TooReal
Executive
Board 2024-25
President
Vice
President
Treasurer
Financial
Corresponding
Recording
Secretary
Secretary
Secretary
Internal Audit Chair
Aniya Dyer
DeAngela Higgs
Jaylin Cole
Mykayla Pauls
Olivia Speaks
Imani Smith
Kennedy Cameron
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Arts & Letters
Budget & Finance
Comms, PR, & Technology
Emergency Response
Fundraising
Heritage & Archives
Internal Audit
Membership Services
Nominating Committee
Policies & Procedures
Program, Planning & Development
Protocol and Traditions
Scholarship Service
Social Action Step
2024-25
Zanaiah Billups
Jaylin Cole
Olivia Speaks
Mykayla Pauls
Zanaiah Billups
Zanaiah Billups
Kennedy Cameron
DeAngela Higgs
Zanaiah Billups
Jaylin Cole
DeAngela Higgs
Zanaiah Billups
DeAngela Higgs
Olivia Speaks
Kennedy Cameron
Imani Smith
Aniya Dyer
Chapter President 2024-25
“I am incredibly proud of the extraordinary accomplishments our chapter has achieved in just one year since our reactivation Our sisters have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in the areas of sisterhood, scholarship, and service. We have made remarkable strides, including awarding our first-ever scholarship to a deserving student, attaining the highest NPHC GPA in the Fall 2023 semester, and receiving multiple AGLO and NPHC awards. Additionally, we are thrilled to have been awarded the National Scholarship & Standards Committee seed grant, which will further our mission and impact on the University of Miami campus Through our Soul Soirée event, we have also successfully brought attention to the arts and black artists and contributed to our campus's cultural vibrancy. These achievements are a testament to the hard work and dedication of every member of our beloved chapter.
Looking ahead, I am excited to build upon this momentum and create an even stronger chapter. My vision for this chapter is to foster an even stronger sense of sisterhood, encourage the academic and professional excellence of all of our members, and continue to make strides in serving our community and encouraging others to get involved as well Together, we will continue to make history as a chapter on our campus and in our community ”
“The Tau Rho Chapter has made extraordinary accomplishments since our reactivation just a year ago We have received several awards and recognition for our collaborations with other student organizations and hosting events that provide knowledge and service back to our community. My favorite event last year was Soul Soiree. Looking ahead, I envision a chapter that continues to lead by example, expanding our outreach and exploring new ways to serve our community. I want to see us foster even more partnerships with local organizations, amplifying our impact and creating lasting relationships. Additionally, I hope to see more of us stepping into leadership roles within our service initiatives, sharing our ideas and skills to innovate and grow.”
DeAngela Higgs
First Vice President 2024-25
WORDS FROM LEADERSHIP
2024
MYKAYLA PAULS
Major: Architecture
Hometown: Takoma Park, MD
Involvements: National Organization of Minority Architecture Students President
Something I really admire about our chapter is our willingness and determination to innovate when it comes to programming and outreach
JAYLIN COLE
Major: Architecture, Geography, and Sustainable Development
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Involvements: National Organization of Minority Architecture Students Past President
ANIYA DYER
Major: Health Science, Minor in Public Health, Pre-Medical Track
Hometown: Upper Marlboro, MD
Involvements: P100 Student Ambassador; Phi Delta Epsilon, Pre-Medical Fraternity; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Student Research Assistant at the Infectious Diseases Unit at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
IMANI SMITH
Major: Exercise Physiology, Pre-Med Track
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Involvements: NPHC President, Ibis Elegance Dance Team Co-Captain
2025
KENNEDY CAMERON
Major: Sociology, with a minor in Communication Studies
Hometown: PG County, MD
Involvements: Vice President of Rho Lambda Sorority; Black Female Empowerment Circle President
DEANGELA HIGGS
Major: Double majoring in Psychology B S and Global Health Studies
B A with a minor in Biology and Health Management & Policy
Hometown: Miami, FL
Involvements: Tau Rho Vice President, Student Government Elections Chair, member of Psi Chi Honor Society, Peer Educator for the Counseling Center (COPE), Public Relations Chair of Lifting Our Voices (LOV), and Student Supervisor of the Shalala Student Center Complex
ZANAIAH BILLUPS
Major: Music Industry
Hometown: Augusta, GA
Involvements: Association of Greek Letter
Organizations Treasurer; National Panhellenic Council Treasurer
OLIVIA SPEAKS
Major: Architecture
Hometown: DMV
Involvements: Marketing & Publications Chair for the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students and American Institute of Architecture Students member
We always strive to create real and lasting impact for our students and community It shows in all that we do
- Jaylin Cole
CORNER GRADUATE
Tau Rho had many members graduate in both 2023 and 2024. Here is what a few of our graduates have been up to!
