Farwest Focus Fall 2014-2015

The Farwest ocus

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Fall /Winter 2014 ‐ 2015



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INthisISSUE

Elected Officers

Position Name Chapter

Regional Director Sandra Phillips Johnson Las Vegas Alumnae

Regional Representative Mariah M. Kelly Nu Upsilon

Member, National Nominating Committee Petrina Ferguson San Jose Alumnae

Member, National Scholarship & Standards Tracy Aikens Phoenix Metropolitan Alumnae

Chair, Regional Nominating Committee Aisha K. Childs Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae

Collegiate Member, Regional Nominating

Committee

IIIyasha Hood Xi Psi Chapter

Member, Regional Nominating Committee Tya Mathis Las Vegas Alumnae

Member, Regional Nominating Committee Darrylyn Swift Contra Costa Alumnae

Member, Regional Nominating Committee June Wilkins Republic of Korea Alumnae

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Message from the Regional Director and Regional Representative

The Farwest Focus is the publication of the Farwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

For submission guidelines please email [email protected]

Features

Farwest Focus Staff

Editor

Shanté Morgan‐Durisseau(Farwest Regional Jour‐

nalist)

Assistant Editor

LaConnie Taylor‐Jones (Northern CA Journalist)

Graphic Designer

Sabrina Barnes

Contributing Photographer

Diana Wallace Hom

Tamie Triplett

Regional Director

Sandra Phillips Johnson

Regional Representative

Mariah M. Kelly

MessageFROMtheFARWEST 4

FARWESTnews 6

COLLEGIATEnews 22

SororSPOTLIGHT 23

OMEGAomega 26

FarwestJOURNALISTS 27

SUBMISSIONguidelines 28

newsFROMtheREGION 13

Farwest Region History

Since inception, the Farwest Region has

meaningfully contributed to the growth, leadership

and vitality of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The

first Farwest chapter was chartered at the University

of California at Berkeley in 1921. Today, the Faithful,

Fierce, Focused and Fabulous Farwest Region is com‐

prised of 82 active chapters located in Alaska, Ari‐

zona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon,

Utah and Washington, as well as international chap‐

ters in Japan (Okinawa and Tokyo) and the Republic

of Korea (Seoul).

The Farwest Region is extremely proud to

have had Founders Bertha Pitts Campbell, Zephyr

Chisom Carter and Wertie Blackwell Weaver as mem‐

bers of our region. Three National Presidents: sorors

Vivian Osborne Marsh, 7th National President;

Geraldine P. Woods, 13th National President; and

Mona Humphries Bailey, 17th National President

called the Farwest home.

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Dear Sorors of the Fabulously Faithful, Fierce and Focused Farwest Region:

Welcome to the Fall issue of the Farwest Focus.

We offer our deepest thanks to Regional Journalist, Soror Shanté Morgan Durriseau and the re‐

gional journalists, along with all contributors to this issue! Inside, you will find a wonderful re‐

cap of our 49th Farwest Regional Conference and the great work of the host chapter, Long

Beach Alumnae, including highlights from our historic E.M.B.O.D.I. Day of Service; a celebration

of the region’s award‐winning chapters at the Sisterhood Luncheon and the inspiring message

from the Honorable Willie L. Brown Jr., our Social Action speaker.

It’s an honor and a privilege to have been re‐elected your Farwest Regional Director, and to be

serving along with Soror Mariah M. Kelly, your newly‐elected Regional Representative. We

thank you for your confidence in our leadership and vision, and are committed to upholding

our commitments to you!

You’ll also find highlights on both Farwest Region Leadership and Training Summits in Tempe,

Arizona and Tacoma, Washington. For the 2014‐15 Sorority year, a call was issued for leadership

at every level. Now is the time for chapters in the Farwest Region is to focus on internal devel‐

A MessagRegional Director & R

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Sandra Phillips Johnson Mariah M. Kelly

opment and commit to the core theme by being “On Point for the Present, Prepared for the

Future – Unity.” To the sorors who attended one or both summits or sponsored a collegiate

member, we thank you for your excitement and enthusiasm for making a difference, both

within our chapters and in our communities as Delta Women reflecting the inspirational spirit

of our Founders.

Finally, during this season of Founders Day celebrations, marking the 102nd year of our Soror‐

ity, let us pause to reflect on the vision of our 22 Founders. It’s good to see that vision, strate‐

gic sisterhood and service, in the great work of our chapters chronicled in this issue.

Everything we do upholds our vision of faithful, fierce and focused women of the Farwest Re‐

gion committed to uncompromising service, empowered sisterhood and strategic leadership!

Yours in the sweet spirit of sisterhood and service,

Sandra Phillips Johnson Mariah M. Kelly

Regional Director Regional Representative

e from the Regional Representative

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The city of Long Beach was a swirl with crimson and

cream July 17–20 during Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,

Inc.’s 49th Farwest Regional Conference.

More than 1,000 Deltas visited the city by the beach,

celebrating, “Uncompromising Commitment to Commu‐

nities: Service, Leadership and Empowerment.” Under

the leadership of Farwest Regional Director Sandra Phil‐

lips Johnson, conference co‐coordinators Adriene Gray

and Gwen Coley worked with the Long Beach Alumnae

Chapter in hosting an outstanding conference. Members

of the Farwest Region re‐elected Soror Johnson, Farwest

Regional Director; Mariah M. Kelly, Regional Representa‐

tive; Barbara L. Bagneris, Farwest member of the Na‐

tional Finance Committee; Petrina Ferguson, Farwest

member National Nominating Committee; Aisha K.

