The Ivy Line - Tau Omega Chapter

Th e I v y L i n e
Tau Omega Chapter
October, 2012
Volume 1, Issue 9
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Message from the Basileus
In this issue:
Message from the
Basileus
1
Upcoming
Meetings
3
Chapter Meeting
Agenda
3
Officer and
Committee Chair
Reports
4-9
Announcements
10
Cluster III Sorors including Tau Omega participated in the African American Day Parade. Thanks to Soror
Brenda Jones and Committee for making this happened and to all sorors who participated on the side or in
the parade.
October &
13
The Liberian President (and Soror) Ellen Johnson Sirleaf spoke at the Abyssinian Baptist Church on Sunday,
September 23, 2012 at the 11:00 a.m. service and attended a reception afterwards at the Harlem School of
the Arts to raise funds for the Sirleaf Market Women’s Fund (SMWF). The Regional Director, Soror
Constance Pizarro, and International Regional Director, Soror Evelyn Sample-Oates, were in attendance.
Sorors from the North Atlantic Region came out in their pink and green to show their support. Special
thank you goes to Soror Alice Dear, Abyssinian Baptist Church, Harlem School of the Arts and committee
and sorors for making this a success.
Tau Omega
Photos
14-15
Chapter Officers
and Chairman
16
Dear Sorors,
Our Regional Director Constance R. Pizarro said in her summer 2012
Newsletter, The Promise, “It’s time to ‘fall back’ to AKA”. I hope that we all
have “FALLen back to AKA” by now and are making sure that we are
completing our commitment to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated,
especially to Tau Omega Chapter, for 2012.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Team AKATauOmega will be making the
Strides Walk to End Breast Cancer with the American Cancer Society (ACS). Soror Tracey
and I will be leading the walk on October 21, 2012. Invite your family and friends and
coworkers to join us and go on line to register and donate. (See Strides Walk article for more
info.) Pi Kappa and Tau Omega sorors participated in the ACS Power of Pink and Prayer
services at the Metropolitan A.M.E. Church on Friday, October 5, 2012. Thank you sorors.
If you know someone who has not registered to vote yet, the deadline for this election in New York is
Friday, October 12, 2012. Encourage them to register today. Plan to stay with us after the Poetry and Prose
Event at Creoles to watch the Presidential debate on October 16th.
Tau Omega had nine (9) Graduate Advisory Council Board members in attendance at the Undergraduate
Round-Up on September 28-30, 2012 at the Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
The theme was “Global Leadership through Timeless Service – Phenomenal Women Making Phenomenal
Achievements.” It was rejuvenating to be working with the undergraduates during the weekend. The 2013
November
Birthdays
Tau Omega points of
interest:
Poetry & Prose 10/16/12
Breast Cancer Walk 10/21/12
Meet the candidates for Tau
Omega’s up coming election
Graduate Advisors Certification Application is now posted to Members Only Section of the North
Atlantic Region Website-- www.akanorthatlantic.org/MembersOnly (login required) to download your
NAR appointments
copy. If you are a first time applicant make sure you don’t delay in reviewing to make sure you have time to
get all required documents. Due date for application and payment is February 15, 2013 to Corporate
Office.
Sorors remember that the November chapter meeting was changed to the 2nd Saturday, November 10,
2012, because of the Leadership seminar on November 17, 2012. Please plan to attend.
Tau Omega’s who’s who in
photos
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Tau Omega Chapter
Message from the Basileus Continued
Let’s do our share to Reclaim, Retain and Recruit. (Don’t forget to give the names of inactive sorors to Soror Sharlene Forbes to
invite to Homecoming in October.)
Thank you for your continued support and services sorors!
