President’s Message
The Word for the 2022.-2023 Sorority Year was GRATITUDE! Grateful to God for health, strength and sound minds as we celebrated 65 years of Service to the Harrisburg Community.
Respectful of the legacy established by our 16 charter members through enhancing sisterhood who paved the way for the establishment and sustenance of the chapter for 65 yearsespecially Sorors Alfreda Johnson and Joyce Parker, charter members who continue to be active in the life of our chapter.
Attentive to detail in conducting all chapter business, we successfully ushered 26 new sorors through the membership intake process - Welcome to Thee HarDST 26!
Tenaciously embraced the legacy of our Founders through ground-breaking social action initiatives.
Intentionally focused on contact with and service (through pillowcase dress project) to girls and women internationally.
Treasured regional acknowledgement of outstanding programming as the Delta Academy was recognized as the outstanding program in the Eastern Region.
Undaunted when faced with unexpected challenges…we did not shrink … but stood up to them, pivoted as required and conquered them.
Determined to achieve the ’16 for 16’ goal for scholarships in recognition of our charter members, we successfully hosted an AMAZING 65th Anniversary Gala and raised funds to achieve the goal.
This was an AWESOME year for HAC and it was all because of YOU – the chapter members willingly served on committees, chaired events, sold tickets, supported setup/breakdown, shared gifts, resources, ideas, and used their creativity to create an AWESOME play about our charter members.
Your willingness to serve the chapter and the community have and continue to enhance the footprint of DST in the Harrisburg Community.
We accomplished A LOT…. We Soared, Strived, and We Served through the Juneteenth the Celebration, the First Community Day, Dr. MLK Day of Service, first Founders Day Weekend (with a Soirée, Physical and Mental Health Workshop and worship together featuring the AMAZING S.I.S.T.E.R.S Choir, lunch and a beautiful gift), dedicated book shelves of books by and about African Americans and other people of color in local schools, mentored early readers, conducted ground-breaking Social Action initiatives, sponsored the 65th Anniversary Gala, Membership Intake, Purse Bingo, Two Cultural trips, Breast Cancer Walk, and Outstanding DELTA ACADEMY and GEMS programming. As we reflect on 2022-23 as an AWESOME year, we are poised for more great programming, engagement, sisterhood and impacting the community.
Sorors, we pray that you had a wonderful summer and reinvigorate yourselves because we have WORK TO DO IN 202324! There are seats at the table of every committee with your names on it! Let us continue to show our Gratitude through service.
Ever true to Delta and honoring her precious name, we answered the call to service with grace and the sisterly spirit that led us to become DELTA WOMEN.
2023 Spring
Superlatives Thee HarDST 26
Always seen on social media/ online Best Delta Poses
Duo/ Most attached at the hip
Shaniqua Williams
Da'Lasha Scott-Durham Justyn and Dlay
Stroll/ Step Queen Class Clown
Future National Office
Future Chapter President Most Paraphernalia
Da'Lasha ScottDurham Justyn Roberts Joanna Loper Jaimie Foster Karla Freeman
On the most committees Mom of the Party Most Stylish
Late to Meetings
Knows Delta history/ information queen
Shaniqua Williams Lucinda Gore Sheena Lansanah Guerline Laurore Shayla Mitchell
Line Name: solACE
Line Number: 1
Occupation: Administrative Law Judge
Fun Fact: Three more semesters to go before I am a Registered Nurse.
Committee I want to join: Physical and Mental Health; RIF
Favorite Quote: “She who kneels before God can stand before anyone.”
Line Name: Against all Odds
Line Number: 2
Occupation: Program Director
Fun Fact: I like to roller skate
Committee I want to join: Membership committee
Favorite Quote: “Good vibes.”
Line Name: Trilogy
Line Number: 3
Occupation: Autistic Support Paraprofessional
Fun Fact: I was born 4 months premature and weighed 1 pound and 8 ounces.
