SOARING P.R.E.S.S Volume 1

Soror Carrie J. Clark, International Regional Director

Greetings from Our Greetings from Our

International Regional Director International Regional Director Soror Carrie J. Clark

Greetings Sorors!

Welcome to The International Region Soaring P.R.E.S.S. I am so excited for you to see this first issue of our official International Region Newsletter. This is where you will be able to come to learn about upcoming events in the sorority and within our region, and where you will see how this region is soaring! Already, our region has been busy and this issue shows how sorors and chapters are "Soaring to Greater Heights of Service & Sisterhood." I have seen how you are carrying out our new program initiatives with stellar service projects and sisterly care. This newsletter will live up to its name as it demonstrates "Programs and Reports of Exceptional Service and Sisterhood."

In this issue you will see recaps of our 2022 International Region Undergraduate Roundup, our 2022 Atlantic and Pacific Cluster Conference, our 31st International Regional Conference and our 70th Boule.

In addition, the release of this newsletter coincides with our 115th Alpha Kappa Alpha Founders' Day. Sorors, we are the living legacy of our founders. They overcame major obstacles to form this sisterhood that is based on serving and uplifting those around us Let us celebrate who we are as Alpha Kappa Alpha women and live up to the responsibility we have to continue the service and continue to strengthen the bond of sisterhood that connects each of us in eleven countries around the globe.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this first issue, and I look forward to seeing more of your contributions as we continue to soar to greater heights of service and sisterhood

Sisterly,

Soror Carrie J. Clark International Regional Director

Happy Founders' Day Happy Founders' Day

In the spring semester of 1907, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D. C. Ethel Hedgemon was inspired to create an organization for African American female students. She hand-selected students to work with her to research and develop the framework for the first African American sorority. With the university's approval, on January 15, 1908 they held their first sorority meeting. Ethel Hedgemon (Lyle), Anna Easter Brown, Lucy Diggs Slowe, Beulah Elizabeth Burke, Lillie Burke, Margaret Flagg Holmes, Marjorie Hill, Lavinia Norman and Marie Woolfolk (Taylor) were the founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Seven additional sophomores were invited to join: Joanna Berry Shields, Norma Boyd, Ethel Jones Mowbray, Sarah Meriwether Nutter, Alice Murray, Carrie Snowden and Harriet Terry.

Ethel Hedgemon Lyle

Monday, January 16, 2023 is recognized as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service in recognition of the civil rights leader's birthday. Alpha Kappa Alpha will observe the day as our "We Are One" AKA Service Day. This falls under our Strengthen Our Sisterhood program initiative. General members and inactive sorors are invited to join local chapters in service projects to engage and mobilize all sorors in

communities.

“Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

― Martin Luther King, Jr.

our

70thBouleRecap

Magic and Excellence came together in Orlando, Florida from July 10-15, 2022 where Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority held its 70th Boule under the theme "The Magic of Excellence in the City Beautiful." More than 13,000 members and guests were in attendance at the conference that was held in person for the first time in four years. Enjoy this recap of many of the events that took place in Orlando, including several special guests appearances like Honorary Member and gospel recording artist Yolanda Adams.

The Rev. Al Sharpton joined the panel discussion during the Social Justice Forum that was moderated by Soror Rosalyn Brock. Rev. Sharpton discussed the ongoing impact of the states rights movement and the continuing need to protect the right to vote. Meanwhile another forum on voting rights was held to discuss equality at the ballot box and increasing the number of women running for local and legislative offices.

70th Boule Recap - Public Meeting

The Public Meeting was another impactful affair that filled the auditorium at the Orange County Convention Center. The event included addresses from notable speakers such as Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Congresswoman Val Demings, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson and guest speaker Bishop Joseph Walker, III. The International Achievement Award winners included Stacey Abrams, Alma Adams and Tamika Mallory. Also, the President's Undergraduate Leadership Award went to International Second Vice President Jasmyne McCoy and Undergraduate Members-at-Large Jasmine Williams and Alysse Guerrier. Each Divine Nine repersentative also delivered greetings.

70th Boule Recap - Vice President Harris

History was made during the 70th Boule when for the first time ever a sitting United States Vice President addressed the Sorority during the convention. Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a heart-felt address to members who attended in person and watched online. She spoke about the impact and memories of her aunt, a member of the sorority, which gave her the desire to attend Howard University and become a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®.

