EXO
LISTENINGSESSIONS
SORORDEBORAHDAVIS-GILLESPIE
A session was held, by invitation only, to discuss the possibility of including virtual options for Chapter meetings and conferences. This change, if adopted, would be a Manual of Standard Procedure change (Chapter Meetings Section 11) to amend the decision voted upon by the Boule. Approximately 25 sorors representing each chapter in the Region were in attendance. A few of the discussion points are below:
#1 Why is it important for AKA to embrace inclusion of technology for virtual meetings?
Senior sorors access
Issues with the ability to establish a quorum
Distance between home and meetings
Cost to meet in person, considering postCovid increases and chapter meeting growth during/since pandemic.
#2 What steps must be taken to ensure confidentiality of sorority information and procedure?
Cameras on
Waiting room required with chapter roster used in admitting participants
Update soror code of conduct
Delegate
Disable chat (Q&A, raise hand, etc. enabled)
Concerns re using public networks that may access minutes, agenda, etc.
#3 How would we keep a productive and engaging experience in a virtual environment?
Notetaking capabilities are increased ADHD or autism can make non-tech environments challenging with distractions and stimulation
Limit the number of virtual meetings per year. Allows opportunities to engage 3-4 times a year or quarterly. But they can also keep in person so sorors who want to be in leadership i i h participating in p Allow caption Hybrid option Breakout ses
Games during raise their ha
#4 How do virtual meetings impact quorum in the environment? In the inperson environment?
Sharp increase in attendance and participation
Voting issues if multiple people participating on one zoom account. Election runner, other voting apps, etc.
Quorum is difficult when the distance between meeting place and home (2.5 hours one direction). Prevents growth when there is not eligible sorors for ME due to insufficient attendance, etc.
#5 How should the evaluation of chapters be considered?
Virtual/digital evaluations would be phenomenal
Cost to ship/bring documents for evaluation is exorbitant
#6 What impact should virtual meetings have on chapter evaluations? (skipped)
#7 Should virtual meetings count for meeting attendance for running for office and membership intake?
Both in person and virtual attendance should be tracked In person attendance is vitally important for future officers or sponsors
Facilitator:
Between 2 and 4 meetings per year should be permitted to be virtual Consider disasters may make virtual meetings necessary
#8 Other items to be considered and what is the max number of virtual meetings that should be permitted per year?
Training on tools and resources, increase knowledge on software which could address questions (such as regarding confidentiality) asked which were already addressed by Zoom
Use soror ambassadors to help ensure the access of members with tech difficulties
Small chapters are hugely impacted by these kinds of decisions, more so than large chapters that seem to frequently guide how the sorority acts
NOTE:
The discussion points from this meeting will be added to notes taken at following Regional conferences and presented to the Directorate for assessm concl Co
Tracey Morant Adams, South Eastern Regional Director
Gwendolyn
L. Kirtley, Great Lakes Regional Director
Objective of the presentation:
The Graduate Advisor Certification Training prepares sorors for the office of Graduate Advisor and provides in-depth instruction on the Sorority’s programs and operational requirements. This role is extremely important as it ensures the perpetuity of our Sorority, and the acknowledgement that the Sorority was founded at the undergraduate level As such, ensuring that our undergraduates receive appropriate guidance is crucial. This certification is required for members of a chapter’s Graduate Advisory Committee and is optional for sorors in chapter leadership positions or those planning to pursue international offices
Key Takeaways:
The expectations for the role of Graduate Advisor are that she serves as a, “Soror Coach" and provides sisterly, positive, supportive instruction to undergraduate sorors and facilitates good sisterly behavior and leadership development. The Graduate Advisor must also build a good working relationship with the campus Faculty Advisor and become acquainted with the campus Registrar, Dean of Student Affairs, Greek Life Coordinator, and even the campus police
SORORDANIELLEWALKER
Delegate
There were 12 modules covered in this training, including “Module I: The Role and Characteristics of an Effective Graduate Advisor," “Module IV: Undergraduate Health & Wellness," “Module VII: AntiHazing, " and “Module XI: The Mentoring & Coaching Process," just to name a few. We also had the privilege of having a number of Regional and International Committee Leaders who facilitated various portions of the workshop.
