2022 AKA International Region Cluster

Table of Contents Schedule At-a-Glance................................................................................................................... 3 Greetings from the Regional Director .............................................................................4 Greetings from the Supreme Basileus............................................................................. 5 Greetings from the Cluster Coordinators ......................................................................6 International Region Chapters...............................................................................................8 Appointments....................................................................................................................................9 International Region Cluster Community Service .................................................10 International Region Chapters Cluster Service Project Highlights.............. 11 Soaring Directorate...................................................................................................................... 16 Former Regional Directors ..................................................................................................... 17 Regional Director and Presenter Biographies........................................................... 18 Acknowledgements from Cluster Coordinators..................................................... 25 Upcoming Events......................................................................................................................... 26

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SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE

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Welcoms and Gneetingr Welcome Meditation Cluster Coordinators’ Greetings Chapter Check-in Regional Director’s Greetings Supreme Basileus Director Greetings

Psesentationd

Cluster Coordinators Report Out Spoken Word Regional Chapter Bylaws Submission Review Process Regional Protocol Training Chapter Financial Procedures International Standards International Program Overview Musical Selection The AKA Brand 2.0 Sisterly Relations Activity International Membership Experience EAF Report International Awards

Wsad Ud

Raffle Cluster Conference Service Project Registration Report Invitation to the 2023 Atlantic Cluster Conference Invitation to the 2023 Pacific Cluster Conference Closing Remarks/Acknowledgments

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Greetings from the Regional Director

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Greetings from the Supreme Basileus OFFICE OF:

Soror Danette Anthony Reed Supreme Basileus

Greetings Sorors!

Welcome to your International Region Cluster Conference! Attending Cluster Conference offers an ideal opportunity to connect with other sorors in attendance in your region who are gathered to begin “Soaring to New Heights in the International Region!” Here you will learn more about best practices, understand membership engagement strategies, and gain tips on implementing powerful programs locally through our new International Program “Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood.”

The founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® had a vision of fostering sisterhood and service to all mankind. They ignited this desire in each of us when we took our vows. Now, it is our responsibility to ensure that we soar beyond expectations by crossing boundaries and allowing ourselves to meet the needs of those who seek our help around the world. We must be bold; we must be passionate, we must come together, and we MUST make a difference no matter where we serve. Your Cluster Conference allows everyone the opportunity to learn more about how our program initiatives which are: Strengthen Our Sisterhood, Empower Our Families, Build Our Economic Wealth, Enhance Our Environment, Advocate for Social Justice, and Uplift Our Local Community. This day’s conference also provides a forum for us to share creative ideas and strategies that can be implemented through your chapters.

Under the leadership of Regional Director Soror Carrie J. Clark, you will learn how to implement the outstanding work that will be done within our progressive theme of “Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood.™” We want to solidify our sisterhood’s legacy by offering impactful programs that will be beneficial to all throughout the communities you serve. Soror Carrie, her Regional Leadership Team, and the International Committee Members will have an opportunity to interact with you at this Cluster Conference and will share your ideas and feedback with their respective committees and the Directorate. Your Cluster Coordinators, along with members of the host chapters have worked tirelessly to ensure that today’s experiences are executed flawlessly, and they deserve your sisterly commendation and appreciation for their efforts.

I look forward to learning more about your achievements! Please feel free to contact me by email at president@aka1908.com and find me on Facebook or Twitter.

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

May you SOAR! Sisterly,

Danette Anthony Reed Soror Danette Anthony Reed Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Supreme Basileus

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Corporate Office - 5656 S. Stony Island Avenue - Chicago, IL. 60637 - (773) 684-1282 - Fax (773) 288-8251

Greetings from the Atlantic Cluster Coordinator November 19, 2022 Greetings Sorors!

As the Atlantic Cluster Coordinator, I am ecstatic to welcome you to the 2022 Combined Cluster Conference. Your participation at today’s Cluster has proven your willingness to serve in your chapters and to learn all about the Soaring Administration’s updates and highlights so that we can be the best leaders and members serving at the highest possible level in the International Region and Alpha Kappa Alpha.

Soaring in Sisterhood – The Ingenious Way.

This year’s Cluster theme “ ” exemplifies the bond that we will strengthen during this Cluster and the collaboration of service in the most ingenious way.