70th Boule Recap - Installation

During a beautiful Closing Gala, members and guests witnessed the installation of the new Board of Directors including Soror Carrie J. Clark as the 10th International Regional Director and Soror Danette Anthony Reed as the 31st Supreme Basileus of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. The evening dinner was followed by a concert by R&B performing artist Peabo Bryson and the President's Reception.

31stInternational RegionalConference

31st International Regional Conference

For the 31st International Regional Conference we were "Together Again: Serving Internationally with Excellence" in Orlando, Florida. Ninth International Regional Director, Soror Joy Elaine Daley presided over the conference that took place July 7-9, 2022. Sorors traveled across oceans to be "together again," and we packed our chucks, jeans and pearls as well. We celebrated our jewels, honored sorors and handled the business of Alpha Kappa Alpha and the International Region. Congratulations to Conference Chairman Soror Sherida DuBose Parsons and Co-Chairman

Lateasa Reed, along with host chapters Psi Delta Omega in Windsor, Canada and Mu Psi Omega in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

Soror

31st International Regional Conference

InternationalRegion SOARS

International Region Soars 2022 International Region Cluster

Our 2022 International Region Atlantic and Pacific Cluster Conference on Saturday, November 19, 2022 showed that we are indeed “Soaring in Sisterhood – The Ingenious Way!” We had a wonderful time coming together to hear about our program initiatives, chapter bylaws submissions, protocol, chapter financial procedures, standards, the AKA brand, the Membership Experience, EAF, regional awards and more.

Our International Region Cluster Coordinators, Soror Lisa Mitchell-Harris for the Atlantic Cluster and Soror Clarine Simpson Vaughn from the Pacific Cluster, covered every detail, as did all of the presenters and speakers.

We were also blessed to have several of our former Regional Directors join us: Second International Regional Director Soror Phyllis E. Robinson, Third International Regional Director Soror Wilma Holmes Tootle, Fourth International Regional Director Soror Nadine C. Bonds, and Eighth International Regional Director Soror Gizette “Gigi” Canegata Thomas.

Sorors were amazed by the beautiful poetic contribution of Soror Marsha Watson. Soror Marsha gifted us a special spoken word presentation specifically about the Ingenious International Region called “Soaring Strong All the Day Long.”

Finally all of the chapters did a marvelous job on their Cluster Service Projects. From beaches to farms, sorors showed their commitment to Enhance Our Environment.

Meanwhile, preparations are already underway for the 2023 Atlantic Cluster in Freeport, Grand Bahama, hosted by the sorors of Pi Upsilon Omega; and the 2023 Pacific Cluster in Lagos, Nigeria, hosted by the sorors of Alpha Alpha Omega Omega.

International Region Soars

2022 Joint International Region Cluster

Projects Projects

Marsha Watson

International Region Soars

Soaring into the Holidays with Grand Babycakes

The International Region kicked off the holiday season in grand style. “Soaring into the Holidays with Grandbaby Cakes” – featuring Celebrity Chef Soror Jocelyn Delk Adams was a joint event with the Great Lakes Region and Regional Director Soror Gwendolyn Kirtley. Soror Jocelyn showed us how to make her Eggnog and Reindeer Cupcake recipes. She shared many “pro tips” and best practices to help us cook better and healthier meals for the holidays. And, her adorable daughter joined her in the kitchen to really demonstrate the value of cooking as a family. In case you missed it, the recipe cards are below to use next year or anytime,

UndergraduateSorors SOAR

2022 International Region Leadership Fellows

CHARDÉ ADDERLEY

School: University of The Bahamas (Alumna)