IDEAS WE CAN IMPLEMENT IN EXO
This workshop provided clarification on how the graduate chapter should manage the requirement to have two joint meetings with the undergraduate chapter(s). The facilitators emphasized that this should be a social interaction, not a business meeting. A suggestion was made to have the joint meeting after a regularly scheduled business meeting and create an agenda for this interaction. Most importantly, work with the undergraduate officers to coordinate the event.
Speakers: Soror Sonya Vaughn and Soror Tracey D. Watkins
IENJOYED
This workshop was truly informative and engaging. The fac knowledgeable and provided a wealth of information and feel better prepared to interact with our undergraduate coaching and collaborating. I would change: This was a lo digest in these 8.5 hours of training. It would be helpful to begin reviewing the information in advance.
The conference was filled with amazing, heartwarming, and unforgettable events. One of the most touching moments was Soror Martha’s Diamond Anniversary celebration. She was brought to tears when her former Mu Iota Sorors surprised her with their beautiful presence and a custom gift, making the occasion even more special . The step show was an absolute highlight, with Sorors dancing and strolling as the DJ took us back with old-school hits from the ‘80s and ‘90s. It was pure joy watching Sorors relive cherished memories while creating new one on the dance floor.
The Honors and Awards Ceremony recognized outstanding Sorors and chapters for their achievements, celebrating International Award Winners and Chapter Honorees in a truly elegant setting. Sorors al graced the Green Carpet in fabulous fashion bringing glamour and sisterhood to the evening.
To top it all off, the night ended with an electrifying showcase performance by Tony Toni! Toné!, bringing everyone to their feet.
The undeniable highlight of the week was o EXO dinner. Sorors dined, played games, shared belly laughs, and created priceless memories together. It was a truly marvelous way to celebrate our bond and the spirit of sisterhood.
SORORROUSHAUNJOHNSON Delegate
SORORKIMMERLIWALKER
Delegate
Soror Julie Hadnot, along with a variety of others, assisted with the Rededication Ceremony. The purpose of this ritual is to dedicate ourselves again to Alpha Kappa Alpha and the values that we share as sisters, to keep the good works that we strive to do as a group.
Delegate Certification: To certify the delegates for their service to the Far Western Region of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Takeaways: This reminds me each time that I participate that our call to sisterhood is to be modeled. Delegate certification gives the power to each chapter in the region, per their delegate selection, to vote on the issues at hand on behalf of their specific chapter.
PLENARYSESSION1
MRD Soror Nicole Starr Jordon Premiered the Far Western Region's new blazer with acceptable embelishments
Key Takeaways: We have a great sense of style and we can make the blazer our own by adding small touches that stand out and make our signature blazer a personal work of art while still respecting the emblems of Alpha Kappa Alpha.
What could we implement in EXO? We could have a sisterly relations day of crafting our FWR blazers and other parafinaila.
Soror Julie Hadnot offered a blessing upon our region and upon the leaders and members therein.
My key takeaway was that we should always be sisterly in our dealings with one another despite the difficulties that are sometimes present within our own chapter that could spill over to the regional level. I am also not sure if this did not happen at th
SORORJENNIFERPORTER
Delegate
The Constitution and Bylaws Committee gave an update on items submitted for review. There were eight (8) items submitted. Areas of concern included corrections to 1) nomination process 2) election process 3) electronic voting 4) requirements that should be made more reasonable 5) starting to look for positions 2-3 years in advance.
The protocol for submitting a request for change was reviewed. All requests must be in writing with a copy to the Basileus, Regional Parliamentarian, and Regional Director.
Submitted by Martha Beard, Supreme Parliamentarian
KEY TAKEWAYS
The requirements for international positions are very rigorous. The questions is are the requirements necessary for the position to met the position's qualifications?
