Midwest Missile Special Edition
2014
Sisterhood Scholarship Service
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
46 Regional Conference E"tion
Leader#ip From $ Hea%
a Publication from the
!
1913 - 2013
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.!
Table of Contents Greetings from Our Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 For the Love of Delta ... A Journey from the Heart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Memories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 State Coordinators’ Article. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 ERT - Chapters that Pledged to prepare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Corporate Sponsor: Churchill Downs, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Social Action - Making an Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Midwest Region’s Award Winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Award Winners Pictorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Corporate Sponsor: Merck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Midwest Meditation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Sexual & Domestic Violence Initiative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Program Planning & Development - The Past 5 Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Collegiates - Leading, Serving, Empowering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Memories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Corporate Sponsor: APB and Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Cover Photo: Gillian Griggs pictured with Regina R. Harper. Photo courtesy of Debbie Kent.
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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.! S!terhood
Scholar"ip
2014
Service
Midwest Missile Greetings from Our Leader"ip “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11 Regina R. Harper Midwest Regional Director It is bittersweet to greet you, one last time, as the Regional Director of the Midwest Region. I count it an honor, and a privilege, to have been able to serve you in this position the past five years. When I began this journey in July 2009, I had one desire as your Midwest Regional Director; to serve you “FROM THE HEART: WE LEAD, WE SERVE” Sorors, as we gather for our 46th Midwest Regional Conference, I am proud of what we have accomplished as a region. Our region has launched innovative programs, reactivated a dozen chapters and reclaimed hundreds of sorors. Our region continues to lead the way in our Sorority and always from the heart. Thank you sorors for always keeping my charge foremost in your service: From the Heart We Lead, We Serve and We Empower. Leadership from the heart. It has been my pleasure and honor to serve with you the past five years. As a region, we have served and led the from the HEART. I will always be grateful for your hard work, love and support.
Delta Love and Mine, Regina R. Harper Regional Director
Greetings sorors of the Mighty Midwest Region! I am so excited and filled with Delta spirit as we gather together for our 46th Gillian Griggs Regional Conference. Midwest Regional While I am overjoyed Representative with Delta Love, I am saddened by the close of this chapter of my life! I was honored and overjoyed when Soror Harper extended this offer of leadership to me, and I hope I have represented our collegiate sorors well. I am proud of my fellow collegiates, who are Leading, Serving, and Empowering. As another service year comes to a close, collegiate sorors remember our obligation to continue the legacy of sisterhood, scholarship and service as part of an alumnae chapter in your area. Alumnae sorors, welcome us with open and loving arms. Thank you sorors of the Midwest Region for everything you do to advance the name of Delta! Thank you to our Regional Director for your tireless leadership of the Mighty Midwest, and thank you to the Leadership Team for your hard work and support. It has been my pleasure to serve Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. during this historic time. Sisterly Love, Gillian Griggs Regional Representative
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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.!
2014
For # Love of Delta – A J$rney From # Hea%
Soror Regina R. Harper, Midwest Regional Director 2'9-2014
In July 2009, Soror Harper started her journey as Midwest Regional Director by soliciting the vote of Sorors – “I ask that you vote for me, Regina R. Harper, for Midwest Regional Director and know that this region will be in good hands as I seek to serve you FROM THE HEART.” Soror Harper pledged to give her best every day to keep the Mighty Midwest Region “Mighty” with a little TLC – Training, Living the Sisterhood, and Communicating from the Heart. Her theme song embodies her belief in and love for the Midwest Region and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – Delta, Delta can’t you see, what you really mean to me. I’m gonna give all that I’ve got to keep Delta in my heart. Since Soror Harper’s election in the majestic mountains of West Virginia, Sorors have joined in the journey. From Founders Days to clusters to Initiations to training events, Soror Harper has visited every state within the region during her tenure. As I reflect back on her journey, certain memories and accomplishments stand out. As promised, Soror Harper is committed to Training from the Heart. She has worked with the Regional Leadership Team to facilitate a minimum of four Advisors Training workshops each sorority year, to certify over 100 membership intake trainers (MIT) and to certify Delta Internal Development (DID) trainers in such areas as Chapter Management, Sisterhood, and Conflict Resolution. Yes, Sorors – she reads the evaluations. Soror Harper wants the
Midwest trainers to be the best and let’s everyone know that the Midwest has experienced MIT and DID trainers. Living the Sisterhood from the Heart requires commitment to programming, involvement in local chapter, regional and national efforts, as well as growth in the Sisterhood. As Sisterhood is who we are; public service is what we do! As a favorite phrase of Soror Harper, I am sure Sorors have heard it mentioned many times. During Soror Harper’s administration, there was a 21% increase in chapter participation in Delta GEMS and Delta Academy programs. Midwest Sorors can be proud that 100% of Midwest Chapters are executing at least two (2) programs under the 5-Point Programmatic Thrust of the sorority. Soror Harper also initiated two regional program focuses: Diabetes Awareness as well as Sexual and Domestic Violence. Each year, Sorors and chapters have been awarded for excellence in programming during the Region’s Sisterhood Luncheons. I also remember how proud Sorors were during Delta Days at the Nation’s Capital when the Midwest had the largest contingent of collegiate Sorors at the 2010 AND 2011 Delta Days events. The Midwest Alumnae Sorors stepped up and showed out by sponsoring a collegiate Soror to Delta Days. Sorors, we are from the Midwest!
