Volume 2, Issue 1
March 21, 2019
Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Central Region
Central Connection
Welcome to the 39th CENTRAL REGIONAL CONFERENCE To the Illustrious Sorors of Central Region: I write to each of you about anticipation, celebration, expectation, and inspiration. We, as an organization are celebrating our 90th year since inception. Anticipating and pressing forward to June 1, 2019, let us pause and reflect in the current moment to elevate our awareness, visibility, and commitment to Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. I implore each member of every chapter in Central Region to heighten their level of expectation of self, service, and sisterhood on all levels -local, regional, and national. I believe each of you have special and unique gifts and talents that can be utilized in our sorority to enhance, improve, and maintain as we vision and reach our 100th year anniversary.
Inside this issue: Alpha
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Alpha Beta
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March is the third month of year. The number 3 has a significance of “completion, fulfillment, or positive affirmation. As many of you know “3” is reviewed and used in many facets of our lives. Mind, body, and spirit is the set I will use as we celebrate Women History Month in conjunction to our Regional Conference on March 21-24, 2019 in Detroit (Southfield), MI. Let’s pay tribute to our founder, charter members, current members, SOTY/ WOTY nominees, and others who have made strides, advancements, and contributions throughout Iota. To conclude, I inspire each of you wherever you are to attain- maintain and sustain self then others for a next level and progressive experience.
Alpha Zeta
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Alpha Lambda
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“ The 3 Cs of life- You must make the Choice to take a Chance if You anything to Change.”
Alpha Tau
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Sisterly,
Gamma Tau
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Jessica M. Brown
Zeta Gamma
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Jessica M. Brown Central Regional Director
Central Connection
Alpha 2018-2019 School Supply Give Away This year, Alpha Chapter received 20 boxes of school supplies and book bags donated by the Five Below store in Highland, Indiana where Sandra White is the store manager, that supplemented supplies bought by the sorors. Members of Alpha filled book bags and sorted school supplies to donate to several organizations in the community and Africa. We donated 8 filled book bags to Vital Bridges, a food pantry for HIV and AIDS clientele. 20 filled book bags were donated to Transcending Youth into Greatness, an organization started by Lawrence Perkins to influence the lives of young people to help them make better choices. We were still able to donate 14 boxes of school supplies to “Christ Love Mission in Monrovia, Liberia, an organization started by Rev. Favour D. Browne to supply school supplies, clothes and shoes to the families of Monrovia. Mr. David Young, from Liberia and a member of Chatham Fields Lutheran Church helped to coordinate the project.
American Education Month
National American Education Month was celebrated throughout Iotaland showcasing the importance of continuing education in the development and education of all people. Alpha Chapter observed American Education by donating 90 books to the “New 2 You Thrift Store” and donating 90 magazines to the Jackson Park Hospital.
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Central Connection
Alpha Tribute to Our Past Scholarship Winners
We are proud to highlight some of our past scholarship winners. They are thriving in their chosen field of study or profession. Sandra Wortham, our 2001 winner, began her legal career with a Chicago law firm and went on to work
with the Circuit Court of Cook County and the Chicago Police Department. She founded The Law Office of Sandra J. Wortham, LLC, where she currently practices. At her firm, Sandra concentrates in the representation of individuals in personal injury litigation. She graduated from Howard and the Chicago-Kent Law School Tierra Kilpatrick, our 2009 winner is currently a Student Affairs Coordinator at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. She works for the Institute for Molecular Engineering PhD program, helping students complete their milestones and troubleshoot registration issues. Tierra graduated from the University of Illinois. Toi Bowers, the 2012 Alpha Chapter scholarship winner graduated from Governors State University with a degree in Social Work. She was accepted into the Jane Addams School of Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health at UIC in the accelerated track, which will allow her to complete her Master’s Degree in one year. Taylor Allen, the 2014 scholarship winner and the national Witherspoon scholarship winner graduated from Missouri State University with a degree in nursing and is currently working at Mayo Clinic in Minn. as a RN. She recently returned from a humanitarian trip to Haiti.
