2024 AKA IR Barrier Breakers

INGENIOUS INTERNATIONAL REGION 33RD INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL CONFERENCE

Sheraton Dallas Hotel July 3, 2024

International BARRIER

BREAKERS

Carrie J. Clark International Regional Director

Danette Anthony Reed International President and CEO

INGENIOUS INTERNATIONAL REGION

Inaugural Barrier Breakers!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

Message from the Regional Director

3

Message from the International President and CEO

4

Message from the Barrier Breakers Chairman

5

The Barrier Breakers Initiative

6

Former International Regional Directors

8

Supreme Barrier Breakers

10

2024 Inaugural Barrier Breakers

19

Committee Members

20

The Judges

WELCOME MESSAGE

Carrie J. Clark

International Region Director Greetings!

I am so proud to present to you the first-ever cohort of International Region Barrier Breakers! These are women and members of the Ingenious International Region who have crashed through glass ceilings, taken the baton, raised the standard and elevated their professions and our region.

They come from a variety of backgrounds like business, education, government, medicine and research. Their accomplishments are inspiring and noteworthy, which is why I am so proud to share their names and stories with you. It is my hope that we all will be able to take something away from their examples that help us “Soar to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood.”

I want to thank the committee members who led the process of collecting nominations, working with judges and finalizing the results. They include Soror Dawn Cooper Barnes who coordinated the project, along with Atlantic Cluster Coordinator Soror Lisa Mitchell-Harris and Pacific Cluster Coordinator Soror Clarine Simpson Vaughn.

I hope that you are motivated by the women featured in this program book and that together, we all will continue to be barrier breakers!

Congrats!

Sisterly,

Carrie J. Clark Soror Carrie J. Clark International Regional Director

2

3

CHAIRMAN MESSAGE

Dawn Cooper Barnes Chairman International Region Barrier Breakers Committee

It has been a true honor to serve as Chairman of our inaugural International Region Barrier Breakers Committee! This could certainly never have succeeded without the tireless efforts of my committee members - especially Soror Clarine Simpson Vaughn and Soror Lisa Mitchell Harris.

The International Region Barrier Breakers is an ingenious initiative of our energetic and creative International Regional Director, Soror Carrie J. Clark. I truly hope that this becomes an ongoing part of her legacy.

Barrier Breakers are sorors who have crashed the glass ceiling in areas such as art, business, education, government, humanities, literature, medicine, religion, science, technology and more. Our selection process was simple and straight forward even though we have learned ways to tweak and improve the process. The nominees had to be active General Members or Chapter Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s International Region presented for consideration by themselves, another soror or a chapter. Nominators were asked to complete an application form and attach supporting documentation. The application packets were then forwarded to our impartial and highly respected judges who were sorors from other regions. We were delighted by the impressive accomplishments as well as the diverse range of applications received; and, we are grateful for final Barrier Breakers that we are pleased to recognize at our 33rd International Regional Conference.

Special thanks to Madam Regional Director, Barrier Breaker Committee Members, Judges, our creative Support Team that provided invaluable technical support and, especially, to our sorors who nominated our outstanding 2024 International Region Barrier Breakers.

Congratulations!

5

THE BARRIER BREAKERS INITIATIVE This award is an initiative of the International Regional Director, Soror Carrie J. Clark that aims to recognize and celebrate the groundbreaking achievements of Alpha Kappa Alpha women in the region. Nominations were accepted from January 1-31, 2024 from chapters and active sorors, including self-nominations. The Nominees must be active in the International Region and recognized leaders in areas such as Arts, Business, Education, Government, Humanities, Literature, Medicine, Religion, Science, Technology, and more.

Each recipient of this award was nominated by a Soror or Chapter in our region and chosen by our highly respected, impartial judges who hailed from other

regions.

We

were

delighted

by

the

impressive accomplishments as well as the diverse range of applications received. Congratulations to our 2024 International Region Barrier Breakers!