Kayla Davis graduated in May 2023. That July, she was hired as a Multiskilled journalist/reporter at Channel 5 in Northwest Arkansas Since then, she has spent her days covering breaking news from Tornadoes that devastated her community, political stories on local residents fighting for their rights, to feature stories on impactful people within the Northwest Arkansas and River Valley areas In January, she made her debut on the anchor desk and has become a staple fill in for full-time anchors throughout 2024 She also was selected for a company-wide 10week program to be mentored under award-winning journalist Boyd Huppert.
KaylaDavis
Spring‘23
In April 2024, she won a collegiate Emmy at the 2024 College Television Awards for her work on a documentary she co-produced in her junior year at the University of Miami. The following month, she was invited to Screenfest in Denver, Colorado where she sat on a panel to talk about her experience producing the documentary after screening the piece. Now, she is setting her sights on joining the local alumnae chapter of her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Inc. as she approaches one year living in a new city.
MiaPorter
Spring‘23
“After graduating from UM with my BA in Africana Studies and Sociology, I became the 2023-2024 Erica Smith Future Leaders at Porter Novelli, a Public Relations agency under Omnicom Group During my fellowship I had the opportunity to work with various clients including Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals, Amgen, and Gillead on various health equity initiatives In this position, I primarily conducted research and developed inclusive language for their external and internal communications brand regarding health equity and clinical trial diversity.
I am now an Assistant Account Executive on Porter Novelli’s Food, Agriculture, and Nutrition team. Currently working for California Almonds, the National Honey Board, and Pronghorn Co., I create social media content copy for our influencers, track media and provide client updates, and pitch my clients to various groups including consumers, registered dieticians/health professionals, and manufacturing companies including chocolatiers and confectioneries!...
...(cont) My position also includes pitching media stories to various journalist and news outlets, so I am able to be creative and incorporate my passion for DEI into my work and help my client tell a story that reaches as many audiences as possible. Outside of my career, I am returning to school to get my Masters of Science in Public Relations Innovation, Strategy, and Management from the University of Southern California and am an active member of the East Point College Park Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta in Atlanta, Ga
My advice to students would be to decide what your non negotiables (within reason) are for your career and hold true to them in your search. Although I did not become a full time employee until a year after I graduated, the job I have now is a perfect fit for me and has a corporate culture that you cannot find anywhere else! Understanding that you may end up in a career you didn’t go to school for will allow you to open your career horizons and find new passions that you’ve never been exposed to.”
Rachel Bergeron
Spring‘23
Rachel Bergeron is a dedicated professional with a degree in Biochemistry & Nutrition, and has been working as a Hair Analyst at MYAVANA since graduating in May 2023 In her role, Rachel applies her scientific expertise to analyze hair strands under a microscope, helping individuals choose the best products to maintain healthy, natural hair. She also utilizes her minor in Graphic Design to create a multitude of educational graphics for MYAVANA Her passion for natural hair care, rooted in her personal experiences with managing and maintaining her hair, has driven her to empower others, especially young women, to embrace their natural beauty with confidence.