Childs, chair Regional Nominating Committee; and Tya R.

Mathis, member Regional Nominating Committee.

Farwest Regional Conference: U

FARWEST REGIONAL CONFERENCE

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The conference opened with a Public Meeting where

members of the National Pan Hellenic Council offered

gifts and greetings to National President, Dr. Paulette C.

Walker and other leadership. The Long Beach Alumnae

Chapter collected more than $2,600 in gift cards to assist

families at Miller Children’s Hospital in Long Beach.

Other conference highlights include Collegiate Day Activi‐

ties, a Delta Dear Reception, Beats of Eclectic Expressions

and hundreds showed up to support the Delta Research

and Educational Foundation 5K Run/Walk, which raised

$5,000 for the Jonathan Jacques Children's Cancer Center

at Miller Children's Hospital to fund services for those

afflicted with sickle cell disease.

Submitted by Sorors Shanté Morgan‐Durisseau, Farwest

Regional Journalist and Monica Groves, Southern Califor‐

nia Journalist.

Uncompromising Commitment


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2014 Farwest Regional Conference Credentials Final Report

Executive Board 26

Past National Presidents 4

Honorary Members 1

Voting Delegates 78

Alternate Delegates 72

Non‐Voting Delegates 754

Hostess Chapter 67

Staff (Deltas) 17

Sub‐Total Deltas 1013

Staff (Non Deltas) 7

Exhibitors 37

Other Participants Sub‐Total 44

Grand Total 1057

Total active chapters in region 91

Alumnae 54

Collegiate 37

Number of Chapters Present 78


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The Farwest Empowers Young Men at Historic EMBODI Conference

More than 200 kicked‐off the 49th Farwest Regional Conference

by attending the region’s first E.M.B.O.D.I. Day of Service at Cali‐

fornia State University, Long Beach on July 16, 2014.

The event, titled “Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for

Developing Independence,” included workshops and a roundta‐

ble discussion featuring college counselors, police officers, en‐

trepreneurs, firefighters and elected officials. Dozens of African‐

American males from throughout Southern California, between the ages of 13‐17 attended.

National President, Dr. Paulette C. Walker and Farwest Regional Director, Sandra Phillips Johnson offered

greetings to the students. Soror Walker charged the young men with transforming their lives and encouraged

them to soar.

The lunch keynote speaker, Romeo Brooks, an iridologist, natural hygienist and herbalist, spoke to the young

men about their health and wellness.

“We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices

so that we may direct their power toward good end,” said Maleta Wilson, chair of the Farwest Region

E.M.B.O.D.I. Committee. “Our young men are in crisis. We wanted bring our community partners and EM‐

BODI young men from around the region together for a day dedicated specifically for them.”

Three members of E.M.B.O.D.I. received scholarships to assist them with their first‐year in college.

The event was organized by several chapters in the Farwest region and community partners including Alpha

Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; and Kappa Alpha Psi

Fraternity, Inc.

Submitted by Soror Shanté Morgan‐Durisseau, Farwest Regional Journalist

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Advocacy in Action

Turning up the heat for the next 100 years,

speakers at the Farwest Regional Conference

Social Action luncheon charged attendees to ad‐

vocate for civil rights at every level.

Soror Gwendolyn E. Boyd, 22nd National Presi‐

dent of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and co‐

chair of the National Social Action Commission

encouraged sorors to do more at the local and

national level.

Former Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, who also served as mayor of San Francisco was the keynote speaker.

He talked about his long association with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the impact Delta women have

had on social and political action.

“Social action begins with the business of controlling public

policy,” Brown said. “You women … You Deltas can help us

achieve that goal. Use your power.”

In addition, the San Fernando Valley Alumnae Chapter won

the 2013‐14 Political Awareness and Involvement Social

Action Best Practices Award and the Pasadena Alumnae

Chapter was recognized with a Merit Award

Honorable Mention: Century City Alumnae Chapter,

Cerritos Area Alumnae, Hayward Tri‐City Alumnae, Ingle‐

wood Alumnae, Las Vegas Alumnae, Oakland East Bay

Alumnae, Pomona Valley Alumnae, San Bernardino‐

Riverside Alumnae and San Francisco Alumnae.

Submitted by Soror Tya R. Mathis, Nevada Journalist

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FW Sisterhood Luncheon: Reflections on Violet - Characteristics of Sisterhood

The Farwest Regional Luncheon inspired,

encouraged, blessed and reminded sorors

of the values they must own and share as

members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,

Inc.

National First Vice President Beverly E.

Smith and National Second Vice President

Brittany N. Blackwell greeted attendees

along with other members of regional lead‐

ership.

Farwest Regional Director Sandra Phillips

Johnson encouraged sorors to rededicate

themselves to sisterhood and improving relationships in their chapters.

Soror Johnson along with Sorors Donna L. Smith and Rosalyn Earl Clark, Program Planning and Development

coordinator and co‐coordinator; and Lorraine W. Dabney, co‐chair National Membership Services and Sorors

Kendra L. Taylor and LaShawn Denise Moore, co‐chairs, Regional Membership Services presented awards and

recognitions to chapters and individuals for exemplary work within the Sorority’s Five‐Point Programmatic

Thrust.