4

CONTRIBUTIONS OF OUR INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTORS ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INCORPORATED®️

1990-2022

Since the inception of the International Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®️ in 1990, each International Regional Director has contributed to the growth, development and outstanding achievements of our region. The services rendered by our Regional Directors are all the more laudable because they have taken our beloved Sorority beyond remarkable national accomplishments to exceptional global impact. Indeed, the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. have sought to serve all mankind. Each International Regional Director has used her unique talent and passion in the pursuit of worthwhile endeavors. We are pleased to honor our beloved International Regional Directors:

Bella G. Clinkscale Parker * FIRST INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR 1990-1994

Phyllis E. Robinson SECOND INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR 1994-1998

Wilma Holmes Tootle THIRD INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR 1998-2002

Nadine C. Bonds FOURTH INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR 2002-2006

* Ivy Beyond the Wall

6

CONTRIBUTIONS OF OUR INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTORS ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INCORPORATED®️

1990-2022

Gloria Harper Dickinson* FIFTH INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR 2006-2008

Norma Jean Tucker* SIXTH INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR 2008-2010

Evelyn Sample Oates SEVENTH INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR 2010-2014

Gizette Canegata Thomas EIGHTH INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR 2014-2018

Joy Elaine Daley NINTH INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR 2018-2022

7

* Ivy Beyond the Wall

SUPREME BARRIER BREAKERS Arnetta G. McKamey Wallace* 1954-1958

Established our first International Chapter (Monrovia, Liberia)

Julia Brogdon Purnell, LHD* 1962 - 1966

Expanded the sorority’s presence to the Caribbean (Nassau, Bahamas)

Barbara Kinard Phillips* 1978 – 1982

Under her administration the region expanded to Europe (Germany)

Janet Jones Ballard* 1986 – 1990

Under her administration the region expanded to Asia (Seoul, Korea) “Service with a Global Perspective” She authored the amendment for the creation of the International Region, approved by the Boule in 1990 spurring the replacement of “National” to “International” as a descriptor of the organization and officer.

8

SUPREME BARRIER BREAKERS Norma Solomon White, LHD 1998-2002

Increased AKA presence in South Africa, building 10 schools and providing 40,000 shoeboxes.

Under her leadership, the region expanded its presence to Okinawa, Japan in 2000.

Carolyn House Stewart, Esq. 2010-2014

Under her leadership, the region expanded its undergraduate presence as the 3rd International Region Undergraduate Chapter, Tau Nu at the College of the Bahamas.

Under her leadership, the region expanded its presence to Johannesburg, South Africa in 2013.

Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson 2014 – 2018

Under her administration the region expanded to the Middle East (Dubai/Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates) First to appoint a member from the region to serve as the Eighth International Regional Director, Soror Gizette Canegata Thomas.

Glenda Baskin Glover, PhD, JD, CPA

2018-2022

Under her leadership, the region expanded its presence to Lagos, Nigeria.

-Raised more than $9 million dollars for HBCUs.

Danette Anthony Reed Supreme Designate 9

INTERNATIONAL REGION BARRIER BREAKERS Maxanne J. Anderson-Caines Sigma Xi Omega

Maxanne J. Anderson-Caines has a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy (Cum Laude) from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia and a Law Degree from University of Kent, Canterbury, England with concentration in Family and Criminal Law. She was admitted to the Bar of England and Wales in 1997 and the Bermuda Bar in 1999. In 2022, Maxanne became Bermuda’s first female Senior Magistrate and Coroner. Soror Maxanne is an active member Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Sigma Xi Omega Chapter in Bermuda. She has served as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.’s Regional Parliamentarian and Constitutional Representative since 2018. Maxanne is Past President and Vice President of her chapter and has conducted workshops and presentations on Membership Intake among other duties. Maxanne is an International Barrier Breaker in the area of Law.

Ugo Arinzeh General Member

Ugo Arinzeh has a B.S. in Finance from Rutgers University and an MBA from New York University Stern School of Business. Nigerian-born, raised in America and now living in London, Ugo has a unique global perspective on business and culture. Ugo was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Iota Psi Chapter at Rutgers University in spring 1991. As a General Member currently, she is an International Barrier Breaker in the areas of Business and Entrepreneurship. She is a dynamic individual who brings humanity and passion to her thriving London-based, internationally recognized real estate business. Because of these stand-out accomplishments as a businesswoman, Ugo is an International Region Barrier Breaker.

