2023 Q1 OCO Ivy Line Newsletter

TheIvy Line

OmicronChi Omega

Greetings Sorors:

A MESSAGE FROM THE BASILEUS

We are Soaring in 2023! To our outgoing officers and chairmen, thank you for your service to Omicron Chi Omega (OCO). To our new officers and chairmen, I look forward to serving and soaring alongside you.

In the month of January, the Sorority hosted an amazing 115th Founders’ Day celebration at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center (Maryland) and in Washington, D.C. OCO was responsible for Sisterly Relations, leading three events during the celebration. Special acknowledgment to the following Sorors that served as Committee Leads and Subcommittee Leads:

• Sisterly Relations: Soror Christina Henry Roberson

• Decorations: Soror Cheryl Lamar and Soror Cheryl Kelly

• Supreme Basilei Book Signing: Soror Marguerite Taylor

As a Chapter, we observed Founders’ Day during our February Chapter meeting. OCO highlighted the legacy of our Founders, spotlighted our Chapter Charter members, and renewed our commitment and love for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®️

Programs are the heartbeat of our organization and we are continuing to provide service to all mankind. Initiative 6: Uplift our Local Community kicked off our 2023 Program Calendar by organizing an outstanding donation for the 115th Founders’ Day community service project. OCO collected 196 boxes of tampons and 173 boxes of pads. Initiative 1: Strengthen Our Sisterhood picked up the baton with our MLK Day of Service. Committee members delivered 65 meals to SERVE and 40 meals to Hilda Barg shelters. Congratulations to Initiative 3: Empower Our Families for kicking off our Youth Leadership Institute (YLI). Sorors, we are Soaring!

In the month of February, Initiative 5 and several OCO Sorors participated in AKA Day at the Capitol. Sorors had an opportunity to tour the Capitol and meet with their legislators. Initiative 2: Empower Our Families kicked off our Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Pack (CHIPP) program at West Gate Elementary School. Sorors packed 50 Power Packs and 25 went home with students the following day. Sorors, we are Soaring!

As we continue to Soar, remember our Sisterhood is a serious matter! We must nurture our ivy, love, and support one another. In the month of March, the Membership Committee hosted the first Luncheon with the Basileus to welcome newly reactivated and transfer Sorors to OCO. It’ s important that we continue to support our new Sorors through fellowship and encourage them to serve on committees. The Mentorship Committee kicked off our 2023 Mentorship Program with a fabulous orientation for mentors and mentees. Sorors, we are Soaring!

Thank you Sorors of OCO for your continued commitment to service to all mankind. I enjoyed celebrating with you at the 70th Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference (MARC) in March.

Yours in Service and Sisterhood,

Christina H. Roberson Chapter Basileus

Soror Christina H. Roberson Basileus

Christina Henry

Roberson Basileus

Sonya Long

Grammateus

Deborah Sykes

Tamiouchos

Gloria Curry Anti-Pecunious Grammateus

Anika Harris Parliamentarian

Connie Glaze Anti-Basileus

Bridget Love

Anti-Grammateus

Cheryl Lamar

Pecunious Grammateus

Doris Edwards

Morgan Epistoleus

Nicole Kegler Ivy Leaf Reporter

Tatana Todd Historian

Wanda Richards

Philacter

Lauren Fallen

Chaplain

Valerie Butler

Hodegos

Arleen

McCallum

Graham

Custodian

OCO Chapter Officers

2023 OCO INITIATIVE CHAIRMEN

INITIATIVE 1

Strengthen Our Sisterhood

INITIATIVE 2

Empower Our Families

INITIATIVE 3

Build Our Economic Wealth

INITIATIVE 4

Enhance Our Environment

INITIATIVE 5

Advocate for Social Justice

INITIATIVE 6

Soror Debbie Wright

Soror Marlene Coleman

Soror Sharon Minor

Soror Deitra Williams

Soror Brenda Jackson-Sewell

Uplift Our Local Community Soror Shanay Boyd

Service and sisterhood have been the cornerstone of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® since 1908. With the theme Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood, the 2022-2026 administration seeks to build upon Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s rich legacy of service by galvanizing our sisterhood of more than 120,000 active members to lead on the front lines of change, education, and advocacy.

