SEP 2026
HOUSTON METROPOLITAN ALUMNAE CHAPTER DE LTA S I G M A T H E TA S O R O R I T Y, I N C O R P O R AT E D
CELEBRATING SISTERHOOD, SERVICE AND SCHOLARSHIP ACROSS HOUSTON
! k c a WE’RE B NEW SORORITY YEAR. SAME POWERFUL MISSION.
WHERE EVERY SISTER
Sparks CHANGE
S.P.A.R.K.
From the Desk of the
PRESIDENT Sorors, Welcome to the first newsletter of our new sorority year — a year already shimmering with promise, purpose, and that unmistakable HMAC sparkle. As we step forward together, I am filled with gratitude for the grace you carry, the excellence you embody, and the unwavering sisterhood that continues to illuminate our path. This year invites us to deepen our impact, strengthen our connections, and elevate our programming with intention. We will continue building on the legacy entrusted to us, embracing opportunities to grow, serve, and shine in every space we enter. I am delighted to share that HMAC is now officially part of South Texas Cluster Six, led by Soror Joana Sargeant (HAC). This new alignment opens the door to strengthened collaboration, shared resources, and deeper regional connection. Together, we will expand our reach, amplify our voice, and enrich the collective impact of our work across the region.
PERCY LY KABIR 2025-2027 BIENNIUM CHAPTER PRESIDENT
We also begin this year with a moment of great honor: HMAC proudly welcomes the 58th National Convention Coordinators. As a Host Chapter for this historic convention, we stand ready to financially support and serve with grace, excellence, and Houston hospitality. During our first chapter meeting, the coordinators will join us to share important updates as we prepare to support this monumental gathering. Their guidance will help us move forward with clarity, confidence, and collective purpose. As we embark on this journey, may our hearts remain open, our service remains bold, and our sisterhood remains the radiant force that guides us. Here is to a year of clarity, joy, sparklingand powerful, purposeful action. With love and purpose,
Soror Percy Ly Kabir Soror Percy Ly Kabir HMAC President 2025-2027
WHERE EVERY SISTER SPARKS CHANGE
THE BEACON FROM THE DESK OF THE 1ST VICE PRESIDENT
A NEW SORORITY YEAR BEGINS AND YOU BELONG HERE! A new Sorority year is underway, bringing new opportunities to reconnect and strengthen the sisterhood we share. Our leaders and committees are preparing meaningful experiences designed not simply to fill a calendar, but to deepen our connections and collective impact. Leading Within the Spark On August 22nd, HMAC’s Executive Board gathered for our Leadership Retreat under the theme, “Leading Within the Spark: The Vision. Your Voice. Our Velocity.” Our leaders reflected on how vision, voice, and leadership can move HMAC forward. The retreat was not the conclusion of that conversation—it was the beginning of a year-long leadership journey that will be reflected in how our committees collaborate, how our leaders serve, and how sorors experience HMAC. Membership Services: Strengthening Belonging The heart of Membership Services remains unchanged: welcoming sorors, supporting reclamation and retention, encouraging engagement, and strengthening sisterhood. This year, we will deepen that work through HMAC: Where You Belong.
DR. LYNELL TIPPEN WRIGHT 1ST VICE PRESIDENT & MEMBERSHIP SERVICES CHAIR
Belonging is built through the moments that may appear small but carry lasting meaning: a warm welcome, a personal invitation, an encouraging word, or recognition that reminds a soror that she is seen and valued. Monthly Belonging Challenges will invite us to turn those moments into intentional acts of sisterhood. A refreshed Look Who’s Sparkling in HMAC will celebrate sorors making a difference, while shared stories will help us recognize the meaningful connections taking place across our chapter. The numbers will tell us participation; however, the stories will tell us about impact. Together, they will demonstrate how we are strengthening a culture where every soror knows that HMAC is where she belongs. Your Invitation Membership Services may help lead this work, but belonging is created by all of us. Intentionally connect with a soror you do not know well. Extend the invitation that helps someone become involved. Recognize a soror whose contribution might otherwise go unnoticed. Come along with me as we build upon the best of HMAC and ensure that every soror can confidently say, “I am seen. I am valued. I belong.” With Sisterly Love,
Dr. Lynell Tippen Wright Dr. Lynell Tippen Wright 1st Vice President Chair, Membership Services WHERE EVERY SISTER SPARKS CHANGE
IMPACT AND ACTION FROM THE DESK OF THE 2ND VICE PRESIDENT
A NEW SORORITY YEAR BEGINS – ANCHORED IN LEGACY, EVOLVING WITH INTENTION Welcome to a new sorority year, HMAC! As we begin another year of sisterhood, service, and scholarship the Program Planning & Development (PPD) team is excited about what lies ahead. This year, we are embracing the spirit of our sorority-wide theme: One Delta. One Mission: Anchored in Legacy, Evolving with Intention. This theme reminds us that while our work is rooted in the rich legacy of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., we must continue to evolve, innovate, and respond intentionally to the needs of the communities we serve.
