Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter Greetings! In the words of the first female and person of color to hold the office of Vice President of the United States of America, “Dream with ambition, lead with conviction, and see yourself in a way that others might not see you, simply because they’ve never seen it before.” We stand on the
shoulders of our Founders, as we celebrate the college aged women who had the audacity to be the first to do what others had not seen. The first to create an African American Greek lettered sorority on January 15, 1908 on the campus of
Howard University. The first to craft a design to foster interaction,
stimulation and ethical growth among members and as proven, around the world. I am Treva Jeffries, president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter. I welcome you and bring you greetings to our 114th Founders Day celebration. Yes, our Founders were the first and WE carry on their legacy of courage, focus and tenacity. The courage that empowers women such as the Black Girls Who Rock in our community to step beyond their comfort zones and make a vision reality. I am excited to honor them today. The focus to hone in on the needs of the community and serve all mankind as we dedicate resources and talents to the betterment of the world. Personifying the tenacious spirit of a sorority that has thrived for 114 years and a chapter that has thrived for 70 years in the Toledo Metropolitan community. The accomplishments of Black women have been historically overlooked. It is the goal of the Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter to continue to sing praises to the women of our community for their contributions. Today, I come before you humbled, as I walk in the steps of our Founders as we
uplift others. All that we do to serve the community and the world, represents an embodiment of the qualities of our Founders. So, again welcome and throughout this program remember the words of Vice President Kamala Harris to dream with ambition and lead with conviction. In Sisterhood and Service,
Dr. Treva Jeffries Dr. Treva Jeffries Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter President
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Alpha Lambda Chapter = University of Toledo
Greetings, It is my honor and privilege to welcome you to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® 114th Founders’ Day Celebration! My name
is Christina DuPree, and I am the president of the Alpha Lambda Chapter at the University of Toledo. We have a rich legacy of sisterhood and exemplary service on the university’s campus that spans nearly 94 years. The women of Alpha Kappa Alpha have exemplified excellence in service for 114 years around the globe and it is my pleasure to welcome you as we celebrate the accomplishments of these phenomenal women who “rock” in our community. The
honorees have shown dedication and commitment to improving the education, health, economic status, artistic culture and global awareness in the greater Toledo community. We are proud of the work they are doing and we honor them today. On behalf of the Alpha Lambda Chapter members, we thank you for supporting Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® and our local chapters. It is my sincere hope you will enjoy the program today. Thank you once again and enjoy the rest of your day.
Sincerely,
Christina DuPree Christina DuPree President
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Iota Iota Chapter = Bowling Green State University
]Greetings, To Dr. Treva Jeffries, President of Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter and Christina DuPree, President of Alpha Lambda Chapter. To Soror Ann C. Battles, 20th Great Lakes Regional Director and International Officers and Regional Officers Committees, Dr. Lisa Dubose, the Northern Ohio Western Pennsylvania Cluster Coordinator, to international officers & committee members, regional officers & committee members, esteemed guests, and all who serve Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. On behalf of the Illustrious Iota Iota chapter, we welcome you today. We are honored to be a part of this event to celebrate our distinguished sisterhood and our Founders’ Day. We are here today to celebrate 114 years of sisterhood, scholarship and service. Since 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has promoted and implemented change internationally. We are actively living out our theme of “Black Girls Rock”. In fact, this is not a theme, but this is a lifestyle for the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. We are women who challenge, innovate, and change the world. Women who support and uplift other women. Women who are living out the purpose to provide service to all mankind, when we were founded 114 years ago. I am in awe of the contributions our sisterhood has made today, and excited to see how far we will continue to go in the future.
