The History of
Chi Zeta Omega
Updated February 2009 by
Soror June Boswell, Historian
ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC
CHI ZETA OMEGA CHAPTER
Soror Linda M. White Supreme Basileus
Soror Shirley Fisher 21st South Central Regional Director
Continuing the Legacy
The initiation and chartering of the Chi Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa
Alpha Sorority, Inc. closely mirrors the visionary and far sighted work of our
Founders. What began as a conversation and mutual attraction between women
of faith grew into mutual awareness that each shared membership in the
sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
On December 13, 2001, in true Alpha Kappa Alpha style, a tea was held at the
home of Soror Vanessa Johnson to determine if there was sufficient interest to
form an official Interest Group to pursue chartering the first African American
chapter of a sorority in Plano, Texas. And indeed there was.
On January 21, 2002 thirteen Sorors drafted and submitted a formal letter to the
Regional Director, requesting Interest Group status which marked the beginning
of the Pearls of Service Interest Group. Pearls of Service Interest Group officers
were: Sorors Vanessa Johnson, President; Rosalind Williams, Vice President;
Sandra Barber, Recording Secretary; Chandra Melancon, Financial Secretary;
Monna Davis, Treasurer; Kimberly Watson, Parliamentarian and Marva Jones,
Historian. Consistent with the National Program targets and “In the Spirit” of
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. service projects focusing on The Black Family,
Arts, Education/Ivy Reading Academy, Economic Development and Health were
initiated. With respect for the community and in partnership with established
organizations the Pearls of Service Interest Group embarked upon an ambitious
agenda.
Major service and program accomplishments included:
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Collaborated with the Douglass Community Council in the presentation
of the Juneteenth Parade and Celebration
Staffed the booth and the registered voters at the Juneteenth
Celebration
First Afro American group participation in the Plano Susan G. Komen
Race for the Cure to promote breast cancer awareness
Tutored after school children at the Douglass Community Center
Taught Vacation Bible School at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church
Sponsored and took a group of children to the Afro American Museum
Volunteered at Hope’s Door, a battered women’s shelter
Organized and sponsored a Girl’s Clinic to promote the social
development and enhance etiquette skills for girls grades seven
through twelve, with a formal presentation for graduating seniors
Hosted a Scholarship Reception for graduating area high school
seniors and presented two $500 scholarships
After 11 months of exploration and service projects, and in concert with
criteria outlined in the Constitution & Bylaws and Manual of Standard
Procedures, Chi Zeta Omega was chartered on November 23, 2002. The
chartering of Chi Zeta Omega established the 125th chapter of Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
The 26 extraordinary women who chartered this historic chapter
were: Kayla Adams, Monique Barber, Sandra Barber, Ava Pierce
Bell, June Boswell, Monna Bratton-Davis, Diane Gauthier, Tayari
Floyd Hickman, Diane Hodge, Vanessa Johnson, Marva Jones,
Deborah McRae, Michelle Meeks, Chandra Isby-Melancon, Sharon
Osborne, Robin Pollard, Linda Reed, Gwen Saunders, Victoria
Stevenson, Nyanza Davis Thomas, Cynthia Trigg, Kimberly
Watson, Rochandra Williams, Rosalind Williams, Artisha Wilson
and Diana Wynne.
City of Plano Mayor Pat Evans Presenting
proclamation to CZO Basileus Vanessa Johnson
with Soror Shirley Fisher
Immediately following the chartering, Soror
Shirley Fischer, Regional Director, inducted the
first group of officers of Chi Zeta Omega, with
Soror Vanessa Johnson as Chi Zeta Omega’s
founding Basileus.
Designing the Blueprint
The chartering Sorors had determined the
interest and need for providing Service to all
Mankind in the Plano area, and under the
leadership of Basileus Vanessa Johnson, the
infrastructure for operating a chapter was
developed. As the first Basileus, with many
Sorors returning to financial and active status, it
was imperative to develop an operating
framework, train Sorors on chapter operations,
implement National guidelines and protocol, and
develop chapter Policies and Procedures. The Executive Committee undertook
this daunting task and produced the chapter’s first Constitution and Bylaws,
Policies and Procedures, operating forms and other program documents.
Simultaneously the chapter leadership was making community connections,
building external partnerships, developing service based programs to reflect our
National Program agenda and cultivating long lost Pearls to reunite with Alpha
Kappa Alpha.
