2015 Pearls of Service

SPECIAL EDITION

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Crystal L. Pruitt INSIDE

Professional Profile AKAlades Community Engagement AKA Sorority Activities

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Margaret Davis Bowen Outstanding Graduate Soror Award Table of Contents • Personal Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 • Professional Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 • Professional Associations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 • Proven Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 • E conomic Networking Event in Partnership with Pinellas County Government. . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 • Stellar Program Initiatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 • Community Engagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 • AKA Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 • Social. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 • AKAlades. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

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Professional Profile

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: As an accomplished professional with more than 10 years of government communications experience, I have a proven track record of providing exemplary media relations and marketing services. My most recent success was demonstrated in planning a successful launch of a Garden Goodies program that benefited over 200 local Head Start students in Hillsborough County.

My work experience has afforded me the opportunity to showcase my leadership skills within the Hillsborough County Communications department contributing to projects – such as the successful Hillsborough County Hack-a-thon, connecting with various county stakeholders, formulating media reports and participating in group project meetings. By utilizing excellent communication skills, I developed and maintained successful working relationships with both internal and external staff.

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through se veral com ell as wor munity ev king with ents her to host various en Crystal ha gagemen s a strong ts. networking professiona foundatio lism is de n and is w m el on l co st rated by he nnected th always do roughout r strong w ing somet the comm ork ethic hing to he and involv unity. Her lp others ement in and that's the comm w hy I ad mire her m unity. Crys Regards, tal is ost.

Shyann M alone News Anch or/Reporte r 10 News CB S Tampa Ba y

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Margaret Davis Bowen Outstanding Graduate Soror Award

Letters of Endorsement

March 10, 2015 To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to endorse a highly suitable individual, Soror Crystal L. Pruitt.

In many ways exceeding the challenging requirements and expectations for the award, Soror Crystal’s ambitions, intelligence, and accomplishments complement precisely the stellar community of past recipients and make her highly deserving of the honor and opportunity bestowed by the 9th Supreme Basileus, Soror Margaret Davis Bowen.

I have worked on many sorority related tasks with Soror Crystal since 2011 and have always found her dependable and efficient. Her willingness to take on difficult projects and see them to successful completion has repeatedly impressed me over the years. As Membership Chairman under her leadership, we saw a resurgence in chapter participation and growth. She projects a warm and cheerful attitude and is able to resolve conflicts with remarkable patience and admirable tact.

Soror Crystal has gone above and beyond as a leader in her professional and sorority life. She has balanced these responsibilities and made a lasting impression. She is involved, dedicated, and caring – the “poster child” of an outstanding graduate soror.

Sisterly,

Soror Joi B. Davies Beta Alpha Fall 1991 Zeta Upsilon Omega Anti-Tamiouchous

As Chairm an of Alpha Kappa Alp 2014; and ha’s Inter as natio with a hos Chief Information O t of Sorors. fficer durin nal Communicatio ns Committ

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ee from 2 e span, I h 006-­‐ ad the pri One of tho vilege of w se was Sor orking or Crystal Atlantic reg Pruitt, who ion. was the R

egion Infor mation Offi Soror Cry cer for the stal Pruitt South was a sta being a tea nd -­‐out becau m player a se nd for the of her ski member o

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ted her and p ability, penchant for made her Soror Cry a valuabl stal’s skills e are whose adv ice was alw strong. She is a sup erb writer ays spot o situation t n. She has and a pub hrough a P lic r an R marketabi lity. Likew prism and was able antennae for PR and elations pract ition er to size up ise, she w insight. I as able to the situatio always viewed a relied on h war n and ana er because and consc lyze its PR of this inn d off any potential ientious – P ate sense qualities t

she has. M R disasters because hat set her of her oreover, s apart.

Her leade he is a har rship abilit d worker y is anoth Atlantic P er R team and o create a c ne of her strengths. contributio ommunicat She was a ns ble to galva ions infra always cou one of the stronge structure nize her S st nt on her . This was that made outh region to due to her

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a bility to lea s PR irable job As one of d and inspi because s ten Region re . I could he was lea Informatio this schem ding it. n Officers atic, she w , Crystal w or imprint its as part of brand and ked in concert with a Com nin craft strat platforms. egies to kee e other RIOs to tra munications team.

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AKA mes orables bef sage ore the m The other edia and o , intangibl ther es t to fill in w ithout bei hat set Soror Crystal ng a apa potent poi nts that sho sked, and her clarity rt are her reliabilit y, i uld be the

main focus n cutting through a creativity, willingn n issue and es .