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Excellence in Collaboration on Social Action: Century City Alumnae, Compton Alumnae, Inglewood Alum‐nae, Los Angeles Alumnae and Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae

Excellence in Collaboration on Educational Development: Xi Lambda Chapter (California State University, Fullerton) and Cerritos Area Alumnae Chapter

Outstanding Service: Farwest Region E.M.B.O.D.I. Team for the E.M.B.O.D.I. Day of Service Conference at California State University, Long Beach

Delta Academy:

1st Place, Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter

2nd Place, Pomona Valley Alumnae Chapter

3rd Place, Cerritos Area Alumnae Chapter

Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta G.E.M.S.

1st Place, Orange County Alumnae Chapter

2nd Place, Los Angeles Alumnae/Bakersfield Alumnae Chapters

3rd Place, Compton Alumnae/Tempe Alumnae Chapters

Economic Development

1st Place, Rolling Hills/Palos Verdes Alumnae Chapter

2nd Place, Cerritos Area Alumnae Chapter

3rd Place, Century City Alumnae Chapter

E.M.B.O.D.I.

1st Place, Century City Alumnae Chapter

2nd Place, Inglewood Alumnae Chapter

3rd Place, San Jose Alumnae Chapter

International Awareness and Involvement

1st Place, Contra Costa Alumnae Chapter

2nd Place, Tempe Alumnae Chapter

3rd Place, Inglewood Alumnae Chapter

Physical and Mental Health

1st Place, Century City Alumnae Chapter

2nd Place, Pomona Valley Alumnae Chapter

3rd Place, Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter

Collegiate Chapter Awards

Emerging Leader Award ‐ Faye Hayes, Xi Omega Chapter (University of California, Irvine)

Highest Grade Point Average Award ‐ Imani Nicolis, Tau Mu Chapter, University of Las Vegas Reno, 3.803 GPA

Outstanding Program of The Year Award ‐ Xi Lambda Chapter (California State University, Fullerton) “Delta Week: See A Sign, Save A Life: Stress and Depression”

Advisor of the Year Award ‐ Mercedes Blunt Payne, Phoenix Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter

Chapter of the Year Award ‐ Tau Delta Chapter (Loyola Marymount University)

Soror of the Year Award ‐ India Purnell, Iota Kappa Chapter (Arizona State University)

Submitted by Soror Jay Dianne Johnson, Arizona Journalist

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Deltas from throughout the Fabulously, Faithful, Fierce and Focused Farwest Region attended the Far‐west Region Leadership and Training Summits held in Arizona and Washington this fall. Two training summits were held: the first in Tempe, Ariz., Oct. 24–26 and the second in Tacoma, Wash., Nov. 14–16. The summits were themed, “A Call to Leadership at Every Level: Strategies to Reclaim, Re‐tain and Empower our Sisterhood” Farwest Regional Director Sandra Phillips Johnson provided an overview of some of the accomplish‐ments during 2013‐14 including chartering three new chapters (North San Diego County Alumnae Chapter, Fairbanks Alumnae Chapter in Alaska and Upsilon Xi at California State University, Monterey); reinstating five collegiate chapters. Today, there are 84 active chapters in the region with nearly 4,000 members. “We have done well,” said Johnson at the summit in Arizona. She encouraged chapters to focus on inter‐

nal development and retention and reclamation dur‐ing the Sorority’s membership intake moratorium. The weekend was packed with presentations on top‐ics ranging from protocol to conflict resolution. To help sorors prepare for leadership, past Farwest Re‐gional Directors Dr. Thelma James Day and Tressa Williams led incredible sessions that provided tools and guidelines for effective leadership. Soror Day led a workshop that used True Colors, a personality test that helps identify leadership styles. She also shared some of the traits of a leader including good charac‐ter, competence, commitment and the ability to in‐spire others. Soror Williams’ presentation focused on chapter lead‐ership and building unity. Submitted by Soror Shanté Morgan‐Durisseau, Far‐west Regional Journalist

Farwest Region Leadership and Training Summit: A Call to Leadership in Delta

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Bellevue Alumnae Chapter Makes Strides Against Breast Cancer

On Saturday, Oct. 18, members of the Bellevue Alumnae Chapter walked 4.3 miles through the streets of downtown Seattle along with the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi and hun‐dreds of other community members participating in the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.” In addition to trekking up and down the damp paved hills of Seattle during the early morning walk, chapter members raised $410 to support the fight against breast cancer. Submitted by Soror Alyssa Watts, Bellevue Alumnae Chapter

Cerritos Hosts Annual September‐Reclamation Breakfast On Sunday, Sept. 7, Cerritos Area Alumnae Chapter kicked off the Sorority year with their annual Septem‐ber‐Reclamation Breakfast at Rio Hondo Golf Course in Downey, CA.

Honorary member Paula Madison was the keynote speaker and charged the chapter to “Reclaim our Power” and continue to be a force in the community and in the lives of others. Fitting for a First Sunday, the chapter also received an inspirational word from Soror Courtney Stanton‐Gomez, Pastor of Penuel Missionary Baptist Church and a fabulous praise dance perform‐ance from Soror Shakeema Lee‐Prescott, both members of Cerritos.

The chapter was also blessed with the attendance of several past and present Delta dignitaries.