The objective of the presentation was to inform the Far Western Region of the foundation's financial standing and key accomplishments over the last year, which were 1) awarded over 2 7 million in scholarships to students and community organizations, 2) EAF paid for over 1,600 undergraduate sorors to attend the 2024 Boule and Undergraduate Summit, 3) established a new partnership enabling EAF to provide each undergraduate member attending the summit with a new laptop computer, and 4) continued development of the scholarship programs, empowering over 2,000 students to achieve their higher education goals EAF is celebrating its 45th birthday this year!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
EAF was created as the educational funding arm of Alpha Kappa Alpha 45 years ago by the visionary Supreme Barbara Kinard Phillips. Today, it has grown to be one of the largest self-sustaining portfolios owned by women. I am looking forward to the EAF 45th celebration during Leadership Conference this summer.
OBJECTIVE
To show and recognize the family ties within our sisterhood: grandmothers, mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, and cousins. It symbolizes the deep generational ties and traditions for Alpha Kappa Alpha while illuminating our dedication to service to all mankind.
KEY TAKEWAYS
You could feel the pride in over 200 sorors who participated Some family trees honoring their Ivies Beyond the Wall. Many motherdaughter sorors. Some young and old sorors representing generations of Alpha Kappa Alpha women All proud of there service.
It reminded me of our own chapter with so many legacy members across generations whether they all are part of the same chapter or spread across the globe. These are what roots Epsilon Xi Omega in sisterhood and service, making us stronger.
IDEAS EXO COULD IMPLEMENT
Our regional and international leaders have found a way to celebrate these bonds; perhaps Epsilon Xi Omega could find a way to celebrate our past, present, and future legacies in a special way: EXO Legacy Day!
I enjoyed participating in the parade with my family members and eyeing all the different outfits, banners that the families had. There were some very unique ways sorors honored their families. It is a bri f l b ti f th past and present
I would change: simple a brief. M section it off by not be logisticall many sorors.
SORORTARAWELBRONE
Delegate
The objective of the presentation was to provide an overview of the sorority and its driving programs, presented by Supreme Basileus, Soror Danette Anthony Reed.
KEY TAKEWAYS
Key takeaway from Madam Supreme Basileus is that "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty " As she articulated the work of Alpha Kappa Alpha, she honed in on the presence of AKA throughout the globe. She encouraged sorors to continue to get into “good trouble” in the work we do. Particularly, in areas of identifying our civic representatives in our local communities.
She challenged us to attend town halls to understand the issues being addressed and challenge where it is not acceptable. For example, if education is threatened, we should speak up not just in federal elections but in the local town halls and local elections Madam Supreme ended her speech by stating we have to be extraordinary women who are lasered focused to helping others because that’s who we are and that’s what we do – as exemplified in being the first of many, ie FMO, Kamala Harris, Mae Jemison, etc.
The objective of the presentation was to provide an overview of our international programs presented by Soror Victoria Morris-Ivie. Key takeaways are that we should be proud to be an AKA – we are global leaders! We are making history, as noted in our Guinness World Record breaking event in packing 25,000 CHIPP bags during Boule. We have our 10,000 YLI participants – with a growing presence every year! The Far Western Region is making incredible moves with the International Programs. Below is a summary of the work we’re doing:
Packaged 43,398 CHIPP bags to date
Enrolled 593
Students in YLI
Planted 1,030 Trees to date
Spent $758,368.64 during Black Dollar Days
Registered 2,864 voters
Educated 35,231 individuals
FOR MEMBERS ONLY CREDIT UNION
The objective of this presentation was to provide an overview of the For Members Only Credit Union, presented by Soror Terri Eason
KEY TAKEWAYS
Key takeaway is that the time is now to invest in us! The For Members Only Credit Union was built by us for us To date, FMO has 9,179 active accounts with assets totaling $4,920,746.72 and an income of $179,185.30. Corporate office is continuing to encourage sorors to open an account with FMO and have a direct deposit to the account to strengthen the position of the credit union
WHAT DID YOU ENJOY?