Rachel’s commitment to hair education goes beyond the lab. In April, she hosted a hair party at the University of Georgia, where she educated students on hair care and created a space for open discussion about their relationship with hair. In addition, Rachel played a pivotal role in helping manage the first class of MYAVANA Beauty Tech Fellows this past spring, further solidifying her impact in the beauty tech industry
Since graduating, Rachel has also become an active member of the Marietta-Roswell Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc She has joined the Cotillion Committee and serves as a Violet, contributing her time and energy to support young women on their personal and professional development journeys.
WORK. YOU HAVE TO
Explore the various programs, service projects, and awards that the Tau Rho Chapter has tirelessly worked for this academic year
Tau Rho Spring 2024 Graduates
BLACK STATE OF THE U
September 28, 2023
As the first program of the academic year, Tau Rho wanted to start with a bang! Black State of the U, a traditional program hosted by our chapter, was a revolutionary space for black student leaders and faculty at the University of Miami to learn the needs of our neighbors. Gathered in Activities Room South, representatives from organizations including Planet Kreyol, United Black Students, Black Leaders for the Queer Community, Hairology, and National Society of Black Engineers, interacted with our allstar panel Our panel included the current student government president, Dean of Students, President of Black Alumni Society and TP Charter member, Astin Hayes, and many more vital leaders in our community.
At this community conversation, participants gained valuable connections, learned the unique experiences of our highly intersectional community, and left with the insight needed to passionately serve the U
SOUL SOIRÉE
November 5, 2023
Delta Sigma Theta has a long history with supporting the artistic contributions of the Afro-Diasporic community, particularly black women Tau Rho and the newly founded organization, Black Musicians’ Caucus (BMC), came together to support this mission and 2024 initiatives Thus, the Soul Soirée was born! Over one-hundred students, faculty, and community members gathered in the Donna E Shalala Student Center to celebrate the diversity of black musical traditions, history, and musicians The space transformed into a concert hall that featured several artists including the acclaimed Stamps Jazz Quintet, the Hammond Butler Gospel Choir, world renowned soprano, Jeanette Thompson, and many more! By the end of the evening, Tau Rho and the BMC were able to raise almost $5,000 for both organizations’ 2024 initiatives.
November
6-12, 2023
For six days in November, Tau Rho painted the U red! As the brainchild of the incredibly hardworking Programming, Planning, and Development Committee, Delta Week executed each arm of Delta Sigma Theta’s five point programmatic thrusts This year’s theme was “Into the Deltaverse!”
Citizen Cane
On Monday, November 6, the Social Action committee led a panel on the importance of civic engagement, titled Citizen Cane Panelists included the President of the League of Women Voters of Miami-Dade, Ibis Valdes, and the President of the Miami Community Police Benevolent Association, Stanley Jean-Poix
Deltas Go Green
On Tuesday, November 7, TP went green! By providing educational information about sustainability and home gardening, Tau Rho was dedicated to educating ‘Canes on the importance of environmental awareness All attendees were able to take home their own succulent!
Businesses on the Block
On Wednesday, November 8, the U went shopping! Tau Rho hosted six student-owned businesses on the Foote Greene to promote their endeavors and financial prosperity on our campus The Launchpad, UM’s entrepreneurial resource center, joined the vendor fair and spread awareness about the many resources they offer for business owners! Businesses on the Block was the winner of the Toppel Career Center’s Program of the Year 2024.
RedBox
On Thursday, November 9, Tau Rho screened an international film produced by black creators In addition to providing theater snacks and beverages, Tau Rho treated guests to an incredible film experience.