Taylor Allen
Tierra Kilpatrick 3
Toi Bowers
Sandra Wortham
Volume 1, Issue 3
Alpha The I3 Youth Symposium On October 26-28, 2018, The Lola M. Parker Foundation of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority sponsored the 2nd segment of the I3 series of symposiums. This symposium focused on youth programs, including financial literacy, marketing, personal development, technology and entrepreneurship. The weekend also featured a Gala Fundraiser with Rev. Gloria Randolph, and Moziah Barnes of Mo’s Bows as keynote speakers. The guest entertainers were Raeven Carrol and Zion Ali, niece and nephew of Soror Josephine Robinson of Alpha Tau. The workshops were held at Microsoft Technology Center in downtown Chicago, where the students were involved in building a race car from 3D printing. Sorors Eugenia Jackson, Sarah Bonner, Naomi Kilpatrick, Deborah Mayfield and Dorothy White attended the symposium.
We Welcome Our New Soror
On Saturday, November 10, 2018, we welcome our new soror, Soror Andrea Montgomery—Sabazan. Soror Sabazan is a self-employed Tax Preparer, who has been self-employed for nine years. Soror Sabazan previously worked as a Social Worker and a Program Coordinator. She is a graduate of South Suburban College and Roosevelt University. Her hobbies are traveling and event planning.
BENEFIT CONCERT FOR MAE YA CARTER Several of our members, Naomi Kilpatrick, Corrine Compton, Dorothy White, Carolyn Wortham, MOI Thomas Wortham, FIL Katherine Compton and Michelle Yhomas and future FIL Joshua Compton, along with Soror Sharon Tang of Alpha Tau attended the Benefit Concert of Miss Mae Ya Carter. Miss Carter is a student at the Interlochen Center for the Arts northwest Michigan, a boarding school for aspiring artists. Miss Carter is a 17 year old aspiring musical star. The show featured Miss Carter singing current and popular songs as well as classical and gospel selections.
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Central Connection
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Alpha Beta
Business Month Soror’s L. Diane Ross, Drucilla Brown (Not pictured) and Joy Phillips-Johnson attended the 2018 Black Women’s expo. Soror Ross volunteered at the Welcome Booth. Soror Brown attended a Seminar that featured her daughter Cynthia on the panel for “Bosses in Heels: Black Women in Media and Entrepreneurship. Soror Phillips-Johnson was also available to browse the tables where she patronized the owner of Embellish B fragrance (A company started by a young African American Couple). Soror Phillips-Johnson volunteered as a Vendor at Rich Township High Schools (Rich South, Rich Central and Rich East) College and Career Fair in Richton Park and Olympia Fields, IL and to share employment training information and much more. There were also two more Career Fairs attended at Aunt Martha’s Health & Wellness and Governors State University. Soror Phillips-Johnson also volunteered at the Senior Mock Interview Sessions at Bloom High School.
Christmas Donations for After School Program at King School
American education week Alpha Beta honored Mr. And Mrs. Shawn and Cherryl Mitchell
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Volume 1, Issue 3
Alpha Beta
Black History Celebration with New Faith Baptist Church International
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
Alpha Beta at Southside YMCA back to school event 6
Central Connection
Alpha Beta Alpha Beta Bookbag donation at South Suburban Family Shelter (SSFS)
Soror L . Diane Ross walked during the 33rd Annual Hunger Walk
SPECIAL EVENT Scholarship Fundraiser Casino Trip Four Winds Casino
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Alpha Beta
Special Events Essay Contest Winners!!!
