AKA OCO 1st Quarter 2022

March 2022

CHAPTER OFFICERS Christina H. Roberson Basileus Connie Glaze Anti-Basileus

President Christina H. Roberson

Vacant Grammateus Sonya Long Anti-Grammateus Marilyn Lee Tamiouchos Cheryl Lamar Pecunious Grammateus Kelli Johnson Anti-Pecunious Grammateus Gloria Spriggs Epistoleus Anika Harris Parliamentarian Nicole Kegler Ivy Leaf Reporter Tatana Todd Historian Ahawana Williams Hodegos

Greetings Sorors: It’s hard to believe we are ending the first quarter of 2022.

We have certainly kept the OCO train running at full speed with our Chapter programs and operations.

The Sorority hosted an amazing Founders’ Day Program showcasing the impact and legacy of Alpha Kappa Alpha over the past 114 years. As Madam Supreme stated, we must continue to carry the light and hold each other up. As a Chapter, we observed Founders’ Day during our February Chapter meeting, highlighting the legacy of our Founders and spotlighting our Chapter Charter members.

Latoya Hanes Philacter

Continued on page 2

Arleen McCallum-Graham Custodian

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Programs are the heartbeat of our organization, and we are continuing to provide service to all mankind. Target 3 kicked off our Impact Day calendar by delivering healthy meals to local shelters, followed by Target 2’s Pink Goes Red Beats and Rhythm Danceathon event. We kept the train moving in the month of February by kicking off our LMAKA Pageant in partnership with the Ivy Foundation of Greater Prince William County. Target 4 presented the Final Salute to the Harlem Renaissance and the Black Arts Movement, “Excellence Unmasked” showcasing the students’ talents throughout the DMV region. The OCO train didn’t stop there. The Mentorship Committee hosted “It’s an AKA Golden Opportunity,” featuring our 29th Supreme Basileus, Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson. The event also included leadership lessons and words of wisdom from OCO’s very own Pearl and Golden Sorors.

In the month of March, we hosted the first Breakfast with Basileus of 2022 to welcome newly reactivated and transferred Sorors to OCO. The train kept rolling in March with Target 5’s first quarter collection drive collecting shoes and eyeglasses. Additionally, Target 1 has continued to host monthly CAP sessions and find creative and interactive ways to provide students with information on college admissions, virtual college tours, scholarships, and financial aid.

Sorors, you have been busy, and I want to thank you for all that you do for Alpha Kappa Alpha and for rendering service to all mankind.

Yours in Service and Sisterhood, Christina H. Roberson Chapter Basileus

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History of Omicron Chi Omega Chapter On August 26, 1984, following the 51st International Convention held in Washington, DC, five Prince William County women met at the home of Alice Taylor with interest in starting a local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.® Attending this meeting was Roslyn Dunn, Venus Miller, Jannette Smithson, Alice Taylor, and Mary Williams. The five women discussed the potential impact such a chapter would have on the community and the necessary procedures for organizing a new chapter.

As an official interest group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the group named themselves the Princesses of Pearls. Alice Taylor was elected President, Venus Miller was elected Secretary, and Jannette Smithson was elected Treasurer.

On May 19, 1985, under the leadership of Barbara W. Davis, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, the Princesses of Pearls Interest Group officially was chartered as Omicron Chi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

The following chapter officers were installed: Alice Taylor – President, Vivian Oliver – VicePresident, Ervinia “Venus” Venus Miller-Secretary, Mary Porter – Assistant Secretary, Glorine Gholson – Correspondence Secretary, Jannette Smithson-Treasurer, Winifred Gilmore – Financial Secretary, Mary Williams–Parliamentarian, Earline Spillers – Doorkeeper, Patsy Smith – Hostess, Elma Clancy – Ivy Leaf Reporter, and Roslyn Dunn – Historian.

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Omicron Chi Omega Charter Members

First row--Jannette Smithson, Tamiouchos; Vivian Oliver, Anti Basileus; Alice Taylor, Basileus; Barbara Davis, Regional Director; Glorine Gholson, Epistoleus; Mary Williams, Parliamentarian; Venus Miller, Grammateus.

Second row—Roslyn Dunn, Historian; Debbie Hopkins; Earline Spillers, Philacter; Patsy Smith, Hodegos; Dorothy Harrington; Joyce Holmes; Addie Whitaker; Winnie Gilmore, Pecunious Grammateus; Karen Hundley; Mary Porter, Anti Grammateus; Joy Ballentine. Not pictured— Elma Clancy, Ivy Leaf Reporter.