I thank every chapter that participated in the Cluster Service Project and truly embracing the “Enhance Our Environment” program initiative, with a focus on Community and Home Gardens and/or Waste Reduction. You have proven the International Region is ready to SOAR to greater heights and while we are small, we are mighty and strong in our communities. Today’s conference will be packed with informative and exciting workshops, and we promise to include in this Cluster a reflection of you and your chapter as we move towards elevating the Cluster and region’s presence within Alpha Kappa Alpha.

I encourage you to ask all your questions and concerns at today’s Cluster so that we may clarify and respond to your inquiries. Special thanks to our fantastic Regional Director, Soror Carrie J. Clark, and the 2022 Cluster Conference Planning Committee for your leadership and hard work!

Sorors, I look forward to seeing you at the 2023 Atlantic Cluster Conference which will be hosted

by Pi Upsilon Omega, Freeport, Grand Bahama! It is my honor to serve you as your Atlantic Cluster Coordinator. Thank you again for all that you do for the region and our beloved sorority.

Sisterly yours, Soror Lisa Mitchell-Harris Mu Gamma Omega Chapter Atlantic Cluster Coordinator

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Greetings from the Pacific Cluster Coordinator November 19, 2022 Greetings Sorors, Welcome members of the Ingenious International Region to your combined 2022 Cluster Conference. These are indeed exciting times for us

Soaring in Sisterhood – The Ingenious Way.”

“

This conference is our first since ushering in the leadership of the Soaring to Greater Heights of Sisterhood and Service Administration under the leadership of our Supreme Basileus Soror Danette Anthony Reed in July. These Sorors in this administration presenting today have been working diligently to bring us the administration updates from their respective committees. You have registered and are present today, taking step one in continuing your lifelong learning in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc ® and so I encourage each of us to be present in and focused on the meeting in our virtual space, listen to all ideas with an open mind and give consideration of how your chapter will implement them in your country.

I am confident that your chapters have already lifted off and are prepared to SOAR. Please use this opportunity to ensure that you are knowledgeable of the direction we are soaring in across the world. Your International Regional Representatives are a direct source of information from their committees and as your Pacific Cluster Coordinator, I serve at the pleasure of our Regional Director Soror Carrie J. Clark to ensure that you are informed, your questions and concerns are raised and addressed and that we are working as one AKA to first and foremost Strengthen our Sisterhood as we Empower Our Families, Build Our Economic Wealth, Enhance Our Environment, Advocate for Social Justice and Uplift Our Local Community.

I count it an honor and privilege to serve as your Pacific Cluster Coordinator.

Let’s Soar, Soror Clarine Simpson Vaughn Eta Beta Omega Chapter Pacific Cluster Coordinator

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Chapters of the International Region Atlantic Cluster Chapters

Pacific Cluster Chapters ETA BETA OMEGA Monrovia, Liberia Basileus: Ellen O. Pratt

ETA PSI OMEGA Nassau, Bahamas Basileus: Margo Adderley

MU PSI OMEGA Germany Basileus: Lateasa Reed

MU GAMMA OMEGA St. Croix, US Virgin Islands Basileus: Lisa Mitchell-Harris

RHO NU OMEGA Seoul, Korea Basileus: Lashae Lovett-Veal

PI UPSILON OMEGA Freeport, Grand Bahama Basileus: Yvonne Pearson

PHI OMICRON OMEGA Okinawa, Japan Basileus: Vonna McKoy

SIGMA THETA OMEGA St. Thomas/St. John Basileus: Julice Holder

PSI BETA OMEGA Tokyo, Japan Basileus: Cristal McDonald

SIGMA XI OMEGA Bermuda Basileus: Tekea Saunders

PSI TAU OMEGA Johannesburg, South Africa Basileus: Mutsa Tongoona

PSI DELTA OMEGA Windsor-Ontario, Canada Basileus: Sherida DuBose Parsons

OMEGA THETA OMEGA Dubai/Abu Dhabi Basileus: Saderia Hooks

ALPHA ALPHA DELTA OMEGA Toronto, Canada Basileus: Briddie Joyner Alstrom

ALPHA ALPHA OMEGA OMEGA Lagos, Nigeria Basileus: Olubukola George-Taylor

UnderGraduate Chapters RHO XI University of the Virgin Islands St. Croix Campus Grad Advisor: Talisa Griffith-Simmonds Basileus: Chanice Jarvis