Committee I want to join: Delta Academy and Scholarship
Favorite Quote: ““For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 NLT”
Line Name: MC 4sight
Line Number: 4
Occupation: Marketing and Brand Strategist, Administrative Secretary
Fun Fact: I love doing anything adventurous! I love anything in water, heights, haunted attractions Or that heightens my adrenaline.
Committee I want to join: Communications
Favorite Quote: ““I am the greatest. I said that event before I knew I was” Muhammad Ali”
Line Name: Red Rhapsody
Line Number: 5
Occupation: Owner/CEO
Fun Fact: I am a Cohost on the longest running gospel radio show called Echoes of Glory, on the state of Pa via iHeartMedia Radio Sunday mornings!
Committee I want to join: Joined Policies & Procedures And Ways and Means
Favorite Quote: “You don’t have to be great to get started, but you have to get started in order to be great! by Zig Ziglar”
Line Name: Double Take
Line Number: 6
Occupation: Program Manager
Fun Fact: I have a black belt in Taekwondo.
Committee I want to join: Social Action
Favorite Quote: “Make it work!”
Line Name: Laurore
Line Number: 7
Occupation: Chief DEI Officer/ Licensed
Attorney
Fun Fact: Traveled to over 30 countries
Committee I want to join: Arts and Letters, Physical and Mental Health, International awareness and involvement
Favorite Quote: “The lion’s story will never be known so long as the hunter is the one telling it.”
Line Name: Heart 2 Heart
Line Number: 9
Occupation: Retired ACT Program Director
Fun Fact: Good sense of humor
Committee I want to join: Physical and Mental Health
Favorite Quote: “God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I can not change. The courage to change the things I can and the Wisdom to know the difference.”
Line Name: Rhythm Nation
Line Number: 10
Occupation: Licensed Esthetician
Fun Fact: I am a God mother of 2
Committee I want to join: Physical and Mental Health & RIF
Favorite Quote: “2 Corinthians 5:7”
Line Name: Smooth Operator
Line Number: 8
Occupation: Juvenile Probation Officer
Fun Fact: Certified Birth Doula and Breastfeeding Enthusiast
Committee I want to join: Ways & Means and Delta GEMS
Favorite Quote: “Fav Scripture Corinthians 13”
Line Name: Larks
Line Number: 11
Occupation: Administrative Support Coordinator
Fun Fact: I was the first Uber driver in Harrisburg, PA
Committee I want to join: Arts and Letters, Policy and Procedures
Favorite Quote: ““We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey. Kenji Miyazawa”
Line Name: Gore
Line Number: 12
Occupation: Quality Improvement Specialist
Fun Fact: I love gardening!
Committee I want to join: Delta GEMS
Favorite Quote: “Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10”
Line Name: INTEL
Line Number: 15
Occupation: Office Manager at Inertia
Massage and Spa & Private Duty Nurses Aide
Fun Fact: I participated in the 1996 Jabberwock Pageant and I love music and dancing
Committee I want to join: Physical and Mental Health
Favorite Quote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”
Line Name: Final Link
Line Number: 13
Occupation: Medical Social Worker
Fun Fact: I am a twin Committee I want to join: Membership Services and RIF
Favorite Quote: “If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready!”
Line Name: Serenity
Line Number: 14
Occupation: Human Resources Director for the Christian School of Greater Harrisburg
Fun Fact: One of my favorite male singers is Engelbert Humperdinck. My twin and I saw him perform in concert on February 3.
Committee I want to join: Arts & Letters
Favorite Quote: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.” Martin Luther King, Jr.”
Line Name: Foster
Line Number: 16
Occupation: Educator
Fun Fact: I almost played varsity football in high school, the kicker!
Committee I want to join: Social Action
Favorite Quote: “You can’t cry over spilled milk.”
Line Name: Low Key
Line Number: 17
Occupation: Validation Analyst for Delta Dental
Fun Fact: I love to travel and shop.