For me, her figuring o s loyalty w ut the as

a major q uality tha t I cherish I’m proud ed and val and honor ued. ed to be w I’m sure s riting this he was sel letter of p ected to b Committee raise for S e a membe because o oror Cryst r of t f the many lead and t al’s many o continui qualities s he current Internatio assets. ng to clim he possess nal Comm recognition b the Soror es. I look unications . forward t ity’s leade

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Access to Capital Winners

ards 2014 3CMA Savvy Aw vative Communications g Processes - Most Inno

ketin Services Department Communication and Mar munications & Digital ugh County (Florida) Com Submitted by Hillsboro

ge Hack-a-thon Challen

a growing technology Hillsborough County is ntly community and was rece host designated as one of the te in areas in Florida to participa c the National Day of Civi the of part Hacking. As national celebration, , technologists, entrepreneurs joined together for the developers and residents to network, develop and Hillsborough Hack-a-thon improve civic participation.

Economic Development As part of the County’s I2) program and Innovation Initiative (ED ugh County Board of championed by Hillsboro Chairman Mark Sharpe, County Commissioners data provided by the Hack-a-thon used open ugh Expressway HART, Tampa Hillsboro t to present participants Authority and Carvoyan tion-themed challenge. with a unique transporta a software application that The goal was to develop nty residents and can help Hillsborough Cou businesses.

lenge represented the The 32-hour hacking chal recognize emerging County’s commitment to e assets in the technologies and innovativ lop future incentives for community as well as deve professionals. The gy young and new technolo power of open event also illustrated the cularly where data is government practices, parti

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ort meaningful readily available to supp public and private collaboration between the sectors. nts used their diverse During the event, participa l spirit to focus on expertise and entrepreneuria g local community by usin making an impact on the portation data to historical and real-time trans are application. create an innovative softw ing was a unique National Day of Civic Hack ther some of the best and opportunity to bring toge nology community to brightest minds in the tech n and open ideapush forward civic innovatio sharing. of the Hillsborough ications & Digital Hack-a-thon the Commun Services Department had the challenge of developing an integrated promotional plan using multi-media channels to spur creative interest and civic participation in on. The successful the Hillsborough Hack-a-th ired the development project implementation requ d that would attract bran of a positive message and inter-department nals, young technology professio community partnerships. collaboration as well as

Opportunity: In support

Coordinated Grand Opening for a new Entrepreneur Collaborative Center to help start-up companies

Professional Associations

Florida Government Communicators Association

The Florida Government Communicators Association (FGCA) grew out of an organizational meeting of city and county public information officers in Tampa in 1987. FGCA became an official organization in 1989. The first official board meeting was held on September 22, 1989, in Miami.

Any government communicator in the state of Florida, including those working for city, county, school board, public utility, water district and state agencies, may apply for membership by submitting an application to the Board of Directors for its determination.

Served as President and Treasurer for Florida Government Communicators Association

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Proven Leadership

Successfully ran for Basileus position 2010 - 2014

Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter Basilei Council Members

Consulted and worked with council to address chapter issues and develop succession plan Election Campaign material.

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Basileus Report

Succession Planning

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Presented Succession Planning workshop during Chapter Executive Board Retreat

Youth Development Foundation Org Chart

Served as Executive Director of YDF Foundation 2010-2014.

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Chapter Incentive Bucks Presented Chapter Incentive Plan to encourage member participation at Cluster and Regional Conference. Each member participating received $85 in credit towards dues and or chapter assessment.

Delegate Newsletter Designed Delegate newsletter to compile all chapter reports

Passing the Torch to new Chapter President

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Econonmic Networkng Event in Partnership with Pinellas County Government

Economic networking mixer with Pinellas County Economic Development

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Stellar Program Initiatives

Relay for Life

1 Million Back Packs Program Initiative

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Black History Essay Contest

Annual Essay contest held in recognition of Black History Month Celebration.

Pink Goes Red

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2014 MLK Day of Service Project at Starling Day Care Center

MLK Leadership Breakfast

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“The King and I” Music and Lecture Series was a three day celebration of activities including a showcase of gospel music and lecture.

In collaboration with the Youth Development Foundation of Pinellas County and the Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, the event brought together more than 300 youth and families each day to participate in program activities that promote peace and uphold Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy.

Garden Goodies Program Collaborated with UF Extension Services, Hillsborough County Economic Development and members of Gamma Theta Omega Chapter to develop a peace vegetable garden program for Head Start students. The service-learning program aimed to increase awareness about sustainable living and leadership development.

About the program The Garden Goodies project involves creating an edible gardening experience for youth and parents, from preparing the soil, planting, harvesting, composting and preparing the produce for participant consumption. 4-Hers learn how to maintain the garden, identify good and bad bugs, the importance of micro-irrigation and rainwater harvesting. They also learn about safe food handling, nutrition, food preparation and have fun cooking before they enjoy their self-grown feasts!

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Community Engagement

Little Miss Pink Petals Pageant

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Souls to the Polls Voter Participation Campaign

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Achievement Week

Attended Delta Southeastern Regional Conference in Tampa Florida.