RHO OMICRON University of the Virgin Islands St. Thomas Campus Grad Advisor: Anise Hodge Basileus: Quianna Christian

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TAU NU College of the Bahamas Nassau Campus Grad Advisor: E’Thegra Symonette Basileus: Marshell Bain

*chapters listed in order of year established

Appointments

REGIONAL APPOINTMENTS

International Region Chief of Staff Soror Lasean M.G. Hardy International Region Technology Chairman Soror M. Aramide Boatswain International Region Communications Chairman Soror Lisa Smith

INTERNATIONAL APPOINTMENTS International Region Representative to the Programs Committee Soror Misti-Dawn Curry International Region Representative to the Standards Committee Soror D’Shawn “Dee” Doars

International Region Social Media Chairman Soror Nikoji Smith

International Region Representative to the Constitution Committee Soror Ramona Wells

International Region Tamiouchos Soror Terri Barnett Coleman

International EAF Representative Soror Marchelle Yhap

International Region Pecunious Grammateus Soror Maria Conliffe

International Region Representative to the Membership Committee Banti Zehyoue

International Region Parliamentarian Soror Ramona Wells International Region Protocol Chairman Soror Jessica Benjamin International Region EAF Chairman Soror Marcelle Yhap International Region Grammateus Soror Susan Edwards International Region Leadership Development Chairman Soror Tracey Faulkner International Region Awards Committee Chairman Soror E’Thegra M. Symonette International Region Atlantic Cluster Coordinator Soror Lisa Mitchell-Harris International Region Pacific Cluster Coordinator Soror Clarine Simpson Vaughn

International Region Representative to the Sisterly Relations Committee Soror Presleith McPhee International Region Representative to the Archive Committee Soror Katrina Ghanzanfar International Region Representative to the Nominating Committee Soror Tekea Saunders International Representative to the Spiritual Well Being Committee Soror Yvonne Pearson International Region Representative to the Awards Committee Soror E’Thegra M. Symonette International Region Representative to the Leadership Development Committee Soror Ellen Pratt International Region Representative to the Protocol Committee Soror LaToya Brooks

*Not all appointments have been finalized

International Region Representative to the Technology Committee Soror Tresa Civil

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International Region Cluster Service The International Region is excited to join our collective efforts to improve and protect the environment in our communities. In conjunction with the 2022 Atlantic & Pacific Cluster Conference, chapters performed service projects that align with our Soaring administrative program initiative

"Enhance Our Environment"

This initiative focuses on community and home gardens and/or waste reduction. These are effective activities that have a measurable impact by reducing negative environmental impacts and promote sustainable agriculture. Chapters can also educate their local communities on effective practices that decrease household waste including recycling, composting, and using reusable water bottles.

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INCORPORATED®

2022 ATLANTIC & PACIFIC CLUSTER CONFERENCE

ENHANCE OUR ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM INITIATIVE POTENTIAL PROJECTS: Plant a tree Clean up a park Start a community garden Organize a recycling drive

Show off your pictures and videos and complete the Cluster Service Project Form!

OBJECTIVE

WE WILL HIGHLIGHT YOUR SERVICE PROJECTS DURING THE CLUSTER CONFERENCE!

To promote sustainable agriculture and reduce household waste in your local community Project ideas encouraged chapters to • Teach a gardening class or classes • Plant a tree (gallon pot size) • Start a community garden • Build a raised garden bed or beds, also called garden boxes • Prune a shrub or tree • Host a cleanup effort in your community • Organize a recycling drive. Collect cans, bottles, toys, clothes, books, etc. and take them to your recycling center or a charity in need • Install a garden fence • Host a composting program Cluster Service projects were conducted at schools, homes, parks, or community centers. Each chapter was empowered to

Soar to Enhance your Environment! page 10

Cluster Service Project Highlights ETA BETA OMEGA Monrovia, Liberia We worked with an orphanage and a community based school to help them start their agriculture programs by clearing a plot of land, creating garden beds, and planting some crops.

MU GAMMA OMEGA St. Croix, US Virgin Island Mu Gamma Omega chapter continues to impact our community with projects to “Enhance Our Environment”.

Our Cluster project highlights sorors maintaining our island’s community gardens, creating opportunities to recycle, and composting at home to reduce waste in our landfills.