Too Fit TP
On Friday, November 10, TP went into the weekend with a high-energy fitness class at the Herbert Wellness Center! At this event, we were expressing the importance of health and wellness to members and attendees
Red Service
On Sunday, November 12, we spent the last day of Delta Week in a beautiful service led by Soror Celethia Passmore Mack, the Immediate Past Chaplain for the Miami Alumnae Chapter
DELTA
WEEK
BUILDING BLACK WEALTH
January 23, 2024
Soror Lakitsia Gaines, esteemed multibusiness owner and member of the Miami Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, joined us at the University of Miami for an excellent presentation on the essentials of credit and investing called Building Black Wealth During this session, Soror Gaines gave over forty attendees an incredible lesson on making smart financial decisions, building generational wealth, and viewing money through the lens of race In collaboration with the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), we were able to generate an audience of several students passionate about starting a path to financial freedom.
A NIGHT IN HOLLYWOOD PROM
April 21, 2024
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many high school seniors and juniors did not get a prom! As an ode to the class of 2024, Tau Rho decided to host a prom for the University of Miami. Prom was an enchanting evening of joy, nostalgia, dancing, and friendship Led by the Scholarship committee, Tau Rho gave away $1,200 in scholarships to five intelligent and impressive black women at the U
A Night in Hollywood
Prom
To promote Tau Rho’s second big-ticket event of the year, we called on some friends to help us do a creative photoshoot to market the prom! Featured in these photos are members of the Omicron Delta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and the Iota Chi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc All photos and creative direction were made possible by Jene Turner, owner of FilmedbyJene and a member of The Lab, a photography club on UM’s campus
CHARTER
WEEK
April 21-April 30, 2024
On April 30, 2024, Tau Rho turned 20! In honor of the twenty great years of TP, the Charter Week committee planned an extravagant and highly anticipated week of events. As we welcomed many past initiates of Tau Rho back to our beloved alma mater, TP had the opportunity to connect with sorors, fellowship, and gain valuable pieces of advice During this week, we served our community through a postcard campaign for black and brown voter engagement, registered voters, educated community members on absentee ballots, and supported community gardens at the Green Haven Project We also had a friendly game of flag football with the Iota Nu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc in honor of both of our charter days. The week was full of sisterly events including a brunch, celebrations, campus tours, and the annual cake-cutting and toast!
PUBLIC SERVICE 150
We are here to
SERVE!
During this academic year, Tau Rho has been working hard to serve our South-Florida community and hometowns Featured in these images is members and graduates of Tau Rho packaging toys, serving food at public kitchens, encouraging voters to participate in upcoming elections, donating to food pantries, making PB&J sandwiches for food insecure populations, donating to a prom dress drive, volunteering at animal shelters, fostering community gardens, and much more! Through a winter service challenge, programmed chapter and NPHC events, and working with community partners Tau Rho has been able to gain over 150 service hours
Grocery Grab
February 12, 2024
In collaboration with the Sigma Delta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta and students at the University of Miami, we donated $250 worth of groceries to the ‘Canes Food Pantry Food insecurity is common on the University of Miami’s campus, and we are dedicated to helping end food insecurity at the U.
Postcard Service
April 22, 2024
As one of the first event’s of Charter Week, Tau Rho invited the campus community to join us on our Postcard “Party ” In partnership with the Center for Common Ground, we were able to send out 250 postcards to black and brown registered voters in South Florida, encouraging them to vote in the November election This event was made possible through a Social Innovation Grant by the Butler Center for Leadership and Service.
Dolled
April 4, 2024
In the month of April, Tau Rho collected dozens of formal gowns and formal attire to donate to lowerincome students for prom. With donations from MAC, DCAC, University of Miami’s Alpha Delta Pi chapter, and many other individuals, we were able to help many young students’ dreams come true.