Submitted by Soror Nia M. Reed‐League, Cerritos Area Alumnae Chapter

Contra Costa Alumnae Debutantes Presents – “You Ought to Be in Pictures” On Saturday, Sept. 20, the first cohort of young ladies participating in the Contra Costa Alumnae Chapter’s Pearls of Perfection Debutante Program hosted You Ought to Be in Pictures, their first fundraising event at

Beede Auditorium in Antioch, Calif. Bay Area Come‐dian, J. Redd was the MC and kept everyone laughing. The Pearls of Perfection Debutante Program is a com‐prehensive nine‐month program designed for young ladies who are seniors and/or juniors in high school and recognizes their accomplishments, most notably, supe‐rior academic excellence, exemplary moral standards and active engagement in local community projects. The proceeds from this event provided college scholar‐ships for debutante participants.

Submitted by Soror Tuseda Graggs‐Borden, Contra Costa Alumnae Chapter

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Hayward-Tri-City Alumnae Conducts Voter Education Forum In an effort to further the understanding and importance of the upcoming elections, the Hayward‐Tri‐City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the League of Women Voters, Eden Area Branch conducted a nonpar‐tisan Voter Education / Pros and Cons Forum on Thursday, Oct. 9 at the Hayward City Council Chambers.

The event began with a reception and voter registration drive. Five youth who were transitioning from foster care registered to vote.

Hayward‐Tri‐City Alumnae President, Soror Pamela Cov‐ington, welcomed the attendees and introduced guests. Soror Tiffaney Gipson reviewed the pros and cons of each ballot measure. Special guests included the Hayward Mayor Barbara Halliday; Hayward City Councilman Al Mendall; Hayward City Clerk Miriam Lens; the League of Women Voters – Eden Area President Jennifer Ong and Hayward Community Services Commissioner, Soror Dania Frink.

Submitted by Soror Shirley Sexton, Hayward Tri‐County Alumnae Chapter

Delta Academy, EMBODI and The Cousins Help Make Holidays Brighter for Boikarabelo Orphanage Youth

The Inglewood Alumnae Chapter’s International Awareness Committee conducted holiday card making workshops for Delta Academy, EMBODI and The Cousins. The purpose of the workshops are to educate the girls and boys about IAC's support of the Boikarabelo Orphanage ‐ Children's Sanctuary in Magaleasberg, South Africa and assist the youth in making holiday cards for the children in the or‐phanage.

Each workshop participant crafted a card which included a special holiday message written to the intended recipients. Once the cards were completed, the participants gathered along with chapter members to record a video message and holiday song from Delta Academy, EMBODI, The Cous‐ins and the Inglewood Alumnae Chapter.

The Cousins are the grandchildren of Soror Carole Jordan‐Harris. For the past three years at Thanksgiving, The Cousins have donated money to buy 20 baby chickens for five different families in Africa. Soror Jordan‐Harris said she started the "grands" on this project to learn to share. She added, "When I go to Africa, they donate their gently used toys for the same reason. This year I asked them if they would make the cards their Thanksgiving project. They loved the idea and look forward to the pen pals."

Submitted by Soror Sabrina Barnes, Inglewood Alumnae Chapter

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IAC Social Action Committee Leads Charge to Get Out the Vote for Midterm Election

Long before the kick‐off of the 2014‐2015 Sorority year, the Inglewood Alumnae Chapter's Social Action Committee was busy strategizing how the chapter could make the most impact in the Inglewood com‐munity to Get Out The Vote for the Nov. 4 election. Get Out the Vote activities included voter registration activities at Faithful Central Bible Church, telephone banking at the campaign headquarters of Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr.

Social Action Committee members made presenta‐tions to government classes at Morningside High School. Sorors worked with students in identifying problems in the community and the elected officials responsible for solving the problems. The students were also shown a video of a 11‐year‐old who addressed the St. Louis County Council abou the social issues facing Ferguson, Mo. The students were also shown a video highlighting the history of voting rights.

Submitted by Soror Sabrina Barnes, Inglewood Alumnae Chapter

Las Vegas Alumnae: Powerful Start for GEMS Program

The Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter launched its Delta G.E.M.S. program with several powerful speakers during the fall.

The chapter held its annual Delta G.E.M.S. induc‐tion ceremony on Aug. 16. Twelve dynamic and spirited young ladies joined the group. Soror Bev‐erly Mathis, the chapter’s chair of educational de‐velopment, gave a motivating speech to inspire the G.E.M.S. to set goals and strive for success.

In September, Las Vegas Chief Judge Karen Bennett‐Haron spoke with the G.E.M.S. about careers in the political and judicial field. She also encouraged the G.E.M.S. to be self‐starters, and discussed the benefits of starting a business. In October, the G.E.M.S. passed out books and made creative crafts in the park. They also took a trip where Krystal Allan, KSNV an‐chorwoman, spoke with the young ladies about public speaking, leadership, and the rewards and challenges of being an African‐American woman in the news industry.

The G.E.M.S. also collaborated with the sorors of the Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter in the Adopt‐a‐Block Com‐munity Service program.

Submitted by Soror Heather Bennett, Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter

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Las Vegas Alumnae Pays Tribute to Icons

The Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter paid tribute to individuals and organizations that make significant contribu‐tions to the community at its fifth annual Tribute Awards on Nov. 2 at the Aliante Hotel and Casino.

The awards align with the Sorority’s Five‐Point Programmatic Thrust. This year’s honorees were: KCEP Public Radio Station 88.1 FM; African Development Council: International Awareness and Involvement; Jerrie Mer‐ritt, senior vice president community development manager for Bank of Nevada: Economic Development; Dr. Melva Thompson Robinson, executive director of the Center for Health Disparities Research in the School of Community Health Sciences and project director for the Southern Nevada Teen Pregnancy Prevention: Physi‐cal and Mental Health; Ramon Savoy, publisher and editor of the Las Vegas Sentinel Voice: Political Aware‐ness and Involvement; William Sullivan, associate vice president for retention and outreach and executive director of the Center for Academic Enrichment and Outreach at UNLV: Educational Development.