Sisterly,
Doris B. Mitchell
Basileus
Tau Omega Chapter of
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
718-924-0292
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
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Tau Omega Chapter
Upcoming Meetings
Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Center
34 West 134th Street
Bet. Lenox & Fifth Avenue (Enter on 135th Street)
October 20, 2012
12:00 Noon - 1:00 p.m. Homecoming
1:00 p.m. Joint Chapter Meeting
Presiding
Doris B. Mitchell, Basileus, Tau Omega Chapter
Zaidat Animashaun, Basileus, Omicron Theta Chapter
Chapter Meeting Agenda
Call to Order
Meditation
Minutes (Corrections/Additions)
Announcements
Introduction of Visiting Sorors
Executive Committee Recommendations
Basileus’ Report
Program: (Approval of 2013 Proposed Program)
Membership
Finance: (Approval of 2013 Proposed Budget)
Nominating
Standards
Graduate Advisors:
Lambda
Omicron Theta
Fundraising:
Obligatory: (Approval of 2013 Proposed Fundraiser)
EAF
New/ Unfinished Business
Gidget
Hymn & Pledge
Mix & Mingle
Golden Sorors are served first. If you are mobility challenged and would like assistance in getting your refreshments, please let
the Philacter know when you arrive.
Philacter’s 1908 cents
Sorors be mindful that chapter meeting begins at 1:00 p.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. please make yourself available for the entire
meeting. Late arrivals and side conversations are a distraction please limit movement during the meeting.
Chapter meeting is a business meeting and business attire is required not an option.
Please place all cell phones on vibrate
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Tau Omega Chapter
First Anti Basileus: The Program Report
Dear Sorors,
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a reminder for us to slow down to take care of ourselves. If you haven’t already, make sure you have scheduled your yearly exams and screenings and encourage all of the women you love to do the same.
Emergent Young Leaders (EYL)-Our orientation at PS/IS 76 was attended by approximately 25- 6th
and 7th grade young ladies. Our next meeting with the interested applicants will be Thursday, October 11
@ 4:30 pm. Soror Sharon anticipates 10 new girls in addition to the 4 girls we have from last year. Please
contact Soror Cook directly if interested in working with EYL. Soror Sharon’s email address is:
[email protected]
Reminder: Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at the Creole Restaurant, Soror Kim Singleton will host An
Evening of Poetry and Prose. Come out, have dinner and listen to the community’s talent and
messages. The Presidential debate can be viewed at the Creole Restaurant immediately following our
event.
Coat Drive- Before tossing away those coats your family no longer can wear; bring discarded coats/
jackets only to our October Chapter meeting. Tau Omega will donate coats to the Abyssinian
House (Abby House) located at 139-43 w138th Street between Lenox and 7th Avenues. At chapter
meeting you will complete a form for tax purposes and the Abby House will mail individual letters to
sorors. Please bring cleaned, slightly used coats for women, children and men to our chapter meeting. Tattered clothing will not be collected. Sorors Jonnie and Gloria co-chairs of the Social Justice initiative and will collect our donations. A special thank you to the sorors who are volunteering to
transport the coats to the Abby house.
Family Fable Aesop Festival – Soror Cydney will represent our chapter by presenting at the 5th annual Aesop festival on October 20th at the Kennedy Center.
American Breast Cancer Strides Walk- Come out to walk on October 21, 2012 @ 9:00AM, Central Park. Meet our team at the 72nd Street Band shell. You can make a donation to the American
Breast Cancer/Team TauOmegaAKA.
The Power of Pink and Prayer-Tau Omega and Pi Kappa Omega Chapters participated in the power
of prayer services at Metropolitan A.M.E Church October 5th. The service of prayer, song, dance and
words of inspiration reassured our faith in the spirit of healing.
Adopt a family- Soror Tiaka will collect canned goods at the November 10th chapter meeting to donate
to a family in need for Thanksgiving. Stay Tuned for further information.
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Tau Omega Chapter
First Anti Basileus: The Program Report
On September 23, 2012 Cluster 3 sorors attended Abyssinian Church’s service to recognize and support
the work of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, West Africa. Soror Sirleaf was warmly embraced by
the many sorors in pink and green who came out in support of her. Thank you to Tau Omega sorors who
also attended the reception/fundraiser for Soror Sirleaf and the Sirleaf Market Women’s Fund at the Harlem School of the Arts. Thank you to all Tau Omega hosts and Kudos to our own Soror Alice Dear, U.S.
Executive Director of the African Development Bank (1994-2000), for being instrumental is Soror Sirleaf’s
attendance.