On behalf of our chapter we extend congratulations to each award recipient. We salute you and the contributions you make to your community. Continue to be Black Girls who Rock and Exemplify Excellence. Sincerely,
Amani Wilson Amani Wilson Iota Iota Chapter President
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Great Lakes Region = Northern Ohio/Western Pennsylvania Cluster
Greetings Members, Awardees, and Guests, Welcome to the 2022 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Founders’ Day event hosted by Zeta Alpha Omega, Alpha Lambda, and Iota Iota Chapters. We gather to celebrate the strong and rich history as the first African American Sorority founded January 15, 1908. On the campus of Howard University, nine courageous and trailblazing college-aged, African American women, just one generation from slavery, recognized the importance of creating a supportive network. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® not only lives but thrives 114 years later, due to the incorporators within our sisterhood who protected and preserved our organization. Dr. Glenda Glover, our sorority’s current international president, established our sorority’s 20182022 theme as Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service. Carrie J. Clark, is the Great Lakes Regional Director, and has further charged us to Rise Up and work diligently, during a pandemic, to serve our communities. Today it is my privilege to celebrate each of the hard working and dedicated members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® who have accepted the charge to provide service to all mankind. You are the embodiment of the dreams of our founders and our ancestors. When challenges face this world and our communities, history shows we do not wait for someone to set the path, we take the lead to create it and proactively address concerns. It is further my privilege to celebrate the extraordinary awardees who purposely and selflessly make contributions to make a difference while exemplifying excellence! You ARE, Black Girls Who Rock!! With heart-felt humility, I feel blessed and honored to also receive recognition. I proudly accept the Pearl Award today, which celebrates my contributions of dedicated service to our beloved sisterhood and community. I am delighted to share this special day of celebration with Zeta Alpha Omega, Alpha Lambda, and Iota Iota Chapters, their members, and guests. Thank you to all who are in attendance to support this special occasion. I extend gratitude to the leadership and planning committee members for your time, determination, and talent to also recognize local champions as we celebrate our founders. As the Northern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania Cluster Coordinator, in the Great Lakes Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, it is my pleasure to bring you greetings. As always, excellence is our charge, service is our pledge, and sisterhood is our privilege. In Service,
Lisa E. Dubose Dr. Lisa E. Dubose Northern Ohio/Western Pennsylvania Cluster Coordinator
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter
Greetings, Welcome to our 114th Founders’ Day Celebration hosted by Zeta Alpha Omega, Alpha Lambda, and Iota Iota Chapters. Today, we honor the trailblazing founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® who established this organization to be of Service to All Mankind. This celebration is coupled with celebrating Black Girls Who Rock and Exemplify Excellence within our community. We are excited to continue the legacy of our founders by honoring women who have an indelible impact on others. It is our privilege and commitment to honor women who operate in excellence and are of service to others. Today as we honor our founders, we highlight the achievements of eight women who contribute significantly in areas that are in alignment with our sorority’s targets. Our targets focus on demonstrated efforts towards Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Women’s Healthcare and Wellness, Building Economic Legacies, The Arts, Community Change, as well as lifelong commitment to Community Service. The planning of this event has been an experience filled with joy, excitement, excellence, and most of all teamwork. I express sincerest gratitude to Dr. Treva Jeffries, President of Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter for trusting me with the execution of this event and to the planning committee for their hard work and dedication. Our collective desire as a committee and coordinating chapters was to recognize dynamic women, but also inspire others to contribute their gifts and talents to their community. Thank you for honoring us with your presence. We hope you are inspired as much as we are. Sincerely,