OCO Charter Members Joy Ballentine, Elma Clancy, Roslyn Dunn*, Glorine Gholson, Winifred Gilmore, Dorothy Harrington, Joyce Holmes, Debbie Hopkins, Karen Hundley, Ervinia Miller*, Vivian Oliver, Mary Porter*, Patsy Smith, Jannette Smithson*, Earlene Spillers, Alice Taylor, Addie Whitaker, Mary Williams *Deceased

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Active Charter Members

Golden Soror Winifred Gilmore

Golden Soror Glorine Gholson

Soror Addie Whitaker

Golden Soror Alice Taylor

Golden Soror Vivian Oliver

Golden Soror Patsy Smith

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Former Presidents of Omicron Chi Omega Chapter

Golden Soror Alice Taylor

Golden Soror Vivian Oliver

Alice Taylor*

1984

Alice Taylor

1985-1987

Vivian Oliver

1988-1991

Ervinia Miller

1992-1995

Gwynne McCathorine

1996-1999

Leona Johnson

2000-2003

Winifred Gilmore

2004-2007

Cynthia Ragland

2008-2011

Addie Whitaker

2011-2013

Marguerite Taylor

2014-2017

Anika Harris

2018-2021

*1984 Princesses of Pearl Interest Group Golden Soror Winifred Gilmore

Soror Addie Whitaker

Soror Cynthia Ragland

Soror Marguerite Taylor

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Soror Anika Harris

March 2022

Pearl and Golden Sorors of Omicron Chi Omega Chapter

Pearl Soror Persephone Brown

Golden Soror Marilyn Thorne

Golden Soror Winifred Gilmore

Golden Soror Vivian Oliver

Golden Soror Glorine Gholson

Golden Soror Alice Taylor

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Golden Soror Barbara Walker

Golden Soror Patsy Smith

Golden Soror Sandra Jackson

Golden Soror Carol Patterson

Golden Soror Yvonne Allen

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Golden Soror Brenda Washington

Golden Soror Anita Freeman

March 2022

Target 1 held its #CAP Session on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

There was a total of 24 in attendance, including the two presenters. This month’s session focused on SAT/ACT Prep and a Virtual HBCU College Tour. Mrs. Shuyinthia Farley-Hembry from Butterfly Works gave the first presentation. The presenter began by giving students one of the most important testtaking tips: manage your time by first answering the questions you know. This will allow students more time for the question they are unsure about. The second tip given was do not leave any questions unanswered. Mrs. Farley-Hembry provided students with scenarios of a student who did not answer all the questions and a student who did not know a few answers but guessed and shaded in answers. Students were able to see that guessing and shading in the answers produced some correct answers which increased the student’s test scores. Students were very engaged, and examples were provided that allowed students to be interactive. Students were given examples of math questions and asked, “how would you write your answer on the answer sheet?” Students wrote their answers in the chat. They were informed, and examples showed how an answer containing

a fraction should be written on the answer sheet. It was definitely an eye-opener for many students.

Students had the opportunity to ask questions as well. In addition, Mrs. Farley-Hembry offered her support, and students were able to use her contact information if they needed help in preparing for their SAT/ACT. The second presentation was given by Mr. Royce Ridley, Senior Student Admission Counselor at Norfolk State University. Mr. Ridley took students on a virtual tour of Norfolk State University. The presenter explained what the criteria was to get accepted to NSU, and the scholarships that were available to students. As students entered the campus, they were greeted by the band’s salute to Behold the Green and Gold.

They were able to get a glimpse of the different buildings on campus: School of Education, Student Service Center, Performing Arts Center, Nursing Education Building, and the Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall to name a few. Mr. Ridley took students to the Student Service Center and discussed the resources available for students. Tutors were available to assist students with their learning, and counselors were available to assist with career counseling services.

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Students inquired about NSU Nursing Program. Mr. Ridley took the students on a tour of the new state- of- the- arts Nursing School. They were able to see the school simulated a real hospital setting with hospital beds and equipment. Students appeared to be very amazed as they viewed the layout of the setting. Mr. Ridley mentioned NSU nursing program is well known throughout many HBCUs. Mrs. Bratton added, they had two students from last year’s #CAP program to attend NSU Nursing Program this school year.