Submitted by Soror Ellen Brown, Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter

Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae Chapter Supports the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Recognizing mental health as one of the three‐prong initia‐tives of Grand Chapter’s Journey to Wellness, the Los Ange‐les South Bay Alumnae Chapter’s Health Resources Commit‐tee formed LASB Team Delta and participated in the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and re‐search. Chapter sorors, family, and friends completed the 5K walk on Saturday, Oct. 18, at Rainbow Lagoon Park in beau‐tiful downtown Long Beach.

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that one in three sen‐iors dies with Alzheimer's or another dementia. Almost two‐thirds of American seniors with the disease are women. The prevalence, incidence and cumulative risk of Alzheimer’s disease appear to be much higher in African‐Americans than in non‐Hispanic whites. The walkers wore color‐correlated Promise Garden flowers identifying their connection to the disease.

Submitted by Sorors Karen Nelson and Pamela Pitcher, Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae Chapter

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Portland Alumnae’s Community Center Receives National Award

The Portland Alumnae Chapter’s June Key Delta Community Cen‐ter received the 2014 Green Power Purchaser of the Year Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The an‐nual award recognizes the country’s leading green power users for their commitment and contribution to helping advance the development of the nation’s voluntary green power market.

“We are proud to receive this award on behalf of our community,” said Jean Loomis, president of Portland Alumnae Chapter, which developed and owns the center.

The June Key Delta Community Center is one of the first African‐American owned living buildings in the United States. The center was built using regionally‐salvaged recycled and donated materials and features energy‐efficient lighting, appliances and HVAC, a geothermal heat pump, and a rainwater collection system. A 68‐panel, 18.36‐kilowatt solar photovoltaic array provides 80 to 100 percent of the facility's annual electri‐cal needs and supports its net‐zero energy goal.

Submitted by Soror Leslie Unthank, Oregon Journalist

Portland Sisters on a Mission Three members of the Portland Alumnae Chapter journeyed to Ja‐maica on a humanitarian mission trip, from Nov. 7 to 24. The trip was facilitated through Great Shape Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Ashland, Ore. The purpose of the trip was to increase liter‐acy and the computer competency of school children. Sorors taught reading, grammar, computer and life skills.

In keeping with one of the Sorority’s commitment to International Awareness and Involvement, the Portland Alumnae Chapter signifi‐cantly supported the mission effort through donations of school supplies and cash donations used for stu‐dent uniforms. Delta Airlines also granted a baggage waiver for a suitcase of supplies.

Submitted by Sorors Adiana Wilmot, Alanna Conley‐Oyofo and Crystal Roberts, Portland Alumnae Chapter

New Beginnings for Korea’s Delta Academy The Republic of Korea Alumnae Chapter had a great start with the chapter’s Delta Academy and Delta G.E.M.S. programs. The chapter introduced the Delta Academy to Camp Casey in Uijonbu, South Korea. Camp Casey is ap‐proximately two hours north of Seoul. Parents were excited at the informa‐tional meeting and 16 girls enrolled.

Soror Renee Reese presented Financial Fortitude at the first meeting. In Oc‐tober, Soror Yetta Canty, chair of the Delta Academy in Daegu, constructed a family tree and Soror Tiffeney Brown, chair of the Delta G.E.M.S. in Seoul, discussed leadership and service advocacy.

Submitted by Soror June Wilkins, The Republic of Korea Alumnae Chapter

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Deltas in the RoK Wear Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Throughout the month of October, the Republic of Ko‐rea Alumnae Chapter continued its commitment to educate and bring awareness to the military communi‐ties throughout South Korea on what to do to reduce the risk of breast cancer and to honor survivors of this deadly disease. Soror LaChelle Carr, chair of physical and mental health (fourth from left in photo), planned a variety of activities in each area that sorors reside.

At the Chinhae Naval Base, four hours south of Seoul, sorors sponsored a community 5K Run/Walk. Chapter Zumba Pink Parties were held in Chinhae and Daegu with the theme, “Join the Party with a Purpose” and patrons signed a pledge to support friends and family battling the disease and to protect their own health. At Osan Airbase and Yongsan Army Base, sorors spon‐sored informational tables with literature to educate the community.

Submitted by Soror June Wilkins, the Republic of Korea Alumnae Chapter Republic of Korea Take Back the Night On Oct. 15, members of the Republic of Korea Alumnae Chapter gathered with other community leaders and families to partici‐pate in the Yongsan Army Community Services “Take Back the Night” march. The goal of the event was to stand up against do‐mestic violence for service members and their families. Signs were set up along the course that highlighted actual cases of do‐mestic abuse.

Submitted by Soror June Wilkins, Republic of Korea Alumnae Chapter

San Bernardino-Riverside Area Alumnae: The Heart of the Matter On Saturday, Sept. 20, sorors of the San Bernardino Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter participated in the American Heart Association’s 2014 Inland Empire Heart and Stroke Walk at Rancho Jurupa Park. Sorors gath‐ered to raise awareness about the impact of heart and stroke disease in the African‐American community.