Status: Summer 2022

Graduate

Major: Biology with a Minor in Chemistry GPA: 3.3

Leadership Fellows Class2022 Cohort

MARSHELL SASHA BAIN

School: University of The Bahamas

Status: Junior Major: Nursing GPA: 3.28

Leadership Fellows Class2022 Cohort

International Region Undergraduates Soaring

2022 InternationalUndergraduateRegionRoundup

Our International Region Undergradutes showed what it means to be "More than First: Purpose, Passion and Perseverance". The 2022 International Region Undergraduate Roundup was held October 16, 2022 and was open to all sorors in the region. International Regional Director Soror Carrie J. Clark delivered greetings and an overview for the upcoming year. Undergraduate Member-at-Large Soror Imani Butts brought greetings and information on behalf of the Undergraduate Activities Committee. Sorors also heard presentations on finance, programs, AKA brand, moving from undergraduate to graduate chapters and more. One highlight was a video display of all of the service projects each undergraduate chapter performed to bring awareness to mental health. The event ended with a virtual vendors showcase. Undergraduate Roundup Chairman Soror Quianna E. E. Christian with Co-Chairmen Soror Chanice Jarvis and Soror Marshell Sasha Bain and all of the sorors of Rho Xi, Rho Omicron and Tau Nu Chapters did an amazing job planning the conference. Thanks also to Graduate Advisor for Rho Xi Chapter Soror Talisa GriffithSimmonds, Graduate Advisor for Rho Omicron Chapter Soror Anise Hodge and Graduate Advisor for Tau Nu Chapter Soror E’Thegra M. Symonette for also playing a major role in assisting the undergraduates.

SororsSoaringto GreaterHeights

Soror Ellen O. Pratt

Soror Ellen O. Pratt has been re-appointed by His Excellency George Manneh Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia as the Commissioner for Land Use and Management with the Liberia Land Authority. She begins another 4-year tenure which ends in 2025. As one of 5 Commissioners of Liberia’ s newly legislated land institution, she leads the development of land use reform and governance instruments, policies and ensures their implementation at the local, regional and national level in Liberia.

Soror Clarine Simpson Vaughn

Soror Clarine Simpson Vaughn has been made CEO of CelebrateLab West Africa. Now in its 9th Year the annual Conference brings lab professionals, companies, clinicians, and researchers together to improve laboratory science and the opportunities for research on diseases of interest to West Africa. The event is a regional West Africa event which will be held in Abuja, Nigeria.

Soror Maxanne A. Caines

Soror Maxanne A. Caines Appointed Senior Magistrate!

Soror Maxanne Anderson Caines is Bermuda’s first female Senior Magistrate & Coroner as of July 2022. Soror Maxanne is also Chairman of the Family Courts of Bermuda. She is responsible for the Drug Treatment Court, DUI Treatment Court and the Mental Health Treatment Court. Soror Maxanne earned her BA in Philosophy from Spelman College in Atlanta. In 1995 she acquired her Law Degree at the University of Kent at Canterbury, UK, and was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 1997. In 1999, Soror Maxanne was called to the Bermuda Bar. She is an active member of Sigma Xi Omega Chapter and former chapter basileus. Under this new role she is referred to as Your Worshipful!

Soror Deborah Hunter

Soror Deborah Hunter's Historic Race

The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee now features an exhibit that captures an historic women's relay race in 1978. Soror Deborah Hunter of Sigma Xi Omega Chapter was on the team. She was a member of the Tennessee State University Tigerbelles track and field relay team that set a world record in the indoor 880m. Her team dominated their competition on the track, in spite of unequal conditions for women and Blacks. Nike sponsored the team who was their first sponsored athletes to set a world record. Nike commissioned the museum exhibit. Soror Deborah was a 1976 Olympian representing Bermuda. She also was the first ever Austin Sealy award winner at the 1977 Carifta Games.

GraduateSorors SOAR

International Region Graduates Soaring

Alpha Alpha Omega Omega

On October 30, 2022 Alpha Alpha Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® hosted the “Enhance Our Environment” Brunch Event in Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria. It was sponsored by RF Gardens and Lettuce Tote.

RF Gardens is a community Garden that also serves as a plant shop, restaurant and community center while Lettuce Tote is a brand that seeks to eliminate plastic waste from shopping bags.

The

of this

speakers

event were environmental experts; Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, General Manager of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency and Kayode Olaniyan and Convener of Sustainability Table Discourse.

International Region Graduates Soaring

Eta Beta Omega

On Friday, November 4, 2022, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated® Eta Beta Omega Chapter had the opportunity to serve at the Mother Comfort Christ Miracle of Faith School in Paynesville, Liberia. This program is the start of the “Enhancing our Environment” initiative in which 25 students participated. Sorors discussed how to care for a garden and planted collard greens, hot pepper, and okra. Participants dug up holes for garden bed posts, followed directions of how to plant, watered the garden beds and prayed for the garden. This activity will leave a lasting impact on the community.

International Region Graduates Soaring

Eta Psi Omega

On Saturday, 29 October 2022, the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Eta Psi Omega Chapter planted 4 trees at the Emmaus Centre grounds: 3 Bougainvilleas and 1 Yellow Elder.