AWARDS
AWARDS AWARDS
NAMI GRANT NOVEMBER 2023
Presented by the National Alliance of Mental Illness in partnership with Delta Sigma Theta to promote meaningful mental health programming
HIGHEST GPA IN NATIONAL PANHELLENIC COUNCIL DECEMBER 2023
Highest GPA out of six active chapters in the National Panhellenic Council
PAULETTE C. WALKER SOCIAL ACTION AWARD FEBRUARY 2024
Received award at Florida’s Delta Day Days at the Capital 2024 for social action programs including “Black State of the U” and “Citizen Cane”
PROGRAM OF THE YEAR FEBRUARY 2024
Presented by the Toppel Career Center at the 2024 annual Toppel Awards for our Delta Week program “Businesses on the Block”
SOCIAL INNOVATION GRANT MARCH 2024
Granted by the Butler Center for Leadership and Service to support the charter week program “Postcard Party,” where participants wrote custom postcards to black and brown voters in South Florida
most improved chapter april 2024
OUTSTANDING CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT APRIL 2024
Presented by the Association of Greek Letter Organizations
OUTSTANDING CAMPUS RELATIONS APRIL 2024
Presented by the Association of Greek Letter Organizations
MOST IMPROVED CHAPTER APRIL 2024
Presented by the Association of Greek Letter Organizations
OUTSTANDING SENIOR APRIL 2024
Presented to Soror Anandi Bien-Aime by the Association of Greek Letter Organizations
OUTSTANDING CHAPTER ADVISOR APRIL 2024
Presented to Soror Marcia Samuel by the Association of Greek Letter Organizations
SEED GRANT JULY 2024
Granted at the Southern Regional Conference by the Delta Sigma Theta National Scholarship and Standards Committee
TAU RHO IS “PRESENT!”
Here in TP, being active members of campus life is essential. See how we represent our chapter on campus and as members of Greek Life at the U. In addition, see our experiences at DST cluster, regional conference, national convention, and Delta Days at the Capital!
by
Photography
CAMPUS
LEADERSHIP
The Architects
UMiami National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS) plays a pivotal role in community building for minority students in the School of Architecture. Over the past few years, Soror Cole, Pauls, and Speaks, have been instrumental in cultivating programming that has enriched both the SoA campus and it's students. Here are some recent highlights over the past few years:
Soror Pauls and Soror Cole represented the UMiami NOMAS Chapter at the NOMA National Conference
Black Excellence in Architecture week was started by Soror Pauls and Soror Cole, February 2023 to showcase the contributions of Black architects throughout history on campus BLex '24 featured service projects, an exhibit, and panelist discussions
UMiami NOMAS leadership under the direction of Soror Cole and Soror Pauls coordinated the first ever SoFlo NOMAS summit to bring together UMiami, FIU, and FAU chapters for a panel discussion, workshop, and Fellowship.
Soror Cole was awarded the So Flo NOMA Student Member of the Year Award for her contributions to the programming involving all NOMAS chapters in the SoFlo region.
TP x NOMAS Involvement
UMiami NOMAS BLex
Week Committee '23-24
UMiami NOMAS
Executive Marketing + Publications '24-25
UMiami NOMAS BLex Week
Co-Chair '22-23
UMiami NOMAS VP '23-24
UMiami NOMAS President '24-25
UMiami NOMAS VP '22-23
UMiami NOMAS President '23-24
Sorors Olivia Speaks, Mykayla Pauls, and Jaylin Cole
Olivia Speaks (B. Arc ‘25) Mykayla Pauls (B. Arc '25) Jaylin Cole (B. Arch '26)
“I am currently a fifth-year architecture student at the University of Miami When I first enrolled at the University of Miami the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students was just established! When I was a third-year architecture student, I joined NOMAS as a general body member, and participated in the Black Excellence Week Committee I worked with an incredibly talented group of people that coordinated an educational and fun experience for peers to learn more about our Black architecture students From there my interest in NOMAS deepened and I was determined to become more active! This upcoming school year I am on the Executive Board as the Marketing & Promotions Chair and Co-Community Outreach Chair! I am excited to work with an amazing group of people!”
- Olivia Speaks
As a personal project, Soror Cole, Soror Pauls, and Soror Speaks worked together to cut, paint, and prepare Tau Rho's Greek Letters.