… from aka1908.com (2022)

Strengthen Our Sisterhood

2023 “WE ARE ONE” AKA SERVICE DAY

Sisterly Relations partnered with Tropical Smoothie Café, owned by OCO Soror Erica Blanch, in packaging and delivering healthy catered meals to the Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center and the SERVE shelter for the 1/16/23 MLK Day of Service. Members of the committee delivered 65 meals to SERVE and 40 meals to the Homeless Prevention Center.

(Initiative 1 Chairman Soror Debbie Wright)

Youth Leadership Institute (YLI)

Initiative 2 had a busy and exciting start to 2023. It kicked off its first Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) session on January 28, 2023, from 10am-noon at the Boys and Girls Club in Dumfries, VA. Fourteen students from the surrounding area participated, and 14 Sorors were also in attendance.

The launch included a welcome by our Basileus, Soror Christina Henry Roberson, and Initiative 2 Chairman Soror Marlene Coleman. SubCommittee Chairmen Sorors Patience Hill, Freda Lawrence, and Shana Dixon facilitated an interactive overview of the program’s three modules.

The students had the opportunity to participate in an interactive teambuilding ice breaker to learn about each other. They also brainstormed on activities for future sessions. Students were provided with a pizza lunch and raffles throughout the session. Before leaving, the leader for the next session was chosen, and students were encouraged to bring one friend to the next session, scheduled for February 25, 2023.

(Above) Initiative 2 Chairman Soror Marlene Coleman made a presentation. (Left) Sorors at YLI at the Boys & Girls Club in Dumfries, VA.

Empower Our Families Initiative 2

Childhood Hunger Initiative

Power Pack (CHIPP)

Initiative 2 partnered with West Gate Elementary School (Manassas, VA) to provide power packs filled with nutritious meals and snacks bymonthly to 25 students. Childhood

Hunger Initiative Power Pack (CHIPP) kicked off its first distribution on February 9, 2023. Ten Sorors led by subcommittee chairmen Sorors Nicole Mills, Alaisha Alexander, and Nanette Howard met at West Gate to sort and stock food items purchased from Costco and donated by members of

OCO. Two-hundred and sixty-three breakfast items, 1,040 lunch items, and 2,347 snack items were inventoried. Food will be stored at West Gate inside the cafeteria in a locked cabinet. Sorors packed 50 power packs of which 25 went home with students on February 10, 2023, and the remaining packs were sent home with students the following Friday. We will continue to support students at West Gate for the remainder of the school year. Pictures were posted on social media highlighting the day.

(Pictured) OCO sorors soared with CHIPP at West Gate Elementary School (Manassas, VA).

Build Our Economic Wealth Initiative3 Tax Tip Workshop

Soror Gloria Spriggs, tax professional and business owner of Orion United Professional Tax Service, LLC, presented an informative financial wellness workshop, 2022 Tax Changes and Tips, at the March 2023 chapter meeting. She presented Virginia 2022 tax updates including a new Military Benefit subtraction and deduction for educators. She also presented Federal tax credit updates for families, education credits and energy credits. During the workshop, she also provided tax tips on how to minimize tax liability and conducted a question-and-answer period.

Virginia 2022 Tax Updates

• Increase to Virginia Standard deduction for Single and Married Filling Single to $8,000 and Married Filling Jointly to $16,000.

• New Military Benefit subtraction: Military benefits received by an individual age 55 or older may be subtracted from Virginia taxable year 2022. ($10,000 maximum)

• Deduction for Eligible Educators: An individual income tax deduction is allowed for up to $500 for the amount actually paid or incurred for eligible educator qualifying expenses.

Federal Tax Credit Updates:

• Child Tax Credit ($2,000 with AGI phaseout)

• Credit for Other Dependents, $500 per dependent (not a qualifying child)

• Child and Dependent Care

• Earned Income Tax Credit

Federal Tax Credit (Income limits for both credits)

• American Opportunity Credit: $2,500 Max Per Student Per Year

• Lifetime Learning Credit: $2,000 Max Per Tax Return Per Year

• Student Loan Interest Deduction: up to $2,500 deduction from gross income (income limitations apply)

Federal Energy Tax Credits

• Extended Nonbusiness Energy Credit for 2022: $500 lifetime energy credits for taxpayers who made improvements to their personal residence

• 2023 Residential Energy Efficiency Property Credit: updates the $500 lifetime limit to a $1,200 annual limit

• Electric Vehicle Credit: If you bought a new, plug-in electric vehicle (EV) in or before 2022, you may be eligible for a clean vehicle tax credit up to $7,500. Check to see if your vehicle qualifies: Electric Vehicle qualifications.