Golden Soror Annie Bain and advisor to the Enhance Our Environment Initiative led an informative, engaging and dynamic session on prepping the soil and planting seeds. She provided tips and strategies for starting a vegetable gardening. She also demonstrated techniques on planting seeds and transplanting the potted plant into the ground. Sorors present were given a vegetable plant to take home. Sorors are motivated to commence their vegetable gardens.

Mu Gamma Omega

This October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Mu Gamma Omega Chapter donated $9,000 to local organizations to support individuals in the community battling cancer. Funds were raised for Ribbons for A Cure, Yvonne A. Galiber Foundation, and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Sorors also participated in the local Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated chapter’s “Pink On the Road” fundraiser. That event was a walk in support of breast cancer patients.

On October 15, 2022, the Mu Gamma Omega chapter participated in the annual Relay for Life event as a Gold status team with donations in excess of $8,000. Sorors along with over 40 teams participated in a Zumba class, a recognition ceremony for those impacted by cancer, and a survivor’s dinner. The Relay allowed sorors to walk in support of finding a cure for cancer while engaging in sisterly relations activities throughout the event. MGO’s team recorded 115 laps.

Mu Gamma Omega’s AKA Hopes for a Cure Team Gets Gold

International Region Graduates Soaring

Mu Psi Omega

Mu Psi Omega Chapter, Germany, hosted their 12th Annual Women’s Empowerment Tea at Armstrong's Club in Kaiserslautern, Germany on Saturday, 10 September 2022. Over 80 guests, including local DoDDS high school students, enjoyed an exciting afternoon of socializing with new friends, discussing influential women, participating in tea-themed activities, and enjoying hors d'oeuvres with a delightful assortment of teas and pastries.

Chief Master Sergeant Charmaine Kelley is the 86th Airlift Wing Command Chief at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Chief Kelley was the keynote speaker whose empowering message focused on “Walking in YOUR Purpose.” Chief Kelley explained that we empower not only ourselves but also others when that purpose is fully realized.

International Region Graduates Soaring

Mu Psi Omega Chapter, Germany, hosted an Emerald Ball on Saturday, November 5, 2022. This extraordinary night was dedicated to honoring individuals in the Kaiserslautern Military Community who Soar to the Greatest Heights in Service and Achievement. The guest speaker was Major General James M. Smith, Commanding General of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, Germany. General Smith’s speech focused on the history of over 114 years of "Service to All Mankind" from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® and the parallels of selfless service exhibited by the distinguished recipients.

Mu Psi Omega Chapter, Germany, donated 150 backpacks and a variety of school supplies to the USO Kaiserslautern’s annual Sun and Fun celebration at Pulaski Park on 20 August 2022. This event was an afternoon of delicious food, games, prizes, music, excitement and all-out FUN for both children and families in the Kaiserslautern Military Community. Additionally, 117 backpacks were distributed to children in the DoDEA-Europe Bavaria District. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® emphasizes Uplift our Local Community in our 2022-2026 Programs of Service in Service to All Mankind.

International Region Graduates Soaring

Omega Theta Omega

Omega Theta Omega Retreats on the Indian Ocean

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Omega Theta Omega came together preparing to Soar to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood. Sorors from throughout the region and America gathered together in the “Pearl of Arabia” - Muscat, Oman for sisterly bonding and planning for the remainder of the year. Sorors received updates from the International Regional Conference and Boule. Operations, Membership, Standards, and Programs were discussed. After being briefed on the new initiatives, Sorors brainstormed on how to execute our newest program targets. The retreat weekend ended with leadership advice and encouraging

Omega Theta Omega Brings Awareness to Breast Cancer

Abu Dhabi, UAE – October 22, 2022, Omega Theta Omega hosted Pretty Fun Play Day to bring awareness to breast cancer and efforts to join the fight in our local community. OTO educated guests on the impact of breast cancer and the ease of examining yourself in an effort to always be aware of your status. Guests played creative games received prizes, a breast cancer awareness pin, educational information pamphlet and a day full of memories to cherish.

words from International Regional Director Soror Carrie J. Clark and 29th Supreme Basileus Soror Dorothy Buchanan Wilson.