Regional Director, Regina R. Harper, pictured above with her sister Deborah R. Pickens. Photo courtesy of Debbie Trent.
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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. This reminds me . . . National Convention (2010) and the National Centennial Convention (2013). We watched in awe, stuck out our chest a little further, and made sure our Midwest pins were prominently displayed as Soror Harper recited the ritual by memory. Yes, We Come From the Midwest!! In spite of the ups and downs, Soror Harper loves membership intake and attempts to be “fair and consistent” (another favorite phrase). During her tenure, there were a total of 285 membership intake programs completed. This is an annual average of 57 chapters. By any Delta standard, this is a lot of MIT events. In 2010, she penned “What Would Our Founders Do?” as it relates to membership intake which in part states . . . As I continue to discuss the membership intake process with Sorors, approve calendars, and review packets, I am once again in awe of our Founders. In 1913, as 22 collegiate students gathered to discuss the purpose of our great Sorority, I wonder if the Founders envisioned the growth, the commitment and dedication of the many women that would follow them. What would our Founders do during Membership Intake in the year 2010? What would our Founders do? The answers are in our history. The Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. were agents of change. Our illustrious sisterhood was founded on Christian principles to bring a positive impact to our communities and to address the political issues of the day. Our colors – crimson and cream – reflect courage and purity. Remember, the membership intake process creates a sense of bonding which draws us closer as sisters and allows us to measure our strengths and weaknesses. What would our Founders do? They would 1. Focus on transforming lives; 2. Impact communities through volunteerism; and 3. Commit themselves to changing lives in a positive manner. In addition, Soror Harper created several innovative tools to assist in the execution of the Membership Intake Process: 1) MIT and DID Request Process; 2) 12 Steps to Prepare for MIT; and 3) Membership Intake Packet Assembly Sheet. As I stated, Soror Harper loves membership intake. However, the US Mail and UPS representatives for the north-side of Columbus will be relieved that package delivery will subside.
Members of Soror Harper’s review team will also be relieved. Oh, the things we do for Delta! Soror Harper is dedicated to maintaining an open door policy. She is committed to Communicating from the Heart and promoting a unified and empowered region. We all know that Soror Harper is serious about the Friday emails! Also, Soror Harper’s phone is glued to her hand. I think she utilizes “sticky tape” just like the athletes. However in all seriousness, Soror Harper committed to be responsive and she has been. Leaders must make difficult decisions but all decisions may not be respected or like. Leaders do what’s right no matter how unpopular and seek a better understanding among all. Martin Luther King stated, “A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.” All decisions have been made and communicated From the Heart. Since I was only allocated a couple of pages to talk about my baby sister, I will end with one of her favorite poems (adapted for Delta).
We Are Divine Gently graceful, yet elusively powerful. The blood of queens flows through our veins. Our ancestors ruled the ancient kingdoms of Africa with wisdom unfathomable. They dream in colors of crimson and cream. We are the living dream of our ancestors. In the company of our sisters, we serve others selflessly. The spirit of our glorious Founders guides us, Their light shines within us ever so brightly. We are the living dream of our Founders. Ladies of true wisdom, elegance and grace. We are women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required . . . Soror Harper has dedicated her life to serving others. Since 1986, she has also committed her life to Delta. Soror Harper dreams in colors of crimson and cream. She IS a woman of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. By Deborah R. Pickens, Midwest Finance Manager & Special Projects Coordinator
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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
Memo(es
Additional memories on page 19.
