The
SpecialEdition REPORT
&
2019 SPRING
GRADUATES NEW MEMBERS 1
All Aboard Sorors! Please join me as the Pearl Express takes an exceptional “Spotlight� excursion to congratulate our 2019 graduates and to welcome our newest Sorors to our sisterhood. I am beaming with pride at the number of outstanding 2019 Mid-Western Graduates featured. A true testament of the importance and dedication each has placed on their education. Thank you Graduates for meeting your personal challenge of growth and commitment. I am sure that the current and future impact of your educational achievements and your continued focus on service to all mankind will definitely leave an impact in this Region. In addition, as the Pearl Express rounds the curve of Sorority Row, Sorors we must stand, applaud, and embrace the newest members to our sisterhood. Becoming an Alpha Kappa Alpha Woman is about hard work and commitment, faith and prayer, scholastics and education, leadership and loyalty, fun and friendship, service and dedication, and respect and dignity. Welcome! Sorors, you make us proud.!
Together In Purpose and Spirit Twyla G. Woods-Buford 2 Mid-WesternRegional Director
Still I Rise by Maya Angelou You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I’ll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? ‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells Pumping in my living room.
Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise That I dance like I’ve got diamonds At the meeting of my thighs?
Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I’ll rise.
Out of the huts of history’s shame I rise Up from a past that’s rooted in pain I rise I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops, Weakened by my soulful cries? Does my haughtiness offend you? Don’t you take it awful hard ‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines Diggin’ in my own backyard.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear I rise Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise I rise
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UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTERS
Delta Chapter University of Kansas Soror Zoda Ballew Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Soror Zoda will pursue her career in Kansas City, MO working in psychological services as a mental health assistant. Soror Aleah Estes Bachelor of Arts, Biology After graduation Soror Aleah plans to work as a laboratory technician in the infectious disease department at Children’s Mercy Hospital. Soror Sarina Felton Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Soror Sarina will relocate to Houston, TX to pursue her career in applied behavior analysis therapy as a Registered Behavior Technician.
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UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTERS
Upsilon Chapter Washburn University Soror Danielle Ortiz Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing, with a minor in Psychology Bachelor of Business Administration, Management
Alpha Iota Chapter Lincoln University Soror Jada Cooper Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice Soror Jada plans to work with the Missouri Department of Corrections and to earn a master’s degree in counseling. Soror Keara Gaitan Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice Next fall, Soror Keara will attend the University of Southern Mississippi to earn a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.
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UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTERS
Alpha Iota Chapter Lincoln University (continued) Soror Ashton Greene Bachelor of Science, Broadcast Journalism Soror Ashton plans to move to Houston, TX in the spring of 2020 to pursue a master’s degree in communications. Soror Terica Kelly Bachelor of Science, Nursing Following graduation, Soror Terica is working as a registered nurse at the Baptist Children’s Emergency Room in Memphis, TN Soror Brittany Olden Bachelor of Business Administration Soror Brittany plans to earn a master’s degree in regional and urban planning and become a community developer.
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UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTERS
Beta Chapter University of Central Oklahoma Soror Amanda Buchanan Bachelor of Science, Family Life Education – Child Development, with a minor in Human Environmental Sciences Soror Amanda is a new addition to Oklahoma City Public Schools as a Kindergarten teacher at Monroe Elementary School. Soror Lauren Edmond Bachelor of Science, Family Life Education – Child Development Soror Lauren plans to become a childcare licensing specialist. Soror Kendall Wilson Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Soror Kendall plans to serve as an AmeriCorps City Year member mentoring students in at-risk schools.
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UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTERS
Gamma Beta Chapter University of Nebraska Omaha & Creighton University Soror Simone Smith Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy, with a concentration in ethics, law and social politics and a double minor in nonprofit management and political science. This fall, Soror Simone will attend Howard University School of Law.
Delta Tau Chapter University of MissouriColumbia Soror Miranda Baylor Bachelor of Science, Textile and Apparel Management Soror Miranda will join Dillard’s headquarters for its executive development program.
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UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTERS
Delta Tau Chapter University of MissouriColumbia (continued) Soror Tatyana Gardner Bachelor of Health Science with a preprofessional emphasis Soror Tatyana will move to Atlanta, GA to pursue a master of public health from Mercer University. Soror Taylar Harris Bachelor of Science, Health Sciences with an emphasis in rehabilitation sciences. After graduation, Soror Taylar will attend Rosalind Franklin University in North Chicago, IL to pursue a doctorate of physical therapy.