(Initiative 3 Chairman Soror Sharon Minor)

“First we shape our buildings, and then they shape us. The same is true of our highways, our parks, our public buildings, and the environment we create. They shape us.”

Former United Kingdom Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s quote as expanded by Claudia Alta "Lady Bird" Johnson, First Lady of the United States (1963-1969)

Through Initiative 4 (I4): Enhance the Environment, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®️ is calling on all sorors to make a positive impact to our environment. I4 will prioritize activities that promote the adoption of more sustainable and responsible practices through the following focus areas:

• Tree planting

 Goal: Plant 3,100 trees annually

• Waste reduction

 Goal: Educate on the benefits of waste reduction

• Community and home gardens

 Goal: Educate the benefits of community and home gardens

• Shredding and electronics recycling day

 Goal: Execute an annual shredding and electronic recycle day event

In January, the I4 committee encouraged sorors to recycle by participating in Prince William County’ s recycling education effort at Chinn Library in Woodbridge, VA; and shared the importance of recycling plastic items by sharing tips from Trex, an eco-friendly company that manufactures composite decks from a blend of reclaimed wood and recycled plastic items.

In addition to the focus areas, Initiative 4 accomplished the following:

• Led the chapter’s Adopt-A-Highway event in December 2022 and collected 13 bags of trash.

• During the February 2023 chapter meeting and for Black History Month, OCO chapter members were educated about the impact Black farmers have on our community and the challenges they face as black farmers.

• During the March 2023 chapter meeting, climate change was discussed, i.e., why we should be concerned about its effects and what we can do to prevent or slow down its effects.

In the coming months, the committee looks forward to tree planting activities in support of Arbor Day in April and partnering with Initiative 6: Uplift Our Local Community on gardening activities supporting the General Heiser Boys and Girls Club in Dumfries, VA.

OCO’ s I4 committee supporting the Adopt-A-Highway project in December 2022 along the Prince William County route officially designated with AKA/OCO signage from the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Transportation (Initiative 4 Chairman Soror Deitra Williams)

5

Advocate for Social Justice Connection

and Social Action Committee Initiative

Looking for a Few Good Sorors to Serve as Local Election Officers

Sorors we can be beacons for change by supporting the democratic election process by serving as Election Officer volunteers. Serving as a precinct election officer is a rewarding way to participate in elections and help ensure a fair and well-organized voting process. Be a powerful tool for change and empower communities by serving in local, state, and federal elections.

“I became a Prince William County (VA) Election Officer to continue in my family's legacy of advocacy and personal contributions toward integrity within the U.S. voting process.”

Soror Doris Edwards Morgan

What is an Election Officer?

An election officer (also referred to as a poll worker) is part of a team that conducts elections at a polling place on election day. The job is to conduct the election fairly and lawfully, and to assist voters in a courteous and respectful manner.

Officer Qualifications Officer Responsibilities

• All election officers must:

 Be a registered voter of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 Not hold an elected position, or be the employee of an elected official.

 Be available to attend all mandatory training.

 Be available from 5:00am to 9:00pm on Election Day without leaving the polling place.

Register to Be an Election Official

• Arrive at the polling place no later than 5:00am on Election Day.

• Set up voting equipment and prepare the polling place for voting.

• Check in voters at the polling place.

• Assist voters as requested.

• Maintain a polling place that is orderly and accessible to all voters.

• Accurately report results and complete paperwork to verify election information.

• Close the polling place at 7:00pm and remain until all closing duties have been completed and you have been dismissed by the Chief.

Local judications are always looking for volunteers to work the polls during the primaries, general and special elections. Visit https://www.pwcvotes.org/electionofficer for more information on becoming an election officer in Prince William County.

Upcoming Mid-Atlantic Region Connection and Social Action Committee Activities

• Legislative Townhall

• Letter Writing Campaign for Health Equity focus on Maternal Health (March and April)

If you have questions, please contact the Connection and Social Action Committee Chairman Brenda Jackson-Sewell or Co-Chairman Monika Gooden at connection@ocoaka.com.

