Fall/Winter 2020 Edition - The Aurora

AURORA THE

SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC.

FALL/WINTER 2020

SHE LEADS

NATIONAL

7 NOTABLE POLITICAL FIGURES

+

PROGRAMS

24KT GOLDEN

THE DREAM TEAM MAKING IT HAPPEN

A SALUTE TO THE 24TH INTERNATIONAL GRAND BASILEUS DEBORAH CATCHINGSSMITH

RASHEEDA S.

LIBERTY INTERNATIONAL GRAND BASILEUS LEADING WITH VISION, DRIVEN BY PURPOSE

22 | THE AURORA

THE AURORA | FALL/WINTER 2020

IN THIS ISSUE

AURORA THE

FALL/WINTER 2020

SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC.

40 Founders’ Day Reflections Celebrating 98 Years of Sisterhood Scholarship & Service

39

The Rhoad Home Planning Our 100th Beacon of Light National Programs The Dream Team Making It Happen Let’s Give ‘Em Their Props The Sigma Playlist Region News International Officers Contributors Greetings from International Grand Basileus Rasheeda S. Liberty From the Editor Richelle N. Jones, J.D.

32

| 40 | Members of the Mu Phi Sigma Chapter, United Arab Emirates | 32 | Black Lives Matter: Sorors of Delta Tau Sigma Chapter, Dover, DE (Northeastern Region)

Greetings from the Executive Director/ICHQ Cynthia Eubanks

Central Region Leading the Way Northeastern Region Being Notable Southeastern Region So Sophisticated Southwestern Region Super in Every Way Western Region: Because We’re Mighty

Greetings from International First Grand Anti-Basileus Marica Harris

Educator Spotlight

Greetings from International Second Grand Anti-Basileus Te’Lor Allen

International Chapter Spotlight

A Moment in History

| 39 | Photo Credit: Dr. Warren P. Edwards www.7kdesigns.com | 21 | Students at the school in the Village of Keur Diomaye in Senegal say ‘Thank You’

21

AURORA THE

INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC. 2020-2022

SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC.

24KT Golden A Salute to the 24th International Grand Basileus Deborah Catchings-Smith

42

Alumnae on the Move

INTERNATIONAL GRAND BASILEUS RASHEEDA S. LIBERTY

INTERNATIONAL FIRST GRAND ANTI-BASILEUS MARICA HARRIS

INTERNATIONAL SECOND GRAND ANTI-BASILEUS TE’LOR ALLEN

INTERNATIONAL GRAND GRAMMATEUS RHONDA DAVIS

INTERNATIONAL GRAND ANTI-GRAMMATEUS DR. KHALILAH SHABAZZ

INTERNATIONAL GRAND TAMIOCHUS VANESSA TYSON

INTERNATIONAL GRAND EPISTOLEUS TAMIKA WILLIAMS-CLARK

INTERNATIONAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF THE AURORA RICHELLE N. JONES, J.D.

Undergraduate Pulse International Grand Basileus Rasheeda S. Liberty Leading With Vision Driven By Purpose She Leads 7 Notable Political Figures Affiliate News

CENTRAL REGION Syntaktes: Loreal Marshall Undergraduate Chapter Coordinator: Nai V. Colton Youth Services Coordinator: Aliya Cannon

Celebrating Our Friends Philo News Sisters Forever Rhoer News

48

Blooming Rhosebud News Omega Rho Sigma Gamma Rho Certified/Registered Vendors The Aurora Submission Guidelines Hazing Is Prohibited

NORTHEASTERN REGION Syntaktes: Thomasina Gore, Esq. Undergraduate Chapter Coordinator: Selicia Sellers Youth Services Coordinator: Taylor Sligh SOUTHEASTERN REGION Syntaktes: Dr. Celestine LaVan Undergraduate Chapter Coordinator: Tanya Batchelor Judge Youth Services Coordinator: Kristian-Zani Eatman SOUTHWESTERN REGION Syntaktes: Miranda Moore Undergraduate Chapter Coordinator: LaTisha Brandon Youth Services Coordinator: Jessica Brooks WESTERN REGION Syntaktes: Michelle Aldridge Undergraduate Chapter Coordinator: Taryn McNamee Youth Services Coordinator: Beyonce Utley EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Cynthia Eubanks

APPOINTEES International Legal Advisor Debra Y. Huges, Esq. International Parliamentarian Paulette Davis International Program Coordinator Zeretha Washington National Philo Coordinator Paulette Waite National Rhoer Coordinator Towanda Maddox International Sergeant at Arms Tamara McLaurin Boule Chaplain Yolanda Davis-Koonce Deputy Legal Advisor Joyvan Malbon-Griffin Global Membership Liaison Tezra Woody

PAST GRAND BASILEI | 42 | Past International Grand Basileus Deborah Catchings-Smith with Sorors of Sigma Gamma Rho at the FINRA World Junior Swimming Championship. | 48 | Sorors of Alpha Kappa Sigma Chapter in Austin, TX, with Soror and Cultured Pearl Nehoma Brown (center, seated) at the chapter’s 39th Biennial Debutante Ball.

Cleo S. Higgins, Ph.D. | 10th Annie L. Lawrence-Brown, R.N., Ed.D. | 13th Evelyn H. Hood | 14th

Katie Kinnard White, Ph.D. | 17th Helen J. Owens | 20th Mynora J. Bryant | 21st

Joann Loveless | 22nd Bonita M. Herring | 23rd Deborah Catchings-Smith | 24th

AURORA THE

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

FOR SPECIAL CONTENT

FOR DESIGN & LAYOUT

SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC.

THE AURORA MAGAZINE

The Aurora is the official organ of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc, founded at Butler University, in Indianapolis, Indiana, November 12, 1922.

INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 1000 Southhill Drive, Suite 200 Cary, North Carolina 27513-8628 www.sgrho1922.org 1.888.SGR.1922

NICOLE EDMONDS

ADRIENNE GADLING

GWENDOLYN M. GOINS

PAT TUCKER WILSON

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

RASHEEDA S. LIBERTY

FOR GENERAL CONTENT

INTERNATIONAL GRAND BASILEUS

RICHELLE N. JONES, J.D. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CYNTHIA EUBANKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

TONISHIA HOLLOWAY

DR. WANDA LEFLORE

TAMELIA SPOONER-JAMES

ASSOCIATE EDITORS FOR FEATURES

GLORIA DALTON

DESTINY ABERCRUMBIE

DR. KIMBERLY PORTER

DR. JANET TIMMONS

DR. MORLENA T. ROBINSON

BREANA COSBY

DESIGN Headhuntr Studio by Barbra Araujo PRINT Progressive Business Solutions

L. CHANEL DICKERSON

BRITNI DANIELLE JACKSON

ANGELA SPEARS

The Aurora is published three times a year.

All materials for publication should be addressed to the attention of The Aurora at the International Headquarters or sent electronically to theauroramag@sgrho1922.org.

The Editor assumes no responsibility for unsolicited photographs or manuscripts.

Such documents, if to be returned, must be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope.

All Rights Reserved. Postage paid to Raleigh, (North Carolina) Postmaster.

FROM THE INTERNATIONAL GRAND BASILEUS | FALL/WINTER 2020

FROM THE EDITOR | FALL/WINTER 2020

reetings, Sorors!

First, I want to sincerely thank you for entrusting me with the esteemed position of 25th International Grand Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. I am extremely honored to stand on the shoulders of our founders and predecessors to lead our organization into the future. My vision for this sisterhood is to propel us into the next chapter of service with big ideas to expand our beloved organization into a benchmark for female empowerment, professional development, and absolute unity. I am excited to share what my administration has in store as we head towards our centennial. During my tenure, I am devoted to a transparent administration that delivers on the promise of V.I.P.: Vision, Impact, and Purpose. I have outlined a seven-point plan detailing the fundamental tenets to help guide us through this transition that focuses on: Social Action, Membership Benefits, Branding & Marketing Standards, Community Impact, Membership Growth, Undergraduate Success, Operational Excellence. We are already making strides. In this critical time for our country, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. has teamed with Michelle Obama’s “When We All Vote” initiative as well as the Poor People’s Movement, the Own Network, and the Collective PAC with a goal to register over 22,000 voters for this year’s election. We also hosted a Voter Engagement Forum to educate prospective voters.

In October, during Breast Cancer Awareness month, we worked with Sisters Network Inc. to provide complimentary mammograms to underserved women. We have raised over $160,000 of an initial goal of $75,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through our virtual walk. We even hosted our first 22nd Sisterhood Night - Turn Up Tuesday - with more than 800 attendees.

These are just a few examples of the dynamic programming initiatives still to come. Keeping our seven tenets in mind, it is the goal of this administration to also provide the following: more streamlined communication both internally and externally; professional development opportunities for members of all backgrounds; a cohesive legislative agenda; a comprehensive rebrand of our organization, beginning with the launch of our national website and a targeted investment strategy to build our infrastructure, improve technology and develop innovative branding and marketing of Sigma Gamma Rho. In our first 90 days, we have confirmed an impressive 150 committee members and chairs to help build meaningful connections and increase engagement across the organization. This is only the beginning. I encourage each of you to share in our progress by participating in your local chapter, visiting our revamped website, and following us on social media.

I look forward to working with you to expand our organization and our sisterhood.

In Sisterly Service,

Rasheeda S. Liberty

Rasheeda Liberty 25th International Grand Basileus Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Richelle N. Jones ello, Sorors!

I hope this message finds you and your family safe and well.

It has been a long time coming, but it is finally here, and I can hardly contain my sheer excitement about this new chapter for our phenomenal sisterhood. I would be remiss if I didn’t begin this message with an abundance of gratitude and appreciation.

First and foremost, I’d like to thank our International Grand Basileus, Rasheeda Liberty, and the entire International Board of Directors for their unwavering support. Additionally, thank you to Executive Director Cynthia Eubanks and the staff at International Corporate Headquarters.

I’ve saved my deepest gratitude for YOU—yes, you, Soror. Thank you for believing in me, and the abilities I offer as your new Editor-in-Chief of The Aurora, our official communication organ. I am delighted that we’ve made it to this moment. Sweat equity and prayer, coupled with determination, hard work, and persistence, helped bring The Aurora to publication this year. While I won’t spill all of the new details in this note, I will share that in this issue, I hope you enjoy the magazine’s new look, layout, and content.

Additionally, we’ve implemented some aspects to The Aurora that include: outreach to engage new advertisers, established rates for external and internal advertising, new rates for photo submissions, and an updated production schedule. That’s to name a few. I hope that you will enjoy what we’ve put together for you. We welcome your feedback. Be mindful that we will make consistent progress toward greater while gradual, and I hope you join in my excitement over the magnitude of what we will achieve together.

In closing, I’d like to make special acknowledgment to The Aurora team for its diligent commitment and all of the hard work they put in to help make this publication a reality.

Thank you. You are appreciated. I invite you to enjoy this new issue of The Aurora!

In Service,

Richelle N. Jones Richelle N. Jones, J.D. Editor-In-Chief, The Aurora

11 | THE AURORA

10 | THE AURORA

Rasheeda S. Liberty

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ICHQ | FALL/WINTER 2020

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ICHQ | FALL/WINTER 2020

On the Horizon

During this past year, the International Corporate Headquarters has experienced dramatic personnel changes. We thank you for your continued patience and support. As we are widening our global reach and community impact, it is essential to secure associates committed to the transformational vision of Sigma through talent acquisition and professional development. Thank you to our 25th International Grand Basileus Rasheeda S. Liberty, the International Board of Directors, the Associate Engagement Committee, my beloved Sorors, and the Sisterhood

12 | THE AURORA

family. We will “go forward” in improving the delivery

Greetings From The Executive Director/ ICHQ

Cynthia Eubanks

File digitization increases the accuracy of the

In preparation for 2021, we continue to strive

chapter and member research. Headquarters

to provide a positive membership experience.

staff thanks Soror Karen Williams for her

Enhancements to our online dues platform, the

significant contributions to this effort.

development of additional chapter resources via

Associate Engagement/ Human Resources

our LMS, and supporting our upcoming Special

We are excited to announce our partnership with CAI consultants to support human resources, professional instruction, and staff development. This

investment will allow

us to enhance our training and consulting initiatives for our stakeholders. Headquarters’

Boule will help create a solid foundation as we move into our Centennial Celebration in 2022.

In closing, I want to take a moment to thank every Soror, Philo, Rhoer, Rhosebud, and supporter for your commitment and dedication to our International Corporate Headquarters.

I am grateful!!

associates will undergo development activities

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you

to support creating a high-performing work

kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith

As we prepare to close out in 2020, I reflect upon this

environment. We are excited to provide this

be the bridge you build to overcome evil and

historic year. This year amid a worldwide pandemic,

crucial component to our dedicated associates

welcome good.” -Maya Angelou

social unrest, and landmark elections, there is no

working at headquarters.

GREATER time for the Sisterhood to provide service

Learning Management System

of services.

to others. Your headquarters remains dedicated to our mission for the betterment of women and their

Another investment made in 2020 was our

families worldwide.

Learning Management System Top Class. In

Strengthen ICHQ Foundation

response to stay/shelter at home orders, the Membership Services Department and critical

This past year, we invested in numerous initiatives,

volunteers utilized this platform to reimage the

including expanding our partnership with Iron

T.O.R.C.H. curriculum. Launching in September

Mountain to digitize chapters, members, and

2020, our first online T.O.R.C.H. experience

affiliates’ records, along with historical material. Iron

allowed membership chairs and new aspirants

Mountain began the tedious process of cataloging

the opportunity to participate in this new

records with the goal of efficient data retrieval.

engaging and interactive educational journey.

Digitized items include but are not limited to:

•

Aurora publications circa 1929

•

Permanent (pledge) circa 1930

•

Membership files circa 1940

•

Financial records, partner files,

and other historical documents.

For the Seven,

Cynthia Eubanks Cynthia Eubanks, Executive Director International Corporate Headquarters Management Team Aminata S. Mbaye, Chief of Staff Elaina Hamilton, Director of Membership Services Asha Singh, Finance Manager

13 | THE AURORA

In Service to Sigma

Greetings Sorors!

I am honored to support the membership as we go into this next century of service. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your International First Grand Anti-Basileus.

What’s Important

What I believe is most important is supporting members and serving the local communities.

Significant

impact

has

been

made

in

Greetings From International First Grand Anti-Basileus

Marica Harris

connects members beyond the colors of royal

will take the organization beyond centennial. We

blue and gold. The validation and affirmation

want to ensure that Sigma Gamma Rho’s legacy

that comes from being truly seen by another

is accessible for future generations to come. We

person is what makes this sisterhood so powerful

want to leave a legacy that withstands the sands

and meaningful. The membership is comprised of

of time.

a group of women who are committed to service and guided by the core tenet of sisterhood.

We are focused on a ONE SIGMA mindset that is inclusive of all regions, members, affiliates,

Focus of This Administration

partners, stakeholders and staff. This will ensure

This year mandated that everyone think outside the box with our day-to-day activities, not only

that we are working toward one common vision as collaborative partners.

in our personal and professional lives, but also

I strongly believe that through dedication,

how member operate within the sorority. The

perseverance,

wanted to make a difference. These women

membership experience must be reimagined on

engagement Sigma will be led towards a path of

were educators, risk takers and hard workers

all levels. As the lead Membership Ambassador

long-term sustainability.

who made sacrifices to ensure they were

within this organization, my focus is on retaining

From the themes of the sorority’s regional

making an impact in their local community. This

our

leadership, we are focusing on a ONE SIGMA

established a platform, allowing membership to

inactive members and working to attract new

help engage and connect community members

members. We want to ensure that chapters

to resources that will help enhance their quality

have the necessary tools and standard chapter

of life. From collecting bookbags to mentoring

operations that will deliver intentional and

young students, raising funds to support cancer

measurable outcomes for success. We will also

awareness initiatives, educating the community

work on enhancing our membership benefits to

on the drowning rates for children of color,

strengthen the return on investment.