Chaz Harvey – H.S. Winner Hyacinth Calloway – M.S. Alpha Beta Congratulates Soror Louise Griffin on her Retirement
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Alpha Zeta
October 26-28, Chicago, IL Soror Judy Ferguson Shaw Nine FIL and their sponsors Sorors Regina Dennis and Judy Shaw travelled to the Symposium via AmTrak. Even the train ride became a learning experience for the FIL as they learned from the conductor the many responsibilities and skills required of a train conductor. The I3 Symposium was a moving, powerful, influential weekend designed to impact the lives of our FIL. The impact of this experience will have a lifetime affect. The FIL had opportunities to see and speak to young activists that looked like them in roles that they could visualize for themselves. Some of the presenters were younger, some were older, some were their age; each making a difference in ways our FIL may have thought required being much older. Viewing and experiencing the new technologies being developed was inspirational as well. Hopefully, our FIL will embrace the technology of the future and not think that it is too difficult. Please know that the FIL totally enjoyed this experience and thank each of you for your support. Please check your email and read the full follow-up report. The FIL and their sponsors meet every 2nd Friday, 6:30 pm, at McCluer South Berkeley High.
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Alpha Zeta AEW 2018 Presenting the Class of 2018:
(Not pictured: Soror Cheryl Watts. Co-Chair) Soror Paula Sams, Chair Soror Barbara Sharp and Cheryl Watts, Co-Chairs Alpha Zeta Chapter observed American Education Week, November 11-17, 2018 on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at the Marriott Airport Hotel by honoring twenty-one (21) outstanding local educators at its 37th annual “An Apple for the Teacher” Luncheon. Soror Bonita Cornute of FOX2 News once again served as our Mistress of Ceremonies. The celebration was graced by the presence of our National President, Soror Stephanie Dilworth who delivered greetings to the assembled guests and honorees. Special thanks to the many hands that made this event possible: McCluer High School JROTC and LTC Emas Griffin for the posting of the colors Riverview Gardens High School Jazz Band, directed by honoree Harvey Lockhart for their outstanding musical presentation Local Essay winners and the featured youth speaker, I’Lysa Walker – and their parents and teachers Alpha Zeta FIL for distributing programs and directing guests Dierbergs and Schnucks markets for the fresh apples Airport Marriott Hotel and staff The 2018 AEW Committee – Sorors Andrea Alexander, Lula Hall, Wanda Haynes, Tamara Hopkins, Cheryl Ray, Lena Rush, Judy Shaw, Jane Ward, DeJeannette Williams. Photography services provided by Ingrum Studios (Soror Lois Ingrum); visit Alpha Zeta’s website (www.iota-stlouis.org) to view the photos!
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Alpha Zeta 2018 HOLIDAY SOCIAL Soror Vanetta Cobbs, Chair
On Saturday, December 22nd, Alpha Zeta Chapter members and guests gathered at the beautifully-decorated Norwood Hills Country Club for the annual Holiday Social, which was – as usual - a fun event enjoyed by all, beginning with the hand-passed champagne and mimosas served by the catering staff. 44 of the 47 paid guests attended, including 17 Sorors, 4 MOI and 23 guests. Three of the guests were inactive Sorors Roberzene Price, Flossie Henderson, and Ashanta Houston. After greetings and a prayer, everyone partook of the magnificent brunch that had been prepared. The Christmas-themed Bingo game, called by Soror Vanetta Cobbs, was a big success and everyone in attendance won a gift, some won two, and one potential Lomepa won three. Several guests stated they are planning to attend again next year.
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Alpha Lambda
Greetings from Alpha Lambda Chapter! We have been active in our community these last few months. Under the leadership of President, Karen Brandt, we have been taking care of the business of IOTA! In October, we were supportive our own Soror Gina Blanks Barry, who was active in the Planning of the I 3 Summit held in Chicago in October 2018. Alpha Lambda Chapter members were present at all events. Speakers included Soror Deborah L. Harris, FIL Dominique Harris and Man of IOTA Bernard Barry. Metha Ross, daughter of charter member Gloria Johnson, was the dynamic Sunday morning speaker. Other Sorors present during the weekend of events were Sorors Jackson, Clarke, Scott, Bouie, Campbell and Rogers. The event was most impressive!!