Dr. Patrice McClellan Dr. Patrice McClellan 2022 Founders’ Day Chairman
The Founding of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
®
Confined to what she called “a small circumscribed life” in the segregated and male-dominated milieu that characterized the early 1900s, Howard University co-ed Ethel Hedgemon dreamed of creating a support network for women with like minds coming together for mutual uplift, and coalescing their talents and strengths for the benefit of others. In 1908, her vision crystallized as Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first Negro Greek-letter sorority. Five years later (1913), lead incorporator, Nellie Quander, ensured Alpha Kappa Alpha’s perpetuity through incorporation in the District of Columbia. Together with eight other coeds at the mecca for Negro education, Hedgeman crafted a design that not only fostered interaction, stimulation, and ethical growth among members; but also provided hope for the masses. From the core group of nine at Howard, AKA has grown into a force of more than 290,000 =collegiate members and alumnae, constituting 1,007 chapters in 42 states, the District of Columbia, the US Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Germany, Liberia, South Korea, Japan, Canada, South Africa and the Middle East. Because they believed that Negro college women represented “the highest—more education, more enlightenment, and more of almost everything that the great mass of Negroes never had" — Hedgemon and her cohorts worked to honor what she called “an everlasting debt to raise them (Negroes) up and to make them better.” For more than a century, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sisterhood has fulfilled that obligation by becoming an indomitable force for good in their communities, state, nation, and the world. The Alpha Kappa Alpha program today still reflects the communal consciousness steeped in the AKA tradition and embodied in AKA’s credo, “To be supreme in service to all mankind.” Through the years, Alpha Kappa Alpha has used the Sisterhood as a grand lever to raise the status of African-Americans, particularly girls and women. AKA has enriched minds and encouraged life-long learning; provided aid for the poor, the sick, and underserved; initiated social action to advance human and civil rights; worked collaboratively with other groups to maximize outreach on progressive endeavors; and continually produced leaders to continue its credo of service. Guided by twenty-nine international presidents from Nellie M. Quander (1913-1919) to Glenda Baskin Glover (2018-2022), with reinforcement from a professional headquarters staff since 1949; AKA’s corps of volunteers has instituted groundbreaking social action initiatives and social service programs that have trans-
formed communities for the better — continually emitting progress in cities, states, the nation, and the world.
Our Founders - Black Girls Who Rocked and Exemplified Excellence
Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter History The Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter was chartered in Toledo, Ohio on April 25, 1952, in the home of Soror Reba Harris of 635 Moran Avenue. Soror Laura T. Lovelace was Supreme Basileus and Soror Fayette B. Norris, Great Lakes Regional Director. The First Chapter Officers were: ·
Kathryn H. Franklin | President
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Thelma Jones | Vice-President
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Delia Ray | Secretary
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Helen Cohen | Treasurer
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Anna M. Bolden | Courtesy
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Theodorsia Tucker | Parliamentarian
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Ruth Ross | Ivy Leaf Reporter
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Katie Martin | Graduate Advisor, Alpha Lambda
2020 will mark the 68th anniversary of Zeta Alpha Omega. During this time, the chapter has promoted and sponsored many outstanding projects in the metropolitan Toledo area. These projects evolved from community needs as well as the national programs targets. About $160,000 over the last 35 years has been contributed for local scholarships, and numerous renewable scholarships