I enjoyed seeing the accomplishments of the FWR Oftentimes, we have our head down doing the work. It’s great to step back and see the cumulative effort across our region and its contribution to the global organization.
IDEAS EXO COULD IMPLEMENT
EXO could implement more initiatives to get involved with local issues to be more present in how we show up for San Diego. I love the idea of attending local town halls to understand the issues that plague our community. Traditionally, we focus on education which is significant and even the foundation of many issues for our community. Nevertheless, the takeaway I had from Madam Supreme is that we need to evolve as our community’s needs evolve. Therefore, attending local town halls and community forums will guide us in how we can continue to have an impactful presence in San Diego.
“The time is now to invest in us”!
Workshop
SessionTitle:
BeyondtheUsual Levels-Creative ChapterProgram
Ideasfor MaximumImpact
Presenting Speakers:Soror
VictoriaMorriesIvieand International Programs
ChairmanSoror ToriaFrederick
Aligning Initiative International Programs
S.W.A.G
Thefacilitatorspresentedanacronymforcreatingimpactful chapterprogramming.
S.W.A.G
Spottheneed–Chaptersshouldidentifycriticalneedsinthe communityforeachprograminitiative.Thisshouldinclude identifyingthetargetmarketandthechallengestheyarefacing (supportedbydata).Chaptersshouldconductsurveys,speak withthelocalcommunity,experts,andotherleaderstoidentify theneed.
Workyournetwork-Chaptersshouldseekoutsupportfrom connectionsthatchaptermembersmayhaveinthe community.Thiswouldincludelocalbusinesses,political leaders,influencers,schoolandchurchleaders,professional associations,andtheDivineorganizations.
Activatecreativity–Activitiesshouldbeunique(“outofthebox thinking”).ItisrecommendedthatSororsconsolidatesmaller eventsintoonelargeeventthatwillcreatemoreimpactwhile maximizingresources.Theeventsshouldhaveinteractive elements.
GobigonImpact–Chaptersshouldconsiderhavingmetricsto evaluatetheimpactoftheireventsanddetermineiftheyhave metthetargetedimpact.Itisimportanttodeterminethelevel ofimprovementofaspecificneedorproblem.
The session was very interactive with participation from the audience and questions. The workshop participants also had an opportunity to break into groups during a brainstorming session to bring up different ways that chapters can implement events/activities addressing the S W A G methodology. Workshop participants were able to share the ideas that were developed during the brainstorming session.
IDEAS EXO CAN IMPLEMENT
1.
EXOidentifycommunityneedsfor eachinternationalprogramand deployitsprogramsinawaythatwill impactthecommunity.Thisshould beclearlystatedforeachinitiative.
a.
UpliftingOurFamilies Highlevel ofschoolabsences
EXO committees should consolidate smaller events and create one large event that addresses various initiatives. For example: At the NAMI Walk in April, EXOSocialJusticeCommitteecanhavea voter registration table present. This wouldcovertheUpliftingourFamiliesand the Social Justice Committee. Essentially, whenever we participate in a community event where there will be a lot of community participants, EXO should leverage this to deploy several initiatives concurrently.
b. I enjoyed this workshops the most. As our workshops provide us with an opportunity to serve as better leaders in our chapter and in the community. The positivity, kindness and optimistic energy of the Sorors who attended the conference
BuildOurEconomicWealth BlackBusinessesinSanDiegodo nothavesufficientvisibilityfor theirbusinessesandthusloose outonrevenueandendup closing.ThefailurerateofBlack Businessesishigherthanother populations.Committeechairs needtoclearlystatetheneedin thecommunityfortheFirstAntiBasileusandthentrytocomeup withasolutiononhowtoaddress theneedsforthecommunity
WHAT I WOULD CHANGE:
2.EXOshouldseekcollaborations withotherorganizationsin implementingitsinternational programs.Forexample,forBuildOur EconomicWealth’sBlackBusinessEXO plannedforNovember2025,EXO shouldseekoutotherorganizations thatcanhelptoincreaseawarenessin thecommunityandensurea successfulcommunityturn-out. Organizationsinclude,BlackSan Diego,TheBlackChamberof Commerce,BayviewChurch,The UrbanLeague,TheNAACP.
