Greetings!
Carrie J. Clark International Regional Director
I am so excited to welcome you to our sec Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® 33rd our conference theme is focused on “Cura tonight is all about you! Our mental health visible, and more prioritized than it is righ needed to focus on our mental health. Bu recently. So, let me ask you, “How are you
When we say our theme for tonight is “Mi is so much more than a slogan. It is a call t evening. It’s asking yourself “how are you answer. It is a wake-up call for us to take t we take our physical health. It is an ackno mentalhealth is just as necessary as feedin
So, we are checking in on you tonight. We guide our conversation and give us some consideration.Tonight is designed to be n transformative.
I am abundantly thankful to our Internatio Jacks who is serving as our moderator for Regional Director Gizette Canageta Thom ceremonies. We are so blessed to have th roles for this year’s Global Impact. Now, it’s
Soror Alicia V. Barnes Global Spotlight Chairman
Welcome to the International Region's Second Annual Global Spotlight . We have gathered with intentionality to focus on "Minding Our Minds - It’s A Serious Matter."
As women we are confronted with a myriad of challenges on a daily basis. At times, we become everything to everyone, we fail to be present for ourselves. Tonight we have chosen to show up for ourselves to have meaningful dialogue on the mental health issues that are confronting us across the globe.
This evening we will engage in meaningful dialogue with mental health experts from the Ingenious International Region. We will also recognize and honor a soror for her work in raising awareness in women’s mental health and wellness in her community.
We welcome you to the 33nd International Regional Conference Global Spotlight!
The 33rd International Regional Conference in Dallas, Texas will host its second annual Global Spotlight panel discussion on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. The Global Spotlight panel discussion will provide a platform for meaningful dialogue on key areas of “women’s mental health and wellness,” focusing on topics such as grief and suicide prevention. Our theme is – “Minding Our Minds – It’s A Serious Matter.”
As you are aware, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® has identified “Mental Health Awareness” as one of its areas of focus for the 2022-2026 International Program Initiatives - “Empower Our Families”. Specifically, our illustrious sisterhood has committed to “use our collective efforts to fight stigma and raise awareness related to depression, anxiety, and trauma.” In continuing our efforts to “Empower Our Families” we recognize the critical role of women to the family structure. As such, the Ingenious International Region finds it most fitting to have an insightful conversation about women’s mental health and wellness.
The evening will culminate with recognizing and honoring selected Sorors for their hard work in progressing the needle when it comes to women’s mental health and wellness in their respective communities.
Thank you for joining the International Region at the exciting and momentous event, but more importantly, thank you for participating.
Historically, it is believed that the weight of the world lies squarely on the shoulders of women. In the AfricanAmerican and communities of color this is amplified as women navigate the challenges and burdens of a system that seemed designed to destroy. While women have been able to succeed in many areas, there has been an increase in mental health concerns amongst women. Mental, neurological, and substance use disorders account for more than 10% of the global disease burden. This burden often rests squarely on the shoulders of women who, in addition to dealing with their own mental health challenges, support the men in their communities and care for their children.
Mental health conditions contribute to poor health outcomes, premature death, human rights violations, and other challenges. It is calculated that the loss of productivity resulting from depression and anxiety, two of the most common mental health conditions, costs the global economy one trillion US dollars each year. What is not accounted for are the intangible, unquantifiable losses that women experience as they often suffer in silence. While mental health conditions often affect women and men differently, there are some conditions that are more common in women. These include Bipolar II Disorder, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Some conditions are also unique to women. For example, some women experience symptoms of depression during times when they are experiencing hormonal changes, such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder around the time of their period, perinatal depression during or after pregnancy, and perimenopause-related depression during menopause. Women are also more likely than men to experience trauma and, as a result, more vulnerable to developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD).
Many societal factors impact women’s mental health. Although women may struggle with feelings of unworthiness and have difficulty showing up authentically and as the fullest versions of themselves amidst life’s challenges, the truth is that we already have everything we need inside of us to live healthy, abundant lives.This evening we will engage in meaningful dialogue with mental health experts from the International Region.
