33 minute read
Undergrads in Action
IN ACTIO UNDER GRADS
ON
OMICRON KAPPA
APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY
BRAS FOR BREAST CANCER Omicron Kappa hosted a Bras for Breast Cancer event where participants learned about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and decorated a bra for breast cancer patients or survivors. Participants were also encouraged to write a motivational card for those still fi ghting.
OMICRON IOTA
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
MIRRORS AND MENTAL HEALTH The Omicron Iota Chapter at George Mason University hosted an event called “Mirrors and Mental,” providing a platform for students to discuss mental health challenges they have experienced during their college years. The chapter provided students with tools, skills, and resources to improve their mental health in college. The event also opened the door for Black women to fi ght against the stigma against mental health in the Black community and raised more awareness
KAPPA OMICRON
Y NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
KOming Together for Action! The ladies of the KnockOut Kappa Omicron Chapter held a voter participation and awareness event. On September 27, 2022, Soror Cheri Beasley, former N.C. Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, visited N.C. State to speak on her candidacy for U.S. Senate. Kappa Omicron’s own Soror Courtney Streeter was appointed to present in the program and introduce one of the event speakers. Omicron
On October 20, 2022, the Kappa Omicron Chapter held an event called “KOming Together for Action” as part of our Skee Week. The event committee members invited Soror Marchell Adams-David, City Manager of the City of Raleigh Municipal Government, to speak about the importance of advocating for social justice in the local community. As the fi rst woman and African American to hold the position, Marchell Adams-David inspired the chapter members and attendees to advocate for themselves and emphasized the importance of remaining active in the communities in which they live. The chapter congratulates Sorors Kiersten David and Courtney Streeter for leading this marvelous event!
THETA PI
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
PINKfest On October 24, the Theta Pi Chapter collaborated with the Mu Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Psi Delta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. to host PINKfest, an event centered around Breast Cancer Awareness. Over 70 students wrote letters to women recently diagnosed with breast cancer, enjoyed a trivia game that educated students on breast cancer, and worked together to create a mural for Sister’s Network Triangle NC. The Sister’s Network is the largest and only national Black breast cancer survivor organization in the United States.
Reflecti s: What it means to be a Undergraduate Cluster Coordinator
KAMRYN JOHNSON
Tidewater Undergraduate Cluster Coordinator
Greetings Undergraduates! I am Soror Kamryn Johnson and I am excited to represent the Tidewater Cluster in the MidAtlantic Region’s inaugural class of Undergraduate Cluster Coordinators. In the academic realm, I am in my fourth year of a fi ve year MBA program with a minor in Leadership Studies at Hampton University.I am a Fall 2021 initiate into the Gamma Theta chapter where I served as the Anti-Basileus for the Spring 2022 Semester and the interim President from May to September 2022. At Hampton, I serve as the Female Co-President for the Hampton University Five Year MBA Leadership Application Program, Social Media Coordinator for the James T. George School of Business Bigs, and I am a member of the Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society. When I am not focusing on school work or my extracurriculars, you can fi nd me hanging out with my sisters, friends, or family. I am an avid K-Pop stan who LOVES to meet other K-Pop stans.
Now that you know a little more about me and what I like to do, I fi rst want to say that I am humbly honored to serve in such an esteemed role in the region. And as you may know, any new leadership role comes with a learning curve and I have taken it in stride. Since my appointment as Undergraduate Cluster Coordinator,, I have been able to gain a deeper understanding of our illustrious sorority. I have had the opportunity to connect with many sorors at the undergraduate and graduate levels. (A very special shout out to my fellow undergraduate cluster coordinators, Sorors Morgan, Leia, Deja, and Taylor and the Tidewater Cluster Coordinator, Soror Aurelia!)