Every student needs some time to unwind and meet new friends. The Student Center is the place. Students can get a sandwich from Chick-Fil-A or a smoothie from Tropical Smoothie or just hangout.

There are activities such as bowling and swimming available to students as well.

Mr. Ridley shared his college experiences with students and sorors before closing. He overcame obstacles, got back on track, and earned his undergraduate and graduate degree. Mr. Ridley’s presentation gave students another HBCU to consider as they explore colleges and universities in their search for higher education.

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March 2022

Woman to Woman Webinar “ I’m interested in women’s health because I’m a woman. I’d be a darn fool not to be on my own side.” – Soror Maya Angelou Embarrassment? Confusion? Myths? On Sunday March 13, 2022, Target II supported women in the community with a virtual reproductive health webinar entitled Woman to Woman which was held via Zoom. The webinar’s goal was to dispel confusion on women's reproductive health. With physician experts Dr. Tiffany Wilson, Obstetrics / Gynecology Specialist and Women’s Health Educator and Advocate; Dr. Zerline Chambers Obstetrics / Gynecology Specialist, Aesthetician, and owner of Dr. Zerline Chambers-Kersey, MD; and Omicron Chi Omega’s own Dr. Aminah Jones, American Board of Family Medicine and American Board of Lifestyle Medicine physician and Wellness Coach, this knowledgeable and power packed panel answered questions with transparency and grace about women’s reproductive health, problems that have plagued women of color disproportionately, including fibroids and PCOS, and why access to health care is so important, and selfadvocacy. As our forever first lady Mrs. Michelle Obama has said, “Communities and countries and ultimately the world is only as strong as the health of their women.” Target II’s hope that through this webinar, attendees will know how to self-advocate and that they have been equipped with an arsenal of knowledge to identify issues with their health and will have access to get the proper care that they need.

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This year for the 2022 MLK Impact Day, Target III partnered with the OCO’s Soror Erica Blanch, co-owner of Tropical Smoothie Café in Manassas, to provide healthy lunches to the residents of SERVE and Hilda Barg shelters. Soror Erica personally delivered 75 meals on behalf of her company Tropical Smoothie Café. Target III is proud to continue partnering with and showcasing businesses that are AKA owned, Black owned, women owned,, and minority owned that are provided when you use the Black Dollar 365 Tracker.

2022 Black Dollar Tracker Challenge Sorors, we know you love a challenge, so we are bringing back the Black Dollar Tracker Challenge for 2022. The first, second and third place winners who track the most Black Dollars

by May 31st will receive a prize. The 2022 Black Dollar Tracker Sponsors are listed below: Diamond Sponsor - Jirani Coffeehouse owned by Soror Detra Moorman which will sponsor a prize of a $100 gift card to the first-place winner.

And Sorors, for 2022, we have not one but two Gold Sponsors who will sponsor a $50 prize of either a gift card or coupon to their business to the second and third place winners. Our 2022 Gold Sponsors are the following: Gold Sponsor - Vines Sapla and Associates, owned by Soror Carolyn Vines Sapla.

Gold Sponsor - Tropical Smoothie Café, co-owned by Soror Erica Blanch.

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Remember, the first quarter goal is $36,000, and the deadline is March 31st to track all black dollars for the first quarter. Currently, we’ve tracked $18,545. Therefore, we need to track another $17,455 by March 31st to meet our goal. Don’t forget to track any spending with the AKA vendors at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference. Let’s pick up the pace and start tracking!

Marketing Mondays Marketing Mondays is under renovation and will be back in April with a new twist. We’re adding new floors, new countertops, and a new backsplash. No, not literally. But we are giving it a fresh new look, and we are featuring businesses from the Black Business Directory. So, be on the lookout. The next edition of Marketing Mondays will be posted on Monday, April 4th. The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 1st. A link to the Marketing Monday’s form is posted on the Target 3 page on the OCO website.

April Financial Literacy Month Activities Spring is right around the corner. Target 3 is excited to see the cherry blossoms this year.