The weather was great and participants were energized as they stretched and prepared for the walk. Several vendors were on hand and provided useful information for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The event held a special place in the chapter members hearts as they stood alongside heart and stroke survivors, Sorors Carla Towns and Carlease Chandler. Through the generosity of chapter members, $350 was donated. The time was well spent as sorors walked each mile together, thankful for the gift of health.

Submitted by Soror Julie Wilson, San Bernardino‐Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter

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Bay Area Alumnae Chapters Host a Political Forum

The political stage was set on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at a political forum hosted by members of the San Francisco Alumnae and San Francisco Peninsula Alumnae chapters at the West Bay Conference Center in San Francisco,

Calif. The forum provided an opportunity for community members to meet the candidates slated for the Nov. 4 election and for candidates to present themselves and field questions. In ad‐dition, participants were educated on voting pro‐cedures, ballot initiatives and voter registration. Several other organizations joined sorors at this event, including the Gamma Chi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., San Francisco Chapter of Black Women Organized for Political Action, San Francisco League of Women Voters and the San Francisco Branch of the NAACP.

Submitted by Soror Shani Harris‐Bagwell, San Francisco Alumnae Chapter

Tacoma Hosts Book Chat Tacoma Alumnae Chapter hosted a book chat featuring De‐brena Jackson Gandy, national best‐selling author of “The Love Lies.” Her book, an “eye‐opening, stimulating and en‐gaging” novel about relationships inspired great conversa‐tions among sorors and community members in attendance. The venue, the Tacoma Art Museum also exposed attendees to great art.

Submitted by Sorors Pam Jones‐Hadley and Darlin Johnson, Tacoma Alumnae Chapter

Tacoma Alumnae Chapter Walks for Health Tacoma Alumnae sorors put on their walking shoes to

participate in several walks supporting health and

wellness this fall. On Sept. 20, the chapter supported

the city’s annual South Sound AIDS Walk; on Oct.4

the South Sound Heart Walk took place; and they par‐

ticipated in the South Sound Diabetes Walk on Oct.

11. The chapter raised $1,000 in donations that will

go towards research and treatment of diseases which

disproportionately affect African Americans.

Submitted by Sorors Pam Jones‐Hadley and Darlin

Johnson, Tacoma Alumnae Chapter

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Tacoma Alumnae Sorors Honored

On Sept. 6, the Women of Color Health Awareness Committee of Pierce County honored four members the Tacoma Alumnae Chap‐ter with the Distinguished Women Award. Honorees were Sorors Melannie Denise Cunningham, T’Wina Franklin, Darlin Johnson and Isa Nichols. Awards were given during the Women of Color Health Awareness 10th Annual Conference.

Submitted by Sorors Pam Jones‐Hadley and Darlin Johnson, Ta‐coma Alumnae Chapter

Tucson Alumnae Chapter Receives DREF Grant to Reduce Cardiac Arrest Deaths Concerned about the high rates of death from cardiac arrest and the use of chest compression‐only CPR in the Black com‐munity, the Tucson Alumnae Chapter part‐nered with the University of Arizona Sar‐ver Heart Center and the Tucson Commu‐nity Coalition for Heart Health Education Committee to reduce disparities in the community.

Tucson Alumnae’s Physical and Mental Health team trained its chapter members on the proper techniques of chest com‐pression‐only CPR. A grant from the Delta Research and Educational Foundation (DREF) helped the chapter launch the “Reducing CPR Disparities in the Minority Communities of Tucson” (RCDMCT) program and enabled the chap‐ter to purchase the necessary equipment to expand its outreach and training.

Sudden cardiac arrest outside a hospital setting is a leading cause of death in the U.S., killing approximately 300,000 people annually. Today, cardiac arrest victims in low‐income, predominantly African‐American com‐munities are 51 percent less likely to receive CPR than cardiac arrest victims in high‐income, non‐minority communities.

The RCDMCT program provides free health and wellness education and training. Thus far, the program has resulted in 120,000 volunteer hours and 2,500 trained persons in the targeted communities, and constant requests for the training.

Soror Wanda Moore, chair of the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center Community Coalition for Heart Health Education for Women of Color has encouraged individuals to learn the three Cs of being a lifesaver: check, call and compress.

Submitted by Soror Wanda Moore, Tucson Alumnae Chapter

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VCAC Hosts 5th Annual Prayer Breakfast

The Ventura County Alumnae Chapter hosted its 5th An‐nual Prayer Breakfast on Sept. 27, 2014 in Oxnard. More than 200 guests attended the annual event, which was themed, “Women of Wisdom: Empowering our Youth by Building a Wise House.”

For the second time, Linda G. Hodge, an author and pastor at Living Praise Christian Center served as the keynote speaker. The event was inspired by the seven pillars of wisdom: prudence, knowledge and discovery, fear of God, counsel, sound wisdom, understanding and power. Prayers were offered by other members of the Ventura County community in seven areas in society: family, eco‐nomics, media, arts and entertainment, education, gov‐ernment and spirituality

Submitted by Soror Lekishia White, Ventura County Alumnae Chapter

Ventura County Alumnae Chapter at the Polls

The Ventura County Alumnae Chapter again embraced the call to civic duty and executed the tasks of one of the Soror‐ity’s Five‐Point Programmatic Thrust: Political Awareness and Involvement by overseeing a poll on Election Day, Nov. 4. Voter education, registration and mobilization are continuous objectives of the chapter’s Social Action Committee, which is chaired by Soror Phyllis Brown. In 2008, VCAC became the first African‐American organization to participate in Ventura County’s Adopt‐a‐Poll program. The chapter is committed to making sure everyone has the opportunity to vote and honoring the many warriors who fought for this freedom.