MU PSI OMEGA Germany

Mu Psi Omega sorors organized a drive recycle clothing - providing to those in need

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Cluster Service Project Highlights PI UPSILON OMEGA Freeport, Grand Bahamas Pi Upsilon Omega is starting a community garden at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy. Members participated in a seed planting (tomatoes, onions, broccoli, peppers) activity with students and planted two guava trees at the school. The Chapter also donated potting soil, planters and other gardening supplies to the school. Members planted 1,908 mangrove seedlings as a part of the WaterKeepers Bahamas Mangrove Mania to restore mangroves destroyed in Hurricane Dorian and last weekend our Basileus and First Anti-Basileus joined the wife of the Prime Minister of the Bahamas to plant breadfruit trees at the local shelter for abused, abandoned and neglected children.

SIGMA THETA OMEGA St. Thomas/St. John Chapter member cleaned a beach on the islands of St.Thomas and St.John.Mania to restore mangroves destroyed in Hurricane Dorian and last weekend our Basileus and First Anti-Basileus joined the wife of the Prime Minister of the Bahamas to plant breadfruit trees at the local shelter for abused, abandoned and neglected children.

PHI OMICRON OMEGA Okinawa, Japan Members of Phi Omicron Omega and their families participated in Beach Clean Up days around Japan and Guam. Beach cleanups are a great way to get involved in the preservation of our global waters. Removing trash and debris from beaches help foster healthy and thriving bodies of water.

Debris in the form of plastic bags, microplastics, fabrics continually pollutes our streets, waterways, and beaches. Cleanups provide opportunities to help protect and restore the environments. The goal is to unite communities through service, responsibility, and sharing of the natural environment.

Removing debris from beaches reduces the effects of pollution in our oceans. Contributing to ocean conservation through action helps to sustain the environment that offers us life.

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Cluster Service Project Highlights PSI BETA OMEGA Tokyo, Japan

PSI DELTA OMEGA Windsor-Ontario, Canada Members of Psi Delta Omega sponsored and put together a Peace and Wellness room at the Hiatus House - a women’s domestic violence shelter, in Windsor. Intent was to repurpose a neglected area of the center to provide a sanctuary for women at this shelter. Recycling an area to create a dedicated wellness reflection room to support women at the shelter. To help with the enormous task of rebuilding the emotional stamina of the women at Hiatus House, PDO transformed an underused room into a room that can be used for prayer, meditation, reflection, and solitude. Room was repainted and furnished to complete the project.

OMEGA THETA OMEGA Dubai/Abu Dhabi Members of Omega Theta Omega gathered together for a tree planting activity. Omega Theta Omega was able to plant a collective of 10 trees and garner a total of 20 community service hours.

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Cluster Service Project Highlights ALPHA ALPHA DELTA OMEGA Toronto, Canada Our sorors planted both at home gardens and working with the children in our community - a Green house, restoration of the Burning Bush, children planting in the gardens, and several sorors planting herb gardens, green houses, flower gardens, and in-door planting.

ALPHA ALPHA OMEGA OMEGA Lagos, Nigeria A brunch time event featuring a gardening class and a discussion on environmental sustainability led by speakers; Dr Dolapo Fasawe, General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency and Kayode Olaniyan Principal Consultant, Avant-garde Innovation and Technology Services & Convener -

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Cluster Service Project Highlights RHO XI University of the Virgin Islands St. Croix Campus Rho Xi Chapter held a beach clean up at the Little Bay Beach.

Our Clean Up Squad was able to enhance our environment by reducing 52 pounds of waste. Rho Xi Sorors also collected plastic bottles to contribute to their ongoing Ravishing Recycling Drive on the University of the Virgin Islands, Albert A. Sheen Campus.

RHO OMICRON University of the Virgin Islands St. Thomas Campus

Rho Omicron held a Toy drive for a local care center. We collected toys, books and donated them to the University Day Care in a reusable bin.

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Soaring Directorate

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Former International Regional Directors

Phyllis E. Robinson, PhD 2ND INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Wilma Holmes Tootle 3RD INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Nadine C. Bonds 4TH INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Evelyn Sample-Oates 7TH INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Gizette Canegata Thomas, ESQ 8TH INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Joy Elaine Daley 9TH INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

*IVIES BEYOND THE WALL Bella G. Clinkscale Parker, PhD* 1ST INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Soror Gloria Dickenson* 5TH INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

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Soror Norma Jean Tucker* 6TH INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Our Internationational Regional Director Carrie J. Clark is the current International Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. She was installed in the role during the 70th Boule at Orlando, Florida in July 2022 following the appointment of International President and CEO Danette Anthony Reed. She previously served as the 29th Great Lakes Regional Director from 2018-2022.