awards have been made to deserving young women. The first awardees were restricted to attending Mary Manse College and University of Toledo. However, as young people have become more diversified in vocational goals and achievements award recipients are now able to attend any accredited college or university. Zeta Alpha Omega has consistently been involved in political action. The Chapter has supported local politicians through providing forums for debate, telephone and letter-writing actions and financial donations. Zeta Alpha Omega has always supported the NAACP and the UNCF. Three Life memberships and Golden Heritage memberships, and to date, over $25,000 has been contributed to the United Negro College Fund. Zeta Alpha Omega has been recognized on the regional and international levels and many Sorors from the chapter have been tapped to serve in leadership roles on the regional and international level. Past and Current Presidents 1952-1954: Kathryn Franklin 1954-1956: Ardella Reed 1956-1958: Thelma Jones 1958-1959: Patricia Strong 1959-1960: Theodorsia S. Tucker 1960-1963: Joyce Jones 1964-1966: Isabelle Simmons 1966-1967: Elinor W. Allen 1968-1969: Ardella Reed 1970-1971: Wanda Penn 1972-1973: Willie Kate Jackson 1974-1975: Helen V. Cohen
1976-1977: Ann Colbert Battles 1978-1979: Ethel Spencer 1980-1981: Elinor W. Allen 1982-1983: Phyllis L. Stephens 1984-1985: Edrene B. Cole 1986-1987: Zephyr Taylor 1988-1989: Edna Robertson 1990-1991: Valerie Penn 1992-1993: Marie L. Bush 1994-1995: Barbara Tucker 1996-1997: Frances Collins 1998-1999: Mary F. Dawson
2000-2001: Margaret Huntley 2002-2003: Denise Black-Poon 2004-2005: Clara L. Petty 2006-2007: Julia R. Holt 2008-2009: Lisa E. Dubose 2010-2011: Clara Petty 2012-2013: Deborah Washington 2014-2015: Katina Johnson 2016-2017: Felicia Dunston 2018-2019: Morgannia Dawson 2020-2021: Andrea Price 2021-2022: Treva Jeffries
Alpha Lambda Chapter History
Iota Iota Chapter History On December 4, 1972, three women from Bowling Green State University were initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. These women were Barbara J. Williams, Jeanette Ball, and Kimberly Parker. At the time, Michelle Watts, was the only member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated attending Bowling Green State University. The women were initiated through Alpha Lambda Chapter at the University of Toledo. The goal of the four members was to ensure that Bowling Green State University had its own chapter before they graduated. During the 1973-1974 school year, they worked on the formation of
the chapter. They were in constant contact with Eva L. Evans, Great Lakes Regional Director, to inquire about the criteria for starting a chapter at Bowling Green State University. Also, during the 1973-1974 school year, five more women became interested in becoming members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. These women were Martha A. Moore, Karen Carter, Vondra Small, Charlene Truitt, and Patrice Toles. They were initiated through Alpha Lambda Chapter at the University of Toledo on May 25, 1974. Now there were nine members at Bowling Green State University. Two members graduated during the Fall of 1974 and one member did not return to campus. The
remaining six members met with Madelyn Hairston, Great Lakes Regional Director, to continue plans to start a chapter at Bowling Green State University. She informed them that the foundation had been laid and all they needed were six women who were interested in becoming members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Instead of six women, ten were chosen to become members. The initiation of the ten women and the Chartering Ceremony were held on the same day, March 15, 1975, in the University Union.
Iota Iota Charter Members Jacquelyn L. Bailey
Tonia Kates
Kimberly Parker
Dianthia Smith
Bonita Y. Gamble
Paula M. Moody
Carletta Railey
Patrice E. Toles
Crystal Gooch
Martha A. Moore
Berene Ramey
Charlene Truitt
Karen Jackson
Karen L. O’Bryant
Vondra Small
Barbara J. Williams
Lift Every Voice and Sing Lift every voice and sing Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise High as the listening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us. Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won. Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chastening rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet Come to the place for which our fathers sighed? We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy past, Till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast. God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way; Thou who hast by Thy might Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee, Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath Thy hand, May we forever stand. True to our God, True to our native land.