Marica H arris

It’s important that we stay engaged and

Marica Harris

connected with the membership during these

International First Grand Anti-Basileus

times. We will not let the pandemic impact

communities since the inception of this great organization, when seven women decided they 14 | THE AURORA

FROM THE INTERNATIONAL FIRST GRAND ANTI-BASILEUS | FALL/WINTER 2020

and hosting symposiums for youth to educate them about the current climate of the world, members are making strides and creating a culture for a Greater Community.

existing

membership,

reclaiming

our

service to the community and the support we

Members and affiliates are the lifeline to

provide to our members. We have adjusted

the

Sigma

programming to a virtual platform for optimal

Gamma Rho continues to exist. Sigma Gamma

success. This is also a time to review the past,

Rho Sorority, Inc. is comprised of a diverse

assess current needs and focus on a path that

organization—the

mere

reason

group of multigenerational women who bring a plethora of experiences together to meet one common goal: SISTERHOOD! This sisterhood has such a powerful influence and strong bond that

collaboration,

and

collective

mindset…

When we LEAD with LOVE and ACTION, we will see that our PROGRESS is FUELED by PASSION so that we can LEAD the WAY to becoming GREATER TOGETHER!

15 | THE AURORA

FROM THE INTERNATIONAL FIRST GRAND ANTI-BASILEUS | FALL/WINTER 2020

FROM THE INTERNATIONAL SECOND GRAND ANTI-BASILEUS | FALL/WINTER 2020

Greetings From International Second Grand Anti-Basileus

Te’Lor Allen

Hello Sorors!

I am excited to bring your attention to a few of my ideas to move my platform goals forward.

My plans to advance my platform include continuing the open dialogue about mental health and the resources available. With this, we will host a biannual webinar series. The series will be focused on educating the sisterhood about various mental health symptoms and ways to cope or seek professional help. I am hoping to host the first webinar in the future with a focus on mental health.

As we approach the Centennial Celebration, I want to continue with Past International Second Grand Anti-Basileus Christie Nance’s push for increased levels of undergraduate members seamlessly transferring into alumnae chapters. It is my hope, with the help of the five regions, to initiate a consistent program highlighting alumnae chapters that would allow undergraduates to begin building relationships before graduation.

I want to applaud you all for your support in encouraging your community members to get out and Rhock the Vote! Your voice does matter in making the changes that you wish to see at the local, state, and federal level.

I leave you all with love and wishes for blessings.

Your sister,

Te'L or Allen Te’Lor Allen International Second Grand Anti-Basileus

FOUNDERS’ DAY | FALL/WINTER 2020

FOUNDERS’ DAY | FALL/WINTER 2020

2020 FOUNDERS’ DAY

REFLECTIONS ON 98 YEARS OF EXISTENCE I didn’t have a sister growing up. I had several good friends. We shared many laughs and have wonderful memories. I learned the meaning of sisterhood when I joined Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. at The University of Texas at Austin in spring 1992. That bond with my sisterhood and sisters has grown over the years. I have never stopped learning about this awesome sisterhood and the foundation that our Founding Pearls laid.

We have 98 amazing years of history.

I have had the honor of sharing our story. I have served at the local, regional and national levels.

I have traveled and spoken on Sigma’s behalf.

Over my 28 years, I have met some dynamic women. Like any sisterhood, some of us have had our ups and downs. That is okay. A very special sister taught me to know the difference between a soror and a sister.

Alpha Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho, circa 1924.

Nannie Mae Gahn JOHNSON

Mary Lou Allison Gardner LITTLE

Vivian Irene White MARBURY

Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades MARTIN

Cubena MCCLURE

Hattie Mae Annette Dulin REDFORD

Dorothy Hanley WHITESIDE

A sister is there for you through thick and thin.

Sisters laugh and cry together. They share secrets. They discuss business opportunities.

They love each other for who they are. I often share this lesson with my sisters – young and more seasoned. I especially think about the true meaning of sisterhood this time of year.

I am thankful for the path our seven Founders created for us to follow. A path that was formed almost 100 years ago.

ANGELA SPEARS

I was someone who liked to volunteer a lot in my community, whether that was assisting with planning and leading programs at my public library or packaging meals to send to children in need of a nutritious meal at Feed My Starving Children. Going into college, I wanted to be a part of something that could help bring me into a better version of myself without having to conform into a ‘norm’. I would have never thought the women that I met would have helped me grow as a person and would also become my sisters.

While I have only been a member for three years, I have made so many connections with different women and learned so many things about myself. Most significantly, I have learned to lead in my community. By joining Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., I learned how to be a sister and a better example and mentor for others.

As a new member of our illustrious sorority, Founders’ Day is a day of honoring our Seven Founders who conquered all obstacles thrown at them. One of our tenets is sisterhood, and to me, this means valuing, supporting, and embracing our sisters for their contributions and their different perspectives. Though the perspectives may differ from our own, each member is uniquely set apart and that is what makes Sigma Gamma Rho stand out.

DESTINY ABERCRUMBIE

19 | THE AURORA

CELEBRATING 98 YEARS OF SISTERHOOD, SCHOLARSHIP, & SERVICE

THE RHOAD HOME | FALL/WINTER 2020

The Rhoad Home: Planning Our 100th CONSTRUCTION COMPLETED ON THE FIRST TWO SCHOOLS IN HONOR OF OUR ILLUSTRIOUS FOUNDERS

We have partnered with buildOn, an organization that believes education is a basic human right, for the building of four schools – one in Haiti, two in Senegal and one in Malawi. buildOn seeks to provide access to education in communities around the globe by building classrooms in some of the world’s economically poorest countries. These schools will provide area children access to quality education and a path out of poverty.

As a result of this partnership, 136 students (84 boys and 52 girls) are attending classes and seven teachers now have an adequate facility to teach eight grade levels in Calebassier Haiti! The local community contributed land, local materials, and more than 523 volunteer workdays. Women served side-by-side with men on the worksite, an especially

important achievement in Haiti, where women are often denied the same opportunities as men.

The Senegal build was delayed for several weeks due to COVID-19. Soror Angeline Johnson (Beta Omicron Sigma Chapter – Northeastern Region) and Soror Lynette Moragne (Alpha Eta Sigma Chapter – Northeastern Region) traveled at their personal expense to the Keur Diomaye village to participate in the school build. The local community also contributed land, materials and over 1,486 volunteer workdays. The school will service 163 students (54 boys and 109 girls) with six teachers teaching six grades.

Two additional projects planned in conjunction with buildOn are new constructions of a second school in Senegal and a school in Malawi in southeastern Africa.

In addition to the previously outlined construction sites, the Centennial Planning Team and International Educational Initiatives (IEI) Centennial Sub-Committee, led by Soror Theresa Armistead, is working with the Gloria Pointer Teen Movement Foundation in the renovation of two schools in Ghana, and plans are still being confirmed for a U.S. project in Indianapolis, Indiana.

21 | THE AURORA

It is with great excitement that we announce the completion of two school builds: one in Calebassier, Haiti and one in the village of Keur Diomaye in Senegal. These are two of seven schools being funded for construction or renovation by Sigma in honor of our seven founders’ legacy. The international school builds are one of many recommendations being brought to fruition by the Centennial Planning Team from the 2014 requests submitted by the membership to mark our 100 years of providing “Greater Service, Greater Progress.”

BEACON OF LIGHT | FALL/WINTER 2020

Beacon of

Light

BEACON OF LIGHT | FALL/WINTER 2020

SOROR EUNICE MOORE

CENTENARIAN BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Atkinson

Just as our illustrious sisterhood is gearing up to celebrate 100 years of Greater Service, Greater Progress, members of Zeta Sigma Chapter is honored to have two centenarian members among their ranks and proudly celebrated them with birthday parades. Soror Dorothy Richardson and Soror Eunice Atkinson both reached their 100-year birthday milestone this year! Together, these Cultured Pearls have given more than 70 years of service and continuous financial membership to our beloved sorority.

of National Election Committee. In the early 1950’s, Soror Eunice Atkinson sponsored Zeta

Richardson

Sigma Chapter’s first Rhoer Club and impacted

turned 100 years young on July 20, 2020. She

Sigma’s history and the Rhoers’ paraphernalia

is a charter member of Alpha Delta Chapter

by designing the Rhoer pin. She also designed

(April 9,1938) and is considered the oldest

the first Life Member pin. More recently, Soror

living soror in Zeta Sigma Chapter. A published

Atkinson served as the chair of the Benevolent

author, Soror Richardson wrote “Sigma Time

Fund Committee for Zeta Sigma Chapter.

Capsule,” a historical review of our sorority

her distinguished service to Sigma Gamma Rho

and she has often been recognized by Sigma

Sorority, Inc., Soror Atkinson has been awarded

Gamma Rho for her literary prowess.

She

For

the Ruth Cooper Armstrong Award from the

served as Assistant Editor-in-Chief of the

Soror Eunice Moore Atkinson is Life Member #4.

Aurora from 1944 to 1956, and also shared

She celebrated her 100th birthday on October 6,

her writing skills in several projects on the

2020 and has yet to slow down. Soror Atkinson

local, regional, and national levels. One of

was inducted into Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority

the highlights of that documented Sigma

in the spring of 1945 at Stowe Teachers College,

history is that of Alpha Delta Chapter. Soror

currently Harris-Stowe State University.

Richardson carefully listed names, records,

Atkinson’s

and achievements of every line in Alpha Delta’s

fellowship is evidence by her extensive and

The celebrations of Soror Richardson and Soror

and Zeta Sigma’s history. As an avid reader and

lifelong involvement in our sisterhood. She has

Atkinson are considered part of a threesome

conversationalist, Soror Richardson’s wealth

held just about every office at the local level,

of momentous occasions that include their

of knowledge should come as no surprise.

including Basileus. On the regional level, she

100th birthdays, the 100th year of our sorority’s

She freely shares her wealth of knowledge

served as Grammateus, and nationally, she

founding, and Zeta Sigma Chapter’s 90-year

with the sorority and the world. It makes sense

held the offices of Grand Epistoleus, Grand

anniversary!

that Soror Richardson proudly serves Zeta

Anti-Grammateus and was a member of the

over nine decades of service to the St. Louis

Sigma Chapter as Historian. Even when she is

Executive Board. Soror Atkinson has served on

Metropolitan area.

not present at chapter activities, her presence

committees too numerous to count. She loved

is felt. For instance, the majority of the tributes

serving as Assistant Boule Messenger and Chair

written for Omega Rho ceremonies have been penned by her.

commitment

to

leadership

Soror and

Central Region, Zeta Sigma Chapter Woman of the Year, Founders’ Medallion, and received many other special recognitions. Still modest, spry, organized and independent, Soror Atkinson speaks with awe about her early experiences with our Founders and Grand Basilei.

Congratulations

on

completing

23 | THE AURORA

22 | THE AURORA

SOROR DOROTHY

Soror Dorothy Richardson, Life Member #73,

NATIONAL PROGRAMS | FALL/WINTER 2020

NATIONAL PROGRAMS | FALL/WINTER 2020

NATIONAL PROGRAMS:

THE DREAM TEAM MAKING IT HAPPEN

By Richelle N. Jones, J.D. and Gloria Dalton

As the National Programs Dream Team expands its reach, new changes are on the horizon.

Chapters can expect to receive enhanced technological means to document community service.

Led by National Chair Zeretha Washington, the National Programs’ Dream Team crosses regions to actualize the sorority’s five essential programs to carry out the organization’s mission, and to enhance the quality of life for women and children globally.

The Dream Team members - Arizona Proctor, Armenia Hope, Monique Merriweather, Secenario Jones, and Barbara Sawyer - each serve as the Program Chair for their respective regions.

To ensure the sustainability of Sigma Gamma Rho’s programming thrusts, the National Dream Team has introduced essential program liaisons, who will lead the efforts to support the organization’s community service efforts through its five essential programs.

Serving as essential program liaisons are: MaLynda Cooper (Youth Symposium), Secenario Jones (Swim 1922), Dr. Faith Foreman-Hays (Women’s Wellness Initiative – Breast Cancer Awareness), Molly Ford (Operation BigBookBag), and Dr. Myiesha Taylor (Project Cradle Care).

Swim 1922 is one of Sigma Gamma Rho’s essential programs.

During these unprecedented times, Sigma Gamma Rho will provide virtual programming opportunities to help chapters meet their essential program obligations. These national virtual events will cater to every chapter regardless of size. Significantly, service hours acquired through virtual programming may be used toward fulfilling the 1,000,000 service hours for Centennial.

ZERETHA WASHINGTON National Programs Chair

In October 2020, the Dream Team hosted its first event in partnership with Sisters Network, Inc., a new partnership established to combine forces in the fight against breast cancer. This virtual event had over 500 attendees.

In December 2020, Swim 1922 went virtual.

With featured Olympians and a robust agenda, The Dream Team made a significant splash for Sigma Gamma Rho. For National Programs Chair Washington, she is motivated by what is to come. “To quote International Grand Basileus Rasheeda S. Liberty, ‘community impact is our sole purpose and justifies our existence.’ The Dream Team is confident of the impact Sigma Gamma Rho will have on generations to come and this is our focus,” she said.

The Dream Team is making it happen.

25 | THE AURORA

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Service has been the hallmark of Sigma Gamma Rho since its inception in 1922. This has not changed, even in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. Sigma Gamma Rho’s commitment to achieving greater has been consistently realized through its national programs.

The Dream Team is eager to introduce playbooks to assist chapters with implementation, reporting and support of their national programming. “I’m excited to be a part of this administration and to be able to offer tools that will make us ONE SIGMA,” said Washington, National Programs Chair.

L

LET’S GIVE ‘EM THEIR PROPS | FALL/WINTER 2020

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et’s give ‘em their props

Soror Velma Small, Ed.S. has been hereby approved as a subject of biographical record in “Who’s Who in America” by The Marquis Who’s Who Publications Board for her outstanding work as a middle school educator with the Houston Independent School District (HISD) and abroad. She was also inducted into The National Society of Leadership and Success at Walden University. She also served on the Houston Women Leaders’ Summit. Dr. Small has been educating children for over 30 years with the ArchDiocese of Galveston-Houston, four years with HISD, and three years with the Crosby Independent School District.

She also tutors elementary students in reading during her spare time. Spring 2018, Soror Small was inducted into Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. by way of the Gamma Sigma Chapter in Houston. She is also the author of the book entitled “Endeavors.”

SOROR VELMA SMALL

DR. TANISHA STEVENS APPOINTED AS FIRST-EVER VICE CHANCELLOR FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Members of Zeta Sigma Chapter would like to salute our very own, Dr. Tanisha Stevens for being appointed as the first-ever Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL). In this new role, Dr. Stevens will lead strategic diversity and inclusion initiatives to ensure that all students, faculty, staff, and community members thrive.

Prior to her appointment, Dr. Stevens brought more than 17 years of experience at UMSL and most recently served as Interim Director of the Office Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, a position she held since November 2019 while continuing to hold the position of Director of the Office of Academic Integrity simultaneously.

After earning her MA in counseling from Saint Louis University, Dr. Stevens began her UMSL career aiding the dean of the Graduate School with academic dishonesty cases. In 2012, after completing her PhD in educational leadership and policy studies form the UMSL College of Education, Dr. Stevens centralized the procedural process for investigating academic dishonesty cases to a single office. Dr. Stevens is credited with organizing UMSL’s first Virtual Gathering for Racial Unity.

Dr. Stevens plans to use metrics to measure the success of changes and programming, and her plans for the position are aligned with UMSL’s inclusive excellence framework.