VIRGINIA

DAY AT THE CAPITOL

February 2, 2023

Advocating!

Hosted by Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Nadine Vargas Stewart, OCO joined with Commonwealth of Virginia sorors for an engaging Virginia Legislative Day at the Capitol on 2/2/23.

Pre-event advocacy training on 1/30/23 equipped sorors with information to successfully engage with legislators. Training topics included: Virginia General Assembly 101, How a bill becomes a law in the Commonwealth of Virginia and Understanding Virginia’s Budget.

OCO’ s own The Honorable Briana Sewell, Member of the Virginia House of Delegates (HD 51), was a key panelist for the training session. This interactive workshop educated and equipped participants on the most effective strategies to ensure their voices were heard during this year's Virginia General Assembly Legislative Session and beyond.

Sorors participated in tours of the State Capitol, received recognition in both the House of Delegates and the Virginia State Senate, and several chapter members met with their legislators.

Uplift Our Community Initiative 6

Initiative (I6), Uplift Our Community, led by Soror Shanay Boyd, is designed to focus on three key areas this year: Celebrating Local Community Impact, Local Community Service Grants, and Chapter Collaboration Recognition. The committee immediately began planning several activities in January to support these areas including collecting donations for the international Period Poverty Project and collaborating with the General Heiser Boys & Girls Club, Initiative 2 - Empower Our Families, and Initiative 4 - Enhance Our Environment.

During the January meeting, I6 collected 196 boxes of tampons and 173 boxes of sanitary napkins for the Period Poverty Project. In total, OCO sorors donated 369 boxes to this critical effort.

With the General Heiser Boys & Girls Club, I6 members visited the facility and met with club contacts to identify how to best serve their community. This effort led to the committee taking on the task of refurbishing the club’s kitchen for youth culinary and life skills activities. Initiative 4 will work with I6 to upcycle, or creatively recycle, kitchen items donated by sorors of OCO for the kitchen. The committee is also working with the club to address urgent needs surrounding the exterior of the building and how OCO can address other community needs.

I6 also identified an opportunity for Initiative 2 with the General Heiser Boys & Girls Club for the implementation of their Youth Leadership Institute (YLI). The first YLI meeting kicked off on Jan. 28 at the club with I6 members in attendance, poised to support Initiative 2.

Members of I6 look forward to entering the next quarter with a continuation of these activities and more with Initiatives 4 and 6, and going back to Hylton High School to support their annual Center for International Studies conference. I6 will also look for opportunities to collaborate with the other Initiatives to develop a wellrounded program that broadly impacts and serves Prince William County.

(Pictured) I6 members collected donations for the International Period Poverty Project.

What is the Difference Between a Buddy and a Mentor?

A Buddy is: Partner Friend

Confidant

Spends time with you Friendly Comrade

A Mentor:

Shares Experiences & Knowledge

Focuses on caring

Shares Information

Invests Time

Commits to increasing another’s personal growth, knowledge, and competencies

Buddies are Membership Committee members assigned to Very Important Pearls (VIPs) that are non-members (reactivations or transferring Sorors) of OCO. Those committee members keep the VIPs engaged until they are officially members of OCO by inviting them to chapter meetings and/or activities and events. Also, they provide information on the reactivation or transfer process.

An OCO Mentor is a soror who is currently financially active with the chapter and has been financially active for at least five (5) years. She is willing to share her experience, knowledge, and wisdom of the sorority with another soror in the chapter who is new to the chapter, or the sorority, or is just in need of some additional support and/or guidance.

Soror Angela Freeman, Chairman

Soror Patrice Chappelle, Chairman

RiskManagement Trends in 2023

(Part 1 of 2)

Experts predict that 2023 will see more sophisticated ransomware, a push for stronger cybersecurity within organizations, and a slew of other trends. These, along with the rising cost of living and economic conditions will force risk management teams to become more efficient, more forward-thinking, and more involved with their teams.

Cyber-attacks across all industry sectors increased by 28% in the third quarter of 2022, and this trend is expected to continue, owing to an increase in ransomware exploits and state-mobilized hacktivism fueled by international conflicts. At the same time, as the global cyber workforce gap of 3.4 million employees widens, organizations’ security teams will face increasing pressure, and governments are expected to introduce new cyber regulations to protect citizens from breaches.

