Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
®
Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority INCORPORATED Alpha Kappa Alpha Corporate Office = 5656 South Stony Island Avenue = Chicago, IL 60637-1997= (773) 684-1282
OFFICE OF: Carol R. Dixon Far Western Regional Director P.O. Box 730190 San Jose, CA 95173 Phone: 408-218-1714 E-mail: cdixon@aka1908.com August 21, 2017
Greetings Sorors of the Fabulous Far Western Region! Welcome to the 2017 Fall Cluster Conference “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is a dynamic and powerful organization. We strive and we do work hard to make a powerful impact in our communities. The Cluster conference workshops will focus on the advancement of our International Program show casing best practices, fostering sisterly relations, nominating and membership intake updates. I encourage you to take this time to learn and reflect on how you and your chapter continue to make an impact. I applaud the 2017 host chapters – Xi Psi Omega (Anchorage, AK), Eta Rho Omega (San Jose, CA), Upsilon Beta Omega (Salt Lake City, UT), and Tau Beta Omega (Los Angeles, CA). I would also like to thank the Cluster Coordinators under the leadership of Dorothy J. Smith- Jackson, Cluster Coordinator Liaison for their exemplary work in planning for our Cluster conferences: Pacific North-West Cluster-Leslie Sims-Lawson, Northern California Cluster-Shelia Kibble-Gibson, Inter-Mountain Cluster-Zephanye L. Sistrunk and Southern California ClusterDesiree DeShay-Weakley. I look forward to seeing you during this Cluster conference season as we continue to amplify “Powerful Service and Powerful Impact” in the Fabulous Far Western Region. Thank you for your service. It is my honor to serve as your Regional Director.
Sisterly yours,
Soror Carol R. Dixon Soror Carol R. Dixon Far Western Regional Director
Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
®
Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, INCORPORATED® Alpha Kappa Alpha Corporate Office ▪ 5656 South Stony Island Avenue ▪ Chicago, IL 60637-1997 ▪ (773) 684-1282
OFFICE OF:
Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson Supreme Basileus P.O. Box 250841 Milwaukee, WI 53225 August 17, 2017 Soror Carol R. Dixon Far Western Regional Director P.O. Box 730190 San Jose, CA 95173-019 Greetings, Sorors! Welcome to the 2017 Far Western Region Cluster Conference! Attending Cluster is a great opportunity to learn more about best practices and membership engagement strategies, connect with other sorors in attendance, and gain tips on implementing powerful programs locally through our International Program Launching New Dimensions of ServiceSM. As you know, our Founders had a vision of promoting sisterhood and service to all mankind. Today, the desire to achieve excellence is exemplified within all of us, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we pass on the torch of leadership, service and sisterhood to one another. Within Alpha Kappa Alpha, Cluster Conference allows us to learn how our programs and community impact days are being carried out in a more intimate setting, and it provides a forum for us to share creative ideas and strategies that can be implemented through our chapters. Under Far Western Regional Director Soror Carol R. Dixon’s leadership, you will learn how to maintain the exemplary work being done under Launching New Dimensions of ServiceSM. We want to solidify our sisterhood’s legacy by hosting impactful programs that will be a benefit to all. Soror Dixon, her Regional Leadership Team, and International Committee Members will have a chance to interact with you at Cluster and will share your ideas and feedback with their respective committees and the Directorate. As always, I look forward to hearing about your various achievements while visiting your chapters! Please feel free to contact me by email at president@aka1908.com and look for me on Twitter or Instagram (@AKAintpres). Thanks again for everything you do on behalf of our beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha! Sisterly yours,
Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson Supreme Basileus
Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
®
Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”
October 28, 2017 Greeting Sorors of the Fabulous Far Western Region: As the Southern California Cluster Coordinator, I am extremely excited to welcome you to the 2017 Southern California Cluster Conference. Our Regional Director, Soror Carol R. Dixon, challenges each of us to expand our vision of sisterhood and service with this year’s theme, “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact.” Our sorority's mission is as critical today as in 1908 when our Founders were sensitive to the needs and struggles of those less fortunate in their hometowns and beyond. It is imperative that we engage and empower our communities. The current climate and challenges present an opportunity for the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha to strengthen our resolve and be a shining beacon through impactful programs that alleviate social barriers of success for women and children of color. Sorors, voiceless need us to deliver