HomeMembers of the Year Spotlight

2025 Member of the Year
Gabrielle Alexander

The 2025 Omega Tau Omega Member of the Year is Gabrielle Alexander. Gabrielle is a six-year OTO chapter member and a 33-year Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Life Member. She is originally from Chicago, Il and a graduate from Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. She studied Industrial Management/Industrial Engineering. It was at Purdue, in 1993, she was initiated into the Epsilon Rho chapter.

Gabrielle worked in various local and global leadership roles in Corporate America before starting her own business. She is the proud owner and Principal of the G. Alexander & Associates Allstate agency in Fort Mill, SC where she offers financial services & products. Since its inception in 2018, she continues to be recognized for exceptional performance in the business and community world. Gabrielle’s contributions to Alpha Kappa Alpha have been the same, simply exceptional. She is a constant contributor to the purpose of Alpha Kappa Alpha, serving all mankind.

Gabrielle is married to her college sweetheart; Keith Alexander and they share 3 amazing children. They have two sons, Grant and J. Bryce Alexander. Their youngest child is Carter Zoe Alexander.

She has often been heard saying: If you are too big to serve, then you are too small to lead. Within the OTO chapter, there is no task to big or small that she won’t do. She has held multiple leadership roles and is currently serving as the chapter treasurer.

2024 Member of the Year
Jacqueline Knox

The 2024 Member of the Year Jacqueline M. Knox. Jacqueline is originally from Rocky Mount, NC and was initiated in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in 1994 in the Rho Psi Omega Chapter, Charlotte, NC. She is a Charter Member of Omega Tau Omega and a Silver Soror.

Jacqueline is married to James Knox and she has 3 adult biological children and 1 bonus child. Her daughter, Haley, her legacy, was initiated into the Lambda Lambda Chapter at Lander University. Jacqueline is a retired Educator with over 30 years of service in many educational capacities including at the local school level: Teacher, Literacy Facilitator and Program Specialist. At the state level with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction she served as an Early Childhood Regional Director and was a University Supervisory of Student Teachers for UNCC for four years. Jacqueline has a degree in Psychology from The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (UNC-CH), Early Childhood Education and a Masters in Special Education from The University of North Carolina-Charlotte (UNCC).

Jacqueline’s 31 years of service in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has always gravitated towards Programs either chairing or co-chairing a committee. The areas of service that she enjoys most are those that focus on engaging with the global or local community. When she made the decision to become a member of an Institution such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. she bought into its purpose and principals. After making this decision she embraced it and allowed it to become a part of who she is. She says that joining the organization has been one of the best things she has ever done. She wears the colors with pride, speaks of AKA with purpose, serves AKA with promise, shares AKA with her legacy and has AKA for a lifetime.
In Omega Tau Omega she demonstrates her commitment and love through her actions and words. She has served on several committees, made over 150 pillowcase dresses and shirts for children in Haiti, is a caregiver and supports caregivers, is a tutor of young children, an organizer, social justice advocate and a mentor to others. She has presented at the chapter Retreats and regularly attends Regional and Leadership Conferences, Boule’ and Clusters to enhance her knowledge and commitment to the Sorority. During the chapter’s “Interest Group Phase” she served as Standards Chairman and she is the 2024-2025 Chapter Parliamentarian and Bylaws Committee Chairman. She feels it is her responsibility to encourage, support, advise and lead. Luke 12:48 states,” To whom much is given much, much will be required”. Simply put, if we have been blessed with talents, wealth, knowledge, time and the like, then it is expected that we benefit others. Jacqueline was also elected the chapter’s 2024 Distinguished Gem.

Her favorite Quote: “Variety is the Spice of Life”– William Cowpar. She demonstrates this philosophy by changing her hair style or hair color quarterly and showing up at chapter meetings with different looks. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, reading, sewing, baking, and playing the piano.