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UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTERS
Delta Tau Chapter University of Missouri-Columbia (continued) Soror Kennedi L. Keyes Bachelor of Science, Communication Sciences and Disorders Starting in June, Soror Kennedi will pursue a master of speech-language pathology at the University of Missouri. Soror Chanel Rachel-Marie Smith Bachelor of Journalism, emphasis in Strategic Communications Soror Chanel will be working as the only female graduate assistant with Mizzou Football in the recruiting department and will continue her education in the College of Education’s Master’s program. Soror Shardae Williams Bachelor of Journalism, emphasis in Strategic Communications Soror Shardae is excited to begin an internship with Ayzenberg Advertising Group in Los Angeles, CA through the Multicultural Advertising Internship Program.
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UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTERS
Epsilon Alpha Chapter Wichita State University Soror Tameasha Tisdale Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Epsilon Theta Chapter University of Iowa Soror Kaelin Akins Bachelor of Science, Human Physiology Soror Kaelin will attend the Medical College of Wisconsin to earn a Ph.D. Soror Breauna Carr Bachelor of Arts, Enterprise Leadership Soror Breauna will be a tutor and mentor for Chicago Public School students as part of the AmeriCorps City Year Program.
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UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTERS
Epsilon Theta Chapter University of Iowa Soror Jasmine Mayes-Browning Bachelor of Arts, Health and Human Physiology – Exercise Science Soror Jasmine will apply to graduate school to pursue a career in physical therapy. Soror Kaylan Nelson Bachelor of Science, Therapeutic Recreation Soror Kaylan plans to become a Certified Recreational Therapy Specialist and work with children with disabilities. Soror Stephanie Russell Bachelor of Arts, Health and Human Physiology Soror Stephanie will attend Rush University’s College of Nursing in the fall to earn a master of science in nursing and a clinical nurse leadership certificate.
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UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTERS
Epsilon Theta Chapter University of Iowa Soror Kayla Tucker Bachelor of Arts, Enterprise Leadership Soror Kayla hopes to one day own a small business. Soror Kayla Williams Bachelor of Science, Global Health Studies Soror Kayla will continue her education.
Kappa Pi Chapter Kansas State University Soror Mia Taylor Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology Soror Mia plans to attend graduate school this fall at Kansas State University.
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UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTERS
Xi Eta Chapter Colorado State University Soror Janae Brown Bachelor of Arts, Ethnic Studies and Communication Studies Soror Janae plans to become an elementary school teacher in Denver, CO via Teach for America. Soror Christasia Chavis Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry Soror Analyssa Green Bachelor of Social Work Bachelor of Arts with a Sociology and Criminology Concentration Soror Analyssa has been accepted to the Master of Social Work program at Clark Atlanta University and will gain experience in the social work/ criminal justice field while preparing for the LSAT.
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UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTERS
Xi Iota Chapter Cameron University Soror Sarae Simpson Bachelor of Science, Biology, with a minor in Chemistry Soror Sarae will work as a medical assistance at a dermatology center for the next two years, then will go to medical school to become a dermatologist.
Pi Xi Chapter University of Central Missouri Soror Lisa Miller Bachelor of Science, Finance Soror Lisa plans to further her education in the fall while working in her field. Soror Amauri Osby Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice Soror Amauri plans to work in her field and join a local graduate chapter. Soror Karia Lynett Tucker Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Education Soror Karia is currently an infant teacher whose goal is to one day own her own early childhood center.
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UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTERS
Rho Alpha Chapter University of MissouriKansas City Soror Taylor Edwards Bachelor of Fine Arts Soror Taylor plans to take the next couple of years to focus on branding herself as an artist in dance while also traveling the country performing in different shows. Soror Christina Rice Bachelor of Arts, Communication Studies Soror Christina’s post-graduate plans include pursuing career opportunities in public relations, consulting, and event planning! Soror Chrysteene Smith Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing Soror Chrysteene plans to pursue makeup artistry and eventually launch her own cosmetics line.
Rho Iota Chapter Missouri Western State University Soror Tannis Hamilton Bachelor of Science, Business Administration – Supply Chain Management Soror Tannis has a great job in her field at Altec Industries and will earn her master of business executive administration in spring 2020. She will be joining the wonderful Beta Omega Chapter in Kansas City, MO.
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UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTERS
Delta Tau Chapter University of Missouri-Columbia Graduating Seniors
Alpha Iota Chapter Lincoln University Graduating Seniors
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GRADUATE CHAPTERS
Beta Omega Chapter Kansas City, MO Soror Lauren J. Patton Master of Healthcare Administration with a concentration in Quality and Innovation Management (Park University, Parkville, MO) Soror Lauren plans to continue her Cerner career as a HealtheLife Patient Portal Consultant for now; her ultimate goal is to be a Chief Quality Officer for a healthcare system in Kansas City, serving the community she is from and that she loves! Soror April Sutherland Doctor of Education, Educational Leadership (Saint Louis University) Soror April will next serve as Principal of Southwood Elementary School in the Raytown, MO School District.