Some of her goals in this new role include, increasing professional development and training opportunities, supplying annual reports that prove and highlight campus diversity and inclusion efforts as well as enhance collaborative partnerships across campus and in the greater St. Louis Community. Dr. Stevens states, “It is really important to be authentic and transparent and the work we do is done with intentionality, purpose, and integrity. We have several discussions across campus and the office is committed to ensuring that our diverse voices are represented and heard. For me, that’s imperative.”

Dr. Stevens was inducted as a member of Zeta Sigma Chapter on March 7, 2020.

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LET’S GIVE ‘EM THEIR PROPS | FALL/WINTER 2020

THE SIGMA PLAYLIST | FALL/WINTER 2020

LET’S GIVE ‘EM THEIR PROPS | FALL/WINTER 2020

The Sigma

&

SORORS JUDITH HARRISON FELICIA RICHARDS

PLAYLIST

Two sorors of Eta Nu Sigma Chapter have been at the forefront of fighting crises magnified by the pandemic. Amid Black Lives Matter protests and rising COVID-19 cases, Sorors Judith Harrison and Felicia Richards are raising their voices to build trust within their communities.

The Sigma Playlist is a catalogue of what Sigma’s leaders are listening to.

This edition’s Sigma Playlist combines song favorites from International Grand Basileus Rasheeda S. Liberty, International First Grand Anti-Basileus Marica Harris, and International Second Grand Anti-Basileus Te’Lor Allen.

Soror Judith Harrison with Former Commanding Officer of Brooklyn North, Jeffrey Maddrey

Soror Harrison, formerly the Deputy Chief overseeing New York City Police Department’s Special Victims Division and President of the New York City Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, was promoted to Assistant Chief with oversight of NYPD’s Patrol Borough Brooklyn North.

The first woman to hold the position, Soror Harrison spent her first days on the job emphasizing the need for community support and Black voices in leadership as she battled rising crime in the city.

Soror Harrison and Soror Richards are active change agents, vocalizing their views on inequalities in the community and creating and supporting initiatives for the advancement of our neighborhoods.

SOROR JENNIFER WIAFE

Soror Felicia Richards with Sorors Kim O’Neale and Frances Bates, Basileus and First Anti-Basileus of Eta Nu Sigma Chapter

Big Sigma shoutout to Soror Jennifer Wiafe of Eta Nu Sigma in Brooklyn, NY. Soror Wiafe was featured in Claudia Paul’s (photographer) Faces of Resilience project, highlighting the many men and women on the coronavirus pandemic’s front lines. Soror Wiafe is a clinical pharmacist who works hand-in-hand with many nurses and doctors in an N.Y.C. hospital’s emergency trauma unit. Her selflessness and courage as an essential worker are commendable.

Congratulations on being featured, Soror Wiafe! To see the project, visit https://www.claudiapaul. com/faces-of-resilience.

Jonathan McReynolds | Best Thing Too $hort | Blow the Whistle MC Lyte | Cold Rock a Party Jill Scott | Cross My Mind Tasha Cobbs | For Your Glory Marvin Gaye | Got To Give It Up Future | Mask Off Megan Thee Stallion (feat. Beyonce) | Savage Remix Tauren Wells & Donald Lawrence & Co. | Trenches Shekinah Glory Ministry | Yes (Live) Koryn Hawthorne | Won’t He Do It Kirk Franklin | Love Theory Maze | Before I Let Go Meek Mill | Dreams and Nightmares

Share My World | Mary J. Blige I Wanna Be Down | Brandy Charlene | Anthony Hamilton Back That Thing Up | Juvenile Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You | Lauryn Hill One More Chance | Biggie Smalls My Future | Billie Eilish LIKE I WANT YOU | Giveon 17 | Pink Sweat$ What You Did | Mahalia (feat. Ella Mai) Talia | King Princess Carolina | Harry Styles Dreams | Fleetwood Mac

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Soror Richards, a 34-year New York City Police Department veteran, is the President of the Guardians Association, a collective of more than 1,000 Black officers who continuously advocate for equality within the force. This summer, she discussed the challenges of being a Black police officer in the Gothamist, a local news website and on Das Erste, a German public television channel.

Oxford Dictionary defines music as vocal or instrumental sounds combined in such a way as to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion. Simply put, music can be therapeutic and can be used as a form of illustration of feelings in our everyday lives.

The virtual home of the Central Region launched in September 2020 as we revealed our newly redesigned website! Sorors, prospective members, and guests will find valuable information pertinent to the business and organization of the Central Region. Our home page welcomes visitors with greetings from our 23rd Regional Syntaktes, Loreal N. Marshall, a listing of our regional service goals, upcoming events, social media integration and information regarding our COVID-19 guidelines.

What’s New? Our new interactive website incorporates some exciting user-friendly features such as a chapter locator, member and advisor portals, current and past events page, and a photo gallery of our past Syntakti. Our goal was to ensure that all content and imagery was easily accessible for sorors and visitors.

Chapter Locator: i​ncludes a map of the USA and Germany which gives sorors and prospective members the opportunity to access location and contact information for chapters within the region, affiliate groups, and the advising chapters of our undergraduates.

Member/Advisor Portals: ​ features a log-in required, secured space where sorors and affiliate advisors can access information for members only and set up their user profiles.

Current/Past Events Page:​ offers event details, descriptions, and photo galleries for upcoming and past events.

Past Syntakti Page​: includes a photo, name, and term of office for ALL Central Region Past Syntakti, from 1940 – present capturing our complete regional leadership history!

What’s Next?

Social Media buttons for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube were already integrated at the bottom of the homepage for easy access to our other virtual platforms where visitors will find up-to-date information

REGION NEWS | FALL/WINTER 2020

about Central. Future improvements include the addition of a Sigma Store, online regional dues payment, and event registration for Area Meetings and Regional Conferences.

Special thanks to ROW Media for capturing the vision of Central Region and helping our legacy come alive virtually. Also, a very special thank you to Executive Director Soror Cynthia Eubanks for your assistance in securing the first and second Syntakti photos. Finally, sincere thanks to the sorors of Central Region for sharing your historical content.

We invite you to visit the website at: https:// www.sgrhocentral.com/home​ . We’d love to hear your feedback or suggestions, contact our Central Region Epistoleus Shira Amos at epistoleus@sgrhocentral.com​.

The Sorors of Central Region are excited about this branding opportunity and look forward to continuing our legacy of “Leading The Way.” Central Region was established in 1925 as the birthplace of our sisterhood and home to the seven illustrious founders in Indianapolis, Indiana. Today, the region comprises 43 graduate chapters and 56 undergraduate chapters.

Central Region continues to “Lead The Way” through innovative programs and resources that support the legacy of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

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REGION NEWS

REGION NEWS | FALL/WINTER 2020

REGION NEWS | FALL/WINTER 2020

REGION NEWS | FALL/WINTER 2020

IN THE NORTHEASTERN REGION, BLACK LIVES MATTER (AND WILL ALWAYS MATTER)

CONGRATS TO INTERNATIONAL FIRST GRAND ANTI-BASILEUS MARICA HARRIS The Notable Northeastern Region sends our congratulations to our newly elected International First Grand Anti-Basileus, and Northeastern Region’s own (by way of Theta Sigma Sigma Alumnae Chapter), Marica Harris! As the region’s 22nd Past Syntaktes, the region could not be more pRHOud to have Soror Harris represent the nobility of the Northeast on an international level. We look forward to continuing to work with her in this new role.

CONGRATS TO SYNTAKTES THOMASINA GORE, ESQ. ON RE-ELECTION AS NER’S 23rd REGIONAL DIRECTOR Congratulations to Syntaktes Gore on her re-election! As a region of notable firsts, Syntaktes Gore makes history in the Northeastern Region as the first attorney to serve in the role of Syntaktes!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE NORTHEASTERN REGION 78th REGIONAL CONFERENCE (VIRTUAL) In a year of many firsts, the Northeastern Region held its first regional conference virtually June 27, 2020.

The event was scheduled to occur in Virginia; however, due to the effects of COVID-19, the region made arrangements to ensure a fun and engaging conference would occur through virtual means.

There were several highlights of the conference as Sorors showed up and showed out to make history.

Breakout rooms were enabled to allow members an opportunity to fellowship before the conference officially began. Life Members enjoyed a special breakout session that consisted of energetic music to get our life members ready to handle Sigma business.

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HAPPY RETIREMENT TO NORTHEASTERN REGION PHILO COORDINATOR, DR. CHERY SIMMONS GRAY! Congratulations are in order for Zeta Omega Sigma Soror and Northeastern Region Philo Coordinator, Dr. Cheryl Simmons Gray, on her recent retirement from Kaiser Permanente! Dr. Gray has dedicated 42 years of service within the pharmacy healthcare industry and finally hanging up her white coat to take some much needed rest. The Northeastern Region wishes her the best in her retirement!

Members were also given virtual backgrounds and “be right back” paddles for use if they needed to excuse themselves. This helped maintain order and minimized distraction, and provided a sense of being together in a similar setting, although distant.

The Nominations and Elections Committee deserve special recognition for the 2020-22 regional elected officers’ seamless election, despite it being held virtually. The region also announced its scholarship recipients, as well as the achievement and awards winners. Special thanks to the Accomplished Alpha Eta Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Philadelphia for facilitating the Facebook Workspace, which allowed non-voting delegates access to the entire conference.

After the conference concluded, members could wind down and let loose and enjoy each other in sisterhood. The following day, Northeastern Region affiliate Rhoers and Philos successfully hosted their conferences on a virtual platform.

The 78th Regional Conference, while different and unexpected, was a complete success! Some members are still raving about how well facilitated the conference was. Kudos to the 2018-20 Regional officers who planned and executed an amazing event for all, congratulations to the 2020–22 Regional officers, who will lead with love and action heading into centennial!

RHOad to Centennial!

The Notable Northeastern Region is hitting the ground running on the RHOad To Centennial! 2022 will be here before we know it, and the Notable Northeastern Region is preparing to go all in! To date, the region has donated a Notable $22,000 towards the 100th Anniversary of our beloved sorority! STAY TUNED! Upcoming events include a New Year’s event, taking place in the city that never sleeps: New York City! Plus, there is also a day party in the making that will occur at the one and only CIAA Tournament!

REGION NEWS | FALL/WINTER 2020

REGION NEWS | FALL/WINTER 2020

Progress Fueled By Passion

Legacy of Leadership Brunch As we prepared to transition to a new 2020-2022 administration across the sisterhood, outgoing and incoming chapter basilei and affiliate presidents within the region were treated to a Legacy of Leadership Brunch – A Virtual Celebration. Our very own Soror Lisa Price, Founder of Carol’s Daughter, served as the guest speaker as we celebrated the service and dedication of the leadership of our entire Sigma Family within the Southeastern Region.

Make Your Vote Count To support our social action initiatives around voter engagement, the region partnered with Black Voters Matter, an organization that works to increase power in marginalized, predominantly Black communities, to provide our members and affiliates with statespecific information on mail-in and absentee voting.

Mentorship and Networking Additionally, Southeastern Region undergraduates had the opportunity to chat with UCC Tanya Batchelor Judge and YSC Kristian-Zani Eatman during our series “Poodle Chat: Undergraduate Edition” while new chapter Basilei spent an evening of networking during the first installment of our leadership series entitled “The Real Basilei of the SER.” The series focuses on mentorship, sisterhood, and training while having a good time in a safe space.

Coffee & Conversations Most recently, the region hosted “COFFEE & CONVERSATIONS: Real Talk About Mental Health and Well-Being” via Zoom and Facebook Live. A special thank you to our panelists: Mildred C. Joyner, President of the National Association of Social Workers; Robyn McLeish, Licensed Mental Health Therapist of Through the Looking Glass Counseling

Services; and Dr. Adrienne White of A. White Therapy Group. These women were powerful and left all participants empowered!

Training Opportunities The region has also offered various training opportunities such as QPR Training for Sorors and Philos and Chapter Administrator Training for our Affiliate Advisors. We look forward to continuing to connect with our members with additional timely and engaging virtual experiences over the months to come.

BE THE MATCH® PARTNERSHIP The Southeastern Region of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is once again partnering with Be The Match® to recruit life-saving blood stem cell donors to help disrupt the disparities affecting Black/African-American searching patients with blood cancers and other blood diseases like sickle cell anemia. A cure exists, and it could be you!

In hopes of signing up the maximum number of new donors and saving the maximum number of Black lives, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. – Southeastern Region encourages you to join our race against time by joining the registry to potentially save someone’s life.

Go to join.bethematch.org/SGRhoSE to join the Be The Match® Registry today!

Stay current on activities within the Southeastern Region via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Follow us @SEREGIONSGRHO.

Congratulations Southwestern Region Officers The Southwestern Region kicked off the sorority year announcing the elected officers for the 2020-2022 sorority years. This Board of Directors brings a wide range of expertise and transferable skills to the Southwestern Region. Newly elected Syntaktes Miranda Moore congratulated her officers as she announced that the board is ready to begin to “Build on Our Strengths Through Promoting L.O.V.E.” as the region charters toward the sorority’s historic Centennial year!

Congratulations Southwestern Region Appointments To fill Appointed Officer and Committee Chair roles, Syntaktes Miranda Moore asked Southwestern Region sorors to express their talents and abilities to lead within the sisterhood by heeding the call to serve the region via an application process.

Applications were sent out to the region and several sorors responded. After receiving over 100 applications, Syntaktes Moore announced the region’s Appointed Officers and Committee Chairs and equipped them to shine as they prepare to Lead with L.O.V.E.!

Inaugural Southwestern Region Committee Fair The Southwestern Region continued to heed the call to serve by holding a Virtual Leading with L.O.V.E. Committee Fair. Sorors attending the fair were given the opportunity to learn all about the various roles and opportunities available to serve the region.

Officers and committee chairs shared information to help sorors understand how they could get involved! After Officer and Committee Chair introductions, sorors were given the opportunity to attend break-out sessions where they had further discussions and were able to ask key questions about opportunities to serve. The Leading with L.O.V.E. Community Fair was a huge success and received rave reviews from the region.

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Member engagement is now more important than ever. Although the pandemic has forced us to cancel face-to-face meetings and in-person events, the Sophisticated Southeastern Region has found a variety of ways to engage our members to maintain these relationships through creative and relevant programming. Under the leadership of Syntaktes Dr. Celestine LaVan, the region has remained committed to progressing forward, all while still practicing safe social distancing.

REGION NEWS | FALL/WINTER 2020

REGION NEWS | FALL/WINTER 2020

“From a small seed a mighty trunk may grow.”

-Aeschylus Sisterhood

worker and other critical voter information. The Region continued its efforts by answering the call to assist the Sorority in registering 22,000 people during the election season.

This town hall was the first of a series being held the last Sunday of each month. This is a forum for UCC Brandon and YSC Brooks to hear from undergraduate members and advisors, share best practices, provide updates and address any questions or concerns Inagural Southwestern Region Officer Essentials Training The Southwestern Region hosted a Virtual Officers Essential Training summit for chapter leaders including the Basileus, AntiBasileus, Undergraduate Chapter Advisors, Grammateus, Tamiochus, Anti-Grammateus, Epistoleus, Parliamentarian, Chaplain, Sergeant at Arms, Philo Coordinators, and Rhoer Coordinators.

During the training, the Regional Officers reviewed their goals and objectives and provided details related to roles and responsibilities and what it takes to perform in their positions. During breakout sessions, the officers met with their regional officer and were able to more intimate discussions and asked questions.

Service The Western Region started the 2020-21 sorority year off strong serving over 2,800 students with school supplies valuing over $40,000 to kick off the 2020-2021 school year. Chapters across the Region participated in the Operation BigBookBag Essential Program from Dubai to Los Angeles to Seattle. In addition to OBBB, the Region will host StRHOll for Little Souls – a Virtual 5k in partnership with SPEAR. StRHOll for Little Souls was created to assist youth in communities of the Western Region with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to combat COVID-19. Visit spearfoundation.org to register.