2023 Member of the Year
Angela Agers

“Now to Him who can do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the
power that works in us.” – Ephesians 3:20

The 2023 Member of the Year is Angela Raquel Agers. Angela was born and raised in
Murfreesboro, TN, and was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® in the Spring
of 1996 into the Pi Nu Omega Chapter in Murfreesboro, TN. Angela married the love of her life the
late Ricky L. Agers and moved to Rock Hill, SC in May of 2003. She is the proud parent of 4
children and her 10-year-old fur baby Chessie. Angela is honored to have her daughter and
legacy Kimberly Tipton be a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® and Omega
Tau Omega. One of the greatest days of her life was being able to pin her daughter Kimberly and
witness her being initiated into the Mu Xi chapter at Winthrop University in the Fall of 2016.

Angela is employed at Bally Sports where she is the Sports Campaign Management Supervisor of
the Ad Operations Department. Angela loves sports of all kinds. Her favorite teams are the
Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Lakers, but she is a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan. Angela
attended The University of Memphis in Memphis, TN where she earned a bachelor’s degree in
computer engineering technology.

Angela is a Charter member of the Omega Tau Omega chapter where she currently serves as the
chapter Historian, Rituals chairman, Archives co-chairman, and the Empower our Families sub-
committee chairman. She also serves on the EAF/Scholarship and Protocol committees. Angela
advocates for women’s health and has served as the Breast Cancer Awareness chairperson for
the past six years. As a 12-year breast cancer survivor, who found out that she had breast cancer
on her first mammogram at age 40, she is passionate about educating women about breast health
and the importance of yearly screenings. She also is very involved in the chapter’s Pink Goes Red
Initiative for women’s heart health.

Angela’s gift of the spirit is service, and she is passionate about serving the community not only
in AKA but with her church where she actively serves on the praise team. She participates in
feeding the homeless, visiting women’s shelters, and providing backpacks and needed clothes
and supplies for the underserved youth in the community. Angela has always had an example of
service and giving back to others from her parents. She is proud that their example as well as
hers has inspired her daughter Kimberly as well as her other children to do the same.

Angela is dedicated to advancing the international program and the mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha
Sorority, Incorporated to provide impactful service to mankind and lifelong learning. Angela will
continue to enhance her knowledge of sorority operations and skills as a leader by attending
cluster, regional, and international conferences as well as local leadership training. Angela was
recently awarded the esteemed 2024 Ella Springs Jones Soror of the Region Award at the South
Atlantic Regional Conference in Orlando, Florida.

Angela believes she was born to be an AKA because the motto, and belief in sisterhood and
service to mankind aligns with her mission given to her by God. AKA is one of the vehicles that
allows her to carry out her mission and life’s calling.

Angela enjoys traveling and spending time with her children, family, and friends outside of AKA.

2022 Member of the Year
Angela Pullom

The Member of the Year for 2022 is Angela Denise Pullom. Angela is originally from Darlington, SC and was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® in the Spring of 2010 in the Chi Lambda Omega Chapter in Hartsville, SC. She is married to Charles Pullom, her husband of almost 30 years and has 3 adult children and 1 granddaughter. Angela is employed as an Enterprise Risk Management Consultant at Duke Energy where she volunteers regularly within the community. Angela is also the incoming President of the Omega Tau Omega Chapter. She earned her undergraduate degree in Accounting from Coker University, a Master of Business Administration degree from Francis Marion University and completed the Women in Executive Leadership program at Cornell University.

Angela is passionate about ensuring everyone feels important in life. She is a licensed and ordained minister and the Church Administrator at her local church, WORD Fellowship Church in Indian Land, SC. Angela is also the Co-Treasurer for the Anne Close Springs Greenway Ladies Guild. She is the Women’s Ministry lead at her church and is a previous board member of the Toastmasters of Waxhaw. She has held previous positions within the sorority of Assistant Financial Secretary, Cotillion Co-Chairman, Recording Secretary, Scholarship Chairman, Ways and Means Chairman, 1st Vice President, Regional Risk Management Team member and Communications Chairman. Angela has also been a member of various committees including:
Website Design, Programs, Scholarship, Advocate for Social Justice, Membership, Membership Intake, Finance, Protocol, Technology, Leadership Development, Retreat, and Standards. Angela continues to enhance her knowledge of the Sorority’s operations through attendance at Cluster, Regional, Leadership and International Conferences.