Program Mistress of Ceremony _________________________________________________ Ms. Rhonda Sewell Lift Every Voice and Sing ______________________________________________ Mrs. Debra Brock Mediation ___________________________________________________________
Mrs. Cheryl Slack Chaplain
Welcome and Occasion ________________________________________________
Dr. Treva Jeffries President Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter
Greetings __________________________________________________________ Ms. Christina Dupree President Alpha Lambda Chapter Ms. Amani Wilson President Iota Iota Chapter Dr. Lisa Dubose NO/WPA Cluster Coordinator Introduction of Keynote Speaker _____________________________________ Dr. Patrice McClellan Chairman Keynote Speaker ____________________________________________________ Mrs. Frenchye Harris The Black Fashion Movement, Founder International Program Overview_______________________________________ Mrs. Lisa McDuffie Vice-President and Program Chairman
Program Target Presentation
Award Presentations __________________________________________________ Ms. Rhonda Sewell Black Girl Magic Award Shawna Woody Hope Toledo Young, Gifted & Black Award Danielle Reddick Tiny Hearts Remembered, Inc. Shot Caller Award Suze e Cowell Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union Legacy of Excellence Award Sheila Gibson Positive Force Christian School of Dance Social Humanitarian Award Celeste’ Felix Toledo Lucas County Public Library
Community Change Agent Award Alicia Smith The Junction Coalition Icon Award Dr. Helen Cooks Founder & Visionary Toledo Excel AKA Pearl Award __________________________________________
Mrs. Felicia Roberts-Dunston Presenter Dr. Lisa E. Dubose Honoree
Remarks __________________________________________________________ Dr. Patrice McClellan Black Girls Who Rock Acknowledgement Patrons Closing Remarks ______________________________________________________ Dr. Treva Jeffries Fireside Chat with Frenchye Harris, Founder of Black Fashion Movement
Mrs. Frenchye Harris Frenchye M. Bush Harris is the CEO Principal Consultant of Harper Street Consulting and the Founder and CEO of the Black Fashion Movement. Frenchye is a 20+ year fashion industry veteran, working in the industry as a model, fashion show producer, fashion advice columnist, TV personality, adjunct professor, PR and Marketing Executive, and co-owner of a boutique fashion event production and PRagency. She developed a love for fashion in the fourth grade after attending the Ebony Fashion Fair in her hometown of Toledo, Ohio hosted by this great chapter Zeta Alpha Omega of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incor-
porated. Frenchye’s body of work includes collaborations and partnerships with Mastercard, Square, Brookfield Properties, Simon Malls, Trademark Property, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Belvedere Vodka, Moet Hennessy, National Basketball Wives Association, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and the Links, Incorporated to name a few. Throughout her career, she has noticed a significant absence of Black-owned fashion brands being sold in retail spaces, on the runways and in fashion magazines, and at the executive level in fashion organizations. Often the “lone voice”, Frenchye has always been passionate about creating spaces in which black creatives and fashion leaders can not only thrive, but their presence and contributions be normalized. Because of her passion for emerging and independent fashion brands, Frenchye founded Harper Street Consulting. A Brand and Retail Strategy consulting firm designed to assist brands to penetrate luxury retail markets and to scale their business. In 2020, she founded The Black Fashion Movement, to create a platform to celebrate and support black fashion designers while encouraging the fashion community and consumers to do the same. The Black Fashion Movement challenges the narrative that Black fashion designers and Black-owned fashion brands are not accessible for consumer consumption through the execution of authentic, creative, and diverse interactive in-person, social, and virtual experiences. Today, the Movement focuses on providing retail opportunities for Black-owned brands and designers through events such as the Luxury Retail Experience at retail malls and special events around the country. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio and master’s degree in Communications Management/ Public Relations from John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The Links, Inc., and the Black Design Collective. Frenchye resides in Chicago, IL with her husband, Steven and is the proud mother of Jordan, residing in Los Angeles.
Black Girl Magic Award Ms. Shawna Woody Shawna Woody graduated from Rogers High School, and as a Toledo EXCEL scholarship recipient under the leadership of Dr. Helen Cooks here she attended the University Toledo and received her bachelor’s degree in Communication. While at UT, she was a part of the Leadership UT program. She earned a master’s degree in Communication Studies at Bowling Green State University. In 2004, Shawna began her 17-years-long career at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo as an 21st Century Afterschool Program Instructor at Spring Elementary. It didn’t take long before her exemplary ability for youth development, effective guidance, program planning, implementation, and evaluation prompted her to swiftly move up the ranks to become Director of Operations for the organization in 2008. During her tenure, Shawna has oversaw the opening and daily operations of the three Toledo Public School based Clubs; supervised the meal program, sponsored by Connecting Kids To Meals, as it grew from serving 4,000 meals per year to over 86,000 meals to Club members; cultivated collaborative partnerships and often new and innovative programming with the YMCA Storer Camps, Metroparks Toledo, Imagination Station, Toledo Ballet, Toledo Museum of Art, and many others; and served as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth of the Year coordinator at the local level as well as for the state of Ohio. Shawna joined the HOPE Toledo team as the Vice President of Operations in 2021. She is responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures, program efficiencies, and other operational duties while furthering the mission of the organization. She oversees the partnership with Central State University to ensure scholars pursue and excel in achieving their goals.