Aside from learning, I have been able to curate goals that I want to reach as an
Undergraduate Cluster Coordinator. After speaking with various undergraduate sorors, I have realized that my biggest goal is to bring us together as undergraduate sorors. I have noticed that we live in close proximity to each other but often do not see each other. In 2023, I want to change that. I want us to show up and continue to support each other beyond social media. If a chapter near you is hosting an event and you have time to stop by, go out and support! Supporting each other not only allows us to grow as individual sorors but as a whole chapter. Partner with chapters near you on events, break bread with one another, and most importantly, embrace our sisterhood together.
As we close out this semester as undergraduates, I hope that you take time to refl ect on your academics, extracurriculars, and your time in Alpha Kappa Alpha. I want you to dig deep and ask yourself what can I do as your Tidewater Undergraduate Cluster Coordinator to make this upcoming year one to remember. Someone great once said, “Do nothing without intention.” I hope you keep this in mind as we enter this new year and continue to soar personally and professionally.
If you want to connect with me, my Instagram is @KamrynJ2. I am an open book and look forward to chatting with you all about anything and everything.
Have a Happy Holiday! Soror K ryn J ns
TAYLOR WHITE
Northern Carolina Undergraduate Cluster Coordinator
Being selected as the Undergraduate Cluster Coordinator for the Northern Carolina Cluster is like a dream come true. When joining our distinguished sorority, my desire was to serve our sisterhood at a higher level, and with this position, I can do that. Under the phenomenal leadership of our Mid-Atlantic Regional Director; Soror Nadine Vargas Stewart, not only am I serving our sorority and I am bridging the gap actively with our undergraduates and graduate sorors. As the year ends, I will refl ect on the past twelve months and begin to set goals for myself as we enter a new season of abundance. In this new year, I look forward to strengthening my mental health and solidifying my personal and professional goals as my undergraduate time concludes and my adult and professional career begins. It is important to remember as undergraduates we are the heart of our sorority and I look forward to enhancing new ways to connect with our undergraduates while building long-lasting connections with one another. I pray all our sorors have time to refl ect and set goals before the new year but most importantly, spend time with the ones they love the most.
Happy Holidays from me to you!
With Sisterly Love, Soror Taylor R. Wh e
General Members' eneral Members' CORNER
GENERAL MEMBERS ATTEND FIRST FIRESIDE CHAT WITH MADAM REGIONAL DIRECTOR
By Soror Allison Baker and Soror Tiwanna Nevels
General member liaisons of the Marvelous Mid-Atlantic are poised to guide North Carolina and Virginia Sorors in Creating Opportunities to Network and Nurture with Excellence, Character and Transparency. The first fireside chat for General Members with Regional Director Nadine Vargas Stewart was held on Thursday, November 17, 2022. Madam Regional Director created an intimate, virtual setting to answer questions submitted by General Members and provide regional updates. She shared helpful information on how General Members can remain engaged with the international program and help the region “SOAR to Greater Heights of Sisterhood and Service”. Sorors Tiwanna Nevels (NC Liaison) and Allison Baker (VA Liaison) will work with the Regional Director to help plan additional chats and provide resources to increase communication with and engagement among the region’s General Members.
Connecting through local engagement
General members who need information on how to connect with a local chapter may also reach out to liaisons for assistance. Chapter Basilei and Sisterly Relations Chairmen may also wish to share information on upcoming chapter events and activities that General Members may attend, including acts of service that could
benefit from extra “woman” power. This is a great way for General Members to become CONNECTed to Sorors in their area, widen their network and support the international program initiatives.
Thank you to everyone who joined the fireside chat and submitted their questions. The liaisons look forward to working with MadamRegional Director and members of the leadership team to develop ways to increase General Member engagement, participation and communication.
For questions or assistance, General Members should contact Soror Allison
Baker at gmliaison-va@midatlanticaka. org or Soror Tiwanna Nevels at gmliaison-nc@midatlanticaka.org.
CONNECTING THROUGH KNOWLEDGE SHARING
Quarterly Fireside Chats will serve as a way for General Members to CONNECT with the Regional Director and learn firsthand about regional initiatives and updates from the Alpha Kappa Alpha corporate office.