Southwestern Region Area Meetings The Southwestern Region Fall 2020 Virtual Area Meetings kicked off September 26th! Sorors represented the region wearing their jazzy Southwestern Region LOVE t-shirts.

Southwestern Region Undergraduate Chat & Chills The SUPER Southwestern Region Undergraduate Sorors kicked off Area Meeting weekend with a virtual slumber party! Undergraduate sorors wore their favorite pajamas and joined the virtual call for sister share, strolling, and game night. The SWR Chat & Chill is held the Fridays before each Area Meeting.

Despite the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Western Region Membership Committee kicked the Sorority Year off with an end of summer Virtual Game Night for Sorors and Philos. The virtual event, which was held in August, was full of Sisterhood and fellowship experiences. In September, the Membership Committee hosted the Virtual Sassy Sigma Brunch which was nothing short of amazing. The membership ate, sipped their favorite Sunday beverage, fellowshipped with each other, received words of inspiration from Western Regional Philo President, Linnea Myles and attended girl talk, health & wellness, and financial health breakout sessions. Nearly 100 Sorors and Philos left feeling encouraged and reminded that they are RHOyalty.

Social Action The Western Region has had multiple Social Action Events such as voter registration drives, voter education forums, candidates forums and panels to assist in educating the community on the various propositions, voter registration deadlines, early voting, requesting mail-in ballots, becoming a poll

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Southwestern Region Collegiate Conversations Syntaktes Miranda Moore, UCC LaTisha Brandon and YSC Jessica Brooks kicked off for “Collegiate Conversations” - An Undergraduate & Advisor Town Hall.

A MOMENT IN HISTORY | FALL/WINTER 2020

EDUCATOR

A MOMENT IN HISTORY

Spotlight

SIGMA GAMMA RHO STROLLS TO THE POLLS

By Adrienne Redd Gadling

PAST SYNTAKTES EARNS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION

Dr. Jimmie Colson Jackson was nominated by Savannah State University Interim President Kimberly Ballard-Washington to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Black College Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. and as a result, she was inducted into the 2020 Class of the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. (NBCAHOF) in recognition of her exceptional achievements in the field of Lifetime Achievement.

Serving as the 14th Northeastern Regional Syntaktes, Soror Jackson earned this induction due to her contributions to education.

interested in teacher training and certification, professional development, and teacher standards.

Dr. Jackson contributed to the health and progress of Savannah State University by both tangible and intangible means. She served three terms as president of the Savannah State University National Alumni Association (SSUNAA) and instituted many cogent programs to advance the organization and the university such as: Payback ‘85; the SSUNAA Handbook; “Buy A Brick” and “President’s Club” for giving.

Additionally, she orchestrated the successful strategy to petition the United States Department of Education to rescind its decision to close the Naval ROTC program on the campus of Savannah State and helped stave off the threat of merging the predominantly black Savannah State with a nearby predominantly white institution.

Dr. Jackson taught mathematics and served in the field of education Dr. Jackson has not only recruited with distinction for over 44 years. multitudes of students from the She was a trailblazer, having D.C. area to attend Savannah retired from the D.C. Public School State University, but nurtured District after an incomparable them throughout their collegiate career, which included instituting DR. JIMMIE JACKSON careers to ensure academic new paradigms for student and success. Clearly, Dr. Jackson has been on the teacher success and implementing the opening of a battlefield for educating youth as well as all in her new open space school, Martha Winston Education path throughout her lifetime.

Center.

She designed and developed the D.C. Teacher Center Grant, which funded an initiative to meet the professional development needs of D.C. teachers and was recognized as a pioneer in teacher centers serving as a consultant with school districts and other educational organizations throughout the country.

This successful program gained local, national and international attention from educational communities

She received the Lifetime Achievement Award as an Education Pioneer during the NBCAHOF’s 35th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony that was held on September 25, 2020. Dr. Jackson was one of thirteen recipients to receive an award and joined the ranks of over 300 distinguished HBCU alumni Hall of Famers who have been enshrined into the organization since 1986.

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Each year, graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame for significant contributions made in their respective fields.

Photo Credit | Mario Eugene Page @marioeugenepage (IG and Facebook)

The Presidential Election was by far one of the biggest moments of 2020. Our sisterhood went to great lengths to inform the community on the importance of voting.

However, one effort went viral when the Sorors of the Eta Sigma Chapter (Atlanta, GA) linked up with other Atlanta-based members of the Divine Nine sororities for a video campaign to encourage people to vote.

Filmed by Kappa Alpha Psi member, Mario Eugene Page, the Stroll to the Polls video features the women strolling in front of some of the most prolific art murals in Atlanta.

The idea was conceptualized and choreographed by a fellow sisterGreek, Maisha Land, who was inspired by Vice President-Elect

Kamala Harris, who is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

When the Eta Sigma Chapter was approached to participate in the voting campaign, Soror Stella Whitaker recognized how important this effort would be. “It was necessary that we participated in the Stroll to the Polls [video]. We wanted to make sure there was Sigma Gamma Rho representation,” explained Soror Whitaker, who participated and organized the Sorors in the campaign. “We have a responsibility to let our community know how important it is to vote.

That’s another reason why we wanted to be a part of this effort because so many things hinged on this election.”

The viral video was reshared on social media by celebrities and broadcast on several news outlets, including The View, where Soror Audrey Jones is a Senior Producer.

For Soror Jones, who is a two-time Emmy Award winning producer and graduate from Syracuse University, making sure Stroll to the Polls aired on The View represented an impactful part of history.

“It was important that people knew that [Divine Nine] organizations were stepping stones for the young people that marched during the civil rights movement.” They were significant then and they are vital now. Sigma Gamma Rho is making its moment in history.

INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT | FALL/WINTER 2020

SIGMA GAMMA RHO MAKES HISTORY IN THE

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

S

igma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. made history as it welcomed a new international chapter to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The chapter became the first chapter in the Middle East. The establishment of Mu Phi Sigma Alumnae Chapter expands Sigma Gamma Rho’s reach and influence across the globe. In 2015, Sigma Gamma Rho member, Dr. Lani San Antonio, expressed interest in establishing a chapter charter in the UAE. In 2018, the International Board of Directors appointed Tezra Woody,

Esq. as the Global Membership Liaison. Working in tandem with the First Vice-President, the Western Regional Director, and Membership Services Director, Woody and San Antonio were able to solidify this global initiative.

Mu Phi Sigma’s aim is to bring Sigma Gamma Rho’s national programs and purpose to the world stage. The chapter’s signature programs include: Operation BigBookBag in Africa: Most recently, we supported a school and orphanage in Kenya.

Womens Wellness Initiative: Women’s health (physical and mental) are important to our chapter. Due to the coronavirus, many of our efforts have shifted to online through participation in virtual 5Ks and social media awareness campaigns.

World Hijab Day & Ramadan Sharing Fridges: Given our chapter’s roots in the Middle East, we aim to support and bring awareness to the Islamic faith and cultural celebrations.

CHARTER DATE: September 29, 2019 CHARTER BASILEUS Dr. Lani San Antonio CHARTER MEMBERS Michelle Dawson Francois Brigette Washington Ebony Fisher Carla Clark Michelle Ward Catherine Negron Trenease WIlliams Kerry Williams Magdala Blezin Lisa Tripp Quiana Reedus Meatrice Starr Mahogony Grandison Melicia Dickerson Spurgeon Amanda Pugh Nora Bouzihay Angel Cooper Petrina Hill April Rivers Robin Brown Betty Gandy-Tobin Angel Wright

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Mu Phi Sigma Becomes Sorority’s First International Chapter in the Middle East

24KT GOLDEN | FALL/WINTER 2020

“I was an academic scholar and knew I had to be about the business - no matter what other extracurricular activities I got involved with while in college, including working as a resident assistant for four years - because I was blessed to earn a four-year, fully paid academic scholarship,” Soror CatchingsSmith recalls.

Like a dutiful student, she did her research about each of the sororities, but when she met the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho, Soror Catchings-Smith was impressed.

“The members of Sigma Gamma Rho had an extraordinary reputation for scholastic aptitude on campus as well as community service. They demonstrated authentic sisterhood, so those aspects absolutely met my expectations based on my interactions while in high school,” she says.

By Britni Danielle Jackson

Still, Soror Catchings-Smith had no idea how joining the sorority would change the course of her life.

On August 23, 1978, Soror Catchings-Smith was inducted into Epsilon Chapter after being a member of the Gammette ClubSigma Gamma Rho’s official interest group at the time. Once becoming a member of Sigma Gamma Rho, Soror CatchingsSmith networked with sorors across the country the old-fashioned way—through conferences, the sorority’s national directory and over the phone. And while Black-Greek life was burgeoning at the time, BlackGreek letter organization members at predominately white institutions, like Illinois State University, were not a significant part of the student population.

Upon her college graduation, earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Finance, Soror Catchings-Smith began thinking about her life in Sigma Gamma Rho. Under the tutelage of Past Central Region Syntaktes Adah Hull, who became a mentor to the young soror, Catchings-Smith helped to establish Epsilon Sigma Sigma alumnae chapter when she was just age 21.

“That was a great experience,” she recalls, before admitting with a laugh, “I was passionate and unapologetically bold.”

“That was my first big leap into being a part of a major effort within the sorority,” she continues.

“It was a great opportunity to learn about the operations of the sorority.”

After helping to organize an alumnae chapter, Soror Catchings-Smith’s financial service career resulted in her being relocated to several states all while continuing to serve in 43 leadership positions within the sorority at the local, regional, and national levels over the span of her Sigma journey. She sat on the national budget and finance committee with 18th International Grand Basileus Corinne Green and was appointed by 15th Regional Syntaktes Frances Jackson to chair the Central Region Recommendations Committee, before running for Central Region Nominations Chair. After serving in that role, she was later elected as the Grammateus of the Central Region, before going on to become the Undergraduate Chapter Coordinator and later, the Syntaktes in 2005.

“I have been in every officer role in the sorority on a chapter level throughout the years,” Past Grand Basileus Catchings-Smith says with a laugh. “I took that path because I wanted to fully understand the organizational structure of the sorority. And I felt there were great opportunities for me to learn how to be a more effective leader,” she said.

Soror Catchings-Smith’s strategic learning approach, wealth of knowledge about the sorority’s organizational structure along with her vast corporate executive experience, prepared her for the sorority’s top spot. In 2016, she was elected the 24th International Grand Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho. As the sorority’s international president, Soror Catchings-Smith oversaw exponential growth within the sorority, expanded community service impacts, and

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A SALUTE TO THE 24TH INTERNATIONAL GRAND BASILEUS DEBORAH CATCHINGS-SMITH

ooking back, it almost feels that Soror Deborah Catchings-Smith was destined to become a member of Sigma Gamma Rho. After learning about the organization from Soror Ruth Waller, a family friend, when she was a student at Eisenhower High School in Decatur, Illinois, Soror CatchingsSmith earned a four-year academic scholarship to the university of her choice.

She selected Illinois State University, where she was advised to research sororities at the university.

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She was instrumental in augmenting the sorority’s Swim 1922 partnership with USA Swimming. This partnership garnered international recognition as an innovative and impactful initiative for the organization’s efforts in drowning prevention. Through hundreds of Swim 1922 swim clinics and drowning prevention programs hosted by chapters in the U.S. and abroad, research data confirms the sorority’s efforts helped to decrease the drowning rates in the Black community by five percent.

Soror Catchings-Smith was on a mission to elevate the Sorority on an international platform that championed stellar community service efforts. In 2017, Sigma Gamma Rho made history when it was selected as the presenting sponsor of the FINA World Junior Swimming Championships televised for five consecutive nights on NBC Sports Television, inclusive of television ads promoting the USA Swimming Partnership and Swim 1922 drowning prevention initiative. This was a historic first for Sigma Gamma Rho.

Gamma Rho bigger, stronger and more wellknown.

While serving as the 24th International Grand Basileus, Catchings-Smith was also the Vice President Operations of Governance Risk Management at Citi. With such a demanding job and robust leadership position within the sorority, she relied on the help of her village of family, friends, sorors, colleagues, and external advocates to get it all done.

“It was a balancing act. It was difficult,” she admits.

“However, because of the tremendous amount of inspiration from my family, friends, sorors, and external advocates, I was able to successfully manage the balancing act of wife, sister, cousin, godmother, caregiver, career professional, community leader, and mentor, all while finding ways to engage in self-care,” Catchings-Smith said.

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philanthropy made possible through an increased emphasis on data and utilization of member feedback secured through a national membership survey. She streamlined service initiatives, enhanced national partnerships, grew sponsorships, broadened member benefits offered by corporations, and extended the Sorority’s media footprint and public awareness.

24K GOLDEN | FALL/WINTER 2020

Additionally, the first-ever partnership with John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City implemented in January 2020 expands the Swim 1922 program scope and social justice efforts. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. established a $25,000 Swim 1922 Fellowship, supporting swimming instruction and clinics for the neighboring community, while also offering supplemental swim instruction for John Jay students. A portion of the fellowship was used to build a pool at the university for students and the community.

The swimming pool scoreboard will display the name of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. for five years. Called the Swim 1922 fellows, select students will work with the Sorority, providing research and assistance with social justice issues.

Under Soror Catching-Smith’s leadership, the sorority also implemented a new membership database, ramped up its technology efforts, and hosted more than 300 webinars and trainings, including the creation of We Are Sigma Strong. We Are Sigma Strong was a 6-part webinar series that offered resources and tools provided by a wide-range of subject matter experts to the sisterhood and community about navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic. After four years in office, Soror Catchings-Smith helped make Sigma

Above | Past International Grand Basileus Deborah Catchings-Smith with Sorors of Sigma Gamma Rho at the FINRA World Junior Facing Page | Deborah Catchings-Smith with her husband and Sigma Gent, Robert

and her family are pinnacle in all aspects of her life.

They have continuously shown their commitment to providing encouragement to Soror Catchings-Smith in the achievement of her personal and professional goals.

Past Grand Basileus Catchings-Smith credits her journey in Sigma Gamma Rho to a host of mentors and friends she made within the organization, as well as colleagues in the business sector and non-profit organization boards where she held board memberships and leadership roles. The most substantial support came from her husband of 31 years, Robert, who has been an integral part of her Sigma journey and career path. Robert

“I had a tremendous number of mentors along the way,” she says. “I was so blessed to work closely with several Past Grand Basilei. I held leadership roles while a member of Zeta Sigma Chapter, home of the 16th International Grand Basileus Dr. Rejesta V. Perry. I served with 19th International Grand Basileus Dr. LaRona J. Morris on several national committees before she became a Grand Basileus. As a member of the Sorority’s Personnel Committee, I had an opportunity to engage

directly with 23rd International Grand Basileus Bonita M. Herring when she was the Sorority’s Executive Director. I worked closely with 13th International Grand Basileus Dr. Annie Lawrence Brown, 14th International Grand Basileus Evelyn Hawkins Hood, 15th International Grand Basileus Alice M. Swain, 17th International Grand Basileus Dr. Katie K. White, 21st International Grand Basileus Dr. Mynora J. Bryant, and 22nd International Grand Basileus Joann Loveless on various national sorority initiatives throughout their administrations. There are so many remarkable women leaders who have been influencers and helpful to me,” says Catchings-Smith. She continues, “Our sisterhood is our brand. I’ve personally experienced the power of our sisterhood throughout

24KT GOLDEN | FALL/WINTER 2020

24KT GOLDEN | FALL/WINTER 2020

“Our sisterhood is both genuine and passionate about community service. I believe these are the unique characteristics of Sigma Gamma Rho that do not exist anywhere else.” my Sigma Gamma Rho journey. Our sisterhood is both genuine and passionate about community service. I believe these are the unique characteristics of Sigma Gamma Rho that do not exist anywhere else.”

As she looks back on her tenure as the 24th International Grand Basileus, Soror Catchings-Smith is still fired up about the future of the sorority.

