Our History
Led by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, the nine Howard University students who came together to form Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority were the scholastic leaders of their classes. Each also had a special talent or gift that further enhanced the potential of this dynamic group.
By 1909, with the exception of Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, the original group of women was comprised of college seniors. Nellie M. Quander was elected president in 1911. Under her visionary leadership, Alpha Kappa Alpha initiated a dynamic plan: the organization would incorporate and expand. A committee was formed to take appropriate action. Committee members included: Norma Boyd, Julia Evangeline Brooks, Ethel Jones Mowbray, Nellie Pratt Russell and Minnie Beatrice Smith. Along with Quander, these members are referred to as the organization’s “Incorporators.” Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was legally incorporated January 29, 1913.
Chi Phi Omega Chapter
On April 7, 2005 at high noon, the Lafayette Polished PEARLS Interest Group became chartered as the Chi Phi Omega graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, during the 71st Central Regional Conference at the Downtown Marriott Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana. The spirit of Alpha Kappa Alpha was in the room as the charter members of Chi Phi Omega pledged their lifelong commitment to the sorority and to Chi Phi Omega Graduate Chapter.
Chi Phi Omega Graduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®
Charter Members:
Thomanisa J. Noble-Ash (initiated Nu Lambda 1989)
Naressa Cofield (initiated Gamma Mu 1999)
Willete Marie Crawford (initiated Beta Sigma 2000)
Stacy Carrese Curry (initiated Gamma Theta 1992)
Nicole’ Gale (initiated Alpha Omicron 1989)
Traci Alisia Graham (initiated Alpha Xi Omega 1997)
Jamila Ruth Greene (initiated Gamma Theta 1999)
Terry S. Jackson (initiated Beta Upsilon 1999)
Johari N. Miller (initiated Pi Lambda 1991)
Avione Yvonne Northcutt (initiated Zeta Gamma 2000)
Ja’Neair Maria Perry (initiated Epsilon Rho 2001)
Aisha Chini Reed (initiated Gamma Rho 2001)
Pamella Patrice Dale Shaw (initiated Epsilon Rho 1977)
Heather Smith (initiated Omicron Phi Omega 2002)
Karla Renaye Smith (initiated Gamma Psi 1998)
Candiss Omehl Williams (initiated Gamma Kappa 1999)
Our award winning chapter is committed to service in the areas of Health, the Arts, Economic Empowerment, Youth Literacy, and Global Impact under the leadership of International President Dr. Glenda Glover and Central Regional Director Sonya L. Bowen. Internationally, Alpha Kappa Alpha women have been inspired to dedicate themselves in Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service with new program initiatives focusing on HBCU for Life: A Call to Action, Women’s Healthcare and Wellness, Building Your Economic Legacy, The Arts and Global Impact from
2018-2022.