International Region Graduates Soaring

Pi Upsilon Omega

Three Sorors Reach Golden Milestone

Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter crafted a golden celebration for Soror Joycelyn Gilbert-Pinder, Soror Theresa Brooks-Bastian and Soror Leona Penn on Sunday, October 23, 2022. They are our newest Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Golden Sorors. Family, friends and sorors attended the event to celebrate this major milestone. Soror Joycelyn Gilbert-Pinder was initiated in November 1972 at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. Soror Theresa Brooks-Bastian and Leona Adlaide Penn were initiated into Delta Eta Chapter in 1972 at Florida Memorial University. Soror Penn said it was special because she was pinned by US Congresswoman Fredericka Wilson, who is also a soror. Each new Golden Soror has served AKA with style, class, and grace and remains dedicated and committed to our sisterhood.

AKA Leading the Way in Mangrove Restoration!

Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter got down and dirty for a good cause! Pi Upsilon Omega partnered with Waterkeepers Bahamas to participate in various mangrove planting exercises. Our ongoing ‘Pretty Girls Planting’ initiative consisted of mangrove monitoring, potting, planting and restoration. We are pleased to align our chapter with Waterkeepers Bahamas, which is part of Waterkeepers Alliance. There are 200 Waterkeepers organizations around the world focused on issues affecting waterways including pollution and climate change.

International Region Graduates Soaring Psi Delta Omega

Psi Delta Omega Chapter of Windsor, Ontario, Canada celebrated meeting inperson for the first time since the pandemic at our chapter retreat held at Mezzo Restaurant in Windsor, Ontario. Akin to a “Sister Squad”, which is one of the new program initiatives of “Soaring Through Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood”, the retreat focused on building greater bonds of sisterhood around common endeavors and activities through intimate small groups. Sorors fellowshipped in a loving and safe environment, dined on great food, and participated in sisterly relations activities meant to reconnect Sorors.

Psi Delta Omega Chapter participated in the CIBC Walk for the Cure on Sunday, October 2, 2022 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The CIBC Run for the Cure is a 5k or 1k walk or run that raises funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. It is the largest single-day, volunteer-led event in Canada in support of the breast cancer cause. Team Psi Delta Omega Sister Squad raised $1,410 for breast cancer research.

IviesBeyondtheWall

Remembering Our Ivies Beyond the Wall

Soror Deann Laing-Jones Soror Deann Laing-Jones

Soror Deann Laing-Jones, a charter member Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter in Freeport, Bahamas recently became an Ivy Beyond the Wall. Soror Laing-Jones was a beloved chapter member who served in multiple roles over the years including former Chapter Basileus, Anti-Basileus and Chairman of Pi Upsilon Omega’s signature program, Twenty Pearls: A Salute to Excellence.

Soror Laing-Jones was initiated into Gamma Tau Chapter while attending Bethune Cookman College. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and worked for nearly 30 years as a chemist with Syntex & PharmaChem Technologies. But, she found a second career in education and was a science teacher for twenty years. Soror LaingJones touched and molded many lives with her dedication and desire to educate and serve.

Soror Paula Knox Soror Paula Knox

Soror Paula Knox, former basileus of Rho Nu Omega Chapter in Seoul, South Korea has passed away. She was initiated into Beta Phi Chapter at Ball State University in Indiana in 1979.

Soror Knox was beloved not only within Rho Nu Omega, but also within the community. She was known in the Seoul community for her loving and caring spirit. She was a successful leader within Rho Nu Omega. She raised thousands of dollars for the community during her tenure, oversaw two membership initiations in 2012 and 2014 and initiated numerous signature events during her administration including a community step show, community spelling bee, Emerald Ball and the Relay for Life.

Soror Knox worked for the Department of Defense and retired a few years ago, just before the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Her sorors in Korea describe her as the “epitome of sisterhood.”

We look forward to your submissions to The International Region Soaring P.R.E.S.S. each quarter. Please forward all articles to: akaintl.communications@gmail.com Articles should be submitted by the following deadlines:

First Quarter Issue – March 30 Second Quarter Issue – June 15 Third Quarter Issue – September 30 Fourth Quarter Issue – December 15

Chapters may submit up to three articles for each issue. Articles must be 100 words or less in a Word document file. Articles as PDF files will not be accepted. Scanned and non-editable text will not be accepted or used. Be sure to run spell, grammar and AKA protocol check before submitting materials. Please submit up to two (2) high resolution photos in jpeg format with your article. Please send your photos as individual jpeg files. Do not embed them within your article.

Please do not send photo collages. Please do not add any graphics, borders, markings or wording to your photos. Please label articles and photos with the event and chapter name.