Roster of Officers 2003-2004
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Basileus Vanessa Johnson
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1st Anti Diana Wynne*
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2nd Anti Rosalind Williams
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Grammateus Sandra Barber
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Tamiouchos Diane Hodge
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Pecunious Grammateus Chandra Melancon
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Hodegos Deborah McRae
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Epistoleus Artisha Wilson
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Ivy Leaf Reporter Kayla Adams
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Parliamentarian Robin Williams
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Philacter Kamili Carthledge
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Chaplain Linda Reed
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Member-at-Large Michelle Meeks
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Member-at-Large LaShonda O’Neal
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*Replaced by Cynthia Trigg
Major service and program accomplishments included:
 Development of the first chapter strategic plan setting targeted
milestones for the next 3-5 years
 Assumed an active and visible role in the delivery of the Martin Luther
King Weekend in Plano with a voter registration drive, city-wide
ecumenical service and attendance at the Plano Community Forum’s
King Breakfast and discussion
 Formally adopted the Pearls & Ivy Clinic, from the Pearls Of Service
tenure, to become a major emphasis for program delivery
 Joined the Founders’ Day planning committee of the five Metroplex
Chapters (OMO, ZTO, TRO, ULO, BMO) to become a part of the
Dallas/Fort Worth Founders’ Day celebration
 Joined the Greater Dallas Pan-Hellenic Council
 Partnered with Texas Instruments and hosted the first Black Family
Technology Day in Plano
 Established the Ivy Reading AKAdemy, a National target program, at
the Douglass Community Center
 Implemented the AKA Coat Drive with the recipient being the
Samaritan Inn, only shelter for the homeless in Collin County
 Became a supporting sponsor of the Feed the Community
Thanksgiving Dinner at the Douglas Community Center
 Sponsored the chapter’s first Scholarship Luncheon and gave two
$1000 scholarships to graduating seniors
 Partnered with the City of Plano to identify and support families in need
and donated a washer and dryer as part of the Economic Development
initiative to a Habitat Family in Plano
 Attended our first Boule as a Chapter; Nashville, TN
 Held the chapter’s first reactivation social to reclaim Sorors and
expand the chapter
 Celebrated the recognition of Chi Zeta Omega’s first Silver Stars with
Sorors June Boswell, Vanessa Johnson, Linda Reed and Diana
Wynne
Chapter II – Building on a SOLID Foundation
Ivy Basics: Building on a SOLID Foundation
(Service Organization Leadership Integration
Dedication)
Soror Sandra Barber 2005-2006 Basileus
Soror Tari Bradford 22nd Regional Director
Soror Linda M. White 26th Supreme Basileus
On November 13, 2004 a new slate of officers
was elected by the membership, installed in
December, and under the leadership of Soror
Sandra Barber the growth of the chapter
continued. The chapter continued in Service to All Mankind, increased its
presence in the community, expanded implementation of target programs and
operated with a finely honed focus on effectively delivering programs and chapter
operations. Emphasis was placed on becoming extremely knowledgeable of our
National documents and other published program materials. While the internal
focus sharpened our skills in protocol, program planning and implementation and
chapter operations, the external focus remained strong.
Major service and program accomplishments included:
 The implementation of a graduated planning process on a 30-60-90
day and 6 month time table
 Centralized coordination of chapter activities through a CZO Planning
calendar
 Comprehensive program coordination and reporting which captured
and highlighted Targeted programs
 New officer training and Committee Chair training was developed and
conducted
 Workshops on Parliamentary Procedure and chapter protocol were
developed and conducted
 The chapter hosted its first White Linen Reactivation Social
 The Chapter played a key role in hosting the 74th South Central
Regional Conference in Dallas serving as Regional Tamiouchous and
constructing the Prayer Room and Sanctuary for conference attendees
 The chapter held its first Membership Intake Process in September
2005 and 8 new Sorors were initiated
Chi Zeta Omega’s First MIP September 2005
Sorors Kesha
Wynne,
Dewanna
Jefferson,
LaWanda
Massey,
Christine
Hawkins,
Monica
Hawkins,
A’Isha
Malone,
Tiffanie
Gladden,
Bridgette
Cush
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Secured the chapter’s first program grant and expanded the Ivy
Reading AKAdemy to include Malvern Elementary School in McKinney
as well as expand its operation at the Douglass Community Center
Implemented the National Target Young Authors Program
Expanded Chapter membership from the 26 chartering Sorors to 60
and received regional bronze level recognition for retention
Developed and presented its first Scholarship Luncheon at the Hilton
Garden Inn followed by a full cotillion season and the first Pink Ice Ball
Increased awards from $2000 to $5000 in scholarships to graduating
seniors
Developed the chapter’s first website and Data Base Management