Angela’s favorite quote comes from Romans 12:2, “and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

2021 Member of the Year
Denise Casey

The 2021 Omega Tau Omega Chapter Member of the Year is Denise L. Casey. Denise is originally from Enoree, SC, and was initiated into the Nu Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® in the Spring of 1997 in her hometown. She has served the Sorority as Vice President, Grammateus, Graduate Advisor, Historian, Program Chairman, chairman of many committees as well as a member of several committees over the past 25 years.

Denise is a charter member of Omega Tau Omega Chapter, and this year, she celebrates her 25th year in the Sorority! She currently serves as the President of Omega Tau Omega Chapter and as an active member of the Greenway Ladies Guild and a member of the board of directors of the York County Pearls of Promise Foundation.

Denise is the mom of two amazing children. Nya, who is also her Sorority sister, is a law student at North Carolina Central University and Al, who is an Offensive Lineman and sophomore studying Computer Science at South Carolina State University, are her pride and joy!

Denise attended Winthrop University where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. She also attended Queen’s University of Charlotte where she earned an Associate, Bachelor, and Master’s Degree in Nursing. She currently works as a Clinical Supervisor in a clinic where she manages a team of 25. Her passion in life is nurturing, educating, and caring for people.

Denise has a zeal for advancing the mission of the Sorority, which shows in her leadership and in everything that she does. Her passion for the sorority stemmed from the impact that her family instilled in her at an early age. Her parents are servant leaders in their community, and she has always wanted to follow in their footsteps. Their passion for life-long learning, community service, and serving God daily has been her role model of success in life and she seeks to achieve their level of Godly success daily.

Denise’s favorite quote is “Only 3% of adults have written goals, and everyone else works for them.” ~Brian Tracy

Denise enjoys spending time with family and friends, serving her community, reading, and serving others.

2020 Member of the Year
A. Monique Sanders

Each year, the chapter recognizes one member for her active participation and exemplary service and commitment to the chapter’s goals, programs, and other objectives. The Chapter Member of the Year for 2020 is A. Monique Sanders, better known to close friends, family, and Members as Moe. Originally from Clinton, SC, she was initiated into the Theta Gamma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® in the Fall of 2003 at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. She has served the sorority as Vice President, Program Chairman, Fundraising Chairman, Technology Chairman, Webmaster, and as a member of several committees over the course of nearly 18 years. Her passion for the sorority is a direct result of the impact that the ladies of the local chapter in her hometown area of Laurens, SC had on her life. She is equally passionate about learning, leveraging technology to drive process improvements and innovation, community service, and animals. In addition to Alpha Kappa Alpha, Moe also volunteers her time to the ACLU, Humane Society, ASPCA, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Recycled Pets, and Women In STEM.

As a charter member of Omega Tau Omega Chapter, she currently serves as the chapter’s Technology Committee Chairman, Webmaster, and Archives Committee Co-Chairman, as well as an active member of six additional committees and on the board of the York County Pearls of Promise Foundation.

In her own words, “It has been a privilege and pleasure to serve our community alongside the women of the Omega Tau Omega Chapter. Most of all, I am so very proud to serve as Chapter Member of the Year. I cannot think of a greater honor than being selected by my sorority sisters in this capacity. Receiving their votes to represent them during these times in our nation means so much to me. I appreciate each of them greatly and stand proud as their representative for Chapter Member of the Year. I will do everything within my power to ensure that their votes are warranted.”

Moe continues to grow and enhance her knowledge of technology and the sorority’s operations and uses her many talents to provide formal and informal training to chapter members and members of the community. She consistently drives members to increase their knowledge of technology, security, sorority operations, and to be effective and efficient leaders in the community and in their everyday lives.

One of her favorite quotes has always been, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” ~ Mahatma Ghandi. In her spare time, she enjoys learning new things, volunteering, archery, watching football and basketball, couponing, and empowering and encouraging young girls to be a part of the movement to increase female representation in STEM professions.