What Gives Us Access to Everything, Also Gives Everything Access to Us -

The Internet of Things (IoT) has ushered in a new era of connectivity, allowing devices to function in new and expanded ways. The IoT market is expected to grow by 18% to 14.4 billion active connections by the end of 2022. It is predicted that there will be approximately 27 billion connected IoT devices by 2025, as supply constraints ease and growth accelerates.

Meanwhile, data breaches are becoming more common, too. As a result, organizations are turning to analytics and automation to assist cyber specialists in their work. Of course, technology will never be able to solve all cybersecurity issues completely. Some automated actions can be carried out, however, in many cases, organizations will want to investigate problems discovered by analytics before taking corrective action. This means that the most effective cybersecurity environments will be complex human and machine intelligence hybrids, with critical handoffs between automated and analyticsdriven alerts and human interventions.

This will necessitate a well-defined process for identifying, screening, and responding to threats, with roles clearly defined for intelligent machines and capable humans. The process must not only identify and qualify threats but also respond to them quickly. With several threats, this is not easy, but analytics-based prioritization can help. This is not a future scenario, but rather the early stages of a present one.

Today, organizations in both the public and private sectors use analytics and, to a lesser extent, automation to improve their cybersecurity programs. There may be some uncertainty about when such technological capabilities will be fully mature, but there should be none about their necessity and likelihood of adoption.

Other trends will be discussed in the next edition of the Ivy Line. Stay tuned!

Soror Cynthia Ragland, Chairman

STANDARDS COMMITTEE

Where to Find It!

A List of Key Reference Documents

ATTENDANCE AT CONFERENCES

Constitution and Bylaws

Manual of Standard Procedure

BUDGET DEVELOPMENT

Financial Operations Resource Guide

CHAPTER FILES

Manual of Standard Procedure

Historical Records

Standards Document Retention Matrix

International Archives Handbook

CHAPTER OPERATIONS

International and Chapter Bylaws

Manual of Standard Procedure

So Now You’re Elected

International Standards Resource Guide

CORRESPONDENCE

Communication Resource Guide

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

So Now You’re Elected

GENERAL INFORMATION

“The Pearls of Alpha Kappa Alpha” - A History of America’s First Black Sorority

Twenty Pearls - The Story of Alpha Kappa Alpha Documentary

MEETINGS

So Now You’re Elected

Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised

MEMBERSHIP

Graduate Membership Experience

Constitution and Bylaws

Manual of Standard Procedure

The Official Guide of Alpha Kappa Alpha Protocol

Mentoring Guide

MINUTES

So Now You’re Elected

Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised

OFFICERS

Constitution and Bylaws

Manual of Standard Procedure

So Now You’re Elected

Leadership Handbook

Chapter Bylaws

Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised

The Official Guide of Alpha Kappa Alpha Protocol

OFFICIAL PLEDGE

Rituals

PROGRAM

International Program Resource Guide

Current International Program Brochure & Resources

PROTOCOL

The Official Guide of Alpha Kappa Alpha Protocol

AKA Brand Guidelines

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Media Guide

Public Relations & Communications

SISTERLY RELATIONS

Sisterly Relations Handbook

SORORITY HYMN

Rituals

Constitution and Bylaws

Ceremonial Songs - Singing Our Songs

Through the Years (Songbook, USB, or CD)

RISK MANAGEMENT

Anti-Hazing Handbook

Risk Management Handbook

(This is not an all-inclusive list, but rather a handy reference guide to help you find the information you need.)

www.aka1908.com (Members Only Section: Online Store/Merchandise or Resources/Forms & Documents)

Soror Wanda Richards, Chairman

EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT FOUNDATION (EAF)

Facts About EAF

It’s a new year and new administration so we would like to provide Sorors a refresher course on the Alpha Kappa Alpha Education Advancement FoundationSM (EAF).

What is EAF?

EAF is the philanthropic arm of AKA. EAF is a 501 (c)3 entity.

What is EAF’s Mission?

To promote lifelong learning by providing academic scholarships, fellowships and community grants. By supporting such a wide variety of lifelong learning projects and pursuits, we enable people to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others.

What impact has EAF made?

EAF has helped undergraduates and graduates attending colleges and universities, including HBCUs. These students and community organizations receive needed funding to initiate or support ongoing programs that benefit the communities where members live and work.

Who is a member of EAF?

Why you need to support EAF?