System and created
the Ivy Pride chapter
newsletter as a means
of communication
2006 Debutantes and their
Escorts
Roster of Officers 2005-2006
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Basileus Sandra Barber
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1st Anti Danniella Gladden-Green*
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2nd Anti Felicia Layeni
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Grammateus Monna Davis
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Tamiouchos Linda Reed
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Pecunious Grammateus Deborah McRae
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Hodegos Victoria Stevenson*2
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Epistoleus Shundrian Green
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Ivy Leaf Reporter Kecha Canty*3
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Parliamentarian Vanessa Johnson
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Philacter Kamili Carthledge*4
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Chaplain Tayari Floyd
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Member-at-Large Danielle Johnson
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Member-at-Large Rosalind Williams
*Replaced by June Boswell; *2Replaced by Alicia Gray;*3Replaced by Tonelli
Hatley;*4Replaced by Fannysteen Mays
Chapter III:
Strengthening Our Foundation
Continuing to Build on a SOLID Foundation and Core
Values: Integrity, Respect and Accountability
Basileus: Soror June Boswell 2007
Soror Barbara McKenzie 27th Supreme Basileus
Soror Tari Bradford 22nd Regional Director
The third slate of officers for Chi Zeta Omega
assumed leadership in January 2007 amidst a season
of change. The new International Supreme Basileus,
Soror Barbara McKenzie, presented a new program
agenda and focus for the Sorority. The ESP program
with an emphasis on Economics, Service and
Partnerships shifted the paradigm. The program planning moved from
chapter and service focused to a wider universe. Area chapters were given a
program agenda to implement collectively and in tandem with the new
national program agenda. Economics became AKAnomics and each chapter
was mandated to focus 15 minutes of every chapter meeting educating the
membership on AKAnomics. The national target programs bore some
resemblance of programs in the past but with an economic underpinning.
Economics of the Black Family with emphasis on black males, emphasis on
the entrepreneurial component in the community and support of the
businesses, Health Resource Management with emphasis on mental health
support and AKAnomics Keys to Success with education of the youth, adults
and the community became the new program platforms.
A major Regional milestone event was observed during these two years with
the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the South Central Region in Austin,
TX. The year’s activities were also centered on paving the way for the
Centennial Celebration of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. On the operations
level chapter standards and financial accountability became two key areas of
concentration for the new National administration, and chapters received their
first National Office Heritage Evaluations.
Chi Zeta Omega showed its resilience and at the same time flexibility in
adapting to the changes, taking on the full implementation of the new program
thrust, flawlessly executing its leadership role as chair of the Metroplex
Founders’ Day, and transitioning a number of key positions during this time,
including Basileus.
Major service and program accomplishments:
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Full transition and implementation of the new National Target Program
platform with partnership with the Kappa League and focus on young
males
Developed the Passport System and program performance system for
program accountability
Adopted a family with male children and supported going back to
school, holiday needs at Thanksgiving and Christmas and focused the
coat drive on their needs
Expanded focus on Feed the Community at the Douglass Community
Center with the addition of health screening and AKAnomics
presentations
Significant expansion of the Pearls & Ivy Clinic with refined documents,
defined responsibilities, social activities, personal development and
ball presentations
Fully collaborated and participated in metroplex programs with
Economic Smart Fair workshops and the Mental Health Town Hall
Forum culminating in Boule Recognition for the work on the Mental
Health Town Hall Forum
Chaired the metroplex’s most successful Centennial Founders’ Day
luncheon increasing sales from 300 to 500 attendees
Had record Soror participation (1/3rd of chapter) in attendance at the
75th Regional Conference
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Expanded fundraising approach with the development of a data base
for foundations, companies and contacts; had CZO’s most successful
fundraising season generating $9,000
Achieved the chapter’s first appearance and two articles in the Ivy
Leaf, Fall 2007 for “An Evening of Enchantments and Winter 2007
Mental Health Town Hall Forum
Celebrated the chapter’s 5th Year Anniversary
Updated all operating documents to reflect new Constitution and
Bylaws and Policies and Procedures to reflect the new program
direction and chapter expansion
Secured a permanent meeting place for chapter and Pearl & Ivy
meetings ensuring chapter stability and continuity
The ESP logo, as designed by Supreme Basileus
Barbara McKinzie.