effective programs in our communities and advocate for policies to improve the social stature of the most vulnerable. Moreover, we are each called to continuously develop our personal power and increase our chapters' capacity. This year's Southern California Cluster Conference provides an update and refresher to sorors on the programmatic vision of our Supreme Basileus Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, Launching New Dimensions of Service. Through our international collective efforts, members have positively impacted underserved communities and have enriched the lives of people globally. At its heart, the Far Western Region is a spirit filled, passionate and innovative region that strives to increase the footprint of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in the nine most western states and beyond. For ninety-five years the committed and determined sorors of Southern California have embodied, “Supreme in Service to All Mankind.” Tea roses and thanksgivings to the members of our host chapter, Tau Beta Omega, for generously contributing their time and talents in service to ensure the 2017 Southern California Cluster Conference is a fabulous success. The sorors of Tau Beta Omega and I welcome you to Marina del Rey as we reconnect, refresh and renew our sisterly power! Sisterly regards,
Soror Desiree DeShay-Weakley Soror Desiree DeShay-Weakley Southern California Cluster Coordinator Eta Lambda Omega
Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
®
Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”
October 28, 2017 Greetings Sorors of the Southern California Cluster! The Sorors of the "Talented, Breathtaking, Ohhh-So-Fabulous" Tau Beta Omega Chapter in Marina del Rey, CA are delighted to welcome you to the 2017 Southern California Cluster Conference! As Tau Beta Omega approaches our 27th year of service, it is our distinct honor to host the Southern California Cluster Conference under the direction and leadership of our esteemed Far Western Regional Director, Soror Carol R. Dixon. Madam Regional Director and the Regional Leadership Team have diligently worked to ensure that today’s Cluster Conference includes informative workshops that will further our endeavors to “Launch New Dimensions of ServiceSM” in our communities and beyond. As part of our ongoing effort to support students through our AKA One Million BackpacksSM project, the Southern California Cluster Conference community service activity involves the collection and donation of backpacks to a local organization aligned with our goals. Thank you for your monetary gifts, backpacks and school supplies! Again, we welcome you to Los Angeles and look forward to supporting a successful conference driven by “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact” - as we learn and grow in our sisterhood, and continue to be of service to all mankind. We are honored and excited to host you! With sisterly love,
Soror Tifara Monroe
Soror Aleta Lilly
Soror Camille Townsend
Soror Tifara Monroe Basileus Tau Beta Omega Chapter Marina del Rey, California
Soror Aleta Lilly Chairman 2017 Southern California Cluster Conference
Soror Camille Townsend Co-Chairman 2017 Southern California Cluster Conference
Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
®
Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”
Tau Beta Omega Chapter Marina Del Rey, California
Soror Patricia Adams Soror Nichole Allen Soror Ivy Anderson Soror Michelle BanksOrdone Soror Neikia Boggess Soror Sonja BrooksSchnyder Soror Vickie Brown Soror Quiana Caldwell Soror Katherine Castleberry Soror Latia Curry Soror Frances DeLoach Soror Vernell Deslonde Soror Tamara Diggs Soror Cornelia Edwards
Soror Mesha Ellis Soror Dionne Faulk Soror Suzette Gauthier Soror Jessica Gholson Soror Jean Giggers Soror Adria Harris Soror Robin Hinds Soror Denise Holland Soror Michelle Humphrey Soror Lynnae Jackson Soror Kyra Johnson Soror Sauda Johnson Soror Nichelle Jones Soror Tamia Kearney Soror Dorothy Kindred Soror Tinisha Landry
Soror Tangela Levinson Soror Aleta Lilly Soror Tami Mims Soror Vera Moffett Soror Tifara Monroe Soror Tina Pompey Soror Joi Richardson Soror Candace Robinson Soror Channa Scott Soror Lisa Simmons-Jones Soror Avé Sims Soror Tiffany Simms Soror Camille Townsend Soror LaShonda TostonZeno Soror Stacey Whitehead
Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
®
Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”
2017 Southern California Cluster Conference Committees
Soror Aleta Lilly Soror Camille Townsend
Chairman Co-Chairman
Soror Channa Scott Soror LaShonda Zeno Soror Robin Hinds Soror Denise Holland Soror Nichelle Jones Soror Tamia Kearney Soror Vera Moffett Soror Stacey Whitehead
Registration, Co-Chairman Registration, Co-Chairman Registration Registration Registration Registration Registration Registration
Soror Dorothy Kindred Soror Patricia Adams Soror Sonja Brooks-Schnyder Soror Vernell Deslonde Soror Adria Harris Soror Sauda Johnson Soror Tina Pompey Soror Joi Richardson Soror Tiffany Sims
Protocol, Chairman Protocol Protocol Protocol Protocol Protocol Protocol Protocol Protocol
