March 2016
Volume I
My Dear Sorors, It has been said in the title of an article by Bud Bilanich, “Honor Yourself and Those Close to You for Success.” He
goes on to say that if you want to become interpersonally competent, you must do three things. 1.) Become selfaware. Use self- awareness to better understand and communicate with others. 2.) Build solid, long term, mutually beneficial relationships with the people in your life. 3.) Resolve conflict positively – in a manner that enhances not distracts from your relationships.
Our last highlight of this Newsletter is the recognition of LTO Legacy’s… and they are many. Please see the following pages for details on the Honorees for this month. With relationships come responsibility. Like it or not, you are seen as a representative of the group(s) with which you are associated. Your behavior positive and negative, reflects on the group(s) and their members as much as it does you. Act honorably, and people will associate honor with the group(s) with which you are asso-
This edition of the Heart to Heart Newsletter honors our
ciated. Act dishonorably and people will form negative
New Initiates of Lambda Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kap-
opinions of the group(s).
pa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. This honor is not be-
Strong relationships create the “We” mentality…”Many
stowed upon them solely for accepting the invitation to
Hearts Beating as One.”
join our awesome sisterhood, but also for recognizing that they did not come to sit but rather to serve. We applaud each of our new Initiates for their active involvement in Programmatic and non-Programmatic committees.
As
new members, you are encouraged to remain steadfast
In This Issue:
Page
Spiritual Oversight
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Prayer List
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Golden Soror of the Month
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interest and I hope this will guide you in serving in those
Welcome Sorors
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areas for which you have a passion.
Leadership Committee
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In this edition, we also honor our three (3) LTO Sorors who are members of International Committees. 1.) Soror Lynda Tarver, International Risk Management Task Force. 2.) Soror Sonya Bowen, International Protocol Committee. 3.) Soror Toya Harvey, International Building and Properties. Each of these Sorors either conducted workshops at Central Regional Conference or gave a lecture. Additionally, each served a term as Basileus of LTO.
Tamiochus Tips
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International Committee
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Legacy Parade
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Mark Your Calendars
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March Birthdays
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and to stay focused on the mission of our organization rather than personal ambition. With this edition of the Newsletter, we get a glimpse of what you identify as your
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Happy Easter: The Lamb of God When we step into the holy presence of God, our sin becomes obvious. We feel the separation and shame that our mistakes have built. There is nothing we can do to eliminate our sin and restore our connection to the Living God. We need God for that. When Adam and Eve sinned and discovered their nakedness, God sacrificed a lamb and clothed them with it. In this action, God set the precedent that the blood of an innocent lamb covers sin. The blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, would be shed on the cross centuries later to cover the sin of all mankind.
John 1:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” Nothing is hidden from God’s sight. He knows our sin, he knows our shame, and he knows our predicament. He made the sacrifice for our sins. Jesus shed His own blood, and that blood covers our sins. Rest in his unfailing love and never forget that the blood of Jesus will NEVER lose its power.
Enjoy the Easter season! Spiritual Oversight Committee Tina Hughes Burke Chaplain Our next move: Pray for LTO
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Remember in prayer‌‌ Sharon Cruse-Armstead (loss of her Mother) Natasha Topps (Loss of her Grandmother) Angela Williams (death of a loved one). Kathy Martin (death of a loved one). Casandra B. Watson (Healing at home) Sandra Butler (Healing at home) Jacqualine Scott ( Loss of her brother)
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Golden Soror of the Month
Soror Jacqualine Scott
Soror Jacqualine Scott was initiated into Gamma Chapter at the University of Illinois in March, 1956. She is the mother of Soror Dana Scott Person and Charles Scott (Kappa Alpha Psi). She is the Grandmother of four grandchildren. She is particularly proud of her two oldest granddaughters who are attending Xavier University and Kentucky State University. Soror Jackie’s career began as a social worker and teacher. Her work experiences eventually lead her to the U.S. Department of Education Civil Rights department.
Soror Jackie is a charter member of Lambda Tau Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is a Life member and a Golden Soror. Under her direction and involvement, Twenty Pearls Foundation was founded. She has participated in numerous sorority programs such as Connections, Public Policy Forum in Washington D.C., Scholarship and literacy programs. During a trip to Africa, she presented a donation to Africare on behalf of Lambda Tau Omega.