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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. “When I look back over my life, and I )ink )ings over ...
I can truly say, )at I’ve been blessed, I have a TESTIMONY!”
Sorors of the MIGHTY Midwest! If you were to ask the eight State Coordinators to provide one gospel chorus to accurately reflect the past five years, we would align on the quote above! Together, we have accomplished much in our region. Some of the accomplishments include: collegiate chapter reactivations, chapter anniversaries, Statewide Founders Day, State Day at the Capital, MIT Trainings, DIDs, Cluster meetings, Collegiate Retreats and the establishment of advisory teams. We have had a record number of Midwest Sorors, Alumnae and Collegiate, register and attend Regional Conferences, Delta Day at the Nation’s Capital and National Conventions. We have all attended the many Centennial celebrations and have seen thousands of Sorors take over Washington, DC THREE times depositing hundreds of thousands of dollars into the DC economy. We have lived out the theme of Soror Harper’s “From the Heart” campaign! We have been leading from the HEART, communicating from the HEART and training from the HEART. Our states have worked to increase the number of chapters that conduct programming aligned with the Sorority's Five Point Programmatic thrust. As a result, more chapters have submitted nominations for our Regional Program Planning and Development Awards allowing others within the region to share “best practices” for great programming within the MIGHTY Midwest Region! Words cannot express the love that we have for our State Facilitators! During our time together, each of us has experienced at least two State Facilitators. We would like to THANK all of the State Facilitators for leading our collegiate chapters. We appreciate the work that goes into maintaining rigorous academic, work, social and Delta schedules! All while maintaining academic excellence and actively participating on the Regional Leadership team! We LOVE and value our collegiate leaders and THANK them for their service to our states and our Illustrious
Sisterhood. We would be remiss, if we did not thank all of those who are members of our respective state leadership teams. Chapter Presidents, State Secretaries, Journalists, Chaplains, Social Action and PPD Chairs, we could not have done it without your support throughout the years. To quote John Legend “All of us LOVES all of you!” Finally, words cannot properly express our thanks to Soror Regina R. Harper for her leadership. Thank you for appointing us to serve as State Coordinators! Thank you for believing in us as leaders!!! We believe we were truly #blessed and #highlyfavored to have been asked by you to accept the position of State Coordinator and we are forever indebted to you and your leadership from the HEART! Your guidance and support enabled us to learn and grow within DELTA. We appreciate your LEADERSHIP and firmly believe that you are a DYNAMIC Leader. It has been an honor and privilege to support you and to work with some OUTSTANDING leaders within our states.
Love - Your State Coordinators
Pictured Above: Terina Matthews KY, Debbie Brooks IL, Debbie Robinson MI, Cheryl Cooper Boyd MN, Regina Cargilse Williams WI, H. Michelle Toney OH, Rachelle Hardiman Bible IN, and Carla Hunter WV; and seated are Regina R. Harper, Regional Director and Dr. Paulette C. Walker, National President.
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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
Midwest Chapters )at Pled*d to Prepare
DST C.A.R.E.S. Regina L. Greer, MW ERT Coordinator
The Midwest Emergency Response Team recognizes the following Chapters for “Pledging to Prepare” during the 2013 – 2014 year. We are stronger, more aware and more resilient because of each of the following chapter’s efforts! Illinois'
Indiana'
Kentucky'
Michigan'
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Bloomington*Normal! Carbondale! Champaign*Urbana! Chicago! East!St.!Louis! Evanston!Northshore! Glen!Ellyn!Area!! Joliet!Area!South! Suburban! Mu!Epsilon! Peoria! Rockford! Schaumburg!Hoffman! Estates! Theta!Zeta! Waukegan! Zeta!Iota!
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Evansville! Gary! Indianapolis! Southbend!
Bowling!Greer! Eta!Rho! Eta!Upsilon! Eta!Zeta! Fort!Knox! Frankfort! Hopkinsville! Lexington! Louisville! Paducah! Xi!
Ann!Arbor! Benton!Harbor! Detroit! Flint! Grand!Rapids! Inkster! Kalamazoo! Muskegon!Heights! Pontiac! Southfield!
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Ohio'
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Wisconsin'
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! Minneapolis/St.! ∆ Paul!Alumnae! ∆ Chapter! ∆ Nu!Epsilon!City*Wide! ∆ Chapter! ∆ ∆ ∆ ∆ ∆ ∆ ∆ ∆
Akron! Cincinnati! Columbus! Dayton! Eta!Omicron! Greater!Cleveland! Montgomery!County! Nu!Phi! Toledo! Wilberforce! Zeta!Alpha! Zeta!Mu!