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GRADUATE CHAPTERS
Mu Omega Chapter Kansas City, KS Soror Christina M. Jenkins Master of Business Administration (University of Kansas) Now that she has earned her MBA, Soror Christina intends to excel in her career in business with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Soror Yvette Richards Master of Christian Ministry (United Theological Seminary, Dayton, OH) Soror Yvette is the Director of Community Connections and Social Media for St. James United Methodist Church in Kansas City, MO and a humble servant of God! Soror Jabrea Strickland Master of Science, Biomedical Sciences (Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences) Soror Jabrea plans to begin a career in cancer research.
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GRADUATE CHAPTERS
Alpha Upsilon Omega Chapter Oklahoma City, OK Soror Doristina Moncriffe Master of Business Administration (Oklahoma Christian University) Soror Doristina is currently reviewing ways to get additional training and skills at her current job while reviewing options for furthering her education.
Iota Zeta Omega Chapter Des Moines, IA Soror Lindsay Cannaday Master of Business Administration (Iowa State University) Soror Lindsay will now finish her management trainee position at Bankers Trust and continue providing financial services to marginalized groups of people.
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GRADUATE CHAPTERS
Xi Tau Omega Chapter Grandview, MO Soror Monica Thomas Education Specialist, Elementary Education Administration (University of Missouri-Kansas City) Soror Monica is the Basileus of Xi Tau Omega Chapter. Soror Marlene Vann Education Specialist, Secondary Education Administration (University of Missouri-Kansas City) Soror Marlene is preparing to take the Missouri exam to become an administrator. Her aspiration is to become a high school principal and continue motivating youth. Soror Khadijah Watson Master of Science, Journalism, with an emphasis in integrated marketing communication (University of Kansas) Soror Khadijah plans to own and operate her own public relations and marketing agency.
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GRADUATE CHAPTERS
Upsilon Theta Omega Stillwater, OK Soror Shelly Carbajal Doctoral Degree in Education (Northcentral University) Soror Shelly plans to continue her career in higher education and serve in a leadership capacity. Soror Zanade Morgan Master of Urban Education (Langston University) Soror Zanade’s long-term goal is to be a principal (and yes, her graduation cap is EVERYTHING!) Soror Hailey Robinson Master of Science, Educational Leadership Studies (Oklahoma State University 2018) Hailey currently works for Tulsa Community College as an Outreach Specialist in the department of Diversity and Inclusion. She also intends to further her education and hone her research, assessment, and curriculum-building skills.
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GRADUATE CHAPTERS
Upsilon Theta Omega Stillwater, OK Soror Sydney Scott Bachelor of Science, Biology Pre-Health (Tuskegee University 2018) Soror Sydney is currently working on her Master of Science in Nanotechnology with a concentration in nanomedicine at the University of Central Florida. Sydney later plans to attend medical school, as she aspires to be a practicing neurosurgeon, while continuing her research in Nanotechnology. Soror Cheli Vincent Master of Social Work (University of Texas at Arlington)
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GRADUATE CHAPTERS
Alpha Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter Broken Arrow, OK Soror Nuceka Bracy-Chatman Master of Science, Organizational Leadership with Specialization in Public Administration, Summa Cum Laude (Northcentral University) Soror Nuceka has worked in upper-level management in corporate and social services for more than 24 years. Obtaining this degree created a passion for her to transfer her professional, technical and practical skills, knowledge and experience into the college arena. She is now a professor for Tulsa Community College. Soror Tamarah Danzy Master of Arts, Education Soror Tamarah is currently working at Union Public Schools as a science teacher.
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GRADUATE CHAPTERS
General Members Soror Kamaria Braye Master of Science, Journalism (University of Missouri – Columbia)
Soror Adiah Fauntleroy Master of Business Administration and Project Management (Avila University) Soror Adiah’s career goals are to be director or CEO of a philanthropic organization empowering youth.
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The Magnificent Mid-Western Region wholeheartedly welcomes these new initiates to our illustrious sorority!
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SPRING 2019 NEW MEMBERS
Delta Chapter - University of Kansas. JaRen Dailey, Alana Washington, KalĂŠ Searcy, Christal Watson, Camille Patrick, Makyia Flowers, Maxine McCray and Faith Miller.