Mini Workshops will help interested sorors seamlessly transition back to a local chapter with helpful information on sorority documents, parliamentary procedure or even protocol.
Opportunities to share talents and skills on regional committees will be available later in 2023 as the Soror Skills Form is reopened.
AGift
of Gratitude
By Soror Jacqueline Brown-Smith and Soror Tiara Sanders
As women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, we are fortunate to have such a beautiful and supportive community. During the holiday season, we have the opportunity to refl ect not only on our sorority but the support of our families and communities. Without them, it would be impossible for our sisterhood to be “supreme in service to all mankind.” In November, sorors expressed gratitude for family, sisterhood, grace, health, and the incredible gift of life during the “Week of Gratitude” on the Mid-Atlantic Region’s Facebook and Instagram pages. These refl ections sparked joy and reminded us that gratitude is integral to our sisterly bond and personal well-being.
Expressing gratitude brings many benefi ts. One of the simplest and most eff ective ways to boost our mood is to be grateful. Focusing on the things we have to be grateful for can help shift our perspective and improve our outlook. Research also shows gratitude provides impressive health benefi ts, from reducing stress to boosting immunity. Taking a few minutes each day to express gratitude for the good in our life can make us all feel better mentally and physically. We can express gratitude daily in the following ways:
Say thank you more often - be appreciative of the small things
Write a handwritten letter to someone you’re grateful for
Donate to a worthy cause in someone’s name
Pay it forward by doing something nice for someone else
Pray, meditate, or focus on the good things in your life
Keep a gratitude journal and write down fi ve things you’re grateful for every day
Being grateful radiates outward and aff ects those around us in a positive way. We can continue the “Week of Gratitude” by connecting with sorors daily to express our gratitude and serve our communities. Together, we can SOAR in service with a grateful heart!
MAR Connection and Social
LEADMid-T m V
By Soror Jessica Holmes The North Carolina Connection & Social Action Committee hosted a Week of Action leading into the 2022 General Election. The Week of Action kicked off on October 31, 2022, with Spooky Statistics on why voters should make their voices heard at the polls. The Commitee also hosted two community virtual information sessions. Our
Voting Rights and
Your Ballot session featured expert panelists Yolanda Taylor, Esq., Center for Community Law & Equity,
Daryl Atkinson,
Esq., Forward Justice, and Kamaria Lawrence, Democracy, NC.
The State of Black Women’s Economic
and Maternal Health information session focused on pay inequality, recent student loan reforms, health implications of Medicaid Expansion, and legislative efforts to address black maternal health. The discussion featured expert panelists Nicole Dozier, NC Justice Center, Karida Giddings, NC Black Alliance, and Jaylon Herbin, Center for Responsible Lending. MAR social media platforms were engaged to share important election dates, sample ballots, and poll site information, and encouraged sorors to soar to the polls together and to bring our family and friends along. The North Carolina Soaring to the Polls initiative ended with a buy Black and support women entrepreneurs call-toaction mobilization.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® North Carolina chapters participated in nonpartisan election efforts from voter registration, hosting candidate forums and community information sessions, and getting out the vote. The NC Connection and Social Justice Committee continues to plan ways to engage, educate, and mobilize voters throughout the state.
Action Committees
P ticip i In i iv
VIRGINIA CONNECTION AND SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE – ADVOCATING SOCIAL JUSTICE AND UPLIFTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES
By Imani Flowers Since the installation of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, Nadine Vargas Stewart, to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® Board of Directors in July 2022, the sorors of North Carolina and Virginia reaffi rmed their commitment to advocating for social justice and uplifting local communities under her leadership. In support of this commitment, sorors in the Com-
monwealth of Virginia “Soared to the Polls” to cast their ballots for congressional and local candidates and to address ballot referendums. Chapters hosted voter registration drives, issue forums, information sessions, and candidate debates. During its Week of Action, the Virginia Connection and Social Action Committee hosted three virtual panel discussions featuring elected leaders, community advocates, and policy experts. Open to all residents of the commonwealth, these workshop sessions were entitled “Get Election Ready: Familiarize Yourself with the Issues,” “Knowing Your Issues: Economic Empowerment- Black Women’s Equal Pay,” and “Getting Your Neighborhood Election Day Ready.” These workshops helped inform and educate participants regarding what was on the ballot, the impact of being an informed voter, and the importance of getting your neighbors involved.