Carrie was initiated into Xi Chapter at Eastern Michigan University in 1987, she is a proud life member and a Silver Star with 35 years of committed service in the sorority. Carrie transitioned from undergrad into Lambda Pi Omega Chapter, in Detroit, Michigan and has been a dedicated member ever since. She has held many leadership positions within the sorority. On the chapter level, Carrie has served as President, Vice-President, Historian, Member Liaison, Ivy Leaf Reporter and Parliamentarian. She also has served on numerous committees as either a chairman or member including the 2008 Metropolitan Chapters Centennial Founders’ Day celebration, Art in the Park and Lambda Pi Omega’s “Fabulous at Forty” Anniversary celebration in September 2017.

Regionally, she served on the Centennial Committee, Programs Committee and as the 2003 Michigan Cluster Chairman and the General Chairman of the 81st Great Lakes Regional Conference in 2012. On the International level, Carrie served on the Heritage Committee, International Membership Committee and on the Undergraduate Transition Taskforce. During her term on the Directorate as Great Lakes Regional Director, Carrie was Chairman of the Sorority’s Code of Ethics Committee, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and was the Directorate liaison to the Sanctions and Investigations Committees. Regionally, under her leadership, the Great Lakes Region nearly doubled in size to more than 7,000 members. The region also donated over $1.5 million to HBCUs, hosted the highest-attended conference during the 88th Great Lakes Regional Conference, as well as the first-ever virtual conference during the 89th Great Lakes Regional Conference.

Currently, Carrie is Director of the IT Project Management Office (PMO), IT Service Management Applications and IT Service Management Business Relationship at Henry Ford Health Systems in Detroit, Michigan. In addition, since 1995 Carrie has been an adjunct professor at Detroit area universities teaching in the areas of information technology and project management. She has received numerous awards including the DRIVEN award, the PMO of the Year finalist award and she was named a 2015 Michigan Chronicle Woman of Excellence, Eastern Michigan University Distinguished Alumni Award, Women of the Word Excellence Award, and Black Alumni Eastern Elite Award. Carrie holds BA and MSA degrees and currently is working on her second Master of Science in Health Administration.

Carrie has many affiliations and memberships including the Project Management Institute (Great Lakes Chapter), American Heart Association – Go Red Passion Committee, an Associate of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, a former board member for the Youth Development Commission (YDC) and The Great Lakes (MI) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated. Carrie is a member of Second Ebenezer Church in Detroit and is very blessed and thankful to have the support of her beautiful family — husband, Mark of over 27 years of marriage and two handsome sons (Ian Marc Clark and Noah Stone Clark). Mark and Ian are active members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Ian graduated in 2019 from Michigan State University, and Noah is a senior at the University of Toledo.

Carrie is elated to serve the members of the International Region because our sisterly bond transcends space and time.

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Presenter Biographies REGIONAL PROTOCOL

JESSICA BENJAMIN Reliable, Tactful, and Resourceful. These three adjectives describe Soror Jessica Benjamin. Jessica is a member of the Mu Gamma Omega Chapter in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. She initiated into our Illustrious Sisterhood in Spring 2017 through the Rho Xi Chapter of the University of the Virgin Islands. During her undergraduate tenor, she has held multiple leadership roles such as AntiBasileus, Grammateus and also chaired numerous programs. Soror Jessica also received the Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar Award in 2018 and under her leadership as Program Chair, the Outstanding Undergraduate Program Award.

Shortly after her graduation, Soror Jessica transferred immediately into the Mu Gamma Omega Chapter and also undertook roles such as Ivy Leaf Reporter, Cluster Co-Chair, Epistoleus, served on various committees, and is currently the Pecunious Grammateus. Throughout her five uninterrupted years of service, her dedication, passion, and work has been impactful. Soror Jessica takes pride in being able to provide service to all mankind and stands ready and willing to answer the call.

She was recently appointed as the International Region Protocol Chair and accepts this role with enthusiasm.

CHAPTER FINANCIAL PROCEDURES

TERRI BARNETT COLEMAN Soror Terri is a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and Charter Member of Psi Delta Omega Chapter.