The EAF is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization created to fill a void in education funding.

Every financial member of AKA is a member of EAF by paying the annual dues (currently $10) when the members’ per capita is paid to the sorority.

How can you support EAF?

EAF succeeds through the generosity of members, friends, corporate and community supporters. There are many ways to support the foundation’s work through:

• Endowments

• Gifts in Honor or Memorial

• Legacy Gifting

• Corporate Giving

For more information on EAF: www.akaeaf.org/. If you have questions, please contact EAF Captain Monika Gooden at monikagooden1908@gmail.com.

GoodtoKnow

Real Estate in the Current Market

Whether you are considering buying or selling in the current market, there are quite a few things to bear in mind. In Virginia, the housing market is cooling down. Many buyers and sellers will take on a “wait and see” approach due to rising mortgage rates, climbing prices, and tight inventory conditions. Many of these factors are leaving many buyers on the sideline. Sellers still have the upper hand in the current market due to relatively strong home prices due to low supply. Either way, remember that you have options in any market.

Sellers in the current market have various reasons to sell. Strong home prices mean a larger equity payout once the home is sold. Job growth is flattening, and some people may choose to downsize for more economic stability. Others may want to have more cash available or to pay off debt due to personal circumstances. Selling your home in this market could help someone create a more comfortable nest egg or minimize monthly expenses by paying off outstanding debts. If you are interested in seeing what your home’s potential worth is; please click on the following homebot link for sellers: https://get.homebot.ai/?agentId=5ed827fb55122c00f78383c2.

Buyers in the current market have different reasons for buying in the so-called “seller’s market.”

Interest rates have already began to drop and are expected to continue to fall in 2023. Just because a home is purchased at a higher interest rate does not mean the buyer cannot refinance at a later date for a lower interest rate once it is available. Real estate is still a stable investment. Unlike cars and other personal property, real estate generally increases in value over time creating a great long-term strategy for building wealth. Homeowners are also able to reap significant benefits from tax breaks offered by home ownership. Though this may not be the most ideal time to buy, it is certainly not a bad time if you obtain the proper guidance and take the right steps. If you are interested in seeing the home value of a potential home; please click on the following homebot link for buyers: https:// get.homebot.ai/buyer?id=7946738c-01ea-4546-aa5b-92d93a4a0c33.

In summary, please be sure to have a realtor for all your real estate needs. Realtors will help you properly strategize the best course of action that gives you the greatest benefit. Your realtor will always have your best interests in mind. Remember if you are looking to buy, go ahead and get preapproved as there is no impact to your credit. Homeownership is still a lucrative and great tool to build generational wealth.

For more information, contact Soror Carolyn Vines Sapla, Esquire. (571-330-2349 / cvsapla@gmail.com/ https://vinessaplaandassociates.com/)

CELEBRATING OCO TRAI

Golden Soror Glorine W. Gholson

Golden Soror Frances Wood

Soror Briana Sewell

Golden Soror Glorine Gholson

• 2021 Scholarship name in her honor by the Women in Community Action, Inc.

• 2020 Honored as the 1st African-American teacher at Woodbridge Senior High School (Woodbridge, VA, 1966)

Golden Soror Frances Wood Organizer and 1st President of the Prince William County (VA) Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

Soror Briana Sewell

• 1st African-American elected to the Virginia House of Delegates for the 51st District

• Took office with the 162nd Virginia General Assembly on January 12, 2022

CELEBRATING OCO TRAILBLAZERS!

Soror Carolyn Custard

Soror LaTanya McDade

Soror Andrea Bailey

Soror Mary Porter McLaurin

Soror Carolyn Custard

• 1st female African American high school principal in the Prince William County Schools (PWCS) system

• Outstanding High School Principal of the Year for the State of Virginia where she ranked 3rd in the nation

Soror LaTanya McDade

1st woman and 1st African-American to serve as Superintendent of Prince William County Schools (VA), the second largest division in VA and serves more than 90,000 students

Soror Andrea Bailey

One of the 1st female African American County Supervisors and the 1st AfricanAmerican woman to serve as Vice Chairman of the Prince William County (VA) Board of Supervisors (Potomac District)

Soror Mary Porter McLaurin

• 1st Black selected by hers peers as Educator of the Year at Woodbridge Senior High School (VA, 1989) and 1st Black woman to teach in the science department

• 1st Black Staff Development Coordinator for Prince William County Schools (VA)

• 1st Black Vice President for the Lake Ridge Garden Club (VA)

Soror Venice Goodwine

Honored as a 2023 Federal 100

(February 10, 2023)

Soror Venice Goodwine is one of the Federal 100 “honored for going above and beyond in support of Federal IT in 2022.“ In her current role, Soror Goodwine is a Senior Executive responsible for delivering Enterprise IT to the Department of the Air Force.