Welcome
Alicia V.Barnes
GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT CHAIRMAN
Acknowledgment of VSGs
Melissa Hanna
PROTOCOL CHAIRMAN
Introduction of Mistress of Ceremonies
Lorraine Benjamin- Metthew
Mu Gamma Omega
Madam Regional Director
Introduction
Gizette Canegata Thomas
8TH INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Regional Director Greetings
Carrie J. Clark
INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Introduction of Madam
Supreme Basileus
Carrie J, Clark
INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Special Greetings
Danette Anthony Reed
INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT & CEO
Award Presentation
Carrie J. Clark
INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Alicia V.Barnes
GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT CHAIRMAN
Introduction of Moderator
Gizette Canegata Thomas
8TH INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Introduction of Panelist
Gizette Canegata Thomas
8TH INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Panel Discussion/ Q&A
Charletta Wilson Jacks
INTERNATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
Closing Remarks
Carrie J. Clark
INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR
CEREMONY MODERATOR Soror Charletta Wilson Jacks
STRATEGIST. EXECUTIVE CITY LEADER
EXPERT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
Mrs. Charletta Wilson Jacks is the International First Vice President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. She has served as International Secretary, Secretary of the Educational Advancement Foundation Board of Directors and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Housing Foundation. She possesses extensive sorority experience including active membership on the International Nominating Committee, International Building and Properties Committee, International Program Committee, International Constitution Committee, and Investigations Committee. Mrs. Jacks was the Chairman of the International Membership Committee from 2010 to 2014 and provided leadership to the sorority that resulted in over 17,000 members reactivating their membership. With more than thirty-five years of membership in the sorority, she is a Life Member, Legacy and Silver Star. Ms. Wilson Jacks was initiated into the Gamma Upsilon Chapter in 1976 at Savannah State University in Savannah, GA. She is currently a member of Lambda Epsilon Omega Chapter in Decatur, GA.
Mrs. Charletta Wilson Jacks served as the Deputy Director of Government Affairs for the 60th Mayor of Atlanta-Keisha Lance Bottoms from 2018 to 2022. In this capacity, she collaborated with stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the mayor’s legislative priority agenda with the City Council and other city stakeholders. As a result of her strategic collaboration, Mrs. Jacks was instrumental in the unanimous adoption of the yearly municipal budget, averaging over $650 million during the administration of Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Mrs. Jacks’ commitment to the City of Atlanta was recognized in grand style on February 1, 2022. The Atlanta City Council held a “Proclamation Ceremony” for Soror Charletta recognizing her 21 years of outstanding service to the citizens of Atlanta. The City of Atlanta and the Fulton County Commission declared February 1, 2022, as “Charletta Wilson Jacks Day” in the City of Atlanta and the entire Fulton County, Georgia. The 61st Mayor of Atlanta- Andre Dickens- presented Soror Jacks with the highest and most prestigious Phoenix Award for 21 years of dedicated service to the people of Atlanta.
Mrs. Jacks is a graduate of Howard University (B.A.) and Clark Atlanta University (M.PA.) and a member of Saint Philip AME Church. She is married to Bernard Ricardo Jacks and they are the parents of Ricardo Wilson Jacks. She is most proud to be called “Mimi” by her granddaughterParker Leigh Jacks.
Mistress of Ceremon
Soror Gizette Canegata Thoma
EIGHTH INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR MU GAMMA OMEGA -ST CROIX- USVI
A native of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Mrs. Gizette Canegata Thoma International Regional Director. She holds the distinction of being th the International Region to serve on the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Directors. She began her service in Alpha Kappa Alpha in 1989 when through Gamma Theta Chapter at Hampton University. A Life Membe than 25 years of service, Mrs. Canegata Thomas is a member of the S Virgin Islands graduate chapter, Mu Gamma Omega Chapter. She ha of chapter president, vice president, recording secretary, correspond treasurer, membership chairman, and parliamentarian.
Mrs. Canegata Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accoun Hampton University and a Juris Doctorate degree from Georgetown Center. She successfully passed the Pennsylvania, US Virgin Islands a exams and maintains license to practice law in Texas. Professionally, Thomas served as Director of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Re Chairman of the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission and curre consulting work. She is a member of the Brazoria Chapter of the NAA Monica Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, an organiza serving the poor. Most Friday mornings you can find her working at t distributing food in the Acres Home Community in Houston. She is th Secretary of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court #151 an active member of the Greater Pearland Area (TX) Chapter of the Link She is married to Leighton Thomas and is the proud mother of three Leon, Texas Tech University 2021 graduate - Harold and retired Airma (stepson).
GUEST PANELIST
Soror Banti Zehyoue
BantiC.Zehyoueisadedicatedmentalhealthleaderwithover20year inprovidingclinical,counseling,andsupportiveservicestoindividuals mentalillnessanddevelopmentaldisabilities.Withadeepcommitmen empoweringindividualstoovercometraumaandadversity,Bantimerg extensivebackgroundinmentalhealthwithherexpertiseinconflictm seekinginnovativesolutionstocomplexproblems.
AsasurvivorofthecivilwarinLiberia,Bantibringsauniqueperspectiv understandingfirsthandtheprofoundandlastingeffectsofconflicton families,andcommunities.Drawingfromherownexperiencesoftraum resilience,sheadvocatesforthetransformativepowerofmentalhealth andtherapeuticmodalitiesinfosteringhealingandmeaningfulsocieta contributions.