Committee I want to join: Protocol and Traditions & Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy
Favorite Quote: "So in everything, do unto others what you would have them do to you…”
Line Name: On Demand
Line Number: 18
Occupation: Teacher
Fun Fact: Visited every state on the east coast
Committee I want to join: Unsure currently
Favorite Quote: “Life and death is in the power of the tongue”
Line Name: Tranquility
Line Number: 21
Occupation: Realtor Director of Sales and Property Management
Fun Fact: I collect Starbucks Cups
Committee I want to join: Social Action
Favorite Quote: “All Great Achievements
Require Time.” ~ Maya Angelou
Line Name: Lifeline
Line Number: 19
Occupation: Tax Professional
Fun Fact: I love to cook pork chops. Will cook them everyday as a snack if I have any.
Committee I want to join: Financial and Arts & Letters
Favorite Quote: ““Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” — Maya Angelou”
Line Name: Brave Heart
Line Number: 22
Occupation: 12th Grade English Teacher
Fun Fact: Fun Fact about me is I’m the First Generation college graduate with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree, on both sides of my family..
Committee I want to join: Ways and Means, traditions and protocols, membership services
Favorite Quote: “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” ― Angela Davis
Line Name: Ever REDy
Line Number: 20
Occupation: Executive Director
Fun Fact: I have a twin brother who is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Committee I want to join: Delta GEMS and RIF
Favorite Quote: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.-Nelson Mandela”
Line Name: The Voice
Line Number: 23
Occupation: Youth & Family Education Coordinator
Fun Fact: I sang the national anthem for the Hershey Bears when I was in high school.
Committee I want to join: Arts & Letters
Favorite Quote: “Don’t let small minds convince you that your dreams are too big.”
Line Name: Ramseur
Line Number: 24
Occupation: Vice President, Customer Experience
Fun Fact: I am a solid retro (1st five gens) Pokémon player with two Game Boys and two Nintendo DS’s. Committee I want to join: Strategic Planning
Favorite Quote: “Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!”
Line Name: Ambassador
Line Number: 25
Occupation: Nonprofit Executive/Professor/Consultant
Fun Fact: I lived in Japan and Greece (and love to travel!)
Committee I want to join: International Awareness and Involvement and Social Action
Favorite Quote: “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change (Dr. Wayne Dyer)”
Line Name: End Game
Line Number: 26
Occupation: Learning Support Teacher
Fun Fact: I love reading self help books!
Committee I want to join: Ways and Means & Physical and Mental Health
Favorite Quote: “My recipe for life is not being afraid of myself, afraid of what I think or my opinions”
Juliet Jones (also known as "Julie") is the Proprietor and CEO of Certified HR Experts. LLC Consulting Firm. Julie holds a master’s degree in business administration, with certifications in Human Resource Management, and Executive Leadership, with over 15+ years’ experience in leading all aspects of Human Resources, Business, and Workforce Development. Julie was recently recognized by the Central Pennsylvania Business Journal for the 2023 Woman of Influence Award that honors women business leaders for their contributions and impact through leadership in their industries and community.
Julie is an Author, Speaker, Humanitarian (who owns a 501c3 Non-Profit Org. called “Single Parents on the Go”) dedicated to helping families in need. Julie is passionate about advancing racial equality, diversity, and an inclusive society through her community involvement as a supporting executive member of the NAACP Greater Hbg Chapter, a supporting member of Black Women in Congress (Pa), and a supporting council member for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee - to name a few.
Soror Spotlight
Julie is a proud mother of two amazing young adult children (Arielle and Juleon Jones), and in a loving relationship with her best friend Dr. Thomas Robinson III. Julie loves spending time with her family and friends, and/or Cohosting on an inspirational radio show on Sunday mornings at IHeartMedia Radio since 2012 (on the longest running gospel program in the State of Pennsylvania carrying out the legacy of the late Brother George Toby Young, and Olan Harris) called “Echoes of Glory”.