Beckley! Bluefield! Charleston!Institute! Eastern!Panhandle! Huntington! Theta!Omega!
Kappa!Eta! Lambda!Alpha! Madison! Milwaukee! Sigma!Upsilon! Zeta!Xi!
Special THANKS to Soror Regina R. Harper for her leadership and to the Committee for their year-round diligence and effort in mobilizing our chapters’ call to action!!! Midwest ERT Committee: Regina L. Greer, MW Coordinator Illinois: Frankie Shipman-Amuwo | Indiana: Ashley Simmons | Kentucky: Angela Copeland | Michigan: Sharon Sawyer Minnesota: Kimberly Purifoy | Ohio: Venita Vivians | West Virginia: Kelli Anderson | Wisconsin: Darlene Jenkins-Ray
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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
CHURCHILL DOWNS INCORPORATED PROUDLY SUPPORTS
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. LOUISVILLE ALUMNAE AND XI CHAPTER PAGE 9
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
Social Action Programming --- Making an Impact Steadfast commitment to social activism is nothing new for Midwest sorors but our region’s political awareness and involvement programming has been especially robust over the past five years. From our strong participation in Delta Days in the Nation's Capital to regional programs like the DIVA Movement and Delta RED, Midwest sorors have been engaged in focused, meaningful and uplifting social action leadership. Through the DIVA (Deltas Involved in Voter Awareness) Movement, chapters in the Midwest Region created innovative and strategic activities, programs and partnerships to energize, inform and empower voters. Phases within the DIVA Movement focused on registering graduating high school seniors; developing strong partnerships with likeminded nonprofit organizations to inform voters about important policy issues at stake at election time and engaging in voter mobilization programs. In preparation for our DIVA Movement activities, the region's State Social Action Coordinators worked with Regional Social Action Coordinator Kim Trent to create the Midwest Region Voter Guide in 2010 and 2012. The guide which included important information about state voting rules, deadlines, and voter education and mobilization best practices - earned widespread praise, including from 22nd National President and National Social Action Commission CoChairwoman Gwendolyn Boyd and 24th National President Cynthia Butler-McIntyre, who encouraged other regions in the sorority to create similar guides to energize and inform voters. The region also honored the National Social Action Agenda's push for eco-friendly policy engagement with its Delta RED (Recycle Every Day) program. Through Delta RED, the regional social action leadership team created newsletter articles about environmental policy issues and
encouraged chapters to share the information both internally and externally. The region sold reusable grocery bags emblazoned with the Delta RED logo to help sorors remember how important it is to limit their use of plastic shopping bags, which are a real threat to the environment because they are not bio-degradable. The region has also worked with chapter leaders to build stronger ties to their elected officials through our Stronger Presence, Stronger Voice initiative. We encouraged Midwest chapters to create brochures that could be given to elected officials and asked each chapter to appoint a liaison who would link to Congressional staff members and other elected officials and share information about the sorority’s position on key policy issues. The Midwest Region also set out to encourage sorors to seek elected and appointed offices through our Midwest Appointment Project. State Social Action Coordinators were asked to work with chapter social action chairs to make them aware of opportunities for them to pursue appointments to state-level boards and commissions. Chapter social action chairs were charged with making their chapter members aware of local opportunities to serve as public officials. We are proud of the many Midwest sorors who sought elective office for the first time in recent years. Midwest sorors also made their presence known at Delta Days in the Nation's Capital, where the Midwest Region has consistently sent more collegiate sorors than any other region. State social action coordinators worked hard with chapter social action chairs to prepare Midwest sorors for Delta Days by drafting position papers for sorors to use during their meetings on Capitol Hill. As a result, Midwest sorors have been prepared, polished and focused for their meetings with federal legislators. PAGE 10