“The sorority has endless possibilities,” she says, reflecting on her time in office. “We’ve experienced significant growth over the past four years and have overcome challenges, but have demonstrated our impact to our communities in a more focused way, offering relevant leadership and learning opportunities for our sisterhood.”

“The sorority is definitely on the trajectory to endless possibilities. We can achieve whatever we determine is our focus,” she continues. “There’s an enormous wealth of talent in the sisterhood that will assist in the persistent forward movement of the Sorority. I am eagerly looking forward to our Centennial Celebration in Indianapolis where we will tell the world about the dynamic and fearless Seven Founders who organized our sisterhood. We will share our esteemed record of yielding impacts to improve the condition of women, children and families in communities around the world. We have been intentional, impactful and demonstrated measurable results. We are a sisterhood for the future!”

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When asked what advice she’d give to undergraduate members, Soror Catchings-Smith says, “Whatever we do, as it relates to service, we have to execute with excellence and be able to articulate what we did, and how it mattered. In order to demonstrate how we made an impact in the communities we serve, we must create clear objectives, tactics, utilize measurements, document our progress and conduct a post-analysis to determine whether we achieved the desired outcomes.”

“We celebrated a number of ‘firsts’ for the sisterhood during the first ever virtual Biennial Boule. We were able to deliver “value add” to the membership in offering continuing education credits for five disciplines during the 58th Biennial Boule held in July 2020. None of the accomplishments realized during my four-year administration would have been possible without the talent, commitment and passion for service exhibited by our International Board of Directors, Past Grand Basilei, International Headquarters Staff, National Committee Members, Chapters, Sorors and Affiliates. Thank you for never losing sight of our mission to improve the quality of life for women, children, and families. I salute the entire Sisterhood and Sigma family for affording me the opportunity to render service at the highest level of our organization,” Catchings-Smith said.

Top | 24th International Grand Basileus Deborah Catchings-Smith. | Bottom Left | Soror Catchings-Smith as a member of the Gammette Club at Illinois State University. | Bottom Middle | Soror Catchings-Smith pictured enjoying time with Sorors. | Bottom Right | Under Soror Catchings-Smith’s leadership, in collaboration with A Step Ahead Public Relations led by Soror Cheryl Procter Rogers, the Swimming is a Superpower (sm) tag line was created (pending trademark) along with an activity poster designed to educate the public about the Swim 1922 program, water safety, history of Black and African swimmers, basic swim strokes and other water sports and activities.

ALUMNAE ON THE MOVE | FALL/WINTER 2020

ALUMNAE ON THE MOVE | FALL/WINTER 2020

ALPHA XI SIGMA CHAPTER

Standing, L-R | Kennadi Allen, Monique Neille, Tomorrow Broussard, Zaria Hamilton, Bailey Patterson, Kamryn Johnson, Mireya Reyes-Hardy, Sumner Pugh, Jordan Bibby Seated, L-R | Alesia Gaddis, Chloe Hancock, Kamryn Owens, Morgan Owens, Amelia Johnson Floor, L-R | Zamoria Reeves, Simone Sears, Jaylin Scott, R’Yani Vaughn, Kylie Phillips

Celebrating Emerging Leaders: Sophistication, Elegance, and Excellence Nineteen beautiful and outstanding young ladies were formally presented at the 39th Debutante Ball hosted by Alpha Kappa Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. in Austin, Texas. The venue for this elegant event was filled to capacity with family and friends who witnessed the rite-ofpassage celebration. The parents beamed with pride as they introduced their daughters to society. KVUETV News Anchor Quita Culpepper was the narrator for the evening.

A special moment in the program was the recognition of Cultured Pearl Soror Nehoma Brown, 95-yearsyoung, who was a debutante in the first Alpha Kappa Sigma Cotillion in 1946. Soror Brown, a Life Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, received a beautiful bouquet of yellow roses along with a standing ovation from the audience. She and her daughter, Soror Linda Brown, traveled from Chicago, Illinois to attend the ball. Attorney Danielle Stephens, a 2001 debutante, received the “Keeper of the Dream Award,” which

ALPHA KAPPA SIGMA CHAPTER Austin, TX

is presented to a former debutante who has made significant contributions to her community.

Several personal development workshops were held for the debutantes culminating in a community service project where the young ladies assembled care packages for girls who were victims of human trafficking and living in a local shelter. Separate workshops were held for the escorts in preparation for their role in the ball.

The Reach One Educational Foundation, the 501(c) (3) nonprofit arm of Alpha Kappa Sigma Alumnae Chapter, awarded college scholarships to the top four winners: Jordan Bibby, 1st Place (Wellesley College); Amelia Johnson, 2nd Place, (Loyola University); Kennadi Allen, 3rd Place (St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School); and Zaria Hamilton, 4th Place (Round Rock High School).

The Debutante Ball was chaired by Soror Georgia L. Johnson and Soror Mary K. Ashford. Dr. Wanda L. Nelson served as Basileus.

BETA DELTA SIGMA CHAPTER

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Tulsa, OK

Due to unforeseen circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Alpha Xi Chapter’s Project Cradle Care event was transformed into a drive-thru baby shower to ensure the safety of the community and its chapter members. Participants who signed up to attend received a bag stocked with baby essentials, along with pamphlets from local agencies that provide community resources.

Tallahassee, FL

Tallahassee Graduate Chapter Donates More Than 131 Tons Of Food Lending a helping hand to provide the resources and services necessary to sustain the community is atop the Brilliant Beta Delta Sigma Graduate Chapter’s list of priorities. Before the COVID-19 crisis reached its peak with food insecurities in the area, the sorority was working in the Big Bend Area (Tallahassee and Leon County) to provide and distribute items.

Statistics in the area revealed that one in six households struggled to provide a nutritious meal for their families. As the number of families impacted by the pandemic, unemployment, school closures and loss of the three basic needs of human life were in jeopardy, the chapter formed a partnership with Second Harvest of

Beta Delta Sigma Graduate Chapter, Philos and Rhoers participate in Second Harvest Food Distribution

the Big Bend, America’s Farm Share, and the Leon County School District to provide fresh food and shelf stable items for needy families. To date, Tallahassee Sigma Gamma Rho’s and community partners have provided more than 131 tons of nutritious food to some 9,000 families.

The appreciation and recognition of service from the Tallahassee-Leon County community have been nothing short of wonderful. Dr. Michelle Gayle, Beta Delta Sigma Chapter president said, “Patrons during these events cry, give air hugs, offer countless bless you’s and affirmations of genuine appreciation.”

ALUMNAE ON THE MOVE | FALL/WINTER 2020

ALUMNAE ON THE MOVE | FALL/WINTER 2020

EPSILON TAU SIGMA CHAPTER

ETA NU SIGMA CHAPTER Brooklyn, NY

Remaining Socially Active During the Time of COVID-19 During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Epsilon Tau Sigma Alumnae Chapter remained socially active by producing several online initiatives. Elections along with the 2020 Census allowed for opportunities to provide virtual educational social action programs.

Options such as online seminars, podcasts and drive-thru events became integral in keeping communities informed.

Eta Nu Sigma, in collaboration with other New York chapters of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., suited up and made a big splash during a half day Swim 1922 water safety clinic.

The sorority year began with the 2020 Census social media campaign. This campaign focused on bringing awareness to key areas impacted by the Census such as how tax dollars are distributed and how congressional representation is determined. The campaign stressed the importance of completing the census, especially for underrepresented communities.

Special guests included Immediate Past International Grand Basileus Deborah Catchings-Smith, International Grand Basileus Rasheeda Liberty, Immediate Past NER Syntaktes Marica Harris, Executive Director Cynthia Eubanks and Swim 1922 National Liaison Secenario Jones.

Soror Taniqua Hunter spearheaded the event on behalf of the sorority and co-sponsors included Senator Parker, the Madison Boys and Girls Club at Thomas S. Murphy, The Seven Roses Legacy Foundation and The Agape Food Rescue. Numerous media outlets covered the event.

Epsilon Tau Sigma Chapter hosted the #MuchMoreThanAHashtag program, which focused on the hyper-partisanship environment which is detrimental to minority communities. The program “Together We Rise: Crossing the Aisle to Get Things Accomplished…” was hosted

by Mr. Damien Jones of The Damien Jones Podcast and was produced with the Gamma Upsilon Omega Alumni Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. The panel included representatives on both sides of the aisle coming together. The podcast aired on with more than 1,800 views.

Sorors of Epsilon Tau Sigma participated in drive-thru voter registration events sponsored by the local chapter of NAACP. A voter education seminar, “Avoiding Ballot Box Nightmares”, was held to bring awareness to voting facts in Harris and surrounding counties. Guest speaker “Brother Cecil” from the Gloria Leonard Gospel Show on 1360 AM Radio answered questions from the audience about voting requirements, early voting, and polling locations.

More than 50 adults and children took advantage of the opportunity to meet Olympic silver medalist and sorority member Maritza McClendon, who flew in from Georgia to give hands-on instruction and swim lessons. The clinic, sponsored by New York State Senator Kevin S. Parker, took place at the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club at Thomas S. Murphy in Brooklyn, NY.

Parker, right, is pictured with Deborah Catchings-Smith. Olympic silver medalist and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority member Maritza McClendon lead a Swim 1922 clinic and helps a future swimmer learn to float in the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club pool.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority thanked New York State Sen. Kevin Parker for his partnership to bring the life-saving Swim 1922 clinic to his district.

The day marked the beginning of the partnership to provide more access to pools and lessons for the African American community.

Brooklyn children got in the swim of things during the Swim 1922 water safety clinic with Soror Maritza McClendon.

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Missouri City, TX

ALUMNAE ON THE MOVE | FALL/WINTER 2020

ALUMNAE ON THE MOVE | FALL/WINTER 2020

ETA PSI SIGMA CHAPTER Shreveport, LA

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Eta Psi Sigma Chapter did not let the COVID-19 pandemic stop them from their community service projects. After inducting three new members in May 2020, the chapter held a voter registration drive in June 2020. The chapter used every Monday in July to provide a week’s worth of meals to local senior citizens. In August, the focus was on health as the chapter distributed more than 2,500 masks in the local community to fight the continued spread of coronavirus.

For back to school, Eta Psi Sigma Chapter contributed, collected, and donated backpacks to area students for Operation BigBookBag. After seeing the need of fellow citizens in southwestern Louisiana as a result of Hurricane Laura, the chapter joined relief efforts and were able to provide more than 200 cases of water to devastated communities without clean water service.

ETA XI SIGMA CHAPTER Oak Lawn, IL

Eta Xi Sigma Alumnae Chapter (EXS) exceeded expectations during the last half of the 20192020 Sorority Year!

EXS took two busloads of Sorors, Philos, Rhoers and the Spring 2020 Torch Class to the 80th Central Region Conference in Louisville, Kentucky on March 12, 2020. At the conference, the 14 members of the Spring 2020 Torch Class, Ultimate Consolidation, were inducted into our wonderful sisterhood, much to their surprise and delight! EXS sorors warmly welcomed them into the Sisterhood with a social in the Chapter’s suite. Unfortunately, the Regional Conference was cut short due to the onset of the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic, but EXS sorors had the opportunity to attend trainings, a plenary session, and the various luncheons before it ended. Once safely home, EXS rose to challenge of “going virtual.”

EXS successfully pivoted during

the last meetings of the sorority year, holding all meetings virtually, including its first ever virtual candidates forum, and virtual election.

The chapter also pivoted for our remaining national programming obligations, specifically the March for Babies virtual walk. EXS raised more than $2,200 in support of the 2020 March for Babies initiative. EXS kept its members engaged by holding fun virtual events such as a virtual happy hour and participating in virtual drive-by celebrations for its Cultured Pearls. EXS attended the Regional Virtual Special Meeting (June 2020) as well as the Virtual Special Boule (July 2020).

On July 18, 2020, EXS had the opportunity to partner with the Chatham Business Association, along with other community organizations, in presenting a “Back 2 Business” community event.

The event provided opportunities for voter registration, census completion, free haircuts, and braiding, as well as PPE distribution. EXS sorors distributed PPE and helped community members complete the census.

The event was very well attended and provided invaluable service to the community during these challenging times. Additionally, members of EXS rose to challenge and participated with NPHC

of Chicago in its census initiatives between March and September 2020, including two virtual census rallies.

EXS members served on the Census Committee as well as participated in various community events where food and PPE were distributed. In addition, EXS assisted in the distribution of census materials and helped community members complete the census.

drop off in place of its annual picnic on August 15, 2020. New members were showered with gifts from the Chapter, their mentors, individual chapter members, family, and friends. Though not the event eventually planned for the new members, they still received a warm welcome into the Sisterhood.

As Illinois moved to its Phase 4 reopening, EXS was finally able to celebrate its Spring 2020 Torch Class with a gift

The EXS Family closed the 2019-2020 Sorority Year with 187 Chapter members, 12 Philos, 46 Rhoers, and 11 Undergrad members (Xi Lambda and Omicron Beta), for a total of 256. Each group inducted new members over the course of the year, continuing the upward growth of the EXS family! Indeed, EXS won an award for its membership growth at the 2020 Virtual Special Boule and continues to exceed expectations in all that they do!

IOTA EPSILON SIGMA CHAPTER Woodbridge, VA

Iota Epsilon Sigma (IES) Virtual Paint Party!

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the entire sorority to think outside of the box and become more creative when wanting to get members together to fellowship and fundraise. This year, IES decided to host a paint party via Justin Q Young from Paint n’ Sip LLC. This allowed Sorors to gather online to engage in a virtual paint night with food, laughs and music playing in the background. In attendance, IES was excited to welcome, our newly elected International Grand Basileus Rasheeda S. Liberty and First Grand Anti-Basileus Marica Harris. Sorors from various regions and chapters also joined the paint party; including Soror Maria Hendrix from the Eta Omicron Sigma Chapter. Soror Hendrix described the event as “therapeutic” after having a stressful work week.

She also expressed that one of her favorite moments was “having our new Madame Grand there with us and seeing her enjoy everything.” A few Sorors learned how talented they were at painting and some just enjoyed the new experience. Overall, each Soror was able to keep their selfpainted portraits at home and enjoy a night of safe fellowship with one another.

IOTA NU SIGMA CHAPTER

Worthington, OH

Even though the pandemic of 2020 has slowed down and even stopped most things in the world, it did not stop the Sorors and Rhoers of the Audacious Iota Nu Sigma Worthington, Ohio chapter from making great strides in education! These ladies navigated the unprecedented challenges and achieved their goals.

Congratulations to the 2020 graduates of Iota Nu Sigma Chapter!

Rhoer Makayla Bowers | Centennial High School, Columbus, Ohio Soror Nikole Carr | Bachelor of English Literature Capital University, Columbus, OH Soror Bydea Foster | Bachelor of Science/Criminal Justice Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, OH Soror Nyree Henry | Bachelor of Business Administration Ohio Dominican University, Columbus, OH Soror Ednetta Parker | Master of Education/Special Education Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ Soror Kassidy Pierre | Master of Arts/Educatio Capital University, Columbus, OH Soror Kimberly Porter | Doctorate in Education Northcentral University, Phoenix, AZ

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ETA XI SIGMA CHAPTER (cont’d)

ALUMNAE ON THE MOVE | FALL/WINTER 2020

ALUMNAE ON THE MOVE | FALL/WINTER 2020

IOTA XI SIGMA CHAPTER

LAMBDA OMEGA SIGMA CHAPTER

Spring, TX

South Bend, IN

The Chapter went to 150 homes, handing out 450 masks, thanks to the “Love Your Block Acts of Kindness” grant received from the City of South Bend along with donations from Walmart, Neighborhood Resources Center, the South Bend Chapter of the National Panhellenic Council, Inc., Senter Focus Photography, and Iota Xi Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. During the giveaway, the ladies also took surveys to see if the residents needed help taking the Census (if they have not already

completed it), registering to vote for the fall election, or required transportation to the polls for the election.