She is a devoted member of Mayo AME Church and has served as president of the local Women’s Missionary Society.
Soror Jackie’s favorite hobby is reading.
Sisterly submitted by, Soror Jacqueline Toler, Chairman Golden Plus Sorors
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Cherie Allen Alise A. Buford-Johnson I attended Chicago State University and Calumet College of St Joseph's and received my BS in Law Enforcement Management From Calumet College. In addition to being a Chicago Police officer, I speak on behalf of N.O.B.L.E. (Law and the Community Program), advocating for positive relationships between the police and the community. I currently work at the Education and Training Division where I assist in the coordination of CPD Recruit and Promotional Graduations, I also teach recruits CPR training as well as L.E.M.A.R.T. (Law Enforcement Medical Aid and Rescue Training), which is a self aid and buddy care medical training. I love to event/party plan for my family and friends in addition to selling my own brand of Tshirts "Chi-girl". When I'm not planning events and selling my tshirts all over Chicago, I am a wrestler mom to my only son Amir. I hope this helps, thanks and have a wonderful day!!!!
Money Bullock
B.S. Finance, Tuskegee University Talents Corporate finance professional, special talents include advanced analytics (Excel power user), organization an:d project management and all aspects of financial planning.
Toiya M.Butler-White B.A. University of Maryland, M.A. Northeastern Illinois University. I enjoy networking and client relationship management.
Dekesha Deana Calhoun
MBA- Healthcare Management I am an avid reader! I enjoy planning creative events for middle school to high school aged girls, including cheer, gymnastics, "Girl Time" motivational sessions. I currently work for a non-profit community health center on the south side of Chicago. The highlight of my career was securing a $1.8 million dollar grant that allowed my company to open a much needed health center in the Chatham neighborhood in Chicago.
Zenobia Clark Tirshatha Derricks-Bey Bennett College, BA Mass Communications Governors State University, MA Public Administration I am very good at encouraging people especially students to achieve their goals. Swimming and playing beach volleyball are my go to work out plans. Organization, listening and attention to detail are attributes that come natural to me. I enjoy singing (in my car) and wearing my grandmother’s apron when I make pies from her recipes.
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Alesia “Nikki” Dowell BS-Business & IT In my former life I used to design childrens' party invites and childrens' parties, Tax Prep for H&RBlock for 12yrs, High School student mentor, Law Team Coach, and I am a FOODIE!!
Tonya Fight Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Talents: Administrative, Event planning, Mentoring and Youth Leadership
Tammy Guyton
Master of Arts in Reading Education Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education General Administrative Certification I love to read, travel, and in my spare time engage in activities related to logistics for event planning (e.g., programs, invitations, staging, balloon creations, etc.). Shelanda Hayes BS-Biology/Premed-Xavier University, Louisiana MD-Tulane University School of Medicine Healthcare both traditional western and natural medicine I enjoy dance, cooking and golf.
Jasmine Hill Jalena Jones B.A. in English with teacher certification, M.A. in Education Administration and Guidance Counseling, EdS in Education Administration, and a Doctoral Candidate in Education Administration.
Jessica Jones Kwalee Kemp BS– Workforce Communication and Development-Concentration in Family and Consumer Sciences Special talent for college and career planning and preparation, mentoring and education
Margaret LaPorte Kathy Martin
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Erica McGhee B.S. - Criminal Justice M.S. - Special Education M.A.- Educational Leadership w/ Type 75 Admin. Endorsement M.S. - Curriculum & Instruction w/ Endorsement for English Language Learners (currently in progress) I am an Educator by profession/passion. I currently work as a high school Dean. I was formerly a Special Education Teacher and I also participate in an after-school/Saturday tutoring program in my building. I am an event planner by hobby/passion. I also paint woods and make/sale multiple customized crafts. I have currently stepped back from my hobbies to focus on balancing my family, my new household and my membership commitments to our beloved organization
Kimberly Mooring Tanai Nelson Morgan Phelps Wartburg College (Waverly, Ia) Major: Applied Music (Vocal) Minor: Leadership I love to sing. I sing with various groups in the Chicago-land area. I eventually want to own my own business where I can teach voice and introduce children to music.