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. At the 45th Midwest Regional Conference in Illinois, federal judge Tanya Walton Pratt received, with the prestigious Stephanie Tubbs Jones, the Midwest Social Activist Award. Soror Pratt is the second recipient of the award, which was named after the late U.S. Congresswoman from Ohio, who was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Appointed by President Obama in 2010, Soror Pratt is the first African American to serve as a federal judge in the state of Indiana. Congresswoman Jones’ successor Congresswoman Marcia Fudge - was the first recipient of the award in 2009. The third Stephanie Tubbs Jones Midwest Social Activist Award will be given to a worthy recipient at the social action luncheon during the 46th Midwest Regional Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. The region’s social action successes have been supported by our strong team of State Social Action Coordinators and Facilitators. With their guidance, states and chapters in the Midwest hosted successful Delta Days in the State Capital, City Hall and School Board. State Social Action Coordinators made chapter social action chairs aware of our regional programming through their state social action conference calls, at state council meetings, and at events such as Delta Days at the State Capital. Last fall, state social action coordinators offered workshops outlining the region's social action programming and initiatives at the Ohio- Michigan and Illinois-WisconsinMinnesota state cluster meetings. Special thanks to the hard-working sorors who have served as state social action coordinators over the past five years: Illinois Sarahjini Nunn Indiana Stephanie Terry, Deidre Gray, Tavonna Harris Askew and Chloretha M. Davie Kentucky Kenya McGruder, Shenita McConis, and Cathy Thomas Michigan Jenita Moore
Minnesota Diana Giles-Gentry and Demeka Campbell Ohio Meredith Turner and Deidra Reese West Virginia Barbara Cary Wisconsin Elizabeth Snider, Kimberly Eubanks, and Rachel McKinsey
Collegiate sorors have played important roles in shaping and executing the region’s social action agenda. Midwest Regional Representatives have served as co-coordinators of the regional social action leadership team. Thank you to Sorors Gillian Griggs, Diona Morgan, Leslye C. Suarez and Leslie Nobles for their social action guidance and support. Additionally, Soror Whittney Murphy served as a collegiate special appointee to the social action leadership team. We also added collegiate sorors to our state social action leadership efforts this triennium. We appreciate the service of our inaugural State Social Action Facilitators: Illinois Kandace C. Miggins and Christine Goggins Kentucky Charisee Ridgeway and Christine Williams-Foster Michigan Brianna Kline and Shaprese M. Smith Wisconsin Javeta Ward and Ebony Balele We are especially proud that Delta Sigma Theta’s National Second Vice President Brittani Blackwell is a former Michigan Social Action Facilitator. Over the past five years, the Midwest Region has strengthened communities, addressed social ills and empowered citizens through its social action agenda. We know that sorors in the Mighty Midwest will continue to build on our distinguished record of social action and service in the future. By Kim Trent Midwest Social Action Coordinator PAGE 11
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
Midwest Region’s Award Winners AWARD NAME
2009-2010
2010-2011
2012-2013
Collegiate Chapter of the Year
Mu Theta Chapter
Mu Epsilon Chapter
Theta Zeta Chapter
Alumnae Chapter of the Year
Gary Alumnae Chapter
Akron Alumnae Chapter
Champaign Urbana Alumnae Chapter
Delta Dear of the Year
Geraldine Stewart
Soror Darlene Swanson Roy
Soror Karen Aderinto
Diabetes
Flint Alumnae Chapter
Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter
Flint Alumnae Chapter
Diabetes
Gamma Nu Chapter
Eta Upsilon Chapter
Lambda Chapter
Domestic Violence
Mu Epsilon Chapter
Domestic Violence
Detroit Alumnae Chapter
Economic Development
Mu Theta Chapter
Gamma Nu Chapter
Xi Chapter
Economic Development
Waukegan Alumnae Chapter
Joilet Area/South Suburban Alumnae Chapter
Chicago Alumnae Chapter
Educational Development
Schaumberg-Hoffman Estates Alumnae Chapter
East St. Louis Alumnae Chapter
East St. Louis Alumnae Chapter
Educational Development
Theta Alpha Chapter
Xi Chapter
Xi Chapter
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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
Midwest Region’s Award Winners AWARD NAME
2009-2010
2010-2011
EMBODI
2012-2013 Chicago Alumnae Chapter
EMBODI
Mu Theta Chapter
Xi Chapter
International Awareness & Involvement
Epsilon Iota Chapter
Eta Upsilon Chapter
Mu Theta Chapter
International Awareness & Involvement
Akron Alumnae Chapter
Joilet Area/South Suburban Alumnae Chapter
Chicago Alumnae Chapter
Midwest Advisor of the Year
Soror Debbie Brooks
Soror Regina CarlisleWilliams
Soror Briggit Miller
New Initiate of the Year
Soror Alexandria Espy
Soror Joi McAtee
Soror Kameron White
Physical & Mental Health
Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter
East St. Louis Alumnae Chapter
Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter
Physical & Mental Health
Xi Chapter
Eta Upsilon Chapter
Mu Theta Chapter
Political Awareness & Involvement
Theta Theta Chapter
Kappa Zeta Chapter
Zeta Iota Chapter
Political Awareness & Involvement
Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter
Chicago Alumnae Chapter
Chicago Alumnae Chapter
Collegiate Soror of the Year
Soror Porsche Smith
Soror Natalie Ellis
Soror Gillian Griggs
Alumnae Soror of the Year
Soror Jessye Verona Franklin
Soror Fran Jackson
Soror Charlene Greene
Centennial Soror of the Year
Soror Deborah R. Pickens
Innovative Program of the Year
Bloomington Alumnae Chapter
Innovative Program of the Year
Columbus Alumnae Chapter
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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
13 20
ard Aw ts ien p i c Re
Photos courtesy of Stephanie Stovall, Midwest Photographer.