Election 2012- The last day to register to vote is October 12, 2012. Don’t forget to remind some else
to vote on Election Day!! Remember our senior citizens who may need a ride to the polls on Election
Day.
Volunteers are needed on committees. Soror Anne Commack needs assistance with our Book for
Babies initiative. Email me @ [email protected] or call 718-443-0490 if you are interested in serving
on a committee.
Respectfully submitted,
Soror JoAnne Challenger
First Anti-Basileus & Program Chair
Second Anti Basileus: Membership Report
Homecoming is October 20, 2012 at noon… see you there!!
You can WEAR PARA…
I need help planning our Christmas Party… if interested… please advise...
Sisterly,
Soror Sharlene R. Forbes | Membership Chairman
[email protected] |917‐847‐6478
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Tau Omega Chapter
Tau Omega Fiscal Fitness
2012 dues were due before December 31, 2011 so payments received now must include the late fee. Below
are the 2012 membership dues. Dues will be collected at Chapter meeting, payable by check or money order.
Graduate
$310.00
Chapter Officer
$140.00
Life Member
$220.00
Undergrad. Transfer
$140.00
Reactivation
$330.00
Late fee
$15.00
Life Member Late Fee
$6.00
The 2012 Assessment was due October 1, 2012 in the amount of $200. Checks should be made payable to
The Tau Omega Charitable Trust Fund. If your assessment is not received on or before October 1,
2012 you forfeited your voting rights for the November 2012 elections and your 2013 dues will not be accepted until your obligation has been satisfied.
Send all payments to
Soror Dawnn Carlton
190 31st. Street Fl. 1
Brooklyn, NY 11232
Contact Soror Dawnn Carlton with any questions at: (646) 752-0087 or Pinkperfection3@ yahoo.com
REMINDER:
In order to assist Sorors, you have the option of paying dues in installments. Therefore, at this chapter meeting, Soror Dawnn Carlton and I will be collecting dues. You can either pay the full amount of $310.00 or you
can pay in installments. If you choose to pay in installments, you must pay have paid the total dues amount
before December 31, 2012 in order to be financial. If you do not pay the full amount by the above‐mentioned
date, you will not be financial, until
your dues are paid in full.
Soror Amma Kwateng| Treasurer| Finance Committee Chair
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Tau Omega Chapter
Graduate Advisors Corner
A) Omicron Theta Chapter celebrated its 25th Anniversary on Saturday, September 15th. Eight past Omicron Theta chapter sorors, including charter member Lisa Bryan Dupree, Dakeeta Grinage-Hatcher &
Charisse Taylor-Byrd, joined current Basileus Zadiat Animashaun as she led a tour of the Marymount Manhattan College campus. Three current Tau Omega sorors joined Basileus Animashaun at a dinner celebration thereafter. Sorors had a wonderful time reconnecting and taking pictures. More than $100 was raised
for chapter programs. A portion of the proceeds will also be donated to Heifer International.
B) MIP will be postponed until Spring 2013. If there are sorors who know of spaces, preferably free near
the 71st. Street Campus, please let Soror Karen Myrie know ASAP.
C) From Sept 29-30th., Graduate Advisors Myrie and Sandridge, along with Basileus Mitchell and 6 members
of the Graduate Advisors Council joined Basileus Animashaun in attending Undergraduate RoundUp Weekend in Elizabeth, NJ. Regional Director Pizzaro delivered a pointed message regarding all sorors “Always
wearing their letters” & therefore carrying themselves in a respectful manner at all times.
D) A donation of school supplies was made on behalf of Omicron Theta Chapter to the Women’s Prison
Association.