10

INTERNATIONAL REGION BARRIER BREAKERS Alicia Viola Barnes Mu Gamma Omega

Alicia Viola Barnes has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Science & Environmental Studies from Hampton University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of the Virgin Islands. As a United States Virgin Islands (USVI) Senator, one of Alicia's most impactful contributions was when she appealed to the governing board of the Water and Power Authority (WAPA) to immediately suspend its policy of disconnecting electricity service and to immediately reconnect customers who were disconnected during the COVID-19 crisis. She was named an “Outstanding Woman of St. Croix” by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Mu Gamma Omega Chapter where Alicia is an active member. She is an International Barrier Breaker in the areas of Science and Government. Because of Alicia’s many significant contributions to her people as a USVI Legislator (top vote-getter), Environmental Specialist, Published Author and Business Development Consultant, she is an International Region Barrier Breaker

Brittany Boykin General Member

Brittany Boykin has a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications from College of Charleston where she won a Ketner Women’s Leadership Scholarship, a Diversity Scholarship was a South Carolina LIFE Scholar. She earned a Juris Doctor from the Charleston School of Law where she received a CALI Award for Excellence in Legal Research and Writing, was Moot Court Board Associate Justice and Student Bar Association VicePresident. Brittany was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Iota Omicron Chapter in Charleston, South Carolina in the fall of 2003. Currently a General Member, Brittany is an International Barrier Breaker in the areas of Law and Insurance. Because Brittany has distinguished herself as a uniquely specialized litigator in the U.S. and the U.K. recognized by arbiters of litigation and international insurance, she is an International Region Barrier Breaker in the areas of Law and Insurance.

11

INTERNATIONAL REGION BARRIER BREAKERS Adrienne T. Brown Psi Tau Omega

Adrienne T. Brown has a Certificate in Pharmacy Technician from Kennesaw State University; a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Spelman College; a Master’s of Science in Biomedical & Health Informatics from the University of Iowa and a Doctor of Health Administration in Information Systems from Medical University of South Carolina. She was initiated into Tau Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Sorority in Stone Mountain, Georgia; and, later became a member of Rho Zeta Omega Chapter in Marietta, Georgia. Adrienne is currently a member of Psi Tau Omega Chapter in South Africa where she has served as both Standards and Technology Chair. She is an Alpha Community Service Award recipient and former Board member of the PEARL Foundation. After several years as a boulé member, she returned to Psi Tau Omega in 2022 and is the current Secretary of her chapter. Adrienne is an International Region Barrier Breaker because of the sheer breath, depth and impact of her contributions to Health Technology in Africa and around the world.

Lisa A. Cooper Eta Beta Omega

Lisa A. Cooper has a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Emory University; a Doctor of Medicine from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology and Health Policy from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She completed her Internship and Residency training at the University of Maryland Hospitals/ Baltimore VA Medical Center and a Postdoctoral Fellowship in General Internal Medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. A general internist, social epidemiologist, and health services researcher, Lisa was one of the first scientists to document disparities in the quality of relationships between physicians and patients from socially at-risk groups. As the first Black woman to become Full-Professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, a widely-quoted researcher who was among the first to document and describe health disparities within American society, a major contributor to the discourse on how the Corona-virus exposed inequities in public health with serious implications for marginalized members of our society, and, especially, because of her continued role as a mentor to so many young health professionals, Lisa is an International Region Barrier Breaker.

12

INTERNATIONAL REGION BARRIER BREAKERS Catherine R. Duffy Sigma Xi Omega

Catherine R. Duffy (Cathy) has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Insurance from Howard University. She has completed executive management programs through Harvard University, INSEAD: The Business School of the World, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Cathy was chosen to be a Fellow in the Women’s International Forum; and, was also selected as one of only 26 women in the 2020 class of AIG’s Women’s Executive Leadership Initiative (WELI). She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Sigma Xi Omega Chapter in Bermuda and is nominated in as an International Region Barrier Breaker in the area of Business. Cathy is an International Region Barrier Breaker as the first woman to lead AIG, Bermuda. Not only is she the author of the first book chronicling the history of international insurance in Bermuda, but she has also secured her place in history as the first Bermudian to receive the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) Diversity Champion Award a notable international accolade.

Katrina Ghanzanfar Phi Omicron Omega

Katrina Ghazanfar has a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Fayetteville State University – University of North Carolina where she graduated as the first U.S. Military Veteran in her academic department in the top 4% of her class - Magna Cum Laude. She was the recipient of the Chancellor’s Scholarship and a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society. She obtained a Master of Science in Health Services Administration from Central Michigan University, McGuire Air Force Base and a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology (MBG) from Virginia Commonwealth University – School of Medicine. Using her Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Genetics within a Department of Defense Forensic Sciences laboratory, Katrina is the first person of color to join a particular team of scientific experts dispersed across the world in highly technical and security-sensitive positions. Her courage, in the pursuit of service to her country and the world, makes her an International Barrier Breaker in the areas of Government, Science and Technology. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for twenty-one years, she is currently a member Phi Omicron Omega Chapter in Okinawa, Japan. Katrina is an International Region Barrier Breaker in the areas of Government, Science and Technology.