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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGHS MAY COME OUT OF THE LAB. BUT THEY BEGIN IN THE HEART. For more than 150 years, a very special passion has driven the people of Merck. Our goal is to develop medicines, vaccines, consumer care and animal health innovations that will improve the lives of millions. Still, we know there is much more to be done. And we’re doing it, with a long-standing commitment to research and development. We’re just as committed to expanding access to healthcare and working with others who share our passion to create a healthier world. Together, we’ll meet that challenge. With all our heart. For more information about getting Merck medicines and vaccines for free, visit merckhelps.com or call 800-727-5400. Copyright © 2013 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All Rights Reserved. CORP-1060080-0006 01/13
MerckAd_Lab_Half_Clr.indd 1
Midwest Me"tation
On this journey of life, God promised in His Word that He would never leave us nor forsake us. His Word also says that we will have trials, but He has overcome the world. I offer that we take these words and treasure them as we go through life. They, along with other messages from the Bible, will bring us peace, comfort and, yes, even unspeakable joy when life seems to be coming down around us and there just doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day to do it all. For the past five years, we have stayed the course by keeping our charge to lead, serve, and empower from the heart. We have been so busy running here and there, serving on this committee and that committee, and trying to balance family life, career, education and the like that we forgotten to care of ourselves beginning with our spiritual being. Individually, and collectively, there have been mountains to climb (working to graduate, applying for grad school, un-employment, underemployment, financial
2/5/13 10:24 AM
burdens, and so many others), there have been valleys low (illness, divorce, depression, alienation, being declined for scholarships, fellowships and internships and the like), and there have been mountain top experiences (awards and recognition, promotions, scholarships, graduations, marriages, births, and many more blessings). Through it all God has been our refuge and a very present help. Whether in a position of leadership, serving as a committee member, a chapter member or a member-at-large of our great and beloved Sorority, whatever we do for God in the name of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, let us remember God is there. We may be persecuted, but we will not be forsaken; we may be struck down, but we will not be destroyed. When we uplift one another, when we treasure our sisterhood, when we do our very best we honor God and the gifts He has given each of us to use in His service. God will reward our faithfulness so let’s not
grow weary in doing good, for at the right time we will reap a harvest of blessings, if we stay the course. As we move forward in service let’s continue to look to the hills knowing God will send us help. Let us continue to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not unto our own understanding. Let us continue to believe that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. Let us move forward loving God first and our soror as we love ourselves. I encourage each of us to spend time with God, listen to His voice, reach for His extended hand, wrap ourselves in His loving arms, and feel the inexplicable power of His presence. Each one of us is on a journey with three constant companions … God who goes before us, Jesus Christ who walks with us, and the Holy Spirit who lives inside of us. With them on our side all things are possible! By Reverend Marilyn J. D. Barnes Midwest Regional Co-Chaplain
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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
Midwest Sexual & Domestic Violence Awareness Initiative
In 2011, Midwest Regional Director, Regina R. Harper, recognized an issue that warranted immediate attention: Sexual and Domestic Violence. In response to this vital matter, Soror Harper unveiled a new initiative for the Mighty Midwest, the Sexual & Domestic Violence Awareness Initiative. The initiative stressed awareness, and prevention, of sexual and domestic violence through education and to provide support for those affected by these devastating societal afflictions. National statistics reveal one in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime and every nine seconds a woman is assaulted or beaten in the United States. Additionally, one in six women and one in thirtythree men have experienced an attempted or completed rape. Of particular interest to collegiate sorors is that college-aged women are four times more likely to be victims of sexual assault than any other age group. Under the direction of Soror Harper, the Mighty Midwest has made a commitment to combat sexual and domestic violence.