Iwouldaddmoreworkshopsthataddressthe currentissuesthatourcommunitiesare facing Asanexample,thereshouldhave beenaworkshoptoprovideSororswith suggestionsonhowtheycanbringabout changeconsideringthepresent circumstanceswiththecurrentWhiteHouse administration.
Thereshouldbeworkshopspertainingto differentindustries: Healthcare/Medical BlackInfantMortality Entrepreneurship Lackoffundingforstart ups
Political Votersuppression/manipulation Workshopslikethesearebasedonrelevant issuesthatarehappeninginthecommunity andtheworkshopscanprovideanopportunity forSororsfromdifferentregionsandstatesto sharesolutionsthatSororscantakebackto theircommunitiestoimplement
The “sisterly brunch” was a beautiful celebration of sisterhood, laughter, and joy, bringing together sisters across the Far West to an event that was filled with fun and connection. We were entertained with live music, ate a delicious breakfast, played “guess the song," and “Sisterly Feud,” and took plenty of fun sisterly photos.
Ideas we could implement in EXO: We should definitely implement more brunches. Game nights for sorors would be a great idea!
A key takeaway from this event is the power of sisterhood and shared joy in creating lasting bonds. Beyond just a fun brunch, it reinforced the importance of community, support, and celebration among our region and sorority at large. Through laughter, games, and good food, the event highlighted how meaningful connections are built, not just through formal gatherings but through lighthearted moments of fun and cultural appreciation.
Delegate
Presenter: Soror Tamala Roberts- International Membership Committee
Key takeaways/learnings: Explained the bylaw changes made at the last boule; discussed how and why the chapter should manage the impact of life membership sorors who do not pay chapter dues and assessments they should be transferred to general membership status.
Sorors should have 4 years of active participation before sponsoring a candidate; outlined the details of sponsorship.
Ideas we could implement in EXO:
Develop the “Chapter Pink Pages”Use a digital platform to display the chapter membership. Provide information about each member and allows the membership to share bios, pictures and special interest in a flip book format.
Prepare a reactivation toolkit for reactivating and transferring members: training and mentoring workshops.
Use Jot to track new member activities; send emails of invitation and create surveys for feedback.
OBJECTIVE: To share an overview of the new bylaw admendaments and best practices to be used in your chpater Delegate
Presented by: Soror Johari Leakes, FWR Representative to the International Educational Advancement Foundation
PAMELAGRAY-PAYTON Delegate
Objective of the presentation: Review chapter EAF best practices and procedures.
Key Takeaways/Learnings:
AKA EAF is a 501(c) 3 organization and is the philanthropic arm of Alpha Kappa
Alpha Sorority, Inc. This year, EAF is celebrating its 45th anniversary Last year, during the month of October, chapters across the nation participated in the Denim Pass fundraiser. For $25.00, participating sorors wore jeans to their October chapter business meeting. With great enthusiasm, sorors overwhelmingly participated and helped to raise thousands of dollars towards their chapter’s annual EAF contribution.
Presented by: Soror Lotus Douglas, International Finance Committee
Objective of the presentation:
The primary goal of the workshop was to provide chapter basileus, financial officers, and sorors who are interested in serving as financial officers a clear understanding of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated financial policies, guidelines and expectations. Soror Lotus also reviewed proper implementation of financial procedures and answered soror questions.
Key Takeaw The Cha the Tam Gramma chapter The PG s
Perfecting Your Communications and Strengthening Our Brand
SORORLOUISELABRIE
Delegate
Presenter:
Soror Lynnette Heard, International Communications Chairman
Objective of the presentation: This workshop aimed to help sorors understand how to communicate effectively and provide guidance on representing the Alpha Kappa Alpha brand in sorority communications. We are all AKA brand advocates! Provide tips for stronger internal chapter communications that utilize appropriate AKA branding. Tips for publishing articles in the Ivy leaf® magazine.