Soror Lynnae Jackson Soror Michelle Banks-Ordone Soror Suzette Gauthier Soror Kyra Johnson Soror Sauda Jonson Soror Candace Robinson Soror Lisa Simmons-Jones
Vendors, Chairman Vendors Vendors Vendors Vendors Vendors Vendors
Soror Ivy Anderson Soror Quiana Caldwell Soror Frances DeLoach Soror Jean Giggers Soror Tami Mims Soror Candace Robinson
Technology, Chairman Technology Technology Technology Technology Technology
Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
®
Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”
2017 Southern California Cluster Conference Committees
Soror Katherine Castleberry Soror Neikia Boggess Soror Vickie Brown Soror Latia Curry Soror Cornelia Edwards Soror Mesha Ellis Soror Tinisha Landry Soror Avé Sims
Rededication, Chairman Rededication Rededication Rededication Rededication Rededication Rededication Rededication
Soror Neikia Boggess Soror Nichole Allen Soror Ivy Anderson Soror Katherine Castleberry Soror Tamara Diggs Soror Dionne Faulk Soror Jessica Gholson Soror Jean Giggers Soror Lynnae Jackson
Gifts/Décor, Chairman Gifts/Decor Gifts/Décor Gifts/Décor Gifts/Décor Gifts/Décor Gifts/Décor Gifts/Décor Gifts/Décor
Soror Camille Townsend Soror Michelle Humphrey Soror Tangela Levinson Soror Aleta Lilly
Logistics, Chairman Logistics Logistics Logistics
Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
®
Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact” Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Southern California Cluster Conference
Agenda Saturday, October 28, 2017 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Sheraton Gateway LAX Los Angeles, California Soror Desiree DeShay-Weakley, Southern California Cluster Coordinator, Presiding
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Registration & Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
General Session
Opening and Introductions
Soror Aleta Lilly Cluster Conference Chairman Tau Beta Omega
Welcome
Soror Camille Townsend Cluster Conference Co-Chairman Tau Beta Omega
Meditation
Soror Jessica Gholson Chaplain Tau Beta Omega
Rededication
Soror Carol R. Dixon Far Western Regional Director Rho Delta Omega Soror Barbara Denson Trotter 24th Far Western Regional Director Mu Lambda Omega
Greetings from Supreme Basileus (video)
Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson Supreme Basileus
Greetings and Introduction of Regional Director
Soror Tifara Monroe Basileus Tau Beta Omega
Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
®
Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact” State of the Region
Soror Carol R. Dixon Far Western Regional Director Rho Delta Omega
Undergraduate Cluster Report
Soror Adrienne Berry Southern California Undergraduate Cluster Coordinator Alpha Gamma
Graduate Cluster Report
Soror Desiree DeShay-Weakley Southern California Graduate Cluster Coordinator Eta Lambda Omega WORKSHOPS/REPORTS
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Membership Intake Process
Soror Toya P. Davis Far Western Region Chief Executive Administrator Sigma Delta Omega
10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Break
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Risk Management Summit Re-Cap
Soror Carol R. Dixon Far Western Regional Director Rho Delta Omega
11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Backpack Presentation
Soror LaShonda Toston-Zeno Program Chairman Tau Beta Omega
12:00 p.m. – 12:05 p.m. Invocation
Soror Barbara Denson Trotter 24th Far Western Regional Director Mu Lambda Omega
12:05p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Program “Best Practices”
Soror Juanita Dawson Far Western Region Representative to the International Program Committee Mu Epsilon Omega
Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
®
Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact” 1:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. International Nominating
Soror Saeida Miller Far Western Region Representative International Nominating Committee Eta Lambda Omega
2:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Sisterly Relations Activity
Soror Tiffany Simms Sisterly Relations Chairman Tau Beta Omega
2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Educational Advancement
Soror Lynnae Jackson Educational Advancement Foundation Captain Tau Beta Omega
3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Conference Wrap Up/Evaluation Conference Chairmen
3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Closing
Soror Carol R. Dixon Far Western Regional Director Rho Delta Omega
Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
®
Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”