Alpha Iota Chapter - Lincoln University Top: Keianna Hunter, Kenadee Brown, Danielle Murray, Makayla Adams, Brittany Olden, Cheyenne Ross and Diamond Jones. Bottom: Naima Lawson, Jada Cooper, Kristina Hood, Jailah Davis, Cordesia Randle and Aaliyah Ward
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SPRING 2019 NEW MEMBERS
Delta Tau – University of Missouri-Columbia Top: Schyyler Davis, Tyra Keeton, Lauren Leppert, Symone Davis, Omowunmi Akinade, Miranda Baylor, Adia Woodson, Dharea Jackson, Jada Craig, LaDymon Readus, Adedayo Akala, Iyanna Counts Middle: Jolisa White, Halle Upshaw, Nadiyah Pate, Rodnesha Butts, Tristian Gassoway, Camryn Smiley, Dejia Mitchell, Niabari Kaanagbara, Zoie Henry, Chanel Smith, Sydney Hayden Bottom: Marie Mays, Tylar Weddington, Briana Dinwiddie, Sophia Laday, Destiny Gee, Sydny Richards, Haviland Blevins, Kennedi Glover, Alonis Solomon
Epsilon Theta - University of Iowa Jasmine Mayes-Browning, Janell Bell, Kristen Young
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SPRING 2019 NEW MEMBERS
Kappa Pi - Kansas State University Bottom row: Gabby Simms, Phoenix Franklin, Gabriella De La Cruz, Tinaris Watson
Kappa Psi - University of Oklahoma. Thank you to Mid-Western Regional Director, Twyla Woods-Buford for your attendance. Additional thanks to the graduate advisor, Tiffani Bates, for doing an incredible job!!
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SPRING 2019 NEW MEMBERS
Xi Eta - Colorado State University Alyssa Caldwell-McGee, Analyssa Green, London Evan and Simone Butler
Pi Xi – University of Central Missouri Seated: Paris Moore, Asia Thomas, Erann Forte, Niya Nash, Armonya Harris and Makayla Watson. Standing: Latren James, Makala Black, Mariah Pratt, Sydney Moechoe, Amauri Osby and Jahana Hamilton
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SPRING 2019 NEW MEMBERS
Rho Alpha Chapter - University of Missouri-Kansas City Simone Gully, Adrienne Cook and Brianna Whitt.
Rho Iota Chapter - Missouri Western State University Denitra Like, Mycah Williams, and Jamesha Hill
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SPRING 2019 NEW MEMBERS
Alpha Epsilon Omega - Muskogee, OK Schuyler Carter, Rolanda Davis, Valerie McElroy, Tina Mosely and Alexandria Zachary
Alpha Iota Omega – Topeka, KS Alisha White, Dorothy Hines, LaTisha McFarthing Davis and Dana Owens
Delta Epsilon Omega – Omaha, NE Donella Lampkin, Troyia Anderson, Kendra Martin, Arlene Williams and Darcella Allen
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SPRING 2019 NEW MEMBERS
Iota Beta Omega – Colorado Springs, CO Stephany Spaulding, Trivonda Richmond, Linda Martin Smith, Gloria Turnipseed, Levonda Robinson, Dinean Lang, Heather Johnson and Temesha Christensen
Iota Zeta Omega – Des Moines, IA Linda Louise Bruce, Jihna Jenkins, Lindsey White, Jerrica Marshall, Emani DuBoise and Rosalind Fox.
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SPRING 2019 NEW MEMBERS
Kappa Chi Omega – Columbia, MO First row: Kathy Crews, (president), Mid-Western Regional Director Twyla Woods-Buford, Mary McDonald (charter member), Brenda Hammond (charter member) Second row: Kim Ashcraft, Aliyah Downs, Selette Crews, Sharon Seamon, Kaneshya Lucas, Rosalind Carter, Betty Chism and Nakeyah Bradford
Mu Omega Omega – Aurora, CO Rachel Wesley, Membership Chairman, LaQunya Baker, Vera Baldwin, Ashton Walker-Curl, Mary Smith and Evetta McMillian-Walker, Basileus
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SPRING 2019 NEW MEMBERS
Xi Tau Omega - Grandview, MO Sitting left to right: Sorors Shalaya McNeal, TIffany Green, and Alisha Henderson. Standing left to right: Sorors Amanda Carter, Toni Rowell, Paula Saunders, Brittany Hollis, Lindsay Hardiman, Kimberly Williams, Christina McConnell, Allie Bass, Kyla Gravney, Shellie Diehl, and Kelli Wilkins.
Upsilon Theta Omega – Stillwater, OK Hailey Robinson, Aquesha Williams, Tikia Williams-Wright, Sydney Scott, Zanade Morgan and Shelly Carbajal
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Congratulations Sorors
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