Young, Gifted and Black Award Ms. Danielle Reddick Danielle Reddick born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio is a proud Alumna of Bowling Green State University where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) in 2015. In 2018, Danielle became a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Zeta Xi Zeta Chapter where she is presently serving as the Undergraduate Advisor for the University of Toledo Alpha Pi Chapter. Danielle is currently a full-time graduate student achieving her Masters in Social Work Degree at Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan with a concentration in School Social Work Grades K-8th. Danielle Nicole Founded Tiny Hearts Remembered, Inc. 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization here in Toledo, Ohio on February 12, 2021. The mission of Tiny Hearts is to decrease the negative impact of pregnancy loss in the community through education, support programs, and advocacy. The creation of this Nonprofit came from her unexpected pregnancy loss miscarriage in 2016 at almost 9 weeks. Losing a pregnancy or a child is one of the most heartbreaking life experiences and Danielle has created a safe space for women like her who have suffered a loss at any stage. Through Tiny Hearts Remembered, Inc. she has allowed other women to speak out to share their stories, show the life of what she calls ‘Angel Mamas’, and most importantly, spread awareness about Pregnancy and Infant Loss.
Shot Caller Award Ms. Suze e Cowell As Founder and CEO/Treasurer of the Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union, in Toledo, OH, Suzette Cowell has been a staunch supporter of the 4,810-member community development institution. With an asset size of 13 million TUFCU is credited with revitalizing the central city neighborhoods around it. The first Community Development Credit Union (CDCU) in Northwest Ohio, the credit union came to fruition through the collaborative efforts of Cowell, Bishop Duane C. Tisdale, and a host of other community leaders. With the assistance of Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur of the 9th District, the group agreed that a CDCU would be best for the central city community. Under Cowells leadership, the collective wealth of the predominantly African American central city was realized as vibrant and strong enough to support a credit union. As a result, Toledo Urban has spurred a plethora of economic development in Toledo. In 2002, Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union was the first credit union in the United States to partner with the Internal Revenue Service for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. In 2005, it was Cowell's vision to have an African American Festival which is going into its 17th Year with over 20,000 attendees. In 2007, through Cowell's vision the Dorr Street Coalition was birthed, the Coalition is made up of community leaders that have focused on revitalizing the Dorr Street Corridor. In 2015, through fundraising and community efforts Cowell's vision of the Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union opening the doors to its very own brick and mortar facility came to fruition. Known as a woman of unshakeable faith, Cowell continues to serve her community and enlist the support of her church family and friends to unite to keep the dream of Toledo’s first-ever community development credit union afloat.
Legacy of Excellence Award Ms. Sheila Gibson Ms. Gibson began dancing at the early age of 2 in Chicago, Illinois. Upon relocating to Toledo, Ohio with her family, she began study with the Bach Conservatory training under Bud Kerwin and Hanna Houser. She also studied under other accomplished instructions such as Gail Grant, author of the Technical Manual & Dictionary of Classical Ballet and Jazz Master, Gus Giordano. Ms. Gibson lived in the United Kingdom, England (19811984) where she honored her artistic skills by co-owing a modeling and dance company. Upon returning to the United States, Ms. Gibson opened Giselle’s Dance Theatre where she was the founder and Artist Director (1988-1996); she currently holds the same title for Positive Force School of Dance. Some of her many achievements include: Choreographer for the Dance and Flag Line for the International Bands of America that traveled to the Netherlands, Paris and Belgium. She has been an instructor for the University of Toledo Dance Arts, Choreographer for the University of Toledo Marching Band Rockets dance team and Hillsborough Community College, Tampa, Florida. Ms. Gibson is listed in Who’s Who Among Teachers and the City of Toledo Athletic Hall of Fame.