The ladies of Iota Xi Sigma followed up their impressive efforts by answering yet another call to serve and supplying 200 disposable style masks to LaCasa De Amistad South Bend for the residents that needed access to the center’s services in person. The chapter obtained donations, including 500 masks from the Vera Bradley Corporation, to quadruple the (first giveaway) amount to an amazing 1600 cloth reusable masks; these were utilized for their second door-to-door mask giveaway. It took place on June 27, 2020, and included Rhoers, Rhosebuds, community leaders, clergy, and area students as volunteers! The chapter was featured on the local news and in the newspaper! The Iota Xi Sigma Chapter is growing and looking forward to continuing to be a beacon of light within the Greater South Bend community and beyond, through the efforts of Impactful Xceptional SisteRHOod!

LAMBDA KAPPA SIGMA CHAPTER South Shore, MA

To help educate voters during election season, the Lambda Kappa Sigma Alumnae Chapter hosted a Voter Education Webinar Series.

While voter registration initiatives are critical, the chapter believes that it is equally important that voters are educated on key issues and understand the impact of their vote.

The series, which kicked off in July 2020, focused on topics such as the history of voting rights in America, voter suppression, and representation at both local and federal levels. The chapter partnered with community organizations such as the Brockton Area NAACP and the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts for sessions in the series. Despite the challenges that come with virtual events, the reach of the content was wide. Sorors are encouraged to visit www. southshoresgrho.org/votereducationseries to view recordings of each session.

L-R | Tony Branch, Chairman of the Brockton Diversity Commission, and Sorors of the Lambda Kappa Sigma Chapter

MU BETA SIGMA CHAPTER

Round Rock, TX

New Beginnings at Mu Beta Sigma Welcome Sorors!

The MOTIVATED Mu Beta Sigma (MBS) Alumnae Chapter of Round Rock, Texas kicked off the sorority year with a bang! In just four short weeks, we have already welcomed four sorors to our chapter (two Transfers and two Reactivations).

This has taken our membership total up to 41, which puts the chapter on a trajectory to reach its goal of 100 members by Centennial!

We are very proud to welcome Soror Christine Gervet, Soror Camille Hall, Soror Linda Ransom, and Soror Elizabeth Redmond who have reactivated or transferred during Fall 2020. As the chapter grows, MBS is committed to ensuring that our sorors have a positive and successful membership experience! One of the many membership initiatives to help meet that goal is the implementation of our New Beginnings Class. This program will help to recreate an experience for our reactivated and transfer sorors, and is designed to produce an excitement that is similar to the T.O.R.C.H. experience. Our

Membership Reclamation Sub-Committee has created this program to allow our reactivated and transfer sorors to develop connections and form bonds with sorors who have also been welcomed into our chapter during the same time (i.e. Fall/Spring and the year). With the New Beginnings Class, sorors will be provided special gifts, participate in an orientation session, have virtual bonding activities, and even have annual celebrations.

As demonstrated by our National and Regional leaders, Mu Beta Sigma leaders are “Thinking Big” while “Leading With LOVE.” Our newly elected Basileus Stephanie “Cody” Harris and Anti-Basileus Aretha Waits are excited about the direction that the chapter is headed and appreciate the support and hard work of all Mu Beta Sigma sorors. This is just one example of several new initiatives that Mu Beta Sigma has rolled out to help focus on the membership 3-R’s (Recruitment, Reclamation, and Retention) that will ensure that the chapter reaches CENTENNIAL BY CENTENNIAL!

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For their initial COVID-19 prevention community service project on June 6, 2020, the ladies of the Iota Xi Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. of South Bend met at Central High Apartments and Lofts (formerly Central High School, where Founder Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford graduated cum laude from), broke into three teams and went door-to-door throughout the community’s highest affected area codes with bags containing cloth reusable masks and info on the Sorority, COVID-19 prevention, and testing.

Held in North Houston, Texas, the Lambda Omega Sigma (LOS) Chapter hosted Project Cradle Care exemplifying one of the sorority’s essential programs. As a resource and educational fair, the main objectives were to provide information that included: the ABC’s of prenatal and postnatal care, financial wellness, nutrition, and community support services. LOS distributed flyers in the surrounding community to invite young ladies interested in attending. The community fair was open to the public. The purpose of the program sought to improve pregnancy outcomes in high-risk communities by increasing the availability of adequate prenatal education and care. It also aimed to establish a better understanding of proper infant care and child development.

ALUMNAE ON THE MOVE | FALL/WINTER 2020

ALUMNAE ON THE MOVE | FALL/WINTER 2020

MU CHI SIGMA CHAPTER

MU THETA SIGMA CHAPTER

Stockton, CA

Roanoke Rapids, NC Located in Stockton, CA, Mu Chi Sigma Alumnae Chapter celebrated its one-year anniversary of its chartering. The chapter was chartered on October 5, 2019. Since its charter, the chapter has made several partnerships with organizations in the community, including Stockton Family Shelter and St. Mary’s Dining Hall. In addition, Mu Chi Sigma Chapter has adopted two elementary schools. The chapter looks forward to the continued growth, as well as program development to aid the community in ways that align with the aims and precepts of Sigma Gamma Rho.

Mu Theta Sigma Donates Funds To Help Close The Digital Divide The ladies of Mu Theta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. donated more than $1,000 to Warren County Schools to assist with expenses for remote learning.

Each year, the Mu Theta Sigma chapter selects a county in the Roanoke Valley to support as a part of Operation BigBookBag. Members of the chapter used social media and word of mouth to raise money.

In September 2020, members of Mu Theta Sigma met virtually with Warren County Schools’ Superintendent Dr.

MU TAU SIGMA CHAPTER

Killeen, TX

In the wake of the current pandemic of COVID-19, and since chartering in January 2019, Mu Tau Sigma Alumnae Chapter has had to adjust the way it conducts business as a chapter. That has meant taking guidance from National Headquarters and the Centers for Disease Control on what measures to follow to help keep all chapter members safe and to protect others within the community the chapter serves. This year’s Operation BigBookBag giveaway needed to take place with those goals in mind. With the use of PPE and a structured drive-thru style format, the chapter partnered with other organizations in the community to distribute more than 1,000 book bags in the parking lot of a local church within the city. The book bags contained donated PPE from the city of Killeen for elementary to high school students. The event provided needed resources for families who had been struggling in many areas during Sorority’s overall mission.

NU ETA SIGMA CHAPTER Shertz, TX

Congratulations to the newest chapter in the Super Southwestern Region! On September 22, 2020, the Nu Eta Sigma Chapter chartered virtually for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated.

Moreover, they made history in the 2020-2021 sorority year.

The Nu Eta Sigma Chapter is excited to expand the Sigma footprint in Schertz, TX. They are ready to serve!

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Regional Syntaktes Thomasina V. Gore, Esq. to give the $1,500 donation to Warren County Schools.

ALUMNAE ON THE MOVE | FALL/WINTER 2020

ALUMNAE ON THE MOVE | FALL/WINTER 2020

OMICRON SIGMA CHAPTER

THETA ALPHA SIGMA CHAPTER

Memphis, TN

Hartford, CT

#GreaterTogether The “Outstanding” Omicron Sigma chapter remained busy in fellowship and community service ranging from national to local programs.

The chapter put on a Rhomania Teen Summit at Glenview Community Center that brought in speakers that focused on teen dating, sex trafficking, fine dining, and etiquette that was open to the community members aged 11 and up.

Due to the pandemic, and rise of COVID-19 cases, Omicron Sigma held its first-ever virtual Youth Symposium that discussed the topics of teen pregnancy, money management, and engaged youth in hip hop Zumba session. The

symposium was broadcasted online via Facebook with more than 350 views worldwide.

For the Operation BigBookBag initiative, Omicron Sigma donated well over $400 worth of pens, pencils, folders, notebooks, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, and gloves to the Refugee Empowerment Center. This center is also used for virtual learning for students that are unable to access the internet in their homes.

Omicron Sigma is committed to helping people get registered to vote, even during the pandemic.

On National Voters Registration

Day 2020, members of Omicron Sigma, along with Alpha Omicron and Gamma Chi, lined the streets of Memphis, TN while maintaining social distancing, by having a voters registration drive-thru that successfully ended with the chapter registering 46 people to vote.

The sorority year ended with a virtual end of the year celebration that highlighted the chapter’s accomplishments with the installation of the new executive board.

THETA CHI SIGMA CHAPTER Oak Park, IL

YOUR VOICE SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC.

THETA CHI SIGMA CHAPTER & IOTA PHI THETA FRATERNITY, INC.

BETA SIGMA OMEGA CHAPTER VOTER EDUCATION

Community Conversation

Registration Process, Early Voting, Mail-in Voting and more...

ROCK THE VOTE

National Voter Registration Day Join Us Live Throughout The Day! Register To Vote! @ThetaChiSigma & sgrho_tcs

Registration Link: https://register.rockthevote.com/registrants/new?partner=38543

For more information DM IG @ sgrho_tcs & bso_iotas

TCS RHOcks the Vote National Voter Registration Day 2020 fell on the 22nd of the month. Because of this, the goal was for Theta Chi Sigma Alumnae Chapter to take over social media timelines via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! Numerous chapter sorors created videos that encouraged people to register to vote. More than 300 people viewed the chapter videos and gained knowledge about the power of voting from Theta Chi Sigma Sorors. The chapter wanted people to LEAD, EMPOWER, and TRANSFORM people by rallying them to VOTE! #SigmaGammaRho #SGRho #LeadEmpowerTransform #TCSRhocks #ThetaChiSigma #IotaPhiTheta #BetaSigmaOmega #MuchMoreThanAHashTag #NationalVoterRegistrationDay #RockTheVote #WhenWeAllVote

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This election season was of critical importance to us all. During Voter Engagement Week 2020, the Tenaciously Authentic Theta Alpha Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., in collaboration with the Tau Omega Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., hosted a social media Voter Frequently Asked Questions campaign aligned with our Much More Than a Hashtag Initiative.

Each day, the chapters posted virtual flyers containing helpful information regarding voter registration, rules, regulations, and key insights, such as information regarding absentee ballots, felony voting rights, and important social-political issues to consider in the election. On National Voter Registration Day 2020, the two chapters combined their efforts to create a visual message as a reminder of the importance of voting and the power our voices carry through our votes.

ALUMNAE ON THE MOVE | FALL/WINTER 2020

ALUMNAE ON THE MOVE | FALL/WINTER 2020

Bronx, NY

Black Lives Matter Sorors Beasley-Murray, Thompson, and Vilceus from the Theta Rho Sigma Bronx Alumnae Chapter participated in a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest on June 6th, 2020. In honor of Sandra Bland and all of the other lives lost, we continue to fight racial injustice and #SayHerName.

Juneteenth On June 19th, 2020 Sorors from the Theta Rho Sigma Bronx Alumnae Chapter performed at a Juneteenth celebration organized by local activists in Harlem.

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Chat & Chew The Trendsetting Theta Rho Sigma Bronx Alumnae Chapter hosted their annual Chat & Chew in February 2020. The event was filled with riveting conversations regarding colorism and women’s empowerment. One of the goals of the event was to make all women feel comfortable in the skin that they are in.

Sip & Paint Sip and Paint is a signature fundraising event that Theta Rho Sigma holds annually. This year, the chapter remixed the event and added the element of Trap music. Trap & Paint was a success with a night full of painting, food and trap music enjoyed by all guests.

ZETA DELTA SIGMA CHAPTER

Arlington, TX

Congratulations to the 2020-2022 Executive Board of the Zeta Delta Sigma Chapter in Arlington, TX, chartered June 26, 1982.

The Leadership Board consists of: Basileus: Ashlee McGee Anti-Basileus: Valerie Lathan Second Anti-Basileus: Darneshia Smith Grammateus: Jasmine Carter Anti-Grammateus: Tiffany Brooks-Vredenburg Tamiochus: LaKeia Coleman Epistoleus: Charya Williams-Juarez Parliamentarian: Stephanie Reid Sergeant at Arms: Chandra Jacobs Evans Philo Advisor: Michele Epps Rhoer Advisor: Kenyatti Tricksey Rhosebud Advisor: Carla Hargrove Chaplain: Tina Wallace ZDS Yellow Tea Rose Foundation Chair: Tnai Mason

ZETA OMICRON SIGMA CHAPTER

Bolingbrook, IL

The sorors of Zeta Omicron Sigma Chapter found creative and fun ways to crush the quarantine blues during the COVID-19 pandemic. With some chapter members who serve as essential workers still being required to work outside the home during the pandemic, arranging time to bond was a challenge, but the chapter remained committed.

During May 2020, the chapter hosted a virtual paint party that included chapter sorors, sorors interested in reactivating, and women interested in joining Sigma. Zeta Omicron Sigma wrapped up the 2019-2020 sorority year with a virtual NetFlix and Chill event, with a viewing of the movie “Uncorked.” The NetFlix Party extension allowed attendees to watch the movie together and chat via online text.

Zeta Omicron Sigma Chapter began the 2020-2021 sorority year by donating personal care kits to be distributed to young ladies in junior high and high school during the DuPage Township Annual “Tools For Kidz” back to school festival in August, as well as attending the Bolingbrook commemoration of The March on Washington. All necessary precautions for safety and social distancing were taken in participating in these events.

In September 2020, the chapter supported Soror Ronisha Edwards- Elliott as she was featured in a Facebook Live discussion on Sickle Cell disease and the importance of registering with “Be The Match” blood stem cell program, to potentially help save the life of someone in need of a transplant. Visit bethematch.org for more information or to register.

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THETA RHO SIGMA CHAPTER

UNDERGRADUATE PULSE | FALL/WINTER 2020

UNDERGRADUATE PULSE | FALL/WINTER 2020

TAU TAU, BROOKLYN COLLEGE BROOKLYN, NY

AMERICA’S BEST COLLEGE POET GAMMA RHO CHAPTER ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY Soror Naudia Williams, a slam-poet from the south side of Chicago and undergraduate student at Illinois State University (ISU), recently participated in a nationwide poetry competition. Soror Williams was one of ten finalists from all over the United States.

She competed in three knockout rounds, where she contended against her very talented peers.

Ultimately, Soror Williams won the competition.

Soror Williams’ work has been featured in Euphemism, ISU’s creative arts journal publication, as well as, The End of Chiraq: A Literary Mixtape through Northwestern University Press, and RedBull documentary “This and Nothing Else: Chicago’s HipHop Scene.”

She also is the newly elected president of the Black Greek Leadership Council at ISU.

The chartering members of the Tau Tau Chapter at Brooklyn College.

The Tau Tau Chapter celebrates the anniversary of its chapter charter in 2020. Eight Sorors chartered the Tau Tau Chapter on the Brooklyn College campus on November 3, 2018. The charter members for the chapter, which is sponsored by the Eta Nu Sigma Alumnae chapter, are as follows: Natasha Dennis, Guerley Denis, Frencine Jean, Nailah Pressley, Yvonne Jordan, Marlaina James, Orika Smith and Vanessa Bonna.

Some of the chapter’s endeavors since the chartering include: promoting the sorority at events, such as Meet the Greeks and the Student Survival Guide, the AIDS Walk in New York City’s Central Park, the Breast Cancer Walk in Coney Island, New York, and assisting with Eta Nu Sigma with the chapter’s Operation BigBook Bag initiative.

The chapter is award-winning, have won the following awards at previous Northeastern Region conference events including: Platform is Power, Newly Chartered, Brand Like A Boss, and Beauty is a Movement.

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NAUDIA WILLIAMS

UNDERGRADUATE PULSE | FALL/WINTER 2020

KENNEDY DAVIS-NEALY NER UNDERGRADUATE

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QUEENS COLLEGE, NY It was no surprise to friends and family members that former Rhoer Kennedy Davis-Nealy would take the necessary steps to become a Soror. Inducted on March 31, 2020, she is the first and only NER Undergraduate at Queens College in Queens, NY. Eta Nu Sigma Soror Angelique John, her advisor, led her T.O.R.C.H. process.