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Dress for Success Clothing Donation

Martin Luther King Day of Service

Chapter received a grant from St. Petersburg College to host Day of Service project at Starling Day Care Center. We presented the center with books and Kindles to assist pre-school children with reading.

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Small Business Saturday Coordinated a Small Business Saturday bus tour of Ybor City and Hyde Park for shoppers

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Donation project with IKEA Tampa at Hillsborough County Animal Services

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American Cancer Society Walking for a Cure

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Participated with AKA Connection Committee to facilitate a conversation on Affordable Health Care

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Tampa Bay Onyx Ski Club

Served as Youth Coordinator with Onyx Ski club.

Actively participate in Annual Ski Summit.

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AKA Connection Women in History

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Leadership Conference in Canada

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Joint Founders Day

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Boule Luncheon

Served as Boule Luncheon Committee member 2010, 2012 and 2014.

Undergraduates Empowered during Summit at 66th Boule

At the 66th Boule in Charlotte, NC, a large number of undergraduate members came together from across the globe to participate in the Undergraduate Summit: A Royal Legacy. The event was led by Second Supreme Anti-Basileus Soror Shalliah Therry.

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A Royal Affair at 66th Boule in Charlotte, NC Charlotte, FL

More than 10,000 members and guests traveled to Charlotte, South Carolina to witness the Royal Celebration of Leadership and Service during the 66 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Boule Conference. The royal affair was held July 12-18, 2014 at the Charlotte Convention Center.

During the celebration, sorority members installed its 20142018 International President, Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson and board members including Sharon Brown Harriott who was elected to serve as the new South Atlantic Regional Director.

As South Atlantic Regional Director, Harriott plans to cultivate a culture that parallels the sorority’s mission of service to all mankind under the 2014-2018 program theme Launching New Dimensions of Service. Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, through its 265,000 members and 986 chapters, will have an opportunity to address community needs with programs in five target areas: 1. Educational Enrichment 2. Health Promotion 3. Family Strengthening 4. Environmental Ownership 5. Global Impact Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will expand its community presence as a result of these initiatives, which include International Community Impact Days and our signature enrichment program, ASCEND. “These new program initiatives will take our region to the next level of service excellence.

I look forward to continuing our path to greatness for not only the South Atlantic Region but the sorority as a whole” said Harriott.

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AKA Activities

Workshop Presenter

Presented Communications 101 Workshop at SARC Nearly 100 sorors packed the room to participate in the Communications workshop facilitated by Soror Crystal Pruitt along with members from the Regional Communications team. The workshop provided chapters with valuable tips and strategies on how to effectively penetrate the media and maximize social media to heighten Alpha Kappa Alpha’s brand awareness.

During the presentation, the re-launched ZUO website was presented as an example of how the chapter is using an integrated approach to communicate service programs and initiatives. Members applauded with excitement regarding the design, website function and interaction with social media.

Throughout the workshop, members shared many best practices and tips on engaging social media as a communications tool. Social media is becoming more widely used because it is a relatively inexpensive platform for chapters to implement marketing campaigns and community outreach.

Boule Communications Team

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Launching New Dimensions Communications Team

Mary Shy Scott Leadership Breakfast

This event recognizes a chapter’s Basileus, Soror of the Year, and Leadership Fellow. Our 23rd Supreme Basileus was remembered through scripture Psalm 118:24, song (Sweet, Sweet Spirit), as well as a moving tribute by our 16th South Atlantic Regional Director, Soror Lucretia Payton Stewart. The speaker was Soror Peggy Quince, FL Supreme 42

Court Justice. Soror Quince reminded us that voting is our opportunity to engage in all levels of government. We have to be more than consumers; we must be educated, engaged, and economically sound. To be economically sound means to save and invest your money in order to change the landscape of this nation. It is of the utmost importance to go to the polls in 2014 because your very life depends on it. Soror Stewart delivered a prolific summary of Soror Scott’s life. Soror Scott often emphasized that as sorors we should have each other’s back instead of stabbing each other in the back. She also recognized that in order to have chapter programs run efficiently, egos must be put aside because membership is vital.

Each attendee was given a souvenir gift. During the breakfast, a PowerPoint showcased pictures of the chapter Basileus and Soror of the Year.

South Atlantic Regional Conference

Cluster II Cnference

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Delta Sigma Theta Southern Regional Conference

ZUO Chapter Retreat

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Social Media Campaigns

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Social

2013 Debutante Cotillion. Chapter presented 30 young ladies and awarded scholarships

Frankie Beverly and MAZE with family Ty Pennington American Home Builders Project in Tampa 47

New South Atlantic Regional Director’s Reception

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St. Petersburg Links Kentucky Derby

Celebrated 100th Birthday with Soror Doris Williams Johnson

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AKAlades

YWCA Community Service Recognition

Pinellas County Urban League

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Honored during First Ladies in African American History at Carter G. Woodson Museum

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