Submitted by Soror Lekishia White, Ventura County Alumnae Chapter

Alpha Omicron Mentor Middle School Girls

Last spring, members of Alpha Omicron at the University of Washington were asked by the YWCA to share their experiences from high school to college with middle school girls attending an afterschool program. The workshop was so successful sorors launched a year‐long program at Eckstein Middle School in Seattle.

The chapter is mentoring girls in the 6th through 8th grade who have been identified by staff as “at‐risk.” The girls come from diverse racial and economic backgrounds and some struggle academically and socially. Sorors meet with their mentees monthly. At their first meeting each soror shared her experiences in middle school and how she navigated the tricky “tween” years. Most important, sorors shared how they have changed since their middle school years. The mentees were asked to share where they hope to see themselves in five years. The mentors’ goals are to help the mentees focus on their future selves and begin to think about high school and getting a college education.

Submitted by Soror Victoria E. Romero, Washington Journalist

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SOROR SPOTLIGHT

Tacoma Alumnae: Soror Rhonda Coats

Soror Rhonda Coats, the Farwest Region’s Washington State Coordinator has been selected to receive the YWCA of Olympia’s 2014 Racial Justice Award. She the immediate past president of the Tacoma Alumnae Chap‐ter, has worked in higher education for more than 30 years. She is vice president for student services at South Puget Sound Community College. She is a longtime advocate for access, retention and success for students of color and other underrepresented groups. She has led efforts to estab‐lish and maintain the SPSCC Diversity and Equity Center. She has helped institute the Safe Zones and Bias Response programs so that stu‐dents,faculty and staff have an avenue to report bias incidents and hate crimes. She is one of the founders of the Faculty and Staff of Color Con‐ference, which is in its 19th year.

Submitted by Soror Shanté Morgan‐Durisseau, Farwest Regional Journalist

Soror Rhoshawndra Carnes: Architect of Change

The Center of the Study of Race and Democracy at Arizona State Univer‐sity recognized Phoenix Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter President Rhoshawndra Carnes as an Architect of Change during their annual Gold and Silver Gala on Dec. 6.

She was recognized for her various roles in the community and her lead‐ership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

During her presidency, Carnes has been a beacon of light and a role model throughout the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area and Maricopa County. During Soror Carnes’ leadership, the chapter has been involved with the AZ Advocates Campaign: Voter Education, Meet the Candidates and the Susan Komen: Race for the Cure. She led the chapter through various projects and programs that including the Adopt a Family, Kinship Foster Care, E.M.B.O.D.I., Children's Storytelling, Science and Everyday Experiences, Jabberwock and Annual Scholarship Workshop

The chapter has continued annual programs such as Delta G.E.M.S., Delta Academy, Bra Recycling Campaign and our support of the Iota Kappa Chapter’s Home Away from Home Thanksgiving dinner, a project inspired by her work at ASU and through her undergraduate chapter of initiation, Pi Beta Chapter at the University of Rochester. Soror Carnes’ vision in collaboration with Soror Valerie Churchwell, allowed the chapter to be‐come the first Black Greek‐Letter Organization to create a partnership with the city of Phoenix housing com‐munity, Henson Village.

Submitted by Soror Lyssa Black, Phoenix Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter

24



S O R O R S P

Soror Gloria Anderson

Soror Gloria Anderson is the epitome of what a Delta woman represents in our So‐rority.

She was initiated in 1939 at Talladega Col‐lege in Alabama, Alpha Zeta Chapter. She holds the distinct honor of being a charter member of Beta Omicron Sigma Alumnae Chapter, which is now Fort Valley Alumnae Chapter in Georgia. Soror Anderson is well known for her social activism and love of performing arts. As a member of Century City Alumnae, she has served on numerous committees including co‐chair of Arts and Letters and member of Social Action, Membership Development, Courtesy and Contact and Scholarship. In addition to work in Delta, she is involved in her com‐munity and serves the Women’s Steering Committee for the 10th Council District of Los Angeles.

However, one of Soror Anderson’s great‐est accomplishments and a fact that she is most proud of, is that she has not missed voting since 1944.

Submitted by Soror Charlene K. Redmond‐Smith, Century City Alumnae Chapter

Dr. Regina Stanback Stroud

President Obama recently announced his intention to appoint Dr. Regina Stanback Stroud, president of Sky‐line College in San Bruno, Calif. to the President’s Advi‐sory Council on Financial Capability for Young Ameri‐cans.

Soror Stroud has been president of Skyline College since 2011 and previously served as vice president from 2001 to 2011. From 1997 to 2001, she was the dean of workforce and economic development at Mis‐sion College in Santa Clara, Calif. Prior to that, Dr. Stanback Stroud was a nursing professor at Rancho Santiago College in Santa Ana and at Craven Commu‐nity College in North Carolina. In the 1990s, she served in various ledemic senate for California Community Colleges, including service aShe is a member of the Oakland East Bay Alumnae Chapter.

Submitted by Soror Evelynn Burton, Oakland East Bay Alumnae Cha

Soror Valerie ChurPhoenix Metropolitan Alum

Soror Valerie Churchwell has been named tContractor Association’s 2014 Advocate of the principal association in Arizona represeon behalf of all minority and women‐ownebeen an active member of the Phoenix MeChapter since her initiation in 2009.