Paving the way for expanded voter access, state Senator Jennifer McClellan and Delegate Marcia “Cia” Price, an active member of the Lambda Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ®, patroned the Voting Rights Act of Virginia during the 2021 Virginia General Assembly Session. Upon passage through both chambers of the General Assigned and signage into law by Governor Ralph Northam, the Act ensures all Virginia voters may cast their ballots without fear of discrimination or intimidation. As a direct result of the Voting Rights Act of Virginia, in 2022, the commonwealth went from being ranked the third most diffi cult state to cast a ballot to the eleventh easiest state within which to cast a ballot. As part of the policy reform resulting from the implementation of the Voting Rights Act of Virginia, voters were able to cast their ballots 45 days before Election Day and, for the fi rst time in the commonwealth’s history, this year, Virginia voters were aff orded the opportunity to participate in same-day voter.
Voting is your super power.
Secrets to So g
A Letter from Soror Samantha RDL Richards
Greetings, Marvelous Mid-Atlantic Region!
In July of 2022, I was appointed as your Mid-Atlantic Representative to the International Program Committee. I am genuinely excited that Sorors of this great Region are ready to SOAR with Madam Supreme Basileus, Soror Danette Anthony Reed, under the new 2022-2026 Administrative Theme – Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood™. The International Program Committee is blessed to be chaired by Soror Toria Fredrick, from the South Central Region. She understands the vision of our Madam Supreme Basileus and ensures we are in alignment. As a committee, we are committed to “Helping Sorors Soar”!
Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood™ consist of one Foundation Initiative and fi ve Program Initiatives:
Strengthen Our Sisterhood Empower Our Families Build Our Economic Wealth Enhance Our Environment Advocate for Social Justice Uplift our Local Community
I encourage each member and each chapter to understand the “Secrets to Soaring."I en e courage each member and each chapter to understand the “Secr c ets to Soari ing n ." " This Administration focuses on Collaboration, Creativity, and Community Impact. We will be breaking down silos, driving Sorors to be creative in the methods in which we operate and implement our initiatives, and promoting the earnest desire to focus on the greater good for our communities.
Are you ready to SOAR? I said, my Sorors, are you ready to SOAR? I hear your overwhelming yes!
All SOAR Program information is located on our AKA1908.com website (https://aka1908.com). Select "Member Login,"; 'Programs," and then "Resources." All the required documents will be located under the "CHIPP" and "YLI" headers.
Sorors, I am humbled and honored to serve the Marvelous Mid-Atlantic Region and ready to SOAR!!
Soror S a RDL Ri ds
WELLNESS & S f-c e in the New Year
By Soror Tracyavon Ford, LCSW-R, General Member
The New Year brings along many new resolutions. People start the year with the best intentions, but by February, they fall off the wagon. Whether you’re the type to stick to your resolutions or not, it’s always good to refl ect on the past year and set some intentions for the year ahead.
One resolution that’s always worth considering is taking care of yourself. This can mean diff erent things to diff erent people. Maybe you want to start going to the gym or eating healthier. Maybe you want to focus on reducing stress or getting more sleep. Whatever it is, resolving to practice self-care is always a good idea, as it helps you feel your best and improves your overall well-being.
So, what exactly is self-care? Simply put, instead of concentrating on temporary goals, self-care focuses on making changes to your lifestyle that you can endure for a lifetime. It’s a strategy for improving every aspect of your life and becoming the best version of yourself.