KAMERON BRACKINS
2ND VICE PRESIDENT AND PP&D
One Delta. One Mission. As HMAC, we are part of something much larger than ourselves. Every program, initiative, partnership, and service opportunity contributes to the collective mission of Delta Sigma Theta. Through PPD, we will work to ensure that our programming reflects that connection—honoring where we have been while thoughtfully considering where we are going. Our goal is not simply to do more programs. It is to develop purposeful, meaningful, and impactful programming that advances our mission and creates measurable value for our sorors, our youth, our families, and our community.
WHERE EVERY SISTER SPARKS CHANGE
IMPACT AND ACTION FROM THE DESK OF THE 2ND VICE PRESIDENT Anchored in Legacy Our legacy provides the foundation for our work. The Five-Point Programmatic Thrust continues to guide us as we address the needs of our community through: Economic Development Educational Development International Awareness & Involvement Physical & Mental Health Social Action This year, PPD will continue to support our committees in building upon that legacy while identifying opportunities to strengthen collaboration, increase impact, and maximize the resources and talents within our chapter. Evolving with Intention Evolution requires us to ask ourselves not only “What have we always done?” but also “What is needed now?” Throughout the sorority year, PPD will introduce exciting programming, resources, planning tools, and opportunities designed to support our committees and strengthen the way we plan, develop, execute, and evaluate our programs. We will also continue our focus on alignment with Delta's Strategic Plan and HMAC's strategic priorities, ensuring that our collective efforts are connected to a larger vision and purpose. Stay Tuned! There is much excitement ahead! As we embark on this new sorority year, we invite every soror to stay connected, stay engaged, and stay tuned for what's to come from Program Planning & Development. Together, let's honor the legacy that brought us here, embrace the opportunities before us, and be intentional about the impact we create. One Delta. One Mission. Anchored in Legacy. Evolving with Intention. Here's to a year of purpose, partnership, progress, and impact!
Soror Kameron Brackins Soror Kameron Brackins 2nd Vice President Chair, PPD
WHERE EVERY SISTER SPARKS CHANGE
THE RECORD AND THE REPLY INSIGHTS FROM YOUR SECRETARIES
FROM THE RECORD A New Year, A Clear Record A new sorority year means new programs, new business, new decisions—and a new opportunity to make sure our chapter’s record accurately reflects the work we do. As we begin the year, remember that the official record of our meetings is more than a recap. Minutes document the actions and decisions of the chapter and serve as an important part of our chapter’s history. This year, keep these three things in mind: Listen for the action. Minutes capture what was done, not everything that was said. Make motions clearly. Clearly stated motions help ensure that the chapter’s decisions are recorded accurately. Review the record. When minutes are presented for approval, sorors should listen carefully and offer corrections when needed. Every motion passed, decision made, and action taken becomes part of the story of our chapter. As we begin another year of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action, let’s make sure the record reflects our work well. From the Record
Paula Lyrse Recording Secretary
WHERE EVERY SISTER SPARKS CHANGE
PAULA LYRSE
RECORDING SECRETARY
THE RECORD AND THE REPLY INSIGHTS FROM YOUR SECRETARIES
FROM THE REPLY One Voice… One Delta As we begin a new sorority year, let’s recommit to communicating with One Voice…One Delta. With so many committees doing incredible work, it can be tempting to send a chapter-wide email every time there is an update, reminder, or upcoming event. However, more communication doesn’t always mean better communication. Our goal is to keep chapter communication consistent, organized, and easy for sorors to navigate. As a reminder: Chapter-wide correspondence should come from the President or Corresponding Secretary. The weekly correspondence is our primary source for chapter-wide announcements. If information has already been included there, there is no need to follow it with a separate chapter-wide email. Plan ahead. Submit committee announcements for inclusion in the weekly correspondence so sorors know where to consistently find chapter information. Keep committee communication within the committee. Use the committee groups on the chapter website for meeting reminders, committee updates, and information specific to your committee members. Ask: “Does the entire chapter need this email?” If the information only applies to a committee or small group of sorors, communicate directly with that audience.