However, we are also excited about Financial Literacy Month! For Financial Literacy Month, the Target 3 committee is partnering with the Tea Rose Investment Club. The chair of the Tea Rose investment club, Soror Veronica Green will present at the April chapter meeting on how to begin investing. Additionally, the committee will send out weekly financial tips in a segment we are calling Financial Fridays. Finally, we are also challenging sorors in the chapter to go on a Financial Fast for April and either eliminate spending from one of your guilty pleasures such as Starbucks coffee and put that money towards savings or increase your 401k or IRA retirement contributions by 1%. The committee will be collecting Financial Testimonies from sorors on additional ways to save that will be distributed to the chapter at the end of the month.

Black Business Directory The Target 3 committee is thrilled to announce that the Black Business Directory has been approved and will be posted to the OCO website shortly. Stay tuned!

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March 2022

Target IV: The Arts!

A Salute to the Harlem Renaissance and the Black Arts Movement: Excellence Unmasked

--and

The Target IV Committee Members and Support Team

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March 2022

Saturday, February 26, 2022, Target IV, The Arts, presented its 2022 Salute to The Harlem Renaissance and The Black Arts Movement. This presentation celebrated the Arts during Black History Month through a virtual showcasing of the talent of 13 students in the visual, and the performing arts on the Omicron Chi Omega Chapter YouTube platform. The Talent Showcase theme, “Excellence Unmasked,” was a final installment of the Excellence Administration initiative, under the leadership of Dr. Glenda Glover, to celebrate the Arts by focusing on The Harlem Renaissance and The Black Arts Movement.

The program provided a retrospective of performances from previous years, a display of photographs and paintings from the featured eras curated by the Target IV Committee, and student artists’ paintings and graphic/visual art renderings. In addition, the program included historical background overviews of The Harlem Renaissance and The Black Arts Movements.

Students’ performances on Saturday exemplified the program’s theme, Excellence Unmasked; they showed their talents in vocal, dance, spoken word, and art presentations could not be contained, or constrained by the pandemic.

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March 2022

Target 5: Sip & Sew

2nd Annual Virtual Sip and Sew The Sewing Sisters hosted the 2nd Annual Virtual Sip and Sew on Wednesday, February 2nd at 7pm where Soror Lynetta Cheatham volunteered her time and expertise as the instructor. There were 20 people in attendance. This workshop was an opportunity to receive professional guidance on making the pillowcase dresses as well as sharing helpful tips with one another. The participants shared a beautiful array of fabrics and completed pieces.

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OCO is the Sprint Sponsor for the 2022 Beacon Literacy Walk-A-Thon. Please support Team OCO reach our goal by donating and soliciting donations to our page. Online: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/bfalp2/account/1233198

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March 2022

RISK MANAGEMENT Health & Safety Risk Mitigation (In-Person Activities) The “Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Risk Mitigation Plan and Checklist Guidance During COVID-19 Pandemic”, created by the International Risk Management Committee, provides guidance to ensure Chapters have COVID-19 safety protocols and procedures for all in person activities and events, not just MIP. According to the guidance, Chapters must develop a written Safety Plan and develop and implement a Check-in Procedure for all in-person activities.

The Check-in Procedure is to include, but not limited to, the following: A. Confirm Maximum Occupancy of the room to ensure safety capacity is not exceeded assuming social distancing requirements are met.

B. Design a Traffic Flow Plan with lanes of ingress and egress once inside the building to minimize contact, mitigate aerosol spread, and eliminate standing around in clusters and impermissible gathering.

C. Create a registration process in order to limit the number of participants and to have a roster of expected attendees.

D. Require a completed COVID-19 Questionnaire and Waiver for each participant prior to entry and ensure they are retained in a safe, private place.

E. Immediately escalate any participant who answered “YES” to any of the COVID-exposure questions in the COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire to the Basileus, Risk Management Chairman or Safety Monitor before permitting entry,

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F. Verify full vaccination status by inspecting vaccination card.

G. Conduct Temperature Check outside of the door before entry.

H. Ensure face covering or mask is properly worn over mouth and nose before permitting entry into the room or access to the event.

I. Ensure there are multiple, conspicuous hand sanitation stations with one near the entry to be used by all participants before entering the room.

J. Provide clear directions regarding safety procedures and protocols and how the activity will proceed at the beginning of the event.

K. Remind participants to refrain from gestures that promote contact such as shaking hands, exchanging elbow bumps, or hugging.