2019 Member of the Year
April Garvin

The Member of the Year for 2019 is April Gavin. April is originally from Orangeburg, SC and was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ® in the Fall of 2003, in the Mu Xi Chapter at Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC. April is married and has one daughter. She is employed as a National Bank Examiner. She is also a Certified Interior Decorator.

She has a passion for community service and making a difference in and around her community. She has held officer positions, including Financial Secretary and Treasurer, and served as chairman and as a member of numerous committees, including, Finance, Audit, Fundraising, Protocol, Standards, Membership, Program, Retreat, and Leadership Development. She is currently a member of the Regional Standards Committee. April continues to enhance her knowledge of the Sorority’s operations and provides formal and informal training to members of the chapter. She drives sorority members to increase their knowledge of sorority operations and be effective leaders in the community.

April’s favorite quote is “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11.

April enjoys spending time with family and friends, serving her community, and being a positive role model for the youth. Her biggest fear is being a failure.

2018 Member of the Year
Latifee Land

The 2018 Omega Tau Omega Member of the Year is Latifee Land. Latifee is originally from Carlisle, S.C., and she was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. during the Fall of 1997 in the Mu Xi Chapter at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C. Latifee holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, a Master's Degree in History, and a Master's Degree in Public Administration. She has worked in the insurance industry for over twenty years, and she is a certified event planner.

Latifee has a passion for serving and helping others. She has served the sorority in the officer positions 2nd Vice-President, Assistant Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Financial Secretary, Graduate Advisor, and the Keeper of the Door. She has chaired and co-chaired many chapter committees such as the Program Committee, the Bylaws Committee, the Fundraising Committee, the Debutante Cotillion, the Minority Business Fair, #CAP, the Youth Leadership Institute, and the Leadership Academy. She has also served as a member of the Protocol Committee, the Standards Committee, the Membership Committee, and countless other chapter committees and initiatives as well as serving on the board of the York County Pearls of Promise Foundation.

As a charter member of Omega Tau Omega, Latifee continues to expand her knowledge of sorority operations and protocol, and she graciously serves others through mentorship, providing guidance when needed, and by facilitating leadership training for chapter members via workshops and chapter retreats. Her passion and zeal for the sorority shines through her hard work, perseverance, and desire to serve others.

In addition to Alpha Kappa Alpha, Latifee is a member of the NAACP, the National Forum of Black Public Administrators, and a devoted member of her church choir. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, building meaningful relationships with others, and always making time to serve God. In the words of our sorority sister Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

2017 Member of the Year
Wakita D. Barksdale

Soror Wakita was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Mu Xi Chapter, Spring 1999, on the campus of Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC. Soror Wakita is a 24 year member of the sorority. She was the chartering Basileus of the OHmazing Omega Tau Omega Chapter in Fort Mill, SC. As the past immediate Basileus of OTO, Soror Wakita is grateful for the opportunity to accomplish many “firsts” and see the chapter reactivate and convert many general sorors to chapter membership during her four-year term. The chapter received multiple regional and cluster level chapter and individual awards and hosted a hybrid Cluster meeting. Soror Wakita’s 2017-2022 administration’s mantra was “They will see our service and feel our sisterhood.” Soror Wakita has served as the Basileus of Eta Alpha Omega Chapter in Rock Hill, SC, the Graduate Advisor of Mu Xi Chapter, and as a member of the South Atlantic Region’s Luncheon, Protocol, and Program Committees. Soror Wakita has been the recipient of several Cluster level and Chapter level awards, including Soror of the Year. Soror Wakita currently serves as the South Atlantic Region Representative to the International Sisterly Relations Committee.

Soror Wakita is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has built a private practice serving individuals and couples, with an emphasis on restoring mother-daughter relationships. It has been a lifelong goal of hers to help others become emotionally competent and self-sufficient as they navigate the circumstances of their lives.

Soror Wakita has a BA from Winthrop University, MPA from Ashford University, and a MA in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. Soror Wakita is happily married to her husband of 20 years Dr. Derrick T. Barksdale, who is the Pastor of Duncan Creek Baptist Church in Laurens, SC. They are the proud parents of Soror Brianna (8th grade schoolteacher), DJ (James Madison University), Patience (10th grade), and Braelyn (5th grade).