Ashley Raybon University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Bachelors in Sociology-Minor Community Health I enjoy crafting and Cheerleading
Semaja Reed
I am a graduate of Western Michigan University. I obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, minoring in Women's Studies. I enjoy planning celebratory events and decorating.
La’Sheah Monique Stewart Bachelor of Science in Nursing Master of Science Nursing (Nurse Educator) Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner) Family Nursre Practitioner with over 12 years experience. I love caring for others. I enjoy hosting and planning events
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Shavonne Tompkins Education: Master's of Communication from Northwestern University Bachelor's of Science in Merchandising and Apparel from Northern Illinois University I'm a foodie but I also love working out. I'm planning on running in my first half marathon by the end of 2016. I'm a huge sports fan and I can't wait until football season.
Dana Turner Dana Weems M.A., Journalism, Columbia College Chicago B.Α., Broadcast Journalism, Grand Valley State University Μy talents include, but are not limited to: design and sewing, arts and crafts, beauty/makeup, cooking/ baking, and singing.
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UNCOVERING THE LEADER IN YOU Soror Jerry Bridges, Chairman and the members of the Connections Committee conducted a Leadership Development Mini Workshop, “Meet the Candidates” on March 12, 2016. The workshop provided an opportunity for attendees to “meet and greet” six judicial candidates who were seeking to be elected or re-elected in Cook County’s 1st Judicial District. Soror Ellen Douglass, Esq. moderated the event. After listening to candidates present their credentials and goals for the prospective offices, many attendees said they felt empowered to make informed decisions on March 15th regarding judicial candidates. The Standards Committee is compiling evaluation data from the 83 sorors, 8 community residents and 6 judicial candidates who were in attendance. Findings from the evaluation will be shared with the membership and used to assist in future planning. Kudos to the Connections Committee.
As stated in our January 2016 newsletter, the Leadership Development Committee will facilitate the planning of activities, but look to you, our members, for input and suggestions for workshop topics and to serve as presenters in your areas of expertise. Per our Basileus, please send your suggestions to her with copies to the Chairman and Co-Chairman. The Leadership Committee is busy planning our next 2016 Chapter Retreat. It is being planned with your suggestions at the forefront. The retreat is scheduled
Pearls of Wisdom Make Friends With Your Governing Documents. Know your bylaws. Did you know that in addition to chapter and committee participation requirements (See Article III, Section 4of the LTO Bylaws), a Soror, who wishes to sponsor or cosponsor a candidate for a membership intake process, (MIP) must have registered and attended two of the following A Boule, Leadership Conference, Regional Conference, Cluster Retreat or Chapter Retreat within the 24 months immediately preceding the approval of the MIP (Note above retreat date). At least one of the conferences must be a Boule, Leadership or Regional Conference. Look Before You Leap. When a member successfully runs for an office or accepts a chairmanship of a standing or appointed committee, she must attend monthly executive committee meetings. Get to know the expectations of the position prior to accepting it (See Article IV-Section I-r, LTO Bylaws: Section 4, Article VI, LTO Bylaws). Choose Board of Directors Wisely-A Preamble. A vote for a Board of Director is one of the most important votes you will cast. The eleven member Board of Directors are elected by the Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc. membership to transact the business of the Foundation. They are authorized by the membership to vote and transact business, including financial business, on its behalf. Board of Directors must understand principles of good business practices and be
long-game strategic thinkers. (See LTO Bylaws, Article IV Officers; Article V, Sec 5.6 TPF Bylaws for full qualifications. ). One of the Boards foremost responsibilities is to secure adequate resources for TPF to fulfil its mission. The President is the spokesperson and CEO of Twenty Pearls Foundation Inc.
as follows: May 13, 6-10 p.m. at Marie Irvin Community Center, 18120 Highland Avenue, Homewood May 14, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Doubletree by Hil-
Soror Jeanette Rogers, Chairman Soror Rose Butler-Hayes, Co-Chairman 10
Tamiouchos Tips Greetings Sorors, During the 82nd Central Regional Conference, our Supreme Tamiouchos presented the report of the International Finance Committee. It is my pleasure to share some of the information captured and communicated in the Proposed 2017 and 2018 Budgets pamphlet‌ The International Finance Committee is recommending a per capita increase of $35.00 for graduate and general members. Currently, the per capita for graduate members is $90.00. If this recommendation passes, effective January 2017, the per capita for graduate members will be $125.00.