Social Humanitarian Award Ms. Celeste’ Felix Celeste Felix is a Regional Manager at Toledo Lucas County Public Library. Celeste brought over 20 years’ experience in social services when hired as a Manager for the South Branch. Celeste dedication, professionalism, and passion for providing services, programs and opportunities to those most in need, quickly allowed her to rise in the library world and today she manages 5 branches. Celeste serves on numerous boards and committees (Compassion Clinic, Ohio Latino Commission, TPS ALAS and others) to further her passion and ensure those in need have access to information and services to meet their needs. One of her biggest prides is mentoring a young mom at Mom’s House. Celeste is a true servant who serves to support those needing a hand up.
Community Change Agent Award Ms. Alicia Smith Alicia Smith is the cofounder and Director of Junction Coalition, a community organization that started as an opportunity to help the community help themselves through partnering with others to address social, economic, and environmental issues and improve the community’s quality of life. During the 2014 Algae Bloom (Outbreak), Junction Coalition was pushed into environmental action. Families were in need of support, information, and education for safe, clean, and affordable drinking water. Prior to this role, she served as the Executive Director of Youth Commission and Manager of Youth and Manager of Recreation for the City of Toledo. Alicia has served the central city community for over 15 years in a variety of organizations such as the Wayman Palmer YMCA, Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) and Grant Fundamentals working with inner-city youth teaching the skills of healing community trauma through improving listening and critical thinking skills. Alicia was awarded the Environmental Justice & Equity Expert Award by the Urban Waters Learning Network in 2020. Alicia’s passion flows from her belief that all citizens need information to thrive. As such, she works to build the capacity of each family. She believes that Justice work is not limited to the environment but touches on issues of social and economic justice with the goal of promoting peace, public health, and a better quality of life for all citizens.
Icon Award Dr. Helen Cooks Dr. Helen Cooks is best known in the Toledo Community as Creator, Founder and Developer of Toledo Excel, a scholarship incentive program of The University of Toledo. Dr. Cooks’ career as an educational leader and program director officially began at the early age of 17. After graduating from Scott High School, she was enrolled at The Ohio State University at the age of 16, majoring in Sociology. After
marriage in 1959 and the birth of her five children, she resumed her studies at The University of Toledo, at age 29. Here she found a mentor in Dr. Lancelot C. A. Thompson, Professor Emeritus and Past Vice President for Student Affairs at The University of Toledo. Dr. Cooks has spent most of her educational career as an Associate Professor, and Director of innovative scholarship and educational incentive programs at The University of Toledo, where after promotion to the position of Assistant Vice President for EXCELlence Programs, Office of Enrollment and Placement Services, she retired in 2006 after 31 years of service to the University. As an Associate Professor in UT’s College of Education and Allied Professions, Dr. Cooks published several papers in scholarly journals and made contributions to volumes over more than ten years, including six articles on TOLEDO EXCEL. Dr. Cooks received a notable recognition in October 2016. Ten years after her retirement from the University of Toledo she was commended publicly and named by the Board of Trustees to the rank of Professor Emerita for her service to The University of Toledo and the Judith Herb College of Education. In 2017 Dr. Cooks was inducted into the Scott High School Alumni Association Hall of Fame. In 2018 Dr Cooks was nominated to be a part of The Female Empowerment Mural project of The Arts Commission. Dr. Cooks is the proud grandmother of twelve and great grand-mother of six great-grandchildren. Dr. Cooks strongly believes that after God and family, quality education is the door to success.