Juliet JonesDr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta GEMS Institute
The Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta GEMS Institute began its 2022-23 programing year in September 2022 with a wonderful open house which was attended by 62 parents and potential GEMS. As result of active recruitment and the open house, we had 22 young ladies sign up to participate in our program.
The GEMS met monthly on the second Sunday of each month, in person at the Workplace Hub and also virtually. The robust programming included sessions on voter registration, financial literacy, finding scholarships and funding college, purchasing stocks, saving for the future, gun violence, health issues affecting women of color, sexually transmitted diseases, a virtual cooking class, a community service project, exploration of Delta’s international projects, UPMC’s Women in IT, a trip to see a the play “Voices of the Eighth Chronicles : Stories from the old Eighth Ward” and a tour of the State Capitol. During each session, the young ladies had an opportunity to share what they had been doing over the past month, what they plan to do in the future and discuss anything that might have been a pressing issue or problem.
June, will be our End of the year celebration, which will include, a Her-story competition, where the winner will be awarded a brand new laptop, an award ceremony and a cook out. The GEMS have had a wonderful year not only learning new and interesting concepts and ideas, but getting to know themselves and each other better. Each session was purposefully designed to provide the young ladies with information, ideas and strategies to help them to be successful in years to come as they grow and mature into educated, progressive women.
Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta GEMS Institute
Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy
The Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy was created to serve as a catalyst for academic excellence in our adolescent girls ages 11-14, and guide their positive dreams and aspirations to a successful future. The goals of the program are:
- to save our girls from mediocre academic achievement and low self-esteem.
- to demonstrate the relevance to a girl's future of scholarship in areas of math, science, technology and non-traditional careers;
-to develop leadership skills in our girls through service learning projects;
-to expand the thinking of our girls about possible careers and educational goals that include science, math, and technology.
Lunch & Learn Book signing with Author Lisa McNair (middle) as she shared stories about her sister Denise (one of the young girls killed in the Birmingham,AL 16th Street Church Bombing in 1963)Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy
Learning Dance moves from the Black Girl Global Exchange Ambassadors from Eswatini, South Africa
Afro Beat with AshiaJ AfroCardio
Vision Board Presentations
Dinner with Keynote Speaker Lt. Governor Austin Davis
Retirement
Vicki Daniels retirement from the Harrisburg School District after 36 years.
Graduates
Jadaen Logan graduated from Red Land High School (West Shore School District). He was recognized as "Student of the Quarter" in Logistics and Warehouse Management 2 at Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technical Center for the 3rd marking period. Jadaen will employ his Logistics and Warehouse Management certification as he enters the workforce.
Darcy Randleman graduated with her Masters Degree in Biblical Studies on Saturday, June 24th. Please keep her lifted in prayer.
Soror Nia J. Howard daughter of Soror Abigail Howard graduated with honors from Lincoln University and plans to further her education at Temple University In Philadelphia, PA.
Mackenzie Hansard daughter of Soror Kia Hansard, graduated from Morgan State University on May 20, 2023 with a degree in History. She plans to obtain her master's degree in public administration.
Graduates
Ashlee and Arin Martin graduated from Central Dauphin High School. At Central Dauphin, the girls participated in almost every band, ensemble and drumline offered while also getting good grades. The twin sisters will attend Temple University in Philadelphia for their first year of college to explore their love for art and music.
God is good!
Soror Danielle Martin successfully defended/passed her dissertation defense on Thursday, May 18, 2023. She graduated on Wed. August 9, 2023 from Temple University with a doctoral degree(Ed.D) in Educational Leadership.
Ernest Frazier II, son of Soror Naomi Frazier and brother of Soror Essence Frazier, graduated from Shippensburg University. BA English Cum Laude.