If you want to make lasting changes in 2023, here are a few things you can resolve to implement in your daily routine.
Sleep well
Your life can be improved by beginning the New Year with a regular sleep schedule and suffi cient rest. Your emotional stability, cognitive performance, and physical health are all signifi cantly infl uenced by your sleep. Considering how much it aff ects your mood and performance, it ought to be near the top of your list of self-care activities. You must include set rest periods if you wish to maintain your self-care objectives.
Discover your own solutions
When faced with a problem, we seek a quick fi x, and that’s why the solution isn’t long-lasting. But if you fi gure out a successful coping strategy for yourself, it will benefi t you both now and in the future. Find something you like and turn it into a coping technique rather than implementing suggested solutions that don’t work for you. Make sure it includes activities to satisfy your physical and mental requirements (like working out, meditation, etc.), along with something you already enjoy doing.
Eat well
Being preoccupied with a plethora of concerns and obligations often means we neglect our needs, especially nutritional ones. Giving yourself the time to occasionally prepare a nice meal that will provide you with nutrition and last you a few days is a great way to practice self-care. The benefi ts of consuming wholesome, nutritious foods are almost immediately felt by our
body and emotions in the form of enhanced functioning capabilities and mood.
Practice Thankfulness
Even amid challenging circumstances, being mindful of your blessings helps you orient yourself toward a positive outlook. Keep a gratitude journal and list what you are grateful for every day. This will strengthen your emotional resilience and lower your stress levels by keeping negative thoughts out of your mind.
Help others
Is there a better way to take care of yourself while taking care of others than giving back to society? You can donate to charities, volunteer at local community centers, or help animals in need; the possibilities are endless. The benefi ts of lending a hand and aiding those in need can be among the most fulfi lling emotions in life, signifi cantly more valuable than money.
Here’s wishing you a great year in which you (hopefully) give yourself the time and attention you require, no matter what strategies you adopt.
Happy New Year!
Follow Soror Tracyavon at https://www.tfordconsulting.nyc
MENTAL MENTAL WELLNESS WELLNESS
By Soror Tiara Sanders
As Alpha Kappa Alpha women, we are busy taking care of business and loved ones while trying to manage our jobs. It's easy to put ourselves on the back burner to ensure everyone else is happy. However, neglecting our self-care needs is not ok, as mental health is a very serious matter and should not be taken lightly.
Dr. Reba Royster, our soror and one of the most innovative mental health professionals in the North Carolina area,brings 20 years of experience to the mental health profession with a focus on trauma and treating a wide range of disorders, such as:
PTSD Depression Substance use/abuse Severe and persistent illness
"After graduating from Shaw University, my husband and I started a nonprofit for group homes which led me to my profession as a therapist," she shared.
Soror Reba's inspiration to become heavily involved in the mental health profession was her husband after learning about his childhood experiences and refl ecting on their backgrounds growing up in diff erent households.
"My advice to clients is to 'keep it in perspective.' I say this because you may be going through something diffi cult, but could it be worse?" This advice can serve as a great reminder to not compare ourselves to others.
The reality of many could be that they are unsure how to approach seeking a therapist for various reasons. Soror Reba shares that when anyone approaches therapy, it is best to interview a handful of therapists to ensure they are the best fi t. "The clients are in control because they can hire or fi re the therapist based on their comfortability and progress."
Soror Reba enjoys the challenges she gives to her clients to recognize therapeutic confrontation as she tries to embrace the positive part of their problems. "With no risk, there is no reward - there is no growth, so just seeing my clients recognize their strengths on their own and taking that leap of faith in trusting to talk to someone is beautiful."
She always ensures to include self-care in her routine because hearing and interacting with those sharing traumatic experiences can be heavy. She loves to work out, Netfl ix and chill, read, and travel for work.
Securing a F ure of Abundance for All by Gena E. Chandler, PhD. by Gena E. Chandler, PhD.