Sisterly,
Soror Karen Myrie
Graduate Advisor: Omicron Theta
Fundraising Obligatory
Dear Sorors,
Thank you for your unwavering support of the fundraising committee. At this time the committee will ask
you to vote on your choice for the 2013 Obligatory Fundraiser. The choices are:
1) Antun's Catering Hall, 2) Astoria World Manor, 3) The Historic Prince George Ballroom, 4) Ricardo's By
the Bridge, 5)Spirit of NY Cruise-Chelsea Piers and 6) Villa Barone' Manor. Ballots with the six choices will
be distributed at the meeting. If you will not be in in attendance, please call or e-mail me with your choices. I may be reached at (917) 689-6795 or [email protected]. At the meeting, I will present the cost
of each event for both 200 and 300 guests as per request of the executive board. We will also discuss tentative fundraising strategies for 2014 based on trends of chapter membership.
Sisterly,
Soror Charisse Marshall
Fundraising Chair
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Tau Omega Chapter
Internal Leadership Training for External Service
TΩ Green Print…Reclamation, Reactivation & Retention for a Life Long Sisterhood, continued…
Sorors we must continue to build the Green Print solutions for SWOT. The 1st solution was STRENGTH.
Sorors your solutions were: Reaching out to the other colleges on the charter; Maintain closes contact with
graduating and visiting Sorors; Assisting undergraduate Sorors with paying chapter dues. The 2nd solution
was WEAKNESS. The solutions were: Mentoring program to the undergraduates, reactivating, and transferring Sorors into the chapter; Improving the current membership moral amongst each other.
As a chapter we need to do a self-assessment and be committed to upholding the Life Long Sisterhood.
Sorors let us continue to explore solutions for Opportunities & Threats.
Opportunities
Threats
Leverage & Soror Resources
Strengthen MKTG & Advertisement
To get more involved
i.e.: committees & events
To support Undergraduates
Welcoming packets for efforts to
RECLAIM SORORS
Fundraising
Partnership opportunities with
community & organizations
Sisterliness & Warmth
Financial
Growing Families
External pressures
(time requirements, $$$, especially undergraduates)
Global/Mobility of people
National publicity (NEGATIVE)
Lambda on Suspension – many members not from
NY, so not a feeder
Officers’ personalities
Way we communicate
(phone conferences & emails)
Re-orientation of inactive Sorors
Inside Talent vs. Outside Talent
Business vs. Donations
Scandals vs. Drama
National Image
COIP
Fear of change
Lack of participation
Sorors email me [email protected] your solutions to Opportunities and Threats. I will
discuss all responses at the November chapter meeting.
Sisterly,
Soror Kimberly Myott, Chairman
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Tau Omega Chapter
Nominating
Sorors running for office please be prepared to address the chapter at the October
meeting. Share with us the talents you will bring to the chapter.
Please refer to the 2012 Election Guidelines for questions you may have regarding Absentee
Ballot.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
Sisterly,
Soror Jennifer Curry
Nominating Committee Chair
Hodegos Memo
I will have a donation jar for November's chapter meeting meal..... Please bring your loose change.
Sisterly,
Soror Lisa Penzellna
Hodegos
Archives
Sorors please bring new or gently used items only to be sold to raise funds for history book publication.
Items must be brought to October’s Chapter Meeting between 11:30am a and 12:00noon.
Sisterly,
Soror Doris Conner
Archives Committee Chair
Economic Security
Greeting Sorors!
If you have not done so, please bring to chapter meeting, your August receipts for the support of women
and minority owned business month. Thank you in advance!
Sisterly,
Soror Brenda L. Jones
Economic Security Initiative, Chair
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Tau Omega Chapter
Announcements
Soror Congratulations October 2012
 Congratulation to Soror Wendy Malliet on her retirement!!!
 Congratulation to Tau Omega Charitable Trust Fund members for a great night at the Empire
Race Track for your fundraiser!
 Congratulation to Tau Omega Sorors appointed to serve on the Regional Committees and/or
International Committees:
Alice Dear, Chair of the Global Initiatives Committee (UN ECOSOC) AKA's Main NGO Representative to the United Nations with Special Consultative Status to the UN Economic and Social
Council (ECOSOC)
Andrea R. Webster, NAR Technology Committee
Amma Kwateng, NAR Bylaws Committee
Brenda L. Jones, NAR Protocol Committee
Jane Celeste Eaton McDonald, NAR Protocol Committee
Karen Myrie, NAR Editor for the Promise Committee
Sick and Shut in October 2012
Soror G. Jeannie Lopez’s brother has just had major surgery and our hearts and prayers go out to
the family.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to our sorors and friends and family who are sick and shut in.