Soror Davis-Nealy is a legacy. Her mom, Tiffany Davis-Nealy, an elementary school principal, is an active member of Eta Nu Sigma, the Queens Chapter of the NAACP, and is a former Undergraduate Chapter Coordinator for the Northeastern Region.

An exceptional student, Kennedy was named a Queens College Presidential Scholar for the 2019-2020 academic year.

IGB RASHEEDA S. LIBERTY | FALL/WINTER 2020

INTERNATIONAL GRAND BASILEUS

LI BER TY RASHEEDA S.

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“You will make some mistakes along the way, but keep going.”

LEADING WITH VISION, DRIVEN BY PURPOSE

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IGB RASHEEDA S. LIBERTY | FALL/WINTER 2020

People’s Campaign, the NAACP, and OWN were also secured and heightened to drive educate, mobilize, energize and get Black America to the polls. She also announced a first-time strategic partnership with the Sisters Network ® Inc., to raise awareness of the importance of early detection in recognition of October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

natural leader, Rasheeda S. Liberty, fell in love with the business of the sisterhood at her first regional conference. It was only a matter of time before she was elected the 25th International Grand Basileus. Within weeks of her induction at Marquette University in 1994 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she decided to spend a year learning the organization’s nuts and bolts then started holding offices and committee chair roles locally and regionally. Elected officer or committee chair for 25 of her 26 years of membership, she worked as a dedicated mentor and spearheaded the growth of Sigma Gamma Rho in the Southeastern Region and served in several leadership roles, including international first vicepresident, Southeastern Region Director, Central Region treasurer, and as international editor in chief.

Recently, we sat down with International Grand Basileus Liberty to learn more about being a leader, balancing life, and her vision for Sigma Gamma Rho’s growth in the next 100 years.

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Born in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rasheeda S. Liberty grew up as an only child who formed an unbreakable bond of sisterhood and service by joining Sigma Gamma Rho. In addition to her stewardship of the organization as one of only 24 women to hold the position of Grand Basileus, she is also a senior finance director, leading the recruitment strategy for Amazon’s Chief Financial Officer and executive team. She joined Amazon as the highest-ranking African American female in North America Customer Fulfillment Finance, responsible for shaping financial operations and driving operational excellence for both the Central and Texas Regions, encompassing 12,000 associates and partnerships with 600 leaders (Operations, HR, Safety, Procurement, Loss Prevention, Engineering, Learning, and Staffing).

In addition to her extremely demanding position as Grand Basileus, her career, social life, and family life as a wife and mother of two, Liberty is also a member of numerous organizations, including Top Ladies of Distinction, NAACP, Finance Executive Networking Group (FENG), and Jack & Jill of America. Only a few months into her position as Grand Basileus, she’s already making a difference and “Leading with Vision. Driven by with Purpose.” In September, she announced Sigma Gamma Rho’s official partnership with “When We All Vote,” a voting initiative by former first lady Michelle Obama. Partnerships with the Poor

How did you feel when you first joined Sigma Gamma Rho? When I first joined Sigma, I was excited to be a part of a sisterhood. As an only child, I always yearned for sisters or friends who are like sisters. Immediately, I formed a bond with my advising chapter sorors and my Day 1 sisters in Wisconsin. No matter what school you were at in Wisconsin, we worked together as a unit. What is interesting is that this bond remains so strong today. Each time I attended a conference, my first area, my first regional conference, and my first Boule, that feeling came over again – as I had even more sisters.

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When did you know that you wanted to be a leader in the organization?

Within weeks of induction, I attended my first regional conference. Of course, we were excited about taking a road trip, going to the step show, and seeing the fraternities. The business meeting was not a topic, as we planned to go to the conference. However, when we arrived, we decided to get dressed and head to the business session. I watched as sorors went to the mic, reviewed reports, asked questions, etc. I sat in amazement at the regional syntaktes. It was at that conference where I fell in love with the business of the sisterhood. I took a year to learn the organization. After just a year, I started holding offices and committee chair roles locally and regionally. I have been an elected officer or committee chair for 25 of my 26 years of membership.

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What advice would you give to undergraduates who want to be impactful in their service?

I would advise any undergraduate member to be observant of the organization initially, but not to wait too long to start developing their Sigma toolkit.

Sometimes we wait for the perfect opportunity when we should learn by doing. Secondly, you will make some mistakes along the way, but keep going. There were times when I had to rely on my advisors and my

“Only 24 other women have had the honor of leading Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. as the Grand Basileus.

This is something that I do not take lightly.”

IGB RASHEEDA S. LIBERTY | FALL/WINTER 2020

IGB RASHEEDA S. LIBERTY | FALL/WINTER 2020

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Where do you find your strength?

Where do you see Sigma Gamma Rho in the next 100 years, and what are you doing now to secure Sigma’s place in 2122?

sorors to coach, develop, and refine me as a leader. I have news – I still do have those conversations with mentors even as Grand Basileus. A lot of sorors have invested in me, which I value today. Lastly, I would let them know that membership extends beyond college; it is forever. With that, it is important to remain active. Most people have their best experiences as alumnae members. Be engaged, be coachable, and be active.

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What motivates you to keep going?

After becoming Grand Basileus, I received a package in the mail. Inside of that package, there was a handwritten note that I will cherish for life from Past Grand Basileus Deborah Catchings-Smith. She shared some very personal words, which resonated in my heart and sealed something within me. Only 24 other women have had the honor of leading Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. as the Grand Basileus.

This is something that I do not take lightly. I have an awesome responsibility and motivation to continue our Founders’ legacy to ensure Sigma Gamma Rho

7 continues to be a destination organization for women who have a passion for serving. I see a future where Sigma will not only support an issue but eradicate it.

My motivation is and continues to be seeing Sigma bigger.

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How do you balance being an executive, mother, wife, and sorority leader?

My answer to this is simple. God has a way of allowing me space to take care of all of the important things by removing those things that are not. Very rarely do I have to choose because He allows all things of value to be adequately balanced in my life. I value faith, family, finance (career), and fun in that order. When I am “on” whether it is for my family or my career, I am “on” without distractions. As I balance serving others in many capacities, I value those nights when I can sit in my recliner in front of the television without any distractions, cooking up something tasty in the kitchen for Sunday dinner, listening to a motivating or leadership-focused audible book or going on a hot date with my husband on a Saturday night.

Although we are a sorority, I want to see us brand ourselves a bit beyond that. In 2122, I foresee that the word “sorority” will not be as relevant. Instead, the organizations that survive will be those who have created value through enhancing the world by eradicating significant issues (i.e., educational disparity, voter suppression). As we look to our future, our next generation of leaders will be our millennials. Beyond them, we will see more Gen Z leadership taking the helm post-Centennial. These leaders will be more globally and socially conscious. I am actively working to lay the foundation for these emerging leaders by ensuring our sisterhood focuses on operational excellence – ICHQ infrastructure, technological advancement, and brand awareness. At the same time, I want to ensure that our organization is fiscally sound and has a wealth-building strategy in place.

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One scripture serves as my guidepost – Jeremiah 29:11. “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.”

In my life, I have seen and experienced so many ups and downs. However, in all of those down moments – high-risk pregnancy, cancer journey with my spouse, and loss of significant loved ones, I have remembered my spiritual compass. God has not brought me this far to leave me, and he indeed has a plan to give me hope and a stable future.

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SHE LEADS | FALL/WINTER 2020

Anita Laster Mays

SHE LEADS

NotablePOLITICAL FIGURES

By Breana Cosby and L. Chanel Dickerson

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The presence of women in politics has shaped our world to represent our communities in ways previously forgotten and often omitted. As we celebrate broken glass ceilings across the country and beyond, we applaud seven notable political figures within our Sisterhood.

Aisha N. Braveboy tate’s Attorney for Prince George’s County, Maryland, Soror Aisha N. Braveboy is the top law enforcement officer, responsible for the security and safety of over 900,000 citizens. Under her administration, she has implemented several groundbreaking legislative reforms that include, but are not limited to, hate crimes, youth justice, human trafficking and domestic violence. Under her initiative “Operation Protect the Vote for All”, Braveboy vowed to ‘protect the vote’ for all citizens of Prince George’s County, especially during the 2020 election season. Within “Operation Protect the Vote for All”, Braveboy has committed to coordinating voter registration drives within detention facilities, for senior citizens, members of the LGBTQ, disability and multicultural communities. Its purpose focus on educating and informing the public regarding general election information including deadlines while providing ballot requests and registration applications.

Braveboy has been at the forefront with solutions to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 by becoming the first in the state of Maryland to lead the nation in implementing ‘Operation Safe Release’, a proactive way of reducing the spread of coronavirus in jails.

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ontacted in October 2020 by the Ohio Supreme Court to sit as a member of the state of Ohio’s Domestic Violence Policy committee, Soror Anita Laster Mays remains committed to work to enhance the lives of others. During her years at Cleveland Municipal Court, Laster Mays served as the Mental Health Court Judge, Weed and Seed Initiative Judge, the Greater Cleveland Drug Court Judge, Chair of the Probation Committee and the co-chair of Greater Cleveland Mock Trial Committee. The Weed and Seed Initiative was a federally funded program that assisted with reforming lives of women caught up in a life of drugs and prostitution. Once arrested, the women were assessed so that their needs could be identified.

Laster Mays ensured that any mental health, housing, education and health care needs were met. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Management Information Systems from The Ohio State University and a law degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law. She was first elected to Cleveland Municipal Court in 2003 and in 2014, Judge Laster Mays was elected to the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals.

As a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Laster Mays serves as the organization’s National Social Action Coordinator.

Coral Evans

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oror Coral Evans is a social, nonprofit, and public policy entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience and knowledge in the design, development, implementation, management, assessment and evaluation of initiatives and programs crafted to assist diverse populations experiencing the systemic effects of poverty. Prior to Evans election as Mayor of the City of Flagstaff, Arizona in 2016, she served two four-year terms as a Councilmember. Evans also serves as the Executive Director of the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association of Flagstaff, Inc. which is a residentdriven nonprofit organization that focuses on the redevelopment, growth and prosperity of one of the city’s most challenging neighborhoods. Evans has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis on Sustainability. In July 2018, Evans was recognized by the Arizona Business Magazine as one of Arizona’s ‘Most Influential Women in Business’ for 2018. Other accomplishments and accolades include, but are not limited to, Arizona Informant Newspaper Newsmaker Award, Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce Athena Award and the State of Black Arizona Community Luminary Award. Evans has made and continues to make efforts to implementing change in her communities, state and sorority.

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SHE LEADS | FALL/WINTER 2020

SHE LEADS | FALL/WINTER 2020

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ccomplished lawmaker, Soror Leslie Love serves as Michigan State Representative, leading on issues ranging from economic justice to education. She has sponsored legislation on several significant bill packages, including Election Reform, Nursing Home Preparedness, Drivers’ Responsibility, Auto Insurance Reform, Civil Rights, Pay Equity and Reproductive Rights. As a third term representative for the 10th House District, which comprises Redford Charter Township and a portion of Northwest Detroit, Love has had numerous House resolutions adopted, introduced and co-sponsored numerous bills, and passed several bill amendments. Love is a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, securing nearly $700,000 for various projects throughout her district.

She also serves on the sub-committees of Joint Capital Outlay as the Democratic Vice Chairperson, as well as Transportation and Health and Human Services. Love’s appointments include COVID-19 Nursing Home Preparedness Taskforce and the Michigan Science Technology Engineering and Math (MiSTEM) Taskforce.

Nina Turner

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olitical icon and former Ohio State Senator, Soror Nina Turner is an engaging motivational speaker and a galvanizing voice for change.

She is especially committed to championing economic fairness, racial justice, workers’ rights, voters’ rights, criminal justice reform and reproductive freedom. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Turner participated in over 30 virtual rallies and trainings for groups and volunteers working to get people motivated and registered to vote. A staunch supporter of education and African American history, Turner is a former faculty member and tenured assistant professor of her alma mater, Cuyahoga Community College. She served as a national surrogate for Senator Bernie Sanders’ 2016 Presidential Campaign and a National CoChairperson for his 2020 run, making her one of the highest-ranking Black women to serve on a presidential campaign.

Robin Kelly

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s an advocate for Illinois families, Soror Robin Kelly has dedicated her career to public service, elected to serve the 2nd Congressional District. Since 2013, she has worked to expand economic opportunity, community wellness and public safety across the state by championing numerous initiatives to generate job growth, reduce health disparities and end gun violence. A steadfast champion of common sense gun reforms and responsible community policing, Kelly is a Co-Chairperson of the Congressional Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce and is the author of The 2014 Kelly Report on Gun Violence in America, the first-ever Congressional analysis of the nation’s gun violence epidemic that offers a blueprint for ending the crisis.

Kelly is a member of a host of committees including the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the main policy-writing body of the House of Representatives.

Her Energy and Commerce work is focused on expanding access to healthcare, consumer protection for American families and economic development.

Tiffany D. Hightower

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ffering her expertise as a political strategy consultant and visionary strategist for a host of platforms, Soror Tiffany D. Hightower serves as Executive Director for the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (ILBCF), an organization with a mission to provide a forum for non-partisan educational research, public policy development, and analysis of various issues of social and economic importance for African American communities and to provide students with scholarships and internship opportunities to advance their educational endeavors. Hightower is a coalition builder, connecting over 500 educational and research institutions, law enforcement, grassroot organizers, media, churches, government and elected officials, and state and city agencies to change the landscape of community investment and collaboration for the far south side of Chicago, the state of Illinois, and the Midwest Region of the US. In addition to her experience in strategic planning, Hightower’s resume include fundraising, doubling operating revenue for organizations, as well as key relationship building, developing relationships with pivotal individuals on the city, county, state and federal levels.

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Leslie Love

SHE LEADS | FALL/WINTER 2020

AFFILIATE NEWS

AFFILIATE NEWS | FALL/WINTER 2020

OMEGA RHO | FALL/WINTER 2020

Theta Chi Sigma Philo Affiliate OAK PARK, IL

The Philos of the Theta Chi Sigma Chapter of Oak, Illinois are virtually unstoppable and have the award to prove it! As a recent recipient of the Central Region Philo Community Service Award, they have supplied scholarships and outstanding service to their community. Theta Chi Sigma Philos awarded their first scholarship, the Golden Friendship Scholarship, to Rhoer Johnnye Farrow. The Golden Friendship Scholarship is awarded to a Rhoer of the Theta Chi Sigma Chapter to help with finances during their first year in college. The Theta Chi Sigma Philos also supported their Alumnae Chapter’s Operation BigBookBag program by donating and dropping off book bags and essential supplies.

The “Outstanding” Omicron Sigma Chapter Rhoers, along with their Philo Affiliate, volunteered at the National Civil Rights Museum. They donated, collected canned goods, and passed out discount coupons to museum visitors.

After serving at the museum, they went to the Living for Christ Restoration House located in Millington, TN, and donated over 65 pairs of shoes and bags of clothing to the women, teenagers, and babies that are currently sheltered there.

#GreaterTogether

SOROR BESSIE MAE

Colding (1943-2020)

With a heavy heart, the Sorors of Zeta Tau Sigma Chapter of Prince George’s County, Maryland, acknowledge the passing of Soror Bessie Mae Colding.

Omicron Sigma Rhosebud Club MEMPHIS, TN

The “Outstanding” Omicron Sigma Chapter Affiliate of Rhosebuds remained busy participating in fellowship and community service events.

The Omicron Sigma Chapter Rhosebuds held a Cookies and Cocoa Roundup to inform young girls between the ages of 8 to 11 about the sorority, the chapter, and chapter affiliates.

As a result, thirty-one new Rhosebuds were inducted into the chapter.