BantiholdsaDoctorofPhilosophydegreeinInternationalConflictMan KennesawStateUniversity,complementingherclinicalexpertisewith comprehensiveunderstandingofconflictresolutionstrategies.Shecom undergraduatestudieswithhonorsinpsychologyatSouthernUniversi RougeandearnedaMasterofSocialWorkdegreefromLouisianaState
Throughouthercareer,Bantihasdemonstratedleadershipandcompa varietyofmentalhealthsettings,includingrolesasaschoolsocialwor EmergencyRoomsocialworker,andcounselorforpregnantteensand mothers.Herexperiencesworkingwithdiversepopulations,fromchild elderly,haveequippedherwithadeepunderstandingofthecomplexit healthchallengesacrossthelifespan.
GUEST PANELIST
Soror Stephaanie Pelton- M
Stephanie Pelton-Miller is a clinical social worker who has m years working in the area of school socialwork. Ms. Miller is generation Army brat and has proudly served soldiers, depe and military spouses, in various professional capacities duri year career. Her areas of expertise are anxiety, autism spect and trauma.
Currently, she is a Defense Health Agency civilian serving a Worker for the School Behavioral Health Program for Lands Medical Center in Germany. Prior to that she was the Super Social Worker for the School Based Behavioral Health Progr FortHood as part of Carl R. Darnall Regional Medical Center at 7 on post schools in Killeen ISO. Prior to her DOD/ Defens Agency experience, she was in private practice where she h inpatientprivileges at the Metroplex Behavioral Health a loc hospital. She has also worked at the Warrior inTransition Un was the first licensed Social Worker hired by Killeen ISD's sp education department, and worked in a pilot program that partnership between MHMR and TYC at the Mexia StateSch Master of Science in Social Work, from the University of Tex and a Bachelor ofArts in Sociology from the University of M Baylor.
GUEST PANELIST
Soror Monica W. Sa
Monica W. Samuel, M.S., is a dedicated psychotherapist experience in providing psychotherapy, conducting psy evaluations, and offering expert consultation in academ hospital settings. She holds a Master of Science in Clinic Howard University (Washington, D.C,) and a Bachelor o from Spelman College (Atlanta, Georgia). Monica's clinic various areas, including complex trauma, mood disorde the psychological impact of health-related concerns.
With a passion for empowering individuals to find and want to lead, Monica has worked with diverse populatio adults, in both clinical and educational settings. Her ext includes providing direct mental health support, condu evaluations, and providing consultation to promote edu employment success.
Monica's commitment to advancing the field of psycho her clinical practice. She has served as an adjunct facul lecturer at esteemed institutions, including Trinity Colle D.C.) and Howard University, where she developed and Clinical Psychology, Child Development, Theories of Pe Psychological Testing.
Teorah Lowe Ferfuson GUEST PANELIST
Mrs. Teorah Lowe-Ferguson retired onDecember 31st of 2022 after 41 year spent 4 years teaching primary school, 12 years teaching high school, 2 ye counselor and 23 years working at COB/UB as a counselor. She held the p Director and Director of Counseling and Health Services Department at C Director of the Academic Counseling andAdvisement Unit at University o Ferguson holds a Master of Science Degree (M Sc in School counseling) fr Nebraska, Kearney, Nebraska, a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education Degre English Literature) from the University of the West Indies/College of the B Associates Degree in Primary Education (UWI/COB). She also holds certif Introduction to Logotherapy, Logotherapy Intermediate “C”, Solution Foc Therapy, Crisis Intervention, Art Therapy, Bullying Prevention and Interve and Child Abuse, Grief Therapy, Play Therapy, Mindfulness, Counseling LG
She has done research in depression on College of the Bahamas Campus Resiliency. Ms. Lowe- Ferguson had responsibility for, Student Developm Intervention, Learning Support Services in the Unit and was responsible f students on academic probation and suspension matriculate successfully University, this included academic and personal/social counseling, acade developing individual plan of action, Peer Tutoring and Peer Mentoring.S coordinator for Career and Job Placement Services. Mrs. Ferguson, enjoys reading, traveling, watching documentaries and ba she loves spending time with her family. She has three adult children, Taj She is a proud member of Pilot club of Nassau, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sororit she attends Revolution Church.
INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR
GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT CHAIRMAN
Soror Carrie J. Clark
Soror Alicia V. Barnes
Soror Lorraine Benjamin- Matthew
MU GAMMA OMEGA
Soror Monique Matthias
SIGMA THETA OMEGA
Soror Berlin Wallace
MU GAMMA OMEGA
ENTERTAINMENT