Hundreds of nominations were submitted and the FCW panel of government and industry judges chose 100 individuals “who personify what's possible in federal IT.”

As noted on their site (fcw.com), FCW provides federal technology executives with the information, ideas and strategies necessary to successfully navigate the complex world of federal business. Launched originally as a print weekly, FCW now connects the federal IT community online, in print and through a wide range of face-to-face events.

On April 20, 2023, FCW will hold an Evening of Honors to celebrate the Federal 100 winners and Government Hall of Fame inductees. More information on the award is available online at Announcing the 2023 Federal 100 - FCW.

Soror Venice Goodwine

Congratulations onyourRetirement, Soror!

Soror Ruth Norfleet

Soror Ruth Merritt Norfleet retired from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Directorate of Operations (DO) in December 2022 after 34 years of service.

A select group of CIA officers celebrated Soror Ruth’s retirement in November 2022 at CIA Headquarters. On 4 March 2023, her daughters hosted a congratulatory celebration at Unity Church (Woodbridge, VA) that was attended by 70 family, friends, and sorority members.

Prior to her Agency career, Soror Ruth made history as the first African American female police officer assigned to Clinton, North Carolina.

Soror Ruth holds a B. A. in Political Science, a North Carolina

Certification in Law Enforcement, and a Federal Certification in Law Enforcement.

Initiated in Delta Alpha Chapter at Fayetteville State University in 1983, Soror Ruth is a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®️ and a Silver Star!

Sorors celebrated Soror Ruth!

Exceptional fellowship, food and family at the 3/4/23 celebration!

Soror Ivy Tillman

After 31 years of dedicated service to Fairfax County (Department of Family Services & Fairfax County Juvenile Domestic Relations District Court), Ivy D. Tillman, Deputy Director of Residential Services, is setting her sights on a well-deserved retirement. Soror Ivy is looking forward to committing more time to her new business venture, Ivyvine Coaching Services, LLC, getting involved with the counseling ministry at her church, spending more time with her family and significant other, and traveling among other things.

Soror Ivy has varied work experience. She has worked as a Court Liaison and Family Intervention Resource and Engagement (FIRE) social worker in the Child Welfare system and as a home-based therapist in the private sector. Soror Ivy has also worked in and managed community-based residential programs and worked as a field probation officer in the Juvenile Justice System. She will continue to work as a consultant with the RFK Community Alliance.

Soror Ivy earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from James Madison University and her master’s degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Soror Ivy also obtained her clinical license in 2012. Soror Ivy is a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®️ and a Silver Star!

OCO SOARED! (1 of 3)

Gaylord National Harbor, MD

January 12-15, 2023

OCO excelled as one of the 115th IFD Host Chapters!

Pink Tea Roses to: Leading IFD Sisterly Relations Soror Christina H. Roberson, OCO Basileus

IFD Decorations Dream Team of Soror Cheryl Lamar and Soror Cheryl Kelly

Leading the Supreme Basilei Book Signing

Westriveandwedo!

115th AKA INTERNATIONAL FOUNDERS’ DAY (IFD)

More OCO IFD Moments!

OCOSorors

We not only attended the 115th Founders’ Day but we readily soared as volunteers for our OCO Host Chapter Leaders for letter-writing advocacy, service project donations, service project packing, CHIPP bags packing, venue setup, chair cover & table linen placement, task management, event assistance, hard work and being all-around outstanding!

2023 Q1 April 27, 2023

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®

Omicron Chi Omega Chapter PO Box 1905

Woodbridge, Virginia 22195

Next Issue: 2023 Q2 Ivy Line

• OCO Chapter Anniversary

• 2023 OCO Jewels

• OCO at MARC/Raleigh

• Risk Management Trends in 2023 (Part 2)

• Initiative & Program Highlights

• The Graduates

• And more!