Since its inception, chapters throughout the Midwest Region have conducted a wide range of sexual and domestic violence programs and projects designed to educate the community. Consequently, all Midwest Region chapters were asked to implement one program, or project, in the area of education around sexual and domestic violence. In addition, each chapter was asked to appoint one or two sorors as Sexual Violence/Domestic Violence (SV/DV) Coordinators. Chapters were also asked to Partner with community and civic organizations, and Chapter Coordinators were to submit any existing laws considered for amendment or proposed bills to the Midwest Region DV Coordinator and to their Social Action committees for inclusion in a presentation to state legislators during Delta Days at the Nation’s Capital. During the course of this initiative, chapters in the Midwest Region have conducted programs including symposiums, candlelight vigils, teen summits with on-sight counseling and parent components, as well as clothing, toiletry and food drives to various domestic violence shelters, just to name a few. This initiative has assisted countless members of the community as well as sorors by educating and providing support for those affected by incidents of sexual and domestic violence. Soror Harper would like to thank the Midwest Region for their hard work and dedication to this vital initiative. By Regina Scott Domestic Violence Coordinator PAGE 16
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
Program Planning and Development ... Pa+ 5 Years The mission of the Midwest Program Planning and Development Committee is to promote and acknowledge stellar projects and programs implemented by collegiate and alumnae chapters in the Midwest Region. For the past five years (2009-2014), the Midwest PP&D Committee has worked conscientiously to assure Midwest chapters and members that the Committee’s major priority was the implementation of national and regional programs, projects and initiatives. The Committee has had an assiduous relationship with the Midwest Regional Director, Representative, state coordinators, facilitators, chapter presidents and chapter program chairs, to ensure that the entire Midwest membership was kept abreast of all programming requisites, timelines and expectations. To help achieve PP&D’s goals, the Committee began each sorority year becoming familiar with new programs and sharing the information with the Regional leadership. The mission and goal set for programs as well as awards criteria was disseminated in adequate time for chapters to comprehend the programming mandates prior to planning and implementation. As new initiatives were introduced, the criteria was aptly adjusted. To guarantee fairness in the award selection process, the Midwest PP&D Committee changed the landscape on how programs were written and reviewed by developing rating sheets for each award category and a program awards template, which created uniformity for all award submissions and ensured that pertinent and comparable information was collected. Additional developments and goals accomplished included: •Standardized chapter calendars for the Region and review of all Midwest chapter calendars to make sure program goals were met. •Conducted Program Planning Awards workshops at cluster and regional meetings •Increased chapter submissions for awards •2009-2010, 102 submissions •2013-2014, 187 submissions •Maintained the full engagement of sorors during award presentations at Regional Conference and National Convention luncheons.
•Served as resources for chapters needing assistance with the implementation of programs and projects or evaluation of the same. •Conducted monthly or bimonthly conference calls with state coordinators and facilitators. •Conducted monthly meetings and/or conference calls with chapter PP&D leaders. •The Midwest Region received a recognition award and thank you from the American Diabetes Association for the Region’s outstanding Diabetes informational programming and partnership. To effectively perform our duties, the Midwest Program Planning & Development Committee adopted the formula for a good program, developed in 1955: Interest + Need + Resources + Consultation + Experimentation = A Good Delta Program The Midwest Program Planning and Development Committee wants to thank you for allowing us to serve you these last five years. The committee members that served you are as follows: Regina R. Greer, IL State Coordinator 2009-2014* Shonice James, IL Collegiate Coordinator 2011-2012 Marcedia Bolden, IN State Coordinator 2009-2014* Tiffany Holcey, IN Collegiate Coordinator 2009-2010 Aleesha Thirkles, IN Collegiate Coordinator 2010-2011 Leslye Suarez, Collegiate Coordinator 2010-2011 Terina J. Matthews, KY State Coordinator 2009-20011 Briggit Miller, KY State Coordinator 2011-2014 Melisa Craig, MI State Coordinator 2009-2014* Tisa Thomas, MN State Coordinator 2009-2011 Demeka Campbell, MN State Coordinator 2013-2014 Earline Cottrell, OH State Coordinator 2009-2014* Angela Oglesby, MD, WV State Coordinator 2009-2013 Wendy Thomas, WV State Coordinator 2013-2014 Anita Sparks, Ed. D WI State Coordinator 2009-2014* * Five Years of Service By LaVerne M. Harper-Weatherly, Coordinator Midwest Program Planning and Development