Graduates
Zaria Carter daughter of Soror Marcie Carter, graduated from Central Dauphin East High School on June 6, 2023. Zaria will attend TEMPLE UNIVERSITY, School of Science and Technology. Her major will be Biology with Teaching and Research . She also plans to dance on the Hip-hop or Tap Team.
Aaron L. Gethers, son of Soror Lynda Gethers, graduated from Maine University, Orono, Maine May 6, 2023 with a BA degree in Communications.
Moriah E. Gethers, daughter of Soror Lynda Gethers graduated from Hershey High School, June 1, 2023. She will be attending Howard University, Washington, DC. She is a recipient of the HU Achievers Scholarship.
Graduates
Sophia Crews and Sydney Crews, twin daughters of Soror Tyra Crews, graduated from Williamsport Area High School in the top 10% of their class. Both girls will attend Penn State University majoring in Accounting and Industrial Engineering respectively
Janiyah McLaughlin, daughter of Soror Nicola Overton, will graduate from C.D. East High School in June. She will be attending Cheyney University's Honors program in the Fall.
Zoe London, daughter of Soror Jill London, graduated from Susquehanna Township High School on June 8, 2023. She will be attending Drexel University.
Scholarship Recipients
Carolyn Henry Scholarship – Madysn Miller – Steelton-Highspire
Zena B. Miles Scholarship – Kayla Proch – Central Dauphin East c/o ‘22
Citizenship Awards
Devona Thomas – East High
Kenedy Cooper – Central Dauphin
Cassandra Zart – Susquehanna
Isabella Mirarchi – Trinity
Devin Washington – McDevitt
La’Myra Randoph – Sci-Tech
Minerva Scholarships
Sabree Cowan - Central Dauphin East
Favor Okiye - Central Dauphin East
Thurston Well - Central Dauphin East
Ja'Rae Merdith - Central Dauphin East
Jaxson Brown - Sci-Tech
Karl Singleton III - Sci-Tech
Niara Johnson - Sci-Tech
Trinity Dang - Sci-Tech
London Johnson - Sci-Tech
La'Myra Randolph - Sci-Tech
Kenedy Cooper - Central Dauphin
Sidona Robiel - Central Dauphin
Sandra Umana - Central Dauphin
Margaret Ogunsanya - Dauphin County Tech
Amelia Vaux Tanner, along with her husband Omar, and their three grown Goddaughters Perry, Olivia, and Billie set out one summer to gather at Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard. This beach community features the black, wealthy, and bourgeoisie, and a multilayered familial story of secrets, courage, trust, and love.
As each Goddaughter arrives on the island, the complex back story unfolds as to how each woman entered Ama and Omar’s life. Ama, a wealthy female executive born and raised in Louisiana, and her husband complement each other in their relationship with each Godchild. Perry, Olivia, and Billie each have distinct personalities that present an intriguing and dramatic plot development. What is revealed is life-altering for all involved.
Sunny Holstin, legal journalist and co-host of The View, captivates the reader with her attention to detail by providing a vivid imagery of the island, the residents and vacationers, food, music, and current social issues, while adding a historical backdrop. Summer On the Bluffs is a stirring summer read of one family learning to maneuver life’s challenges, their growth or lack thereof, discovery, and acknowledgement.
Thee HarDST 26
Welcome to the Sisterhood
Grace to You, My Sister
Love to you, my sister, Through our bond and from my heart, We lead with compassionA virtue from the start. Of these three: Faith, Love and Hope May the greatest, love, remain. May it guide us, may it mold us, May it overshadow disdain. Light to you, my sister. Even when darkness abounds, Let me speak life into your soul Pray even when you’re not around. A shoulder when you cry
A kind word as we greet
An art of forgiveness
A helping hand to teach Grace to you, my sister. The journey can get awful hard. As you strive to reach perfection Here, you can let down your guard. Slow to anger and quick to encourage These are the memories we want to keep. I am my sister’s keeper always Grace to her is grace I will reap.
by Soror Kelsey Hicks