She’s a graduate of Indiana University, and was initiated into Tau Chapter in 1974. She has held many leadership positions within the sorority; Internationally, she served on the Standards Committee, Leadership Development Committee, and Chairman of the 2018-2022 International Investigations Committee. On the Regional Level, she served as Co-Chairman of the 2006 Detroit Boule, Chairman of the 16th and 17th International Regional Conferences, Chairman of the 50th Anniversary of the International Region, and is currently serving as International Regional Tamiouchos.

Soror Terri retired from General Motors Corporation after 34 years in Engineering Management. and Dealer Audit. She is a life member of Jack and Jill of America Incorporated, and Board Member and Treasurer of the Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation. Soror Terri is the proud mother of daughter Soror Kasey Coleman, former Second Supreme Anti-Basileus.

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Presenter Biographies INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

MISTI-DAWN CURRY Soror Misti-Dawn Curry is a charter and current member of Omega Theta Omega Chapter who has resided in the United Arab Emirates for a decade in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Following Boule, she was appointed as the International Regional Representative to the International Program Committee.

In 2004, Soror Misti-Dawn was initiated in Beta Xi Omega Chapter in Tuskegee, Alabama. Since then, she has served as Basileus, Anti-Basileus, Anti-Pecunious Grammateus, Epistoleus, Standards Chairman, Technology Co-Chairman, and Hospitality Chairman in Omega Theta Omega Chapter. Regionally, she has served as the Pacific Cluster Coordinator and as a member of the Minutes, EAF, and Protocol Committees.

A native of Tuskegee, Alabama, Soror Misti-Dawn received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Tuskegee University and Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction: Literacy Specialization from Lesley University. After 17 years as an educator, she now works as an Educational Consultant and Trainer in Dubai, UAE.

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

DA’SHAWN “DEE” DOARS Soror Dee serves as the International Region’s Representative to the International Standards Committee.

She was initiated into Sigma Xi Omega Chapter, Bermuda in November 2004. In her time as an Alpha Kappa Alpha woman she has served in a variety of roles both locally and internationally. On the chapter level she has held the positions of Ivy Leaf Reporter, Anti-Basileus, Basileus and MIP Chairman. On the regional level she has served as the 26th International Region Conference Chairman and the 30th International Regional Conference Co-Chairman.

Internationally she has served as the International Region’s Representative to the Educational Advancement Foundation (EAF) and International Standards Committee.

Along with her commitment to AKA, Soror Dee is actively involved within other community organizations - her favourite being the theatrical community.

Soror Dee is honored to represent the International Region in her current role, and looks to continue offering a lifetime of active service.

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Presenter Biographies THE AKA BRAND 2.0

CARISMA RAMSEY FIELDS A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Carisma Ramsey Fields has been living in Dallas/Fort Worth for the past 14 years. A 2004 graduate of Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, she earned an Associate’s Degree in General Studies, a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Graphic Communications, and an MBA. In addition, Soror Carisma is certified by Duke University’s Digital Media and Marketing program. She was also initiated in the Eta Chi Chapter at Northwestern State University.

In August 2019, she was recruited to become Vice President of Communications and Marketing at J.P. Morgan Chase. Prior to joining J.P. Morgan, Carisma was an 8-time Emmy Award Winning Senior Producer for KXAS / NBC-5 for 12 years.

Beyond being a part of the J.P. Morgan Team, she is the Basileus of the Alpha Beta Phi Omega Chapter, chartered on August 14, 2022, and currently serves as the International Media Relations and Production Chairman for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Carisma enjoys spending most of her time with her mini me, eight-year-old, Kennedy Naomi Fields.

MEDITATION

YVONNE PEARSON Yvonne is a member of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas since initiation in May 2017. She has held several positions including Hodegos, Chaplain, 1st Anti-Basileus, and presently Basileus. She served on several committees including Sisterly Relations, Membership, International Day of Prayer and currently on the International Spiritual Wellbeing Committee under the current administration.

Yvonne is a long-time member of The Pro-Cathedral of Christ The King Freeport, The Bahamas and a member of the Anglican Church Women (ACW), having held several positions including President, Vice President and currently Secretary. Yvonne retired in 2019 after 47 years as an educator with the Ministry of Education in The Bahamas teaching Family and Consumer Science, Home Economics and Catering and Business Education; spending the last 12 years in administration as Senior Mistress.Presently she supervises the “Lord’s Kitchen” a Ministry at church where they feed approximately 500 persons weekly.