13

INTERNATIONAL REGION BARRIER BREAKERS Delia Gillis General Member

Delia Gillis has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from University of Maryland Global Campus Germany; a Master of Arts in History from the University of Central Missouri; and a Doctor of Philosophy in History from the University of Missouri. A General Member of the International Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delia is an International Region Barrier Breaker in the areas of Education, Business and Humanitarianism.

A true trailblazer who has dedicated her career to inclusivity, advocacy, and mentorship, Delia is an International Region Barrier Breaker as the first AfricanAmerican woman president of the Missouri Conference on History along with her many other contributions to documenting African-American and African history and her entrepreneurial role in connecting African-Americans to the wider African Diaspora and the Motherland.

Lasean M. G. Hardy Psi Delta Omega

Lasean M. G. Hardy has a Bachelor of Science in Cellular Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor as the recipient of a Martin Luther King Scholarship and Dean’s list scholar. She obtained her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan School of Medicine with the assistance of a University Merit Scholarship.

Lasean did her Internship training at St. Joseph Mercy Health System Department of Surgery and Post Graduate Training at University of Michigan Medical Center Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Residency – Clinical Scientist Track.

Lasean is a proud charter member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Psi Delta Omega chapter in Ontario, Canada. She has served in many leadership roles within the chapter and is currently appointed to a regional position within the sorority. She is an International Barrier Breaker in the areas of Medicine and Humanitarianism.

Lasean is an International Region Barrier Breaker because of her dedication as a medical practitioner in the field of Anesthesiology and, especially, because of her ground-breaking, commitment to the We Are One School Lunch Program that is tackling the problem of childhood hunger in the Winsor Essex, Chatham Kent and Thunder Bay areas of Canada.

14

INTERNATIONAL REGION BARRIER BREAKERS Ianthe Dunn - Murad General Member

Ianthe Dunn-Murad has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology from St. John’s University, a Master of Arts in Audiology from St. John’s University and a Doctor of Science (ScD) degree in Audiology from Seton Hall University.

She is a Silver Star and Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and was initiated into the Nu Mu Chapter at St. John's University in the Spring of 1993. Ian the is bilingual and speaks and writes fluent Spanish and English. She is a licensed by New York State Audiology and New York State Hearing Aid Dispenser and Certified by American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) in Clinical Competence in Audiology. As a General Member of the International Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Ianthe has served as Editor of the Newsletter Committee and the Social Media Team for the North Atlantic Region of our beloved sorority. and is also a member of The Links Incorporated and Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. Soror Ianthe is an International Barrier Breaker in the area of Medicine, Science and Technology because of her unparalleled contribution to her community and the world in the field of audiology.

Julia C. Jones Rho Nu Omega

Julia C. Jones has a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Florida, a Master of Education from Fayetteville State University with special emphasis on Reading, an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University and a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Management from St. Thomas University. Julia was initiated in Upsilon Kappa Omega, Fayetteville North Carolina and is the current Recording Secretary of Rho Nu Omega Chapter, South Korea. Additionally, she is Fundraising Co-Chairman and a member of the Strengthening Our Sisterhood initiative. Julia is an International Region Barrier Breaker in the area of Education because, as a veteran and mother of military-connected children, she understands the opportunities and challenges that come with military life and has committed herself to serving this unique population one student at a time.

15

INTERNATIONAL REGION BARRIER BREAKERS Marjon Kamara Eta Beta Omega

Marjon Kamara has both a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree in Political Science (with emphasis on International Relations and focus on Africa and Asia) from Western Michigan University. Marjon is a Golden Soror and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Eta Beta Omega Chapter in Liberia. She is an International Barrier Breaker in the areas of Government and Humanitarianism. As a former United Nations Administrator, Ambassador from Liberia and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Liberia, and Chair of the Liberia Chapter of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), Marjon’s contributions to peace-building and development in Liberia and across the African continent is nothing short of barrier breaking.

Theominique D. Nottage Eta Psi Omega

Theominique D. Nottage has a Bachelor of Arts with Integral Honors in International Studies and Spanish from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York; a Bachelor of Laws with Honors from the University of the West Indies - Cave Hill, Barbados; and a Master of Laws with Merit in Comparative and International Dispute Resolution from Queen Mary, University of London. She is bilingual and has studied Spanish at Centro Panamericano de Idiomas in Costa Rica and the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain.