Submitted by: Soror Sharon Minor Member, Risk Management Committee Soror Cynthia Ragland Chairman, Risk Management Committee

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Redistricting is a Serious Matter Redistricting is a fairly hot topic, and it’s a Serious Matter. Redistricting impacts us at the state and local levels. Sorors, over the last few months you have probably heard a lot of redistricting across the country and in Virginia. Redistricting is the once-a-decade process when boundaries of legislative districts are redrawn to account for population shifts identified in the national Census.

Background Once every 10 years boundaries are redrawn to account for population shifts: • •

Those areas with significant growth may gain representatives Those that grew slower may lose representatives

Final redistricting maps shall constitute and establish the voting districts for the Virginia House of Delegates, the Senate of Virginia and for Virginia’s representatives to the United States House of Representatives.

In November 2020, Virginia voters approved a constitutional amendment that shifts the redistricting planning authority from the General Assembly to a bipartisan redistricting commission made up of eight citizens and eight legislatures.

The commission convened in 2021, the redistricting maps were drawn using population and demographic data. After much discussion and map drawing and reviews the Redistricting Commission was unable to reach a consensus in the allotted time frame. As a result, by law, the responsibility for overseeing the drawing of the maps was transferred to the Virginia Supreme Court. After several revisions to the maps and public comments, the Supreme Court determined a proposed set of maps fully compliant with the constitution and law in a political and nonpartisan manner.

In 2022, our newly drawn districts premiered for use for the next 10 years. The new districts: • •

In some cases, two or more districts were drawn into one district One district was to fully move from its current location outside of the current representation home location and supporter base.

Take Action We recommend that each of you, if you have not already done so, check that status of your local redistricting. VPAP is an interactive tool to show Virginia residents how redistricting impacts them. VPAP shows you if your elected representatives changed, how the political lean of your district shifted, and lets you evaluate how maps meet the legal criteria.

We recommend that each of you check the status of your local redistricting at https://www.vpap.org/redistric and make an action plan and get involved.

If you have questions, please contact the Connection and Social Action Committee Chair Brenda JacksonSewell or Co-Chair Millicent Stackhouse at connection@ocoaka.com.

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HOW TO MAINTAIN A WORK-LIFE BALANCE DURING CORONAVIRUS Excerpts taken from Johnson Center (www.jcmh.org) Between socializing, parenting, running errands, and working, the coronavirus has significantly altered how we live our lives. For many people, the public health crisis has meant a sudden shift to remote work environments as officials stress the importance of social distancing. While there are certainly benefits to working from home, the transition can be difficult and finding balance within your life can become more complicated. If COVID-19 has left you feeling burnt out, overworked, and stressed, here are some ways you can manage your work-from-home environment to create a better work-life balance.

Manage Your Expectations - Although some might interpret the remote work setting as a chance to buckle down and use free time for maximum productivity, others might feel overwhelmed by the number of changes in such a short period of time. When it comes to creating balance, Jefferson Center clinician Angela Quinn says that one of the first things you need to do is manage your expectations and give yourself understanding and forgiveness. Approaching your new working environment and your ability to be productive with a little extra grace and patience will help you navigate the transition more smoothly.

Take Regular Breaks - In a normal workday, you would have probably stopped to chat with a coworker in the hallway, get up to refill your coffee or tea, and left the office for a lunch meeting. It can be more difficult to find those break times when you’re working from home, especially if you’re feeling extra pressure to perform and “show your worth” to your employers.

Be sure to schedule regular breaks throughout your day and hold yourself accountable for those rest times by putting them in your calendar. Eating lunch with a family member or going on a walk are great ways to spend some mental time away from work. By regularly removing yourself from the work environment for 10 or 15 minutes, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to be productive when you get back to the computer instead of being exhausted and unable to focus.

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Establish Transition Times - Create cues for yourself to know when it’s time to begin working and when it’s time to stop working. For some people, mimicking a commute might be helpful.

If you’re used to driving to work, consider taking a brief walk around the block each morning to help you set your intentions for the workday and another walk in the evening to help you clear your mind. Additionally, turning off your computer can be an easy way to create boundaries between your work time and your home time since you’ll be less likely to send just one more email.

Establish a Routine - Whether you’re living with roommates, alone, or taking care of children at home, establishing a routine that works best for your situation will be key. Just remember that not every day will go according to plan and that’s completely normal.