A widow, with two children and three grandchildren, Yvonne spends her free time travelling with her sisters (2 of whom are also sorors) and grandchildren, reading, and cooking.

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Presenter Biographies INTERNATIONAL AWARDS

E’THEGRA M. SYMONETTE Soror E’Thegra M. Symonette is a Spring 1992 initiate of the Xi Pi Omega City Chapter of Delray Beach, Florida.

She is a Silver Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, having been a member for over 30 years.

Her daughters, Sasha and Cheyenne Symonette are the first two legacies of the Tau Nu Chapter at the University of The Bahamas. As a a current member of the Eta Psi Omega Chapter, she also serves as the Graduate Advisor for Tau Nu. Soror E’thegra is a member of faculty at the University of The Bahamas, teaching Law and Criminal Justice Studies and serving as Department Head for Law and Government.

Soror E’ Thegra is the Internation Region Represtentative to the International Awards Committee.

CHAPTER BYLAWS SUBMISSION REVIEW PROCESS

RAMONA WELLS Soror Ramona Wells was initiated into the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Eta Psi Omega Chapter in Nassau, Bahamas on December 7, 2014.

Since becoming a member, seven (7) years ago, she has served in her chapter as Ivy Leaf Reporter, Nominations Chairperson, Chaplin, Technology Chairperson and headed numerous targets like: ASCEND and THINK COLLEGE…THINK HBCU as well as organized one of the Chapter’s AKA Day at the Capitol events.

In addition to this, she has served the region as the Regional Communications Officer, served on the Region’s Protocol Committee and also as a VSG Escort.

At the International level, Soror Ramona was the International Region’s representative to the communications committee for six years and was the communications liaison to the EAF Committee.

Currently, Soror Ramona Wells serves as the Region’s Parliamentarian and is the International Region Representative to the Constitution committee.

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Presenter Biographies EAF PRESENTATION MARCELLE YHAP Soror Marcelle G. Yhap was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated’s Mu Iota Chapter in San Diego, California in Spring of 2007. Serving in a small chapter gave her the opportunity to learn the many facets of the organization quickly.

Originally born in Liberia, West Africa she curated her career in education with the intention of moving back home and serving her country. After receiving her master’s in Education from the University of Southern California in 2014, Soror Marcelle returned to Liberia after being away for 25 years. In 2020, she completely relocated to Liberia and joined the infamous first international chapter, the Eta Beta Omega Chapter.

She became 1st Anti-Basileus in 2021 and continues to hold this position today. She also served the International Philactor Committee during the 2022 International Regional Conference and is currently the International Regional Coordinator for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation. She loves running programs especially geared toward education advancement.

MEMBERSHIP EXPERIENCE

BANTI ZEHYOUE Soror Banti C.V. Zehyoue was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated‘s Phi Sigma Omega Chapter in Gonzales, Louisiana in Spring 2004. A native of Monrovia, Liberia, Soror Banti survived the civil war in Liberia in 1991 and relocated to the Baton Rouge, Louisiana with her parents.

Soror Banti is a licensed clinical social worker and a doctoral candidate at Kennesaw State University. Soror Banti frequents between Liberia and the United States. She has been a member of Eta Beta Omega chapter, the 1st chapter in the International region since January 2017 where she currentLY serves as 2nd Anti-Basileus.

Soror Banti has served as an Ivy Leaf Reporter, Philacter, Epistoleus, 2nd Anti Basileus and worked with the international protocol committee during the 2022 international regional conference. She is the mother of two sons, Stephen-Eden and Benjamin-Asher.

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Guest Entertainment Biographies MUSICAL SELECTION

ARICA JACKSON Arica Jackson is a Black singer, actor, and dancer from Michigan., United States.

She has a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama. She has performed in the National tour and the Broadway Production of Waitress the Musical. She made her Broadway debut in Head Over Heels and is currently in the Broadway Production of Caroline, or Change.

SPOKEN WORD

MARSHA WATSON Soror Marsha Watson is a native of Detroit but currently resides in Houston, Texas. She has been performing for more than a decade. She believes that reciting poetry is her God-given ministry. She has independently studio produced two spoken word projects. “Broccoli don’t taste like Peach Cobbler” and most recently “Built for This!” Her style is to deliver powerful words over soulful beats. People describe her work as “down to earth,” “playful” “professional” and “very strong opinions.”