2017 Cluster Conference Workshop Descriptions Risk Management – Leadership Summit Recap Workshop Presenter: Soror Carol R. Dixon, Far Western Regional Director Description: This workshop will provide a recap on the Risk Management Summit held at the 2017 Leadership Seminar in Las Vegas. You will be empowered to take an active part in eliminating, reducing and managing risk facing Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Campaigning in AKA: ’08 Things You Should Know Workshop Presenter: Soror Saeida Miller Description: This workshop will provide the Top ‘08 things that sorors should know regarding the certification and campaign processes, including a detailed review of key dates, tips on compiling Candidate Certification Packet, and the rules for campaigning. It is recommended that attendees bring a copy of "So You Want to Run for Office" to the workshop. LNDS: The Best of the Best - Program best practices Workshop Presenter: Soror Juanita R. Dawson Description: Please join your regional representative to the International Program Committee to hear an update on our LNDS Program Results and to celebrate the Best of the Best in our region! You will also learn how to quickly implement LNDS programs by leveraging the best practices learned during this workshop. Membership: Membership Intake Process Workshop Presenter: Soror Shauna Graves Robertson or Soror Toya Davis Description: As we go into our fall Membership Intake Season, we thought we would test your membership IQ. This session will review some of the most frequently asked membership questions. We will also review the Boule and Directorate membership revisions. Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
®
Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”
2017 Cluster Conference Workshop Presenters SOROR JUANITA R. DAWSON Soror Juanita R. Dawson is a member of Mu Epsilon Omega Chapter, Orange County, California. She was initiated Spring 1981 into the Alpha Theta Chapter at Grambling State University. Soror Dawson is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She has worked tirelessly for Alpha Kappa Alpha serving in numerous elected and appointed positions including Basileus, Graduate Advisor, Audit & Standards Committee Chairman, and several committee chairman positions. Soror Dawson currently serves as the Far Western Region Representative to the International Program Committee 2014-2018. In addition to her work in Alpha Kappa Alpha, she serves her community in various organizations including the Claremont Area Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, the NAACP, and is a Legacy Lifetime member of NCNW. Professionally, Soror Dawson is a Senior Manager at Raytheon Company responsible for Governance, Risk Management, Audit and Compliance. SOROR SAEIDA MILLER Soror Saeida Miller has been a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated for almost 16 years. She was initiated in Eta Lambda Omega Chapter in Pasadena/Altadena California where she has held a host of leadership positions including: Basileus, Anti-Basileus, Parliamentarian, Philacter, Membership Chair, Graduate Advisory Council and has been the Chair of the Basilei Council for eight years. She was also the General Conference Chairman for the 79st Far Western Regional Conference held in Pasadena California in 2008. Soror Saeida chaired the first cluster regional conference for the Far Western Region under the leadership of Regional Director Soror E. Lavonne Lewis. Soror Miller is also a proud member of the Links Inc., Angel City Chapter in Los Angeles. She holds the position of Co-Vice President of Membership as well as serves on multiple committees. Saeida Miller was elected to serve as the 2014-2016 Far Western Region International Nominating Representative in April 2014 at the 85th Far Western Regional Conference held in Sacramento, California. She was reelected to serve again for 2016 - 2018 at the 87th Far Western Regional Conference, held in Portland Oregon in April 2016. Soror Saeida is an experienced educator, professional presenter and a well accomplished educational Sales and Marketing Regional Manager for the West Coast. She has successfully achieved many professional milestones over her 17 years in the industry. Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
®
Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact” SOROR TOYA P. DAVIS Soror Toya P. Davis is a native Californian and a graduate of California State University, Sacramento, where she received her BA in Social Science. She is currently a Senior Analyst with the Board of Equalization. She was initiated into Sigma Delta Omega Chapter in June 2003. Soror Toya is the immediate past Basileus of Sigma Delta Omega Chapter, where she served two terms. She has served as the ViceChairman of Service Projects for the 65th Boule in San Francisco; she has also served as Vice-Chairman of Operations during the 85th Far Western Regional Conference in Sacramento, as well as Co-Chairman of the 2011 Cluster Conference in Elk Grove, CA. She has also served as the President of the Northern California Basilei Council. Currently, she is the Chief Executive Administrator to Far Western Regional Director, Carol R. Dixon. She is very involved the community with such organizations as National Coalition of 100 Black Women. She is a co-founder of Booktini, Inc., Sacramento Chapter. She is also a member of the Sacramento Chapter of Jack and Jill of America. Soror Toya is the proud mother of one daughter, Lailah. She loves to go to brunch, travel, and spending time with her family.
Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
®
Fabulous Far Western Region 2017 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CLUSTER “Powerful Service, Powerful Impact”
Far Western Region | 2017 Cluster Conferences | www.aka1908.com/farwestern