Key Takeaways/Learnings:
⦁ The Alpha Kappa Alpha brand has experienced a significant increase in visibility in recent years. Alpha Kappa Alpha's brand is an ideal, a promise, and a standard of what the organization represents. All messages should reflect the sorority's brand.
⦁ Chapter logos are NOT permitted. One Sisterhood, One Brand, One AKA
⦁ Correct format use of sorority's name followed by chapter name
⦁ Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter or
⦁ Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter
⦁ Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® official symbols
⦁ Sorority Crest/Coat-of-Arms
⦁ Badge/Emblem
⦁ Soaring Administration Logo
IMPORTANT: Soaring To Greater Heights of Service & Sisterhood Administration Logo has been Registered and Initiative Logos have been Trademarked.
⦁ Delete ALL Soaring Administration Logos from your computers and download the NEW Registered and Trademark Logos.
Coat-of-Arms, Emblems, and Logo Usage Guidelines
1. Chapter and regional websites, flyers, banners, posters, etc. must bear the official Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority coat-of-arms and/or the full name of the sorority. Do not use sorority logos found on search engines such as Google, Bing, or Yahoo. These logos tend to be incorrect.
2. The Soaring to Greater Heights of Service & Sisterhood® logo should be used on all program-related webpages, flyers, banners, posters, etc. for internal communication to members only.
3. Chapters should use no more than two Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority logos on any single webpage, flyer, banner, poster, etc.
4. When used, the administration logo should always be placed to the right of the sorority coat-of-arms or emblem. If displayed vertically, the logo should be below the sorority coat-of-arms or emblem.
5. When the coat-of-arms or emblem is used for EXTERNAL-facing purposes (e.g., community gatherings, events, etc.), written permission from the Corporate Office must be granted prior to use.
6. Chapters must request usage of the sorority coat of arms for published or printed materials, including but not limited to public event flyers, invitations, posters, candy bars, umbrellas, tents, banners, posters, clothing, etc. when not being furnished by an authorized AKA vendor.
Chapter basieli must submit a sample to brandingmatters@aka1908.com to request usage permission and a high-resolution copy of the logo to provide to the manufacturer/printer. The approval process can take 4-6 weeks, so plan accordingly. Important: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority coat-of-arms and Soaring logo can be used for member only INTERNAL documents (flyers, BNU, BNU Express, chapter meeting slides..etc) without written permission from the Corporate Office.
IVY LEAF® MAGAZINE
• Is for sorority members and the public. Sorors are encouraged to share it with nonmembers who want to know more about the sorority, placement in school libraries, and other appropriate institutions.
• Article submissions can be made by the chapter’s Ivy Leaf ®reporter, chapter basileus, or graduate advisor.
• KISS – Keep It Simple Soror!
• All submissions become the property of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®
Ideas we could implement in EXO:
⦁ Chapter Basileus should share with the executive committee members and committee chairmen the updated Soaring to Greater Heights of Service & Sisterhood® logos sent out in the 2024 Fall mailing to ensure correct logos are being used.
⦁ Include Alpha Kappa Alpha Communications as a topic for the next Chapter Retreat.
I would change: Nothing.
SORORSHAYHALL
Delegate
Soror Martha and Soror Shelby honed in on the importance of chapter bylaws as the foundational rules and regulations that guide the chapter's functioning. They outline that chapters grow and evolve, including changes in leadership, membership, goals, and overall structure. Ensuring that your chapter's bylaws are up-to-date and follow a clear and correct governance structure is essential to smooth operation and compliance. These efforts will ensure that the chapter adapts to these changes positively. Also, they walked us through the bylaws template and explained each section.
KEY TAKEWAYS
1. Ensure that you are planning for succession, a key strategy that will bring our sorority a sense of security and confidence. Encourage Sorors to obtain certifications, as this effort will prevent your chapter from not having enough Sorors qualified to serve in specific capacities.