African American Day Parade 2012!!!!
I would like to thank each and all of my Sorors who participated in the 2012 African American Day
Parade. Whether you cheered us on from the sidelines or sang a song as we stepped and strolled
through Harlem with pride. Thank you again and we will do it again next year!
Sorors please continue to share what’s happening with you with us.
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Tau Omega Chapter
Team TauOmegaAKA as we WALK for a cure for Breast Cancer
On Sunday, October 21, 2012 our Chapter will walk in the 2012 Breast Cancer Walk.
To join the team (Tau Omega AKAs) or to make a donation online, please go to the
link below:
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?team_id=1234942&fr_id=47320&pg=team
**There will be a link in the bottom box where registered walkers are listed. Click
"Join Team" **
Soror Doris Mitchell will also be collecting funds before Chapter meeting from any
Soror that wants to donate cash or check.
Date: Sunday, October 21, 2012
Time: 10:00A.M. SHARP (Walk begins) RAIN or SHINE
Location: Central Park 72nd Street Bandshell- New York, NY
Meeting Location: TBA
Walk Distance: 5K (optional 4 mile loop)
Sisterly,
Soror Tracey M. Branch
STRIDES Walks for Cure Chair
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Tau Omega Chapter
The Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Presents
An Evening of Poetry & Prose
Celebrating Women Through Spoken Word
In honor of the New York Women’s Agenda (NYWA) 20th Anniversary Celebration
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
6:30pm – 9:00pm
Creole Restaurant
2167 3rd Avenue (@118th Street)
New York, NY 10035
Open Mic Spots Available
To sign up, email [email protected]
No admission fee. Purchase of food or drink strongly encouraged.
Seating is limited. For dinner reservations, call Creole at 212-876-8838
Stay and watch The Presidential Debate immediately following
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Tau Omega Chapter
October Birthdays
2 Wendy P. Malliet
5 Lillian Benton
7 Tracey Branch
10 Rosalyn Graves Wilson
16 Shirley Scott
16 Kathleen Watson
20 Gwendolyn Shepherd
20 Andrea R. Webster
30 Kimberly Myott
23 Joanne E. Challenger
24 Ann Booth-Coke
24 Jewel Moolenar-Marsh
28 Giovanna Henson
November Birthdays
2 Sandra Adams
Natasha Houston
3 Clara Skipwith-Burgess
Winona Watson
14 Jacqueline Thomas
27 Denise S. Lynch
28 Fabiola Dieudonne
Epistoleus Memo
Happy Halloween Sorors!
Please remit your newsletter submissions in a timely fashion.
In addition, please confirm your email address and birthday with the me at the close of October
chapter meeting. If you are not receiving the newsletter via email, and would like to please advise @
[email protected].
NORTH ATLANTIC REGIONAL PRAYER THEMES for the YEAR AHEAD
Every month, your North Atlantic Regional Prayer Team will pray for the successful
execution of the programs of our beloved Sorority and for the success of our undergraduate sorors. Additionally, the following list of prayer themes will receive our particular focus as we convene each month to pray as a body. Chapter Chaplains will join us by incorporating these themes into their mediation and prayers at their general meetings.
“ During the month of October, Sorors in the North Atlantic Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha will be
focused on praying FOR:
Women to courageously stand against any and all attacks on their reproductive health
care, Basic human rights, here and around the world, to be upheld.
Peace & Blessing,
Soror Helen Foster
Chapter Chaplin
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Tau Omega Chapter
Tau Omega Trust Fundraiser Evening at the Races
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Tau Omega Chapter
Tau Omega In Action
.
Guest at the Tau Omega Charitable Trust
Fundraiser Evening at the Races at Empire
Undergraduate Round-Up 2012
Racetrack, Yonkers, NY
Cluster III Sorors in the African American Day Parade in Harlem 2012
Omicron Theta’s
25th Anniversary Celebration
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Tau Omega Chapter
Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s Visit
Shows a Different Aspect to our Outreach
“Getting Our Youth Involved”
Tyler Gets "Two Thumbs Up" from the President!
