MRD

d e v e l o p m e n t l e a d e r s h i p

CatchtheVision

REGIONAL

APPOINTMENTS

Great Lakes' sorors serve and lead at all levels!

UNDERGRADUATE LEADERS

Preparing for leadership in Alpha Kappa Alpha!

"Greater Together" we are drawn by a vision not pushed by a plan

CATCH THE VISION

VIRTUAL LEADERSHIP RETREAT

Tailgating to CATCH the Vision!!

In September 2022, committee chairs participated in a football themed rally to kick off the new administration. We learned the inspiration behind "Greater Together" and strategized how to implement it across the region.

LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY

Click on the link below to find the contact information for the Great Lakes Region Officers, International Committee Representatives and Committee Chairmen

GREAT LAKES DIRECTORY

UNDERGRADUATE INTERNATIONALCOMMITTEE LEADERS

KHALIA CALLIHAN & Great Lakes Undergraduate Communications Chairman

Great Lakes Representative to the International Undergraduate Activities Committee

UNDERG REGIONA

SARAH GRIFFIN REGIONAL ANTI-GRAMMATEUS

COURTNEY BANNER-LYNCH REGIONAL PARLIAMENTARIAN

ALEX ALEX W W CLUST CLUST

MAKAYLA SUMRALL MICHIGAN CLUSTER COORDINATOR

ARRIANA SPALDING WEST VIRGINIA CLUSTER COORDINATOR

MYLAN FOSTER REGIONAL HODEGOS

SELENA CARTER GREAT LAKES CLUSTER COORDINATOR

MCKENZIE FIELDS SOUTHERN OHIO CLUSTER COORDINATOR

JASMINE FOX NOWPA CLUSTER COORDINATOR

We serve our entire community!

CHAPTER SPOTLIGHT

Alpha Omega celebrates with our 31st Regional Director

Gwendolyn L. Kirtley

GWENDOLYN L. KIRTLEY ENDOWED FUND

The joy of purposeful giving!

SPONSORS

We appreciate the support of our community sponsors and partnerships!

Alpha Omega Chapter

TO REMEMBER

HONORING GWENDOLYN L. KIRTLEY

Gwendolyn L. Kirtley Endowed Scholarship

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

cational Advancement Foundation

Fall 2022

"Greater Together" E n d o w m e n t

GWENDOLYN L. KIRTLEY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

The "Great" Great Lakes Region is doing its part in helping the Educational Advancement Foundation to achieve its goal of “Soaring to Greater Heights of Academic Achievement”.

During the Fall Cluster season, we initiated and capitalized the Gwendolyn L. Kirtley “Greater Together Endowment.”

The purpose of the "Greater Together" Endowment is to promote post collegiate education for sorors interested in reentering the workforce or changing careers. Thanks to the support of the sorors of our region, together - we were able to raise over $30,000 in 3 months.

This achievement will be recognized by the Green Diamond at the EAF Leadership Luncheon in Chicago, Illinois on July 14 . Tickets will be available during registration for the Leadership Conference.

For more information on EAF, please use the link below.

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT FOUNDATION (EAF)