South Florida National Organization of Minority Architect events 2023-24
Views from the Yard Views from the Yard
COLLABORATION
TP has been actively participating in National Panhellenic Council events and enthusiastically collaborating with other organizations in our council! We are proud to have collaborated on events with almost every active chapter in the council this academic year! Collaboration and supporting other greeks is vital to our community and has had positive impacts on our members!
COLEMAN L.O.V.E
TP X IN FOOTBALL GAME GROCERY GRAB
Friendly flag football game with the Iota Nu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha
RED GOES PINK
Community conversation on healthy relationships with the Omicron Delta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi
Donated over $250 worth of groceries to the ‘Canes Food Pantry with the Sigma Delta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta
RACE X ALCOHOL
GREEK EXTRAVAGANZA
Photography by Jene Turner
A Reflection
“I had an amazing time leading my sisters with choreography for the Greek Extravaganza Step Show I am immensely grateful for them trusting me and also just allowing me to have freedom in the creative space. As our time has grown with each other, they have learned my passion for dance, and I have been so honored to be able to share my craft with them! They made me so proud to see all of their hard work and discipline come across on stage. I couldn't have asked for a better team to perform with!”
- Imani Smith Step Committee Chair
The party wasn’t live until the
arrived.
Photography by Jene Turner
Photography by Wilfred Mbayu
MIAMIAND BEYOND
SISTERHOOD
Nothing compares to having sisters that love you, support you, and show up for you. As sisterhood is something that grows for years and years, we are so proud of all the ways that we have been there for each other as sorors in the past year. From major campus events to graduations, Tau Rho has been there for each other.
by Wilfred Mbayu
Photography
SISTERHOOD
We Need You
How to Support Tau Rho
Tau Rho is proud to continuously support our campus and Miami communities. Many of the initiatives seen in this issue have been made possible through the support of alumnae chapter members, past members of Tau Rho, friends, family, and community members. If you would like to support this excellent chapter, we have several options listed on this page! As Tau Rho has turned 20 this year, we want to ensure the legacy of the many great women who have come through this chapter lives on for years to come!
Contact Us
President | presidenttaurho@gmail com
Vice President | vptaurho@gmail com
Treasurer | treasurertaurho@gmail.com
Corresponding Secretary | cstaurho@gmail.com
Fundraising Chair | fundraisingtaurho@gmail.com Address | P O Box 43009, 5927
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THANK
YOU!
ADVISORS
MIAMI ALUMNAE CHAPTER & DADE COUNTY ALUMNAE CHAPTER
We want to extend the biggest thank you to both the Miami Alumnae Chapter and Dade County Alumnae Chapters for the countless hours of support to Tau Rho. From reactivating the chapter to supporting us at our events to being our advisors, we cannot express how much we appreciate having members of both of these chapters guide us The relationship between collegiate and alumnae chapters is one of support and love. Members of MAC and DCAC have shown us unconditional kindness. When we ask for 10 items, you all give us 100 When we need one person to show up, you all come by the dozens When we need a connection or recommendation, you all give us an opportunity. Over the past few years, the relationship between our chapters has grown immensely, as you all have shown us what sisterhood truly means We are forever thankful for each member of both chapters and cannot wait for the years to come.
We also want to extend the biggest thank you to our NPHC campus advisor, Dean Collette Mighty; our primary and secondary advisors, and our advisory council We truly appreciate the countless hours you all spend joining our meetings, answering our questions, helping us throw our events, and giving us guidance It takes a village to raise a chapter!
PAST LINES, GRADUATES, CAMPUS SORORS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS
We cannot thank you all enough for the tremendous support that you all have given us in the past year. Tau Rho simply would not be where it is today without all of the love from our sorors, loved ones, and line sisters! From all the advice, encouragement, and love that you all have given each member of our chapter, we thank you! We want to stay connected with you all and keep great relations for the next 20 years of Tau Rho!