Chapter III Continues:
The Year of Refinement
The Year of REFINEMENT: Chi Zeta Omega
Sorors will be defined as: Results-Oriented,
Effective, models of Finer Womanhood, Innovative,
Enthusiastic and Diligent
Soror Felicia Layeni Basileus 2008
Soror Tari Bradford 22nd Regional Director
Soror Barbara A. McKenzie 27th Supreme Basileus
Soror Felicia Layeni, 1st Anti Basileus, gracefully
and flawlessly transitioned in the role of Basileus completing the term of
2007-2008. While the strategy had been set, she brought an enhanced
agenda that focused on refining the operations of the chapter and positioning
Chi Zeta Omega for a new set of accomplishments.
As the Centennial Basileus, she led the way in ensuring high visibility for the
chapter, while connecting sorors to tools, resources and each other.
A comprehensive Boule Report Book provided a blueprint of the National
agenda for moving through the next four years. As a result, Chi Zeta
Omega’s preparation for the July 2008 Centennial Boule was unmatched in
preparation, organization, presentation and attendance.
The historic national presidential
campaign and election, which followed
in the fall, provided the Connections
Committee an opportunity to make a
difference while leveraging the strength
of the chapter, other Black Greek Letter
Organizations in Collin County, the
minority entrepreneur, the Black Family
and the leadership of Chi Zeta Omega.
Chi Zeta Omega led the way, as the
primary organizer. A series of debate
watch parties, registration and an
election night party rejuvenated and connected the local political machine with
women of color in Collin County. The program activities of 2008 hit all major
targets and significantly expanded the chapter base.
Yes, We Did! Sorors and guests watched the historic elections returns and
announcement that Barack H. Obama was elected 44th President of the
United States in November 2008.
Other major service and program accomplishments:
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Established the chapter’s 501 (3) non profit corporation for charitable
contributions
Created and deployed the CZO Skills Database, an online tool that serves
as an inventory of chapter talent.
Instituted the chapter’s first cascaded strategic planning process that
maps committee-level plans up to the Basileus who, in turn, connects to
the agenda of the Supreme Basileus.
Introduced quarterly State of the Chapter Reports that provide candid
feedback to the chapter on successes and improvement areas in order to
provide continuous improvement.
Formalized conference attendance to build the chapter’s presence on the
regional and international levels. New tools include the online database
that connects sorors, conference-planning workbooks and comprehensive
delegates’ reports.
Soror Monica Hawkins was named “Neophyte of the Year” by South
Central Regional Director Tari Bradford.
Negotiated the chapter’s first collaborative service activity with another
NPHC sorority.
Conceptualized and led the initial planning for a series of Election Watch
Parties, which helped register voters and incite enthusiasm for the election
process. This series of events helped position Chi Zeta Omega as a
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thought-leader among members of the Pan-Hel, and built visibility for the
chapter with local political officials.
Another first: A series of guest speakers were invited to chapter meetings
to build connections between CZO and the community. In 2008, board
member of the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Fred Moses, Chairman
of the Collin County Republican Party presented to CZO.
Led the chartering efforts of the North Dallas Pan Hellenic Association,
further cementing CZO’s position as a community leader
Introduced “Refinement” Workshops that refreshed sorors on Alpha Kappa
Alpha’s structure, mission, protocol, processes and rituals.
Instituted a formal awards and recognition program, featuring the Soror of
the Month and the annual Soror of the Year Award
Soror Felicia Layeni presents 2008 Soror of the Year Award to Dewanna
Jefferson, 2007 honoree Soror Patrice Withers accompanies
Roster of Officers 2007-2008
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Basileus June Boswell*1
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1st Anti Felicia Layeni*2
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2nd Anti Veta Parker*3
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Grammateus Tayari Shaw*4
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Tamiouchos Lynne Coleman*5
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Pecunious Grammateus Asheley Odom
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Hodegos Mary Dedeaux-Swinton
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Epistoleus Tracee Wysinger
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Ivy Leaf Reporter Bridgette Cush*6
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Parliamentarian Shundrian Green-Stoker*7
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Chaplain Pat Hartman*8
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Member-at-Large Patrice Withers *9
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Member-at-Large Shelby Reece *10
*Replaced by Felicia Layeni; *2Replaced Patrice Withers; *3Replaced by Pat
Hartman; *4Replaced by LaShawn Johnson;*5Replaced by Linda Reed; *6
Replaced by Monna Davis;*7 Replaced by Shelby Reece; *8 Replaced Janet
Bell-Odom; *9 Replaced by Veta Parker;*10 Replaced by Alicia Gray
The Legacy Continues….