AKA Pearl Award Dr. Lisa E. Dubose A proud Silver Star and Life Member, Dr. Lisa Dubose was initiated into Alpha Lambda Chapter at the University of Toledo in 1987. She is currently an active member of Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter where she has served in a variety of positions, including its centennial President, Vice President, Corresponding Secretary, Graduate Advisor, Membership Chairman, Fundraiser Chairman, Parliamentarian, Former President Council Chairman, to mention a few. Dr. Lisa has also had the pleasure of serving on committees at the regional level, such as the Resolution and Program Committees and currently is a regional officer serving as the Northern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania Cluster Coordinator and 2022 Great Lakes Region Leadership Institute Chairman. Dr. Lisa is dually certified in the field of Human Resources, as an HRCI professional in Human Resources; a SHRM Senior Certified Professional and is also a Certified Affirmative Action Professional. Dr. Lisa is employed with Bowling Green State University and has served in a variety of roles which include: ·
· · · ·
Director of Equal Employment Opportunity with oversight of discrimination and harassment investigations; Deputy Title IX Coordinator investigator; a member of the President’s advisory committee for diversity and belonging; a university’s accreditation sub-committee member; and on inaugural BGSU Academic Leadership Professional Development Program Committee.
Dr. Lisa is currently the Director of Human Resources, responsible for Employee Relations, Director of Professional Development, and BG Leadership Academy and provides step 3 responses to Police grievances and a member of the university’s labor relations and police union contract negotiating team.
Dr. Lisa served as a steering committee member and ultimately as the statewide co-chairman of the State of the State (SOS) conference for Ohio universities and businesses focusing on equity, diversity, and opportunity. Member/Chairman HR Committee, Board of Directors, Fair Housing Center of Toledo. Dr. Lisa has Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Educational Leadership degrees, both with an emphasis in Human Resources, from the University of Toledo; and Dr. Lisa earned her Doctorate in Leadership from Bowling Green State University where she was presented a Woman of Distinction award in 2020 for her university contributions.
Thank you to our sponsors! Diamond Kynard’s Child Development Center Silver Star Eileen Arrington Elizabeth Perry Gayle Moss Kimberly Lipscomb Lynetric Rivers Ark Restoration & Construction Toledo Lucas County Public Library Dr. Jaime Bush-Arnold Richelle McCoy Ivy Sponsor Simply D’Vine Boutique Wendy Huntley - Connecting Kids to Meals Angela Logan and Petrina Jackson
Sorority Sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated congratulate Dr. Lisa E. Dubose Sorority Sister Eileen Arrington, Alpha Beta Omega Chapter Sorority Sister Elizabeth Perry, Lambda Phi Omega Chapter Sorority Sister Gayle Moss, Lambda Phi Omega Chapter Sorority Sister Kimberly Lipscomb, Lambda Phi Omega Chapter Soror Lynetric Rivers, Lambda Phi Omega Chapter
Our dearest Frenchye Bush-Harris -- mother, wife, sister, soror -we love and appreciate you. We are unbelievably excited for all God has in store for you. We see how hard you work. We see how you have dedicated your life to help lifting up others through your brand, The Black Fashion Movement. You are truly a black woman who rocks! Love, Your Family
Congratulations to all of the 2022 Black Girl Rock and Exemplify Excellence Honorees
Congratula ons to all of the 2022 Award Recipients
Congratulations to the women of Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter on celebrating 114 years of service to all mankind! Simply D'Vine Boutique, Terrie Cook
Congratulations Dr. Lisa E. Dubose for exemplifying excellence by receiving the 2022 Pearl Award. You DEFINITELY Rock! Love your Sorority Sisters, Angela Logan and Petrina Jackson
Kudos to the Founders’ Day Committee! Each of you are Black Girls that Rock and Exemplify Excellence !!!
Dr. Patrice McClellan, Chairman Nazerene Tubman, Co-Chairman Dr. Treva Jeffries, Zeta Alpha Omega President Olla Avery Debra Brock Sheila Brown Shaunda Brown-Rivera Donnetta Carter Christina DuPree Kyndra Jefferson Katina Johnson Angeline Murray Felicia Roberts-Dunston Cheryl Slack Richelle Watkins Amani Wilson Leigh Utley