Soror Churchwell serves as the Small Businager for the city of Phoenix Aviation DepartChurchwell is responsible for developmenteducational programs and services designe

petiveness, capacity, and awareness of small, disadvantaged, mibusiness contracting, professional services and procurement oppPhoenix’s three airports.

This annual award is presented to an individual whose efforts toutilize minority subcontractors, and extraordinary overall contribdirect impact on the success of the minority‐owned business entbusiness enterprise and disadvantaged business enterprise comm

Submitted by Soror Lyssa Black, Phoenix Metropolitan Alumnae C

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P O T L I G H T

eadership roles with the aca‐as the statewide president.

apter

Valerye Boyer-Wells Phoenix Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter

Soror Valerye Boyer‐Wells was recognized by the East Valley Chapter of the NAACP during their Freedom Fund Gala in law enforcement and judicial equal‐

ity. The Freedom Fund Gala is an annual program that celebrates great things that are happening in the Valley while they continue the work of the NAACP. This was the 40th Year Anniversary of the Gala.

Soror Boyer‐Wells is a judge with the Mesa Municipal Court. Soror Wells was initiated through the Iota Kappa Chapter at Arizona State University in 1978, and continues to be an active member of the chap‐ter.

Submitted by Soror Lyssa Black, Phoenix Metropoli‐tan Alumnae Chapter

rchwell mnae Chapter the Associated Minority the Year. The AMCA is enting and advocating d contractors. She has tropolitan Alumnae

ess Engagement Man‐tment. In this role, t and implementation of ed to increase com‐nority, women‐owned portunities at city of

identify, support and butions have made a terprise, women‐owned munity.

Chapter

Soror Kimberlin Butler

Soror Kimberlin Butler is making a difference in the Portland Area Com‐munity. She has been recently hon‐ored as a Knowledge Universe Rising Star by the Portland Monthly maga‐zine. The magazine honered her as a change‐maker and thought‐leader shaping Portland's future.Soror Butler is the newly elected president of the Urban League of Portland Young Pro‐fessionals. She was one of 10 Na‐tional Urban League Young Profes‐sionals presidents recently selected to attend the National Urban League's Whitney M. Young Leader‐ship Conference in Atlanta.

Submitted by Soror Lesley Unthank, Oregon Journalist

In Loving Memory . . .

Marion Deloris DuBoise Johnson It is with profound sadness that the Portland Alumnae Chap‐ter says goodbye to Soror Marion Delores DuBoise Johnson who passed away on July 26, 2014. During her years as a member of Portland Alumnae Chapter, Soror Johnson served in several roles but she is fondly remembered as the chapter photographer. She was a lifelong educator who taught at Martin Luther King Elementary School in Vancouver, Wash. Soror Johnson’s funeral and Omega Omega services were held Aug. 8, at Bethel AME Church. Submitted by Soror Lesley Unthank, Portland Alumnae Chap‐ter

Ruth Catherine Randall Neal Soror Ruth Catherine Randall Neal, who celebrated her 105th birth‐day on Feb. 24, 2014, will be missed. Soror Neal died in Portland, Ore. on May 14, 2014. She graduated from Tennessee State (College) University and worked for the Bureau of Land Manage‐ment and Bureau of Indian Affairs until she retired in 1970. Submitted by Soror Lesley Unthank, Portland Alumnae Chapter


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Farwest Region Journalists

Appointed Officers

Shanté Morgan‐Durisseau, Farwest Regional Journalist

(Ventura County Alumnae)

State Journalists

Alaska Journalist, Pam Brown‐McMillan

(Alaska Alumnae)

Arizona Journalist, Jay Dianne Johnson

(Tempe Alumnae)

Nevada Journalist, Ciann Gray

(Las Vegas Alumnae)

No. California Journalist, LaConnie Taylor‐Jones

(Contra Costa Alumnae)

So. California Journalist, Monica Groves

(San Fernando Valley Alumnae)

Oregon Journalist, Lesley Unthank

(Portland Alumnae)

Washington Journalist, Victoria E. Romero

(Seattle Alumnae)

Journalist‐at‐Large, Sabrina Barnes

(Inglewood Alumnae)

National Information & Communication Liaison, Libra White

(San Jose Alumnae)



















































Farwest Focus Submission Guidelines We strive to ensure that the message of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is clear and accurate and

that our stories are shared internally and externally. Thanks to all the chapters who submitted

articles to this issue, the Technology Task Force for their assistance, the journalists and

photographers who contributed. We look forward to sharing the news about all the good work

you’re doing in your communities.

The Submission Guidelines are:

One article per section (News Around the Region/Soror Spotlight)

Email articles to: [email protected].

Articles should be attached as a Microsoft Word Document, using Time Roman font, 12‐

point.

Please include information such as the results/outcome of your event, impact on the

community, as well as the “who, what, when, where, why and how.”

Submit pictures as separate attachments with the chapter’s name and title of the article.

Photos should be at least 300 dpi, jpeg or higher resolution.

Photos should identify the name and title of individuals included (left to right). Group

photos should identify the group. For example, Delta Alumnae Chapter members.

Please include the name of the Soror who submitted the article inside the document.

Articles should be no more than 300 words.

All articles should be approved by your chapter president before submitting.

The journalists listed on the adjoining page are available to assist should you have any questions

about the guidelines.

Sisterly,

Shanté Morgan Durisseau Farwest Regional Journalist

Farwest Focus Fall 2014-2015

Documents

Transcript of Farwest Focus Fall 2014-2015