It’s important to remember that food insecurity affects us all—our families and our communities. According to recent data published by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), more than 34 million Americans suff er from food insecurity— “the lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life.”[1] The causes of insecurity are act attributable to many factors including poverty, unematt ployment, lack of a plo ff ordable housing, systemic racism, racial discrimination. Beneath the numbers, however, rac is a more troubling narrative of the detrimental e is ff ects food insecurity has on the physical and emotionfoo al well-being of its victims in all aspects of life. For al example, many su ex ff ering from food insecurity are also struggling to meet rising costs of living and medical str expenses. Those persons are faced with an unconscioexp nable decision to choose between basic needs such as na paying the rent, transportation, and in many cases, pa their healthcare. The average cost of medicine numthe bers in the tens of thousands of dollars. For people be already struggling to make-ends-meet in an economy alr racked with the high costs of in rac fl ation and further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability ex to purchase healthy food let alone handle their other to necessities is greatly decreased. ne e
Despite these dire fi gures, there are things that you can do to help fi ght food insecurity in your communities: 1. Become an advocate: speak up for legislation and local policies which help combat food insecurity. 2. Volunteer at a food bank or another food support organization like Feeding America and Meals on Wheels. 3. Donate food to support your local food pantry. 4. Sponsor a food drive or host a meal packing event. e A meal packing event with an organization like Rise
Against Hunger, Inc. Rise Against Hunger sponsors food packing events in communities across America.
Check out their website for ways you can participate! 5. Sponsor a family. Family-to-Family, Inc. is a grassroots nonprofi t 501(c)(3) hunger and poverty relief organization dedicated to providing food, personal hygiene products and other basic life essentials to American families struggling with the challenges of poverty. an
rt t. rs a. te! e
[1] https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/ food-insecurity; https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-u-s/key-statistics-graphics/#insecure
New Year, New Financial Goals:Bu d g r E nomicLegacy
By Soror Jacqueline Brown Smith
“Being fi nancially fi t is the most important element to an individual and an organization when it comes to sustainability and achieving current and long-term fi scal goals.” ~ Sarah Harris, Tamiouchos Alpha Theta Omega Chapter As we approach the end of another year, many of us are busy making resolutions for the coming months. If one of your resolutions is to get your fi nances in order, you’re not alone. Nearly half of all Americans make the exact resolution each year. Understanding your fi nancial fi tness may seem overwhelming, but as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, resources and programming are available to support this journey. The Building Our Economic Legacy initiative provides opportunities for individuals and the community in the area of fi nancial preparedness, including:
For Members Only Federal Credit
Union - the FIRST black-owned woman-led sorority-based digital banking fi nancial institution in the United States;
Financial Wellness and Planned
Giving - to assist members with legacy planning supported by expert members and wealth management partners;
Sister Circles - accountability groups designed to help set and achieve personal savings, investing, and giving goals.
Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
- promote, celebrate, enhance reach, raise visibility, and offer access to greater revenue-generating opportunities; and
Black Dollar Days – leverage buying power to funnel revenue to Black-owned businesses during June. The start of a new year is a great time to get organized and make a plan for your money. In addition to participating in sorority programming, we have included a few tips from Soror Sarah Harris, Tamiouchos of Alpha Theta Omega Chapter in Raleigh, NC and retired director of fi nancial services for the Public Schools of North Carolina, to help you prepare and manage your fi nancial future for the new year. Soror Harris off ers the following recommendations:
Most importantly: Set a budget with consideration of increases/infl ation.
Track your expenses
Have an emergency fund
Manage your debt. Pay down or pay off debt.
Save, Save, Save
Set fi nancial goals and stick to them. If you sway, quickly get back on track.
Consider investing
Consider consultation with a financial or wealth advisor.
Connect with soror-owned black businesses. The MAR Business Directory is in the member only section of the website.
Let’s all work together as a sisterhood to “Build Our Economic Legacy”!