The above photo was taken by Tyler’s mother, Soror Lana Woods. When Soror Lana
gave the photo to Soror Alice Dear, Soror Alice commented:
"Hey, that is a wonderful photo, Lana: Tyler gets ‘Thumbs Up’ from the President!!! Moments before the ‘click,’ I was proudly introducing my godson Tyler to President Ellen and telling her how he had surprised me last week when I mentioned that
we were organizing an event at HSA for the President of Liberia — knowing her
name, that she was a Nobel Laureate and calling the names of the other two colaureates — and even pronouncing their names correctly. Most adults can't do
that!!! The President was impressed, too , and gave him two thumbs up. Great timing
on your shot, Lana. Now that's one to frame and share with the school — including the
back-story! Seriously, frame and keep it in his room! It will further inspire
him. He realizes that he met the President because he had impressed me
with his knowledge of her."
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Tau Omega Chapter
2012 Tau Omega Chapter Officers
Office
Name
Telephone
Email
Basileus
Doris B. Mitchell
First Anti Basileus
JoAnne Challenger
Second Anti Basileus
Sharlene R. Forbes
917-847-6478
[email protected]
Grammateus
Karla C. Elrod
212-864-5326
[email protected]
Pecunious Grammateus
Dawnn Carlton
646-752-0087
[email protected]
Tamiouchos
Amma Kwateng
973-953-6432
[email protected]
Epistoleus
Andrea R. Webster
646-261-9609
[email protected]
Hodegos
Lisa Penzellna
516-359-8974
[email protected]
Philacter
Sandra Adams-Picchierri, Esq.,
718-364-7652
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Parliamentarian
G. Jeannie Lopez
917-716-0855
[email protected]
Ivy Leaf Reporter
Lesley Henry Bedeau
347-229-7716
[email protected]
Lambda
Sylvia Sandridge
914-423-2699
Omicron Theta
Karen Myrie
917-405-0127
[email protected]
Members at Large
Kimberly Myott
Wendy Rice
267-307-4869
718-444-4160
[email protected]
[email protected]
Historian
Doris Conner
212-927-8558
[email protected]
Graduate Advisors
Committees
Program
Standing
Executive
Doris B. Mitchell
Program
JoAnne Challenger
Membership
Sharlene R. Forbes
Finance
Amma Kwateng
By-Laws
G. Jeannie Lopez
Standards
Georgianna Land
Archives
Johnnie Marshall
Emerging Young Leaders
Sylvia Sandridge
Omicron Theta
Karen Myrie
Nominating
Jennifer Curry
AKA Connection
Vacant
Fundraising - Obligatory
Charisse Marshall
Fundraising - Pink Ice
Andrea R. Webster
Cydney Taylor
Health
Graduate Advisor’s Council
Lambda
Sharon Cook
Sub-Committees
A. Environmental Stewardship &
Sustainability
Lesley Henry Bedeau
Global Poverty
Tiaka Wright
Economic Security
Brenda Jones
Social Justice and Human Rights
Johnnie Marshall
Internal Leadership Training for External
Service
Kimberly Myott
Operations
Tracey Branch
Organization Liaisons
EAF Chapter Captain
Lisa Penzellna
New York Women’s Agenda
Kimberly Singleton
Proposal and Grant Writing
Christine Dudley
MMA Diversity Committee
Sylvia Sandridge
Protocol
Tracy Elise Poole
Pan Hellenic
Rosalyn Graves Wilson
Technology
Vacant
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Tau Omega Chapter
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.,
Soror Doris B Mitchell, Basileus
Telephone: 718-364-7652
Email: [email protected]
We’re on the Web!
www.akatauomega.com
Members At Large Den
Sorors, if you have any concerns please feel free to contact Soror Wendy Rice or
Soror Kimberly Myott @ [email protected] All concerns will
be discussed at the monthly Executive Meeting. Your concerns will be kept
confidential.
Sisterly,
Soror Wendy Rice & Soror Kimberly Myott
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