DR. KRISTY LOVE
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY
One voice doesn’t mean less communication. It means intentional communication—making it easier for every soror to know where to look, what requires her attention, and what action she needs to take. Here’s to a year of clear communication, connected sorors, and One Voice…One Delta. Until the next Reply,
Dr. Kristy Love Corresponding Secretary
WHERE EVERY SISTER SPARKS CHANGE
June Chapter Meeting Review A Year to Remember, A Sisterhood to Carry Forward
June marked the close of another meaningful sorority year for HMAC, a time to pause, reflect, celebrate, and look ahead. As Sorors gathered for our final chapter meeting of the 2025–2026 sorority year, the evening offered an opportunity to recognize the work accomplished, the connections strengthened, and the moments of sisterhood that made the year memorable. Throughout the year, HMAC continued to live out its commitment to sisterhood, service, and scholarship, creating opportunities for Sorors to connect, serve our communities, and make an impact across Houston and beyond. From chapter initiatives and community engagement to moments of fellowship, each gathering contributed to the collective SPARK that continues to move our chapter forward. REFLECTING ON THE YEAR The June meeting provided space to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year while acknowledging the dedication of the Sorors who helped bring those efforts to life. It was a reminder that the strength of HMAC is found not only in what we accomplish, but in how we show up for one another along the way. LOOKING AHEAD While June closed one chapter, it also created a natural bridge into what comes next. With a new sorority year on the horizon, HMAC carries forward the lessons, momentum, and sisterhood cultivated throughout the year.
WHERE EVERY SISTER SPARKS CHANGE
“ONE YEAR MAY COME TO AN END, BUT THE SPARK CONTINUES.”
WHERE EVERY SISTER SPARKS CHANGE
HMAC CHAPTER MEETING JUNE 2026
June marked the close of the 2025–2026 sorority year and gave HMAC Sorors an opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and look ahead. Throughout the year, our chapter continued to embody sisterhood, service, and scholarship, creating meaningful opportunities to connect, serve our community, and make an impact across Houston. Our final meeting was a reminder that the strength of HMAC is found not only in what we accomplish, but in the relationships, memories, and sisterhood we build along the way. As one sorority year came to a close, we celebrated the work behind us and carried that SPARK forward into the year ahead.
WHERE EVERY SISTER SPARKS CHANGE
WHERE EVERY SISTER SPARKS CHANGE
UPCOMING EVENTS SEP
12 SEP
18
SEP
19
SEP
23 SEP
30
OCT
3
OCT
3
WHERE EVERY SISTER SPARKS CHANGE
SEPTEMBER CHAPTER MEETING 10:00 AM The Collective 12401 S Post Oak Houston, TX 77045 REP YO CHAPTER: LET THE GAMES BEGIN 6:00pm-7:00pm UH: Teaching Unit 2 Building 4104 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77004 DELTA ACADEMY & DELTA GEMS PARENT MEETING 10:00am - 12:00 pm via Video Conference STEPS FOR ST. JUDE 6:30pm-8:30pm Tom Bass Park 15108 Cullen Blvd, Houston, TX 77047 CHAPTER RISK MANAGEMENT TRAINING 6:30pm - 8:00pm via Video Conference DELTA ACADEMY PROGRAM MEETING 11:00am - 12:30pm Hiriam Clarke Mutltiservice Center, 3810 W Fuqua St Houston, TX 77045 MIND, BODY & DEFENSE: RECLAIMING YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY 11:00am - 1:00pm 5330 Griggs, HTX, 77021
GIVE BACK,
GIVE BLACK
A NEW HBCU AWARENESS INITIATIVE HBCUs have long been more than institutions of higher learning. They are places where legacies are built, leaders are developed, culture is celebrated, and generations of students find community and opportunity. This sorority year, HMAC is excited to introduce Give Back, Give Black, a new initiative designed to celebrate Historically Black Colleges and Universities while supporting the alumni associations that continue to pour into their students. Beginning in October, we will spotlight an HBCU each month—sharing a little of its history, highlighting its impact, connecting with its local alumni association, and giving sorors an opportunity to make a small contribution with the potential for a big collective impact. Through partnerships with Scholarship, May Week, Youth Programs, and other areas of the chapter, we also hope to increase HBCU awareness among the young people and families we serve. Whether you attended an HBCU, love an HBCU, or simply believe in their continued importance, there will be a place for you in Give Back, Give Black. Our first spotlight is coming in October. Which HBCU will it be? Stay tuned!
WHERE EVERY SISTER SPARKS CHANGE
SEPTEMBER!
s r o r o S y a d Birth
Happy Birthday, Sorors! May your new year be filled with joy, purpose, beautiful moments, and continued opportunities to shine. We celebrate you and the light you bring to our sisterhood!
WHERE EVERY SISTER SPARKS CHANGE
WHERE EVERY SISTER SPARKS CHANGE
WHERE EVERY SISTER SPARKS CHANGE
COLLEGIATE
CONNECTIONS WELCOMING OUR NEW SORORS!