Soror Colding was born on January 6, 1943, and passed away on October 22, 2020 at the age of 77. Soror Colding was inducted into Beta Chapter at D.C. Teachers’ College on April 15, 1971 and was one of the Sorors who chartered Zeta Tau Sigma Chapter on March 26, 1983.

Soror Colding served on the Membership Committee for Zeta Tau Sigma during her tenure with the Chapter.

The Sorors of Zeta Tau Sigma Chapter are eternally grateful for Soror Colding’s sisterhood, scholarship and service to our sorority.

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Omicron Sigma Rhoer Affiliate MEMPHIS, TN

SIGMA GAMMA RHO CERTIFIED/REGISTERED

Dianna Weatherspoon Bey Silver Spoon Accessories & More LLC 2368 Britt St. Grayson, GA 30017 dwbey69@yahoo.com 770-256-3102 www.silverspoonaccessories.com

Alonda Stevenson Zoetic Couture LLC 5228 Greene St. Philadelphia, PA 19144-2902 zoeticcouture@yahoo.com 267-679-7095 www.zoeticcouture.com

Cathy F. Shepard 3 Sisters Embroidery LLC 5410 NC Highway 55 Suite W Durham, NC 27713 3sistersgreek@gmail.com 919-572-6864 www.monstergreek.com

Dona W. Mobley Siddona Creations 3676 S Shiloh Rd. Garner, NC 27529 siddonacreations@gmail.com 919-740-7966 www.facebook.com | SiddonaCreations

Amber Arteaga Studio Divine 344 Whitestone Dr. Fayetteville, NC 28312-0004 amarissa_85@yahoo.com

Chauntel Smith Rosa’s Greek Boutique 872 Walker Rd. Suite B Dover, DE 19904 rosasgreek@aol.com 302-399-7837 rosasgreekboutique.com

Arron Givens Varsity Apparel LLC 4 Ashton Oak Ct. Florissant, MO 63035 aaron@varsityapparelstl.com www.varsityapparelstl.com

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Candace Mays Poodle Behavior 10231 Rising Tree St. Las Vegas, NV 89183 poodlebehavior@gmail.com 313-234-3400 www.instagram.com/poodlebehavior

Ashley Coleman Diamond Cutz PO Box 371092 Las Vegas, NV 89137 chabre28@yahoo.com 618-741-5376 www.diamondfitnessapparel.com Ashley M. Jones BBub Greek Gifts 5245 Cleveland St. Suite 204 Virginia Beach, VA 23462-6505 bbubgreekgifts@gmail.com www.bbubgreekgifts.myshopify.com Audrea L. Clarke ALC Crafts LLC 15 Melbourne Dr. Fredericksburg, VA 22405-2894 audrea@alccrafts.com www.alccrafts.com Ayana Glaze Ayana Glaze Designs 5317 Brentwood Rd. Atlanta, GA 30350 ayana@ayanaglazedesigns.com www.ayanaglazedesigns.com

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Brad Aboff National Sportswear & Emblem, Ltd. 4191 Dairy Ct. Port Orange, FL 32127 brad@nsemblem.com 386-236-2230 www.nsemblem.com Brandi Wallace SHC Collegiate Collection 3824 Cedar Springs Rd, # 1078 Dallas, TX 75219 brandi@sacredheartcollections.com 404-267-3893 www.sacredheartcollections.com Brandon McNeal The King McNeal Collection 747 E Mulberry St. Kankakee, IL 60901 mr.mcneal1@gmail.com 815-351-9188 www.kingmcneal.com

Connie Rockingham Beyond Perfection Boutique & Salon PO Box 4529 603 Ember Crest Dr. Fairview Heights, IL 62208 drctrockingham 618-960-5556 www.facebook.com | Beyond Perfection Boutique

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Dan Morgan Morgan & Morgan Marketing P.O. Box 637 Schertz, TX 78154 morganmorganmktg@yahoo.com 210-219-3206 www.djmorgansgear.com Danielle Guzzo | Wholesale Sales Assistant BaubleBar 1115 Broadway, 5th Floor New York, NY 10010 danielle.guzzo@baublebar.com 732-325-5631 www.baublebar.com Danielle Render | CEO + Creative Director DVN Co 2070 Attic Pkwy NW Suite 302 Kennesaw, GA 30152 hello@dvn.co 404-234-7707 www.dvn.co Daphne Miller-Johnson Legacy 6035 Colt Ridge Trail Mableton, GA 30126 dapluvstotravel@yahoo.com 1-800-741-0643

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Elecisha D. Pope-Bradford | Owner Rhoyal Distinction, LLC 608 Nottingham Ct. Locust Grove, GA 30248 rhoyaldistinctionllc@gmail.com 678-249-9404 www.instagram.com/rhoyaldistinction Elizabeth Vallery | Owner BASOH 129 Niemietz Cove Cibolo, TX 78108 basoh.gloves@gmail.com elizabeth.vallery@gmail.com 210-569-2670 www.basohgloves.com

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Gwen White DirtyBird Sugar Scrubs 1247 Westminster Dr. Dr Cincinnati, OH 45229-1233 dirtybirdsugarscrubs@gmail.com www.sugar-scrubs.com

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Hao Wu | Co-Owner Gratia International, LLC PO BOX 577112 Chicago, IL, 60657 gratiapearl@gmail.com 312-753-7556 www.gratiapearl.com Hao Wu | Co-Owner RHOyal Poodle Sisters, LLC 2560 King Arthur Blvd. Suite 124-41 Lewisville, TX 75056 info@rhoyalsisters.com 469-995-7790 www.rhoyalsisters.com

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Jacqueline Halstead Jacqueline Halstead Designs 3130 Jaguar Valley Apt. 207 Mississauga, ON L5A 2J3, Canada lilyproductions@sympatico.ca 905-804-1591 www.jhalstead.ca

Dean Hogue Craftique Manufacturing Company PO Box 4422 Chattanooga, TN 37405 dhogue@craftiquemfg.com 1-800-251-1014 www.craftiquemfg.com

Jessica Hill | Sales Director Direct Wholesale Outlet 1404 South Shelby St. Louisville, KY 40217 jessica@dwoutlet.com 502-634-1780 www.dwoutlet.com | www.varsitycolorsgreek.com

Debra Jackson | Owner The Greek Store and More LLC 1315 24th Pl. SW Vero Beach, FL 32962 greekstorenmore@gmail.com 772-532-8647

Johnny King III Royal Work - Texas, LLC 72 Palmero Way Manvel, TX 77578 jking@aroyalwork.com 346-253-6342 www.divinegiftaccessories.com

Deniece Brooks | Owner Sassy’s Gifts 140001C Saint Germain Dr, Suite 250 Centreville, VA 20121 sassysgifts1@gmail.com 1-888-536-0312 www.sassysgifts.com

Joseph T Tantillo | CEO Express Design Group, Inc. 6 Commerce Drive Freeburg, IL 62243 jtantillo@inarush.com 618-539-9998 x101 www.greekgear.com

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Kam Ballard | Owner BCE Shoe 810 Watterson Curve #327 Birmingham, AL 35173 bceshoes@gmail.com 205-773-0351 www.bceshoes.com

Mellodie Powell Diva Starr 11026 Harness Way Indianapolis, IN 46239 divastarrboutique@gmail.com 815-501-1814 www.divastarr.com

Khristie Landrew Utopia Creations, LLC PO Box 538 Independence, LA 70443 admin@utopiacreations.com 504-515-1913 www.utopiacreations.com

Micaela Chappelle Ms. Capri’s Unique Apparel & Gifts 900 Long Blvd Apt. 396 Lansing, MI 48912 info@mscapriuniqueapparel.com www.mscapriuniqueapparel.com Moriah Banks Official Para Connect 312 Woodward Ridge Dr. Mount Holly, NC 28120 officialparaconnect@gmail.com 704-345-5593 www.officialparaconnect.com

Kiffany Seaforth Kiffany, LLC | DBA Kiffany Creations 8611 Concord Mills Blvd. Suite 358 Concord, NC 28027 kiffany@kiffanycreations.com 704-516-6274 www.kiffanycreations.com

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LaVonne McDowell | Owner Rare Case LLC | DBA Distinctive Specialties 7925 N Tryon St., Suite 113 Charlotte, NC 28262 rarecasellc@gmail.com 704-547-9005 www.dsnalia.com Leonard Remmer | CEO The Exclusive Touch, LLC. 2579 Noble Rd. Cleveland Heights, OH 44121 orders@extouch.com 216-206-0351 www.instagram.com/extouchgreek

Mykela Marshall | Owner Fashionably Greek 3578 Oaktree Dr. Suite B Semmes, AL 36575 fashionablygreek@gmail.com 251-490-3265 www.befashionablygreek.com

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Najla Jannah Williams Sorority Intimates & Clothing Company, LLC 28610 US 290, F09 #191 Cypress, TX 77433 sororityintimates@gmail.com 281-616-7904 www.sororityintimates.com NaKirsha Willis Kaptivating Kreations By Kirsha 3924 Majestic St. Houston, TX 77026 kaptivatingkreationsbykirsha@gmail.com 1832-515-4363 www.kaptivatingkreationsbykirsha.bigcartel.com

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Maati Ta-Neter | CEO Poodle Doodles, LLC. 1850 Panorama Blvd. West Mobile, AL 36609 poodledoodles2013@gmail.com 251-454-2176 www.facebook.com | PoodleDoodles2013

Natasha Beals Cultivated Rhoyalty PO B0X 864 Oak Lawn, IL 60454 natasha@beautifulawakening.us 708-495-4236 www.thelotusshoppes.etsy.com

Marea Munro Hopeless RHOmantic, LLC P.O. Box 1268 Greenbelt, MD 20768 hopelessrhomantic@yahoo.com 302-898-5516 www.hopelessrhomantic.com

Niccole Graves Trinity Designs Inc. 5680 Highway 6 Missouri City, TX 77459-4188 ngraves@trinitydesignsinc.com www.trinitydesignsinc.com

Margaret Murray Greek Orrignials, LLC 8901 S Constance Ave. Chicago, IL 60617-2932 greekorr5@gmail.com www.greek-orriginals.com

Nicola Kennedy Kelly Grace Accessories 634 Rocky Branch Ln. Columbia, SC 29209 kellygracee2017@outlook.com 410-746-5025 www.kellygraceaccessories.com

Marian Murphy Professional Sorors, LLC 2685 Bronson’s Way Twinsburg, OH 44087 mairpm@aol.com 330-606-7075 www.facebook.com | ProSo Sorority Marie Wilson Royale Consultant Group, LLC 5686 Fulton Industrial Blvd. SW, Unit 366126 Atlanta, GA 30336 sophizticatedappareldesign@gmail.com 678-661-1616 Marilyn S. Mitchell-McCluskey McCluskey and Associates, LLC 118 Cut Log Road Cedartown, GA 30125 dr.marilyn.mccluskey@gmail.com 443-243-9082 www.ilovegreekstuff.com Melindia Fenner Eminent Works 2075 Stonebrook Dr. Murfreesboro, TN 57129 eminentworks@mail.com

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Parul Sachania Arvensis Group Inc 5378d Lawrenceville Hwy Lilburn, GA 30047 sales@arvensisjewelry.com 404-644-6253 www.arvensisjewelry.com

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Regina Caldwell Arm Candy By Gina 3309 Pecan Shadow Way Mesquite, TX 75181 armcandybygina@yahoo.com 214-498-8796 www.armcandybyginaco.com Rita McCain M3 Embroidery and Apparel, LLC | DBA M3Greek 3761 Pennridge Dr. Bridgeton, MO 63044 m3.embroidery@swbell.net 314-837-0022 www.m3greek.com Ronald Bozeman Grand Magnolia Investment Group LLC 517 Whetstone Glen Gaithersburg, MD 20877 info@privilegedbmm.com 601-832-6554 www.privilegedbmm.com

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Sheila Dawson-Mitchell Elite Impressions & Designs 8032 Parker Pl. Shreveport, LA 71129 sheilad.mitchell@outlook.com eliteimpressions.designs@gmail.com 318-347-5949 Sherry Ann Sturgeon-Wilson KOs Blue Store LLC PO Box 472692 Miami, FL 33427 kobluestore@gmail.com 786-623-6995 www.etsy.com/shop/kosbluestorellc Stefanie Caruthers Sisterblu 4309 N. 111th St Kansas City, KS 66109 contact@sisterblu.com 913-530-9141 www.sisterblu.com Stephanie Haskins Ooh Soo Crafty 1213 Oleander Ln. Waxhaw, NC 28173 oohsoocrafty@gmail.com 917-549-1040 www.oohsoocrafty.com Stephanie Lino SB Rodgers Enterprises | DBA Eunique Tha Greek 9029 Airport Blvd. #881123 Los Angeles, CA 90009 sbrenterprises05@gmail.com 310-770-5214 www.etsy.com/shop/euniquethagreek

Niyoki Yancy TrueBlue’s RHOyalties, Inc. 218 48th Ave. Bellwood, IL 60104 trueblue1922@aol.com 331-425-9599 www.joyoforiginality.com

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Ogechi Ogamba Ikhile Tech | DBA Beautifully Poised 1335 W. 139th St. Unit 112 Gardena, CA 90247 oogamba@gmail.com 310-902-9633 www.beautifullypoised.com

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Oluwafeyisayo Fasuyi Esmies Closet Inc. | DBA Waju Desi 16 Chestnut Rd. Amityville, NY 11701-1006 esmiescloset@gmail.com www.esmiesclosetinc.com

Tivona Vogt Need Nalia?

9557 Two Notch Rd. Suite F Columbia, SC 29223 neednalia@yahoo.com 803-708-2961 www.neednalia.com Victoria Evans | Owner Royalty and Beads | DBA Forever Southern Royalty 1610 Danube Ct. Atlanta, GA 30349 royaltyandbeads@gmail.com 901-218-8721 www.royaltyandbeads.com

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Adrienne Mays Recycle Me Mom, LLC 190 Aubrey Mays Rd. Forsyth, GA 31029 recyclememom@gmail.com 478-955-6552 www.recyclememom.com

VENDORS

AURORA THE

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES Submissions for Alumnae on the Move, Let’s Give ‘Em Props, Undergraduate Pulse, Affiliates, Omega Rho, and Beacon of Light must be 250 words or less.

Please use Times New Roman, 12-pt font and include the chapter’s name in the subject line of all electronic submissions. End-of-the year reports and newsletters are not acceptable.

Before submitting an article, please check for spelling errors, repetitions in the text, look for inconsistencies, and ensure that all information is factual and references the names of persons when giving direct or indirect quotes.

Include contact name, chapter name, location, school, city, state, and suggested headline.

All submissions are subject to editing and potential exclusion based on timeliness of content.

82 | THE AURORA

Submissions should be written in reporter format, excluding words such as “we,” “our,” and “us.”

Please send high resolution photos that are at least 300 DPI in JPEG format. Please ensure that the photos are labeled and identification of the people in the photos is provided.

Please avoid sending photos from social media as they are usually compressed to web resolution. Please send original photos whenever possible.

All digital photos should be taken with a camera that is at least 3 megapixels or higher, and set on the highest quality/resolution setting.

Please do not crop or otherwise modify photos. The original version has the highest quality.

Using a smartphone? Please turn it sideways for group shots.

Get as close as possible to the subject, and avoid using your phone’s zoom function.

When emailing photos from a smartphone, please be sure to send the original size or the largest available size.

Photo pricing is as follows: Submission of one color/black & white photo: $10 Submission of two or more color/black & white photos (up to five): $7/photo Electronic photos may be submitted to theauroramag@sgrho1922.org Once submissions are confirmed, electronic payment information will be provided.

AURORA THE

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. 1000 Southhill Dr., Suite 200 Cary, North Carolina 27513-8628

Address Service Requested

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID RALEIGH, NC PERMIT #2483