She was admitted to the Bar of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas as Counsel & Attorney-at-Law on 30th October 2015 and has worked in both the public and private sectors with professional experience in civil, commercial and trusts litigation, intellectual property matters, environmental law and arbitration. Theominique is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Eta Psi Omega Chapter in The Bahamas.

She is considered a regional leader in her field of Dispute Resolution, more particularly, International Arbitration. She is an International Barrier Breaker in the areas of Government and Law primarily because of her outstanding contribution to her nation as an Attorney-at-Law specializing in International Arbitration - an accomplishment that is all the more impressive given her young age.

16

INTERNATIONAL REGION BARRIER BREAKERS Ellen Johnson Sirleafe Eta Beta Omega

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the Africa’s first democratically-elected female head of state. As the 24th President of the Republic of Liberia she led her nation through reconciliation and recovery following the nation’s decade-long civil war as well as the Ebola virus crisis winning international acclaim for achieving economic, social, and political change.

Recognized as a global leader for women’s empowerment, Ellen was awarded the prestigious Nobel Prize for Peace in 2011. She is also the recipient of The Presidential Medal of Freedom - the highest civilian award in the United States - for her personal courage and unwavering commitment to expanding freedom and improving the lives of Africans. Her many honors also include the Grand Croix of the Légion d’Honneur France’s highest public distinction, and being named one of Forbes magazine’s “100 Most Powerful Women in the World. Ellen has an Associate degree in Accounting from Madison Business College in Wisconsin, a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the Economic Institute of the University of Colorado, Boulder and a Master of Public Administration in Economics and Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School. A freedom fighter and advocate for women’s empowerment, Ellen was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Eta Beta Omega Chapter in Liberia in 1968. A Golden, Life-time, Active Member of Eta Beta Omega Chapter, Ellen is an International Barrier Breaker in the areas of Government and Humanitarianism. As the first woman to be democratically elected as head of state of an African nation, a public servant of Liberia, Africa and the world and as a humanitarian championing the cause of women’s empowerment, Ellen is an International Region Barrier Breaker.

Renee Sterling General Member

Renee Sterling has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Florida where she was on the President’s Honor Roll, National Deans List and was inducted into seven honor societies - including the Golden Key International Honor based on academic merit. She has a Master of Accounting with Specialization in Tax from the University of Florida and was the recipient of the Fisher School of Accounting Robert Bryan Fellowship in fall 2004.

Renee was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc. Iota Lambda Chapter at the University of Florida in spring 2003. Now a General Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she is an International Region Barrier Breaker in the area of Business. Renee is an International Region Barrier Breaker because of her stellar career in the field of Accounting within prestigious international companies and because of her passion for mental health, diversity, equity and inclusion.

17

INTERNATIONAL REGION BARRIER BREAKERS Dawn Sutherland General Member

Dawn Sutherland holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boston College, a Masters of Social Work and Masters of Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University. She is a General Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. nominated as an International Region Barrier Breaker in the areas of Business and Humanitarianism. Dawn Sutherland is recognized as one of our Barrier Breakers especially because, as President of Bridge-To-Africa Connection, Inc., a non-profit 501c3 organization, she focuses on changing lives, one person at a time by building self-sufficiency, educating and empowering women and girls.

18

BARRIER BREAKERS COMMITTEE

Carrie J. Clark International Regional Director

Clarine Simpson-Vaughn Pacific Cluster Coordinator Eta Beta Omega

Dawn Cooper Barnes

Lisa Mitchell-Harris

Barrier Breakers Chairman Eta Beta Omega

Atlantic Cluster Coordinator Mu Gamma Omega

Lisa Smith

Tresa M. Civil

International Region Communications Chairman Phi Psi Omega

19

International Region Representative International Technology Committee Mu Gamma Omega

THE JUDGES

Mitzi Dease Paige 26th South Eastern Regional Director

Rachel Mallory 24th Great Lakes Regional Director

Jennifer King - Congleton

19th Mid Atlantic Regional Director

Schylbea Hopkins

26th Great Lakes Regional Director

20

Twyla Woods-Buford

30th Mid Western Regional Director

Charlene Truitt Nelson

27th Great Lakes Regional Director

Congratulations to

The Ingenious International Region

BARRIER BREAKERS