In 1991, she was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at Western Michigan University (Delta Chi Chapter). In 2020, she was honored with the Gwendolyn J. Brinkley Fine Arts award during the South-Central Regional Conference. In 2021, she competed in the Houston “Women of the World” Poetry slam.

Her newest poetry album can be heard on all music platforms: Apple, Amazon and Spotify. You can follow her on Instagram at “Marsha Spoken.”

Marsha holds both a B.A. and M.A. degree and currently works in business development for a London based environmental company. She accomplished the very difficult task of earning a spot-on back-to-back Detroit slam teams (2007/2008) and advancing to the National Poetry Slam (NPS) competition. She has performed or shared the stage with Eric Robeson, Anthony David as well numerous poets.

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Acknowledgements from Coordinators We acknowledge with great appreciation the following sorority members:

Madam Regional Director, Soror Carrie J. Clark, and your administration which has taken flight and is Soaring in Sisterhood and Service the Ingenious Way. You have assembled a leadership team that are dynamic, dedicated, innovative, talented and poised to rise high and soar. You Madam Regional Director have ensured this team has increased rapidly above the usual levels and flattened our learning curve.

We are honored to be a part of your leadership team and proud you have trusted us to lead the Atlantic and Pacific Clusters.

Madam Supreme Basileus, Soror Danette Anthony Reed, your vision for Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood International Program that seeks to build upon Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s rich legacy of service by galvanizing our sisterhood to lead on the front lines of change, education, and advocacy while Strengthening our Sisterhood is deserving to be most commended.

To my Soaring sister Pacific Cluster Coordinator: Soror Clarine Simpson Vaughn. You are amazing and I couldn’t have done this without your collaboration and creativity. You came on board ready to work and you made this planning just more memorable than I could imagine. I look forward to the years ahead collaborating and serving with you.

To my high-flying sister Atlantic Cluster Coordinator Soror Lisa Harris. These few weeks working collaboratively together has been an amazing experience. It was divinely ordained that we were selected to serve together. Your smile is easy, your manner is thoughtful, and your cool Caribbean charm is only overshadowed by your hard work, attention to detail and desire to ensure that this Cluster was the beginning of many successful initiatives under this Soaring administration for the International Region chapters in the Atlantic Cluster.

To the Cluster Planning Committee Members. You ladies are a joy to work with. You each bring an element of order, innovation, skill, knowledge of our beloved sisterhood and willingness to share these talents and your time to ensure this region takes flight and soars. Your individual and collective contributions are demonstrated in the planning and execution of this combined cluster conference. We appreciate our planning conference calls and we thank you for every single contribution you made in the planning of this combined cluster conference. You have soared to great heights of professionalism and sisterhood.

We also acknowledge Soror Cliaunjel Mulley for her creation of the cluster promotional video and Soror Jessica Benjamin for her design of the community service project flyer.

To our dynamic and informative presenters. We acknowledge your commitment to ensuring the Soaring administration successfully took flight in the International Region. You have provided, clearly and completely, the direction of this administration.

To the chapters in the Ingenious International Region, we acknowledge your preparation, implementation and documentation in photos and videos of creative and sustainable cluster service projects that sought to “Enhance Our Environment”. From beach cleanups, to planting community and school gardens, to decreas ing household waste including recycling drives to provide to those in need.

Thank you for ensuring the service projects details were done and for sharing them with us during this Combined Cluster Conference.

Cluster sorors, both affiliated with chapters and General members, your dedication allows our communities to be served and we express our gratitude for reporting your efforts. As always, excellence is our charge, service is our pledge and sisterhood is our privilege.

In Sisterhood and Service,

Soror Lisa Mitchell-Harris Atlantic Cluster Coordinator Mu Gamma Omega Chapter

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Soror Clarine Simpson Vaughn Pacific Cluster Coordinator Eta Beta Omega Chapter

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Atlantic Cluster Chapters

Pacific Cluster Chapters

2023

Pi Upsilon Omega Freeport, Grand Bahama

2023

Alpha Alpha Omega Omega Lagos, Nigeria

2024

Sigma Xi Omega Bermuda

2024

Omega Theta Omega Dubai, United Arab Emirates

2025

2025

Mu Gamma Omega & Rho Xi St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

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Rho Nu Omega Seoul, Korea