Communicate Your Needs - Be upfront with your family members by telling them what you have going on and being respectful of their responsibilities. This applies to your professional relationships as well. If you feel overwhelmed by your workload or you’re struggling to make connections in a remote setting, talk to your manager and look for solutions together.

Proactive communication can help prevent messy situations and frustration down the road.

Be Kind to Yourself - If you find that you’re still having difficulties making adjustments or your mood has dropped significantly, monitoring your emotions and physical responses throughout the day can be a good way to determine when you might need professional help.

Quinn suggests using a simple tracking system where you rank each day on a scale of one through ten. If you notice the rankings for each day are dropping, you should consider speaking to a therapist, doctor, or counselor.

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Congratulations to Our Newest Jewels Golden Sorors Golden Soror Yvonne Allen

Golden Soror Anita Freeman

Golden Soror Carol Patterson

Silver Stars Soror Tara Cook Soror Melvina Coakley Soror Daphney Elder Soror Stephanie Hillmon Soror Brenda Johnson Soror Shellie Stubbs Soror Cassie Watson

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March 2022

Recognizing Our OCO Sorors for Oustanding Accomplishements Golden Soror Glorine Gholson was recognized by Women in Community Service (WICA) with a scholarship named in her honor. The Glorine Gholson Ingenious Scholarship recognizes her outstanding contributions to WICA and to the community. Golden Soror Glorine is also one of 12 original members of WICA and has been an active member since she was inducted into the organization in 1976.

Soror Toy Lynne Drain, EdS, MSEd, completed her EdS in Clinical Mental Health with honors from George Washington University Graduate School of Education. A ceremony was held on the National Mall in October.

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March 2022

Golden Soror Anita Freeman received her master’s degree in Practical Theology from Regent University in 2021. She was also blessed to receive her Minister License in 2021 from The Life Church in Woodbridge, VA. As a servant leader, she enjoys serving and ministering the word of God to the people.

She retired from the U.S. Government in 2021 and will begin her journey as a PhD candidate in Strategic Leadership at Regent University.

Soror Rhonda Scott Johnson is among ten business women from across the country to be selected by a panel of judges to be the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) “Top Ten” Class of 2022.

The award recognizes the recipient’s professional accomplishments, dedication to community service and significant support to advancing the ABWA mission. Soror Rhonda was nominated by the Oxon Hill Charter Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

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March 2022

Soror Lytwaive Hutchinson, the Chief Information Officer at U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency has been named one of Chief Data Officer Magazine’s (CDO) 2021 leading Data Executives. According to CDO Magazine, the publication has dedicated itself to finding the most reputable leading data executives in the federal government. Currently, the significance of data executives in the Federal space is gaining acknowledgment, and new data policies and legislation strive to strengthen the roles of these individuals. CDO is proud to distinguish these leading data executives, all of whom are deeply committed to implementing new data strategies and establish data governance in their respective agencies. CDO Magazine is honored to recognize these outstanding public officials who are pursuing collaborative, data-driven innovations toward a better society.

Congratulations to Soror Phyllis Camper on being recognized as the LEAD Mid-Atlantic: Member of the Year. This recognition is for the role she played in her company’s affinity group which is referred to as an Employee Resource Group (ERG) for LEAD (L3Harris Employees of African American Decent).

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After over 21 years in federal civilian service, Soror Doris Edwards retired in 2021 from the federal government. Not only did Doris and her honey do JH Morgan, Jr. (USAF Lt. Colonel, Retired), celebrate 35 years of marriage in 2021, but they both retired from federal civilian service on the same day. Doris spends time in her home state of Louisiana, in Virginia, and where the wind takes them.

Adventures continue for the Morgan’s as a couple and for Soror Doris as a Silver Star and Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ®

Congratulations to Soror Anika Harris on her new position. In December 2021, Soror Anika was afforded an opportunity to transition her career to focus solely on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. She currently serves as the Falls Church/Fairfax County Community Services Board’s Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion and the first person to ever hold this agency position.

Prior to her recent public sector career, she was the only African American female Vice President in an IT Consulting firm, which provided valuable experience which she shares with women in various professional capacities on how to navigate in a male-dominated environment.

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March 2022

In Loving Memory of Pearl Soror Jean Belton

January 11, 1930 - August 22, 2021

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March 2022

In Loving Memory of Soror Gwendolyn A. Boyd

March 4, 1953 – December 10, 2021

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Omicron Chi Omega Chapter Woodbridge, Virginia

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