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Alpha Lambda
We visited Franklin Elementary School in Dolton during American Education Week, November 12-16, 2018. Mr. Martez James is the Principal at Franklin. Many of the Franklin Elementary staff were not aware of American Education Week. We shared a little about the annual event and about Iota Phi Lambda Sorority! Staff members were very appreciative of the continental breakfast. When they went to their mailboxes, they were surprised to see “snack packs” of water and munchies for the rest of the day! Our FILS gifted their individual teachers with Mugs to honor them during American Education Week. As we have moved deeper into winter, we were determined to stay active! We started off December with a DESTINATION MEETING. We visited nearby Michigan City, Indiana where we visited a winery and spent the night at the Blue Chip Casino Hotel. We celebrated our new Sister, Tracey Green Watson, who was inducted on December 7, 2018. We also spoiled Soror Eartha Campbell as it was her birthday! The next weekend Chapter members, FILs and friends were in Chicago at the crack of dawn, for the FILS first “FUNd Run!! Of course, this event was coordinated by our fitness guru, Soror Gina Blanks Barry, Participants walked 3 miles on a beautiful sunny, but chilly day. Toys were collected to donate to a local organization. Monetary donations will help fund the FILs activities throughout the year. Soror Karen Williams Aguirre was in town from Las Vegas and joined us for the event. Our “Little Sisters” Harris, Scott and Watson, provided Grab and Go bags at the Illinois Medical Center Guest House. FIL Dominique Harris was home from Central Michigan University and helped serve guest. As Black History Month is upon us, Sorors have attended events throughout the community. Sorors Barry, Campbell, Clarke, Harris, Watson and Scott participated and attended the EONS Black History Celebration at Bellevue Baptist Church. Sorors Jackson, Mays-Johnson, Harris and Brandt attended the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s African American Network’s presentation of The Baldwin Chronicles. This NEOpera was based on the writings and life of James Baldwin. It was a unique musical journey! We look forward to seeing each of you in Detroit, soon!
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Alpha Tau Alpha Tau Chapter has two National Essay Winners. They are Sean Tang, Jr. and Anthony Jones, Jr. Rosemary Hulett is our Business Woman. She makes and designs knitted jewelry. Our Soror of the Year is Josephine Robinson. Alpha Tau Chapter FILS This year three young ladies have joined Alpha Tau’s FILS. They are Heaven Buckner, Jania Butler, and Sania Smith. Our first meeting with them was at the Sherman Park Library. We are encouraging them to utilize the neighborhood libraries.
Black History Month During February, Black History Month, we visited the Du Sable Museum. The FILS participated in a literary discussion of Black history and poetry presented by Useni Eugene Perkins, author of “Hey Black Child”.
Alpha Tau Chapter concluded their celebration of Black History Month by attending the Maafa celebration at Trinity United Church of Christ.
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Gamma Tau
Gamma Tau’s newest Soror Soror Jacqui Caldwell joined Gamma Tau last June. She was initiated just prior to our lovely Founder’s Day celebration at the home of Soror Dorwatha Woods. She is a wonderful addition to the Chapter.
Photos by Soror Dorwatha Woods
2018-2019 Annual Retreat Gamma Tau had a wonderful retreat. In addition to preparing for another Iota year of service, we enjoyed fellowshipping with one another and expressing our artistic side. Each Soror made an original painting under the tuteledge of local artist Kenneth Caldwell from “CaldToArt”.
Photos by Asst. Reg. Dir./Chapter President Cheryl Scott 15
Gamma Tau 2018 Dorothy Marie Ellison Scholarship recipients Gamma Tau honored two graduating seniors with our local 2018 Dorothy Marie Ellison Scholarship. Eliana received a $1000.00 award and is attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Bailey received a $750.00 award and is attending the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Eliana Branch
Bailey Davidson
Photos by Asst. Reg. Dir./Chapter President Cheryl Scott and Soror Rebecca Scott Toys U Can’t Return workshop Gamma Tau Chapter sponsored a focus group with adult community members to discuss teen pregnancy prevention strategies. We will be having a second focus group with youth for this same purpose. We will then share these strategies with other community groups that work with teens on personal life purpose (e.g. self-esteem, self confidence and strong will power, career planning, and the value of surrounding themselves with peers with similar goals). The workshop was very informative and emotional as each participant shared their own personal life experience.