2. Reiterate the benefits of following the chain of command when seeking guidance. This means contacting your Regional Parliamentarian before reaching out to the International Parliamentarian. While any Soror can contact the International Parliamentarian, it's important to note that the Regional Director and Regional Parliamentarian will be cc'd on the response. This process ensures that leadership is fully informed about everything happening in their region.
3. The Nominating Committee and Teller Committee are two different committees with their own duties and responsibilities that should be outlined in your chapter bylaws.
4. The International Constitution Resource Guide has been revised and available for purchase.
Ideas EXO could Implement
succession plan that motivates and encourages in certificates is essential. I believe our ram can have a significant impact in this area.
2. Establishing a proactive strategy for updating our chapter bylaws promptly following the election of a new Basileus is essential for ensuring our chapter remains vibrant and aligned with its mission.
I would propose the inclusion of time for addressing questions.
SORORLATOYAJONES
Delegate
At the 96th Far Western Regional Conference, we were honored to be joined by former and current members of the International Board of Directors, public officials, members of the Divine 9, dedicated community leaders, and our exceptional Fabolous Award Honorees.
The event was hosted by Marcus Washington, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and a reporter for NBC Bay Area. The conference began with an invocation from pastor, Rev. Jeremy McCants, followed by a Presentation of the Colors, the Black National Anthem, and the Star-Spangled Banner.
A special greeting was delivered by the Far Western Regional Director, Nicole Starr Jordan. Silver Star Soror Zina Slaughter introduced Supreme Madam Basileus, Danette Anthony Reed.
We were then graced with greetings from several distinguished leaders, including The Honorable Kevin Jenkins (Interim Mayor), The Honorable Tony Thumond (State Superintendent), and The Honorable Rowena Brown (Councilmember At-Large). The program continued with a powerful musical selection, “Stunning Crown,” performed by Faith Luster.
During the conference, we had the privilege of honoring six incredible leaders from the Bay Area who have made outstanding contributions to the Oakland community. These honorees were celebrated for their dedication to the initiatives championed by our Sorority, led by Jwahir Leaks and Skelar Montgomery:
Empower Our Families™ – Dr. Sabrina “Bri” Moore, Founder & CEO of 3 L’s The Academy. Dr. Moore is driven by the fundamental belief that literacy is a civil right and the cornerstone of liberation. She oversees sixteen K-5 schools in the Oakland School District.
Build Our Economic Wealth™ – Cathy D. Adams, President & CEO of the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce. Cathy has been a key figure in creating opportunities for Black-owned businesses in the region since 2003.
Enhance Our Environment™ – Rue Mapp, Founder & CEO of Outdoor Afro. Rue’s nonprofit organization connects over 60,000 participants annually to outdoor experiences that celebrate nature and cultural heritage.
Advocate for Social Justice™ – Dezie Woods-Jones, State President of Black Women Organized for Political Action. Dezie has a long history of civic engagement and advocacy for civil rights.
Uplift Our Community™ – Elisha Greenwell, Founder & CEO of the Black Joy Parade. Elisha’s work celebrates and honors the rich culture and influence of the Black community, offering live experiences that uplift and inspire.
Soaring to Greater Heights of Service & Sisterhood™ – The Honorable London Breed, 45th Mayor of San Francisco and the first African American woman to hold the office. Mayor Breed continues to break barriers and serve as a trailblazer for the city.
The event concluded with the National Pan-Hellenic Greetings and the presentation of gifts to our Madam Regional Director, honoring her leadership and service. It was night of celebration, recognition, and empowerment, reflecting the spirit of sisterhood and community.
SORORDEBORAHDAVIS-GILLESPIE
SORORDANIELLEWALKER
SORORROUSHAUNJOHNSON
SORORPATRICIAGROOMS-JONES
SORORKIMMERLIWALKER
SORORJENNIFERPORTER
SORORPAMELAGRAY-PAYTON
SORORTARAWELBRONE
SORORSHAYHALL
SORORLATOYAJONES
SORORMOENASANTEE
SORORLOUSIELABRE
SORORFELICIAKADIMA(ALT)
SORORREGINADIXON(ALT)