The proposed increase in membership fees will be used to fund the following initiatives Five dollars ($5.00) annually will be allocated to support hosting the biennial Boule. This approach will allow for hostess expenses, associated with the Boule, to be shared by all Sorors rather than the Sorors in the host city or cluster. Five additional staff members will be hired at the Corporate Office in the Finance, Meeting Planning and Information Technology departments to support our rapidly growing membership. Funds will be allocated for ongoing maintenance and to enhance communications and equipment required for an effective Information Technology Department. A copy of the Proposed 2017 and 2018 Budgets pamphlet will be available for print and/or review in the financial section of the Lambda Tau Omega website. Also, be sure to log in to the Corporate Office website to view the presentation from our Supreme Basileus. Lastly, mark your calendars for the upcoming webinars concerning the proposed per capita increase. Of course, I am available to answer or get an answer for you in the event that you still have questions.
$oror $arah Lewis-Weaver 2016 Tamiouchos
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Soror Sonya Bowen Soror Sonya has been a member of Lambda Tau Omega since 1990 and served as the 10 th Basileus from 2000 - 2001. She has served in many offices in the chapter, Regional and International levels. She is currently a member of the International Protocol Committee of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. During the 82nd Central Regional Conference she presented a total of four (4) workshops. During the Reinstatement Session on Thursday she presented two (2) workshops: Protocol and Conflict Resolution. Additionally, she presented two workshops on Saturday Morning: (1) Poised and Polished‌ Launching New Dimensions of Protocol and (2) Protocol Escorting Matters in Launching New Dimensions of Service. Soror Sonya is currently serving LTO as: Technology Chairman and Fundraising Chairman. She is a member of the Board Of Director of Twenty Pearls Foundation.
Soror Toya Harvey Soror Toya has had uninterrupted membership in Lambda Tau Omega since 1995 and served as the 11 th Basileus from 2002 - 2003. She was a member of LTO initially from 1991 to 1992. Soror Toya then moved out of state to attend law school during which time she was a general/chartering member from 1992-95. Since her return to LTO in 1995 she has served in many offices in the chapter, Regional and International levels. She is currently a member of the International Building and Properties Committee of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. At the March, 2016 Central Regional Conference in Chicago, Il. Soror Toya presented the Plenary report in which she gave and Update of Corporate Office Renovation Project. She will be presenting a similar report at the Far Western Regional Conference in Portland, Oregon in April, 2016. Soror Toya is currently serving LTO as Graduate Advisor as well as lending her legal talents to review all contracts for LTO.
Soror Lynda Tarver Soror Lynda has been a member of Lambda Tau Omega since 1998 and served as the 13 th Basileus from 2006 - 2007. She has served in many offices in the chapter, as well as the Regional and International levels. She is currently a member of the International Risk Management Task Force of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. During the March, 2016 Regional Conference in Chicago, Il, Soror Lynda conducted three (3) workshops: 1.) Reinstatement, 2 .) Protecting Our AKA Homeland From Risk, and 3.) Protecting Our Legacy, Protecting Our Pearls – An Honest Conversation About Hazing. Soror Lynda is currently serving LTO as Standards Chairman.
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Newsletter submissions are due to the Basileus on the first Monday of each month, effective April,
2016. Which means that all submissions for the April newsletter must be in by April 4, 2016. Please send all submissions to: president@ltoaka.org.
Be sure to Cc Soror Ruby Roberson at ruby.roberson@sbcglobal.net.
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Soror Sharon Brown
March 4th
Soror Dekesha Calhoun
March 6th
Soror Donna Fowler-Canty
March 7th
Soror Trina Johnson-Spivey
March 10th
Soror Yvette Trotter
March 11th
Soror Karla Barton
March 12th
Soror Sandra Perkins-Butler
March 24th
Soror Donica Jackson
March 24th
Soror Evita McNeil
March 26th
Soror Trudy Taylor
March 27th
Soror Renee Collins
March 30th
Soror Lora Alexander-Flaherty
March 31st
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