Photos by Asst. Reg. Dir./Chapter President Cheryl Scott
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Gamma Tau Central Region Planning meeting National President Stephanie Dilworth and Assistant Regional Director and Chapter President, Cheryl Scott participated in the Central Region Planning meeting. It was a virtual meeting through freeconferencecall.com. Health Initiatives Gamma Tau participated in the Fit4Fun event sponsored by the NorthPoint Health and Wellness Clinic. This is a community endeavor where health information is disseminated and participants did a 2-mile walk through one our main streets (i.e. Broadway) in North Minneapolis.
Photos by: National President Stephanie Dilworth and Asst. Reg. Dir./Chap. Pres.; Cheryl Scott
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Gamma Tau National Education Week The Sorors of Gamma Tau Chapter collected supplies for local area schools. Soror Carmita McGlory visited the Floyd B. Olson School (Mpls) and presented school supplies.
Photo by Soror Victoria Christian Omega Chapter Gamma Tau lost a special Soror in January. Soror Alma Curry was the 1989 Soror of the Year for Gamma Tau Chapter and the Central Region of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Sorors Carmita McGlory, Cheryl Scott and Stella Whitney-West performed the Omega service for Soror Alma Curry. National President Soror Stephanie Dilworth provided a resolution which we read after the service and gave to the family of Soror Alma Curry.
Soror Alma Curry Photo from visitation program for Soror Alma Curry
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Zeta Gamma
Zeta Gamma Chapter crosses its third line adding entrepreneurs in the areas of nursing, psychology, event/project management, business management, and nonprofit organizational management. Introducing the Gamma Gems (Tiger Eye, Rose Quartz, Golden Citrine, and Lapis Lazuli). Their probate show took place on January 5, 2019 in University Heights, Ohio the leadership of Dr. Bonnie Reynolds , President and Dean of Intake.
The Gamma Gems (Zeta Gamma's 3rd crossing line) hosted their very first fundraiser on January 26, 2019, which was a huge success! Fun was had by all.
Zeta Gamma members participated in Black History events around Cleveland and Vicinity. National Council of Negro Women and Omega Psi Phi were among the events attended by Chapter Members.
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Zeta Gamma
Zeta Gamma hosted its first pancake breakfast fundraiser at Applebee's. Guest enjoyed food , fun and fellowship.
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Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
Central Region Officers Soror Jessica Brown - Central Region Director Soror Cheryl Scott - Central Assistant Region Director Soror Gina Blanks/Barry - Central Region Recording Secretary Soror Cynthia Warren - Central Region Financial secretary Soror Sharon Tang - Central Region Treasurer Soror Arlene Mays-Johnson - Central Region Journalist Central Region Chapter Presidents Soror Naomi Kilpatrick - Alpha Soror Trina’ Dunlap - Epsilon Soror Sharon O’Neal - Alpha Beta Soror Vanetta J. Cobbs - Alpha Zeta Soror Karen Brandt - Alpha Lambda Soror Sharon Tang - Alpha Tau Soror Cheryl Scott - Gamma Tau Soror Clarice Dawkins - Epsilon Lambda Soror Bonnie Reynolds - Zeta Gamma
“Women Champions with Commitment that can Collaborate which result in Change.” IOTA PHI LAMBDA SORORITY, INC. 39TH CENTRAL REGIONAL CONFERENCE March 21 – 24, 2019 Host Chapter - Epsilon Lambda The Westin Southfield Detroit Hotel 1500 Town Center, Southfield 48075 Hotel Phone: 1(833) 492 – 7390 or (248) 827-4000
Upcoming Events
90th Anniversary National Convention: Jul 24-28 - National Convention Hilton Shreveport & Convention Center Shreveport, LA 71101
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