Congratulations and Welcome to HMAC! These sorors have transitioned from their collegiate chapters to continue their Delta journey with us! We celebrate this exciting milestone and are delighted to welcome your energy, talents, and sisterly spirit.
Ayanna Sowah Nilah Hurd Arianna Henry Leah Moore-Webber Tyler Brown Tamia Powers Amilion Kelly
WHERE EVERY SISTER SPARKS CHANGE
Delta Gamma Zeta Sigma Zeta Sigma Beta Gamma Beta Alpha Delta Gamma Delta Gamma
CRIMSON FINANCIAL CORNER IGNITE THE SPARK! YOUR GUIDE TO DUES AND COMMITTEE REIMBURSEMENTS Sorors, it’s time to ignite the spark and secure your financial membership for the 2027 fiscal year! Please review the following important dates and deadlines to ensure your dues are submitted on time and without additional fees.
2027 Membership Dues
July 1 – September 30, 2026
2027 Membership Dues Late Fee ($10.00)
October 1 – December 31, 2026
2027 Reinstatement Fees: $15
After December 31, 2026
$30 for 2+ Years Inactive
After December 31, 2026
*No late fees or reinstatment fees for Life Members
ELECTRONIC EXPENSE/REIMBURSEMENT FORM
➡ Go to the Committee Chair Information section. ➡ Under Common Resources, look for the Reimbursement Form icon.
Link: HMAC Expense Reimbursement Form
REMINDERS: Ensure you have all receipts and documentation ready to upload at the time of your submission. Include your committee chair’s email address for approval. All requests must be submitted within 30 days of the purchase date.
Let’s remain secure, strategic, and sister-centered as we prepare for a successful 2026!
WHERE EVERY SISTER SPARKS CHANGE
DON’T LET YOUR SPARKLE SIT UNCLAIMED: 2025 L adies’ Polos & HMACTIVE Tees
A few ladies’ polos from April 2025 are still unclaimed! If you ordered one, please plan to pick it up at the next General Chapter Meeting. Any polos not claimed at the June Chapter Meeting will be considered a donation. A complete list will be available at the Registration and Membership Services tables. If you’re unsure whether you ordered one, please check the list below. Don’t let your sparkle sit unclaimed!
Shana August
TriCia Guidry
Paulette Randle
Tempestt Bell
Marla Davis
Linda Shankle
Annie Benifield
Mylana Jackson
Christian Sherrod
Dione Burke
Sonya Johnson
LaKenya Spriggs
Megan Byrd
Jewel Johnson
Tracy Singleton
Krissy W. Davis
Valarie Landry
Nicole Thomas
Mia E. Davis
Jan Matthews
Di Tubbs
Keisha Fields
Michelle McCain
Donna White
Majorie Gibson
Kaysah L. Melancon
Monique Williams
Christina Gibson
Katessa Moody
Stacie Wright
Debra Grisby
Charmaine Perry
Below is a list of Sorors who have not retrieved her HMACTIVE Tee: Ruby Adams
TriCia Guidry
Sarita Booker
Candance Williams
WHERE EVERY SISTER SPARKS CHANGE
WHERE EVERY SISTER SPARKS CHANGE
THE SPARK REPORT Chapter Opportunities & Resources
WHERE EVERY SISTER SPARKS CHANGE
HMAC NEWS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MONTHLY COLUMNS The Beacon: Shining Light on Sisterhood Column from the 1st Vice President Impact & Action: From the Desk of the 2nd Vice President The Record and The Reply: Column from the HMAC Recording and Corresponding Secretaries Crimson Financial Corner: Finance Updates and Clarity Column from the HMAC Finance Team COMING SOON Stay tuned for these monthly columns and more ways to stay informed, connected, and engaged with HMAC!
WHERE EVERY SISTER SPARKS CHANGE
THE TORCH
SEPTEMBER 2026 Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter P.O. Box 56108 Houston, Texas 77256-6108
ABOUT HMAC The Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter (HMAC) was chartered by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in October of 1974. Since its inception, HMAC has been actively involved in supporting national and local service agencies, all while sponsoring and presenting community workshops, awareness forums and health fairs. HMAC members and partners have provided over $750,000 in scholarships, directly the youth of thebenefiting greater Houston area.
SEPTEMBER CONTRIBUTORS PHOTOGRAPHY: Cassandra Brooks, Canva.com, HMAC & Facebook page CONTENT: Percy Ly Kabir, Kristyn Cathey, Monica Hill, Jasmine Price, Matiko Austin, PhD., Santa McKnight, Harlisha Homer, and all contributing Committee Chairs.