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DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. Collegiate Chapters: Lea-ng, Serving, and Empowe(ng This Sorority year we celebrated 101 years of service and accomplished more than just the goals set before us. As a whole we have lived up to our Region’s vision under the leadership of our Regional Director, Soror Regina R. Harper; “Called To Serve… From the Heart: We Lead, We Serve, We Empower. Leadership from the Heart…” I would like to highlight the successes of our Collegiate chapters in alignment to this vision. From # Hea% Collegiates Lead
This past Sorority year, collegiate sorors in the midwest have shown leadership on the National, Regional, and Local level. At our National Convention, the former Social Action Chair of the Majestic State of Michigan was elected to be the Sorority’s National Second Vice President. Since her election, Soror Leanna Miller, has remained MIGHTY in her leadership. In addition, Soror Miller, who is from Theta Eta (Cleveland Citywide) chapter, was appointed as Collegiate Finance Committee Member. Regionally, two sorors participated in Leadership Delta during the Centennial Cohort. This upcoming year we are expected to have even more participation from the Midwest. As a region we had a great turn out for Collegiate Day at Delta Days at the Nation’s Capital, with 12 collegiate sorors from the great state of Kentucky alone. Locally our chapters have been leading tremendously in scholarship having about 96% (290) of our collegiates with a 2.5 or higher and 54% (164) this past fall. Our collegiate chapters are most certainly leading from the heart on all levels. From # Hea% Collegiates Serve
Collegiates all over the region have been implementing, participating, and leading community based programs, and service projects, aligned with our Five Point Programmatic
Thrust. In addition, each collegiate chapter was to hold at least one Social Action Program per semester and collaborate with an alumnae chapter for at least one program during the Sorority Year. Some examples of social action programs include: Tau Chapter, in Michigan, hosted a program entitled “Obamacare; What it really means for students,” as their Social Action Program. In Ohio, Rho Xi chapter hosted a program entitled “Who Shot Ya?” to discuss controversies surrounding gun violence in America. And Minnesota's Nu Epsilon City-Wide Chapter held a Domestic Violence program entitled, “Red Alert Part 1: Relationship Violence.” As you can see our collegiate sorors are taking ACTION for their communities. From # Hea% Collegiates Empower
This Sorority year collegiate chapters used their gifts, talents, and voices to empower one another. State-wide clusters were held last fall in October and November. At these clusters, collegiate sorors met with one another to discuss whether collegiate sorors are anonymous, or synonymous, with the name of Delta. This included reflecting on our brand, individually and collectively, on and off our campus. Our healthy discussion and hands on activities allowed us to refocus and recommitment ourselves to being better women not only for Delta, but for our personal and professional growth as well. Collegiate chapters are the lifeline of this Sorority. Just as collegiate sorors are the heartbeat of this Sorority, they are the heartbeats of their campuses and communities. They are leading academically, professionally, in service and, most importantly, they are graduating. In the Mighty Midwest we are proud of our collegiate sorors and know that the future of our Sorority is bright in the hands of our collegiate sorors who lead with their hearts. By Gillian Griggs, Midwest Regional Representative
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Mem o(es
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
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Midwest Region Co-Journalists KIMBERLEY CROCKETT, ESQ.
Kimberley Crockett is a member of the Eastern Panhandle Alumnae Chapter in WV. She is an attorney working as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, where she prosecutes major felonies and crimes involving child victims. Soror Crockett is a native of Delaware (where she was a member of Dover Alumnae Chapter) and now lives in Falling Waters, WV with her husband Brian and their sons, Satchel (9) and Sidney (8). Soror Crockett was initiated into the Omicron Upsilon Chapter (WVU) in Spring 1991.
TANISHA MALLETT
Tanisha Mallett is a general assignment reporter for WBNS 10TV in Columbus, OH. She covers daily news stories including breaking news for the evening newscasts - Monday Friday. Soror Mallett is a native of Queens, N.Y., and graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor of arts in journalism. She was initiated into the Kappa Phi Chapter in the Spring of 1992 and is currently a member of the Columbus (OH) Alumnae Chapter.
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