Our Member Spotlight of the Month for October 2024 is Dewana Johnson Daids.  Dewana was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Psi Lambda Omega Chapter in Brooklyn, NY in Fall 2021.

Dewana was born in the month of March and is from Brooklyn, NY.  She is a retired middle school principal. She is married and is Mom to two daughters: Candice and Keiyana.   Dewana is deathly afraid of cats!

Dewana's role model is her Dad.  He taught her to never back down and always be brave.  He was simply her SuperHero!

Dewana is genuinely passionate about helping others succeed by empowering them along their journey.  She loves her family and currently her biggest fear is that her Mom's heart is hurting after losing her best friend, her Dad. 

Dewana's favorite quote is “Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it.” Maya Angelou

Our Member Spotlight of the Month for September 2024 is Cynead Valenzia Chapman.  Cynead is a native of Greenville, SC and born in the month of July.  She was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated - Rho Psi Chapter at Coastal Carolina University in the Fall of 2011.  Cynead is works as an Implementation Experience Manager.

Cynead is currently in a relationship and has a one year old daughter.   Cynead's mother is her greatest role model.  Seeing how she persevered and handled tough situations with grace while being a single mother most of her life. Cynead admires her mother's determination and resilience to succeed while equipping her and brother with the necessary tools needed to manage life.  She also admires her mother's selflessness and willingness to always help others inspires Cynead to be a force for good.   

Cynead ran her first 5k while pregnant!! While she is extremely indecisive when it comes to making decisions, Cynead does know that she enjoys being around positive people and fun energy.  She loves to laugh and make others laugh.  Also, she enjoys being adventurous and trying new things, including FOOD!!!

She is passionate about wellness; being holistically fit (spiritual, emotional, physical, and intellectual), although her biggest fear is living in imposter syndrome.  She sometimes plays it safe or dims her light because she is sometimes scared of the power she possess.

Cynead's favorite quote: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.  We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?'  Actually, who are you not to be?  You are a child of God.  Your playing small does not serve the world.  There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.  We are all meant to shine, as children do.  We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.  It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone.  And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.  As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Our Member Spotlight of the Month for June 2024 is Nichell Newton.  Nichell was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Lambda Rho Omega Chapter in Gaffney, NC in 2021.

Nichell was born in the month of July and is from Spartanburg, SC.  She currently the Owner and Operator of A New Leaf Consulting & Counseling . She is a married to Albert and is Mom to Ashylnn 10, and Ace 9.   Nichell is a big music fan, with Michael Jackson being her absolute favorite!

Nichell's role model is her is my family, especially her mother, who excels at balancing many roles and responsibilities.  Her mother manages disputes diplomatically and asserts her opinions with confidence, all without ruffling feathers.

Nichell is genuinely passionate about continuous learning because she believes that knowledge is a powerful catalyst for both personal and professional development.  Nichell fears not making a positive impact or leaving a meaningful legacy.  She believes that life is precious and finite, and wants to ensure that she makes the most of her time by contributing to the betterment of society and leaving a lasting, positive mark on the world!

Nichell's favorite quote is “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” Henry Ford

Our Member Spotlight of the Month for May 2024 is Atiana McBride-Tobiere.  Atiana is a native of Sumter, SC.  She was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated - Zeta Omicron Chapter at Florida State University in the fall of 2017.  By day, Atiana works as a banking industry project manager; and occasionally on weekends she works as a speech-language pathologist adult and geriatric patients.  That's right, our Atiana has range!

Atiana has a one year old Goldendoodle named Ziggy.  Atiana's mother and sorority sister is her greatest role model.  Her mom is the epitome of beauty, style, grace, and resilience; inspiring Atiana to never settle.  The two are besties and talk daily.  Atiana's favorite place is any beach, as she finds waves peaceful.  She also enjoys trying new restaurants, spending time with family and friends, her skincare routine, listening to music and traveling.

Joshua 1:9 is her favorite quote.  She is passionate about encouraging women to live out their scariest, boldest dreams and show up as their most authentic selves - unapologetically, everyday.  As OTO's Technology Chair, she's absolutely OH! Mazing!

Our Member Spotlight of the Month for April 2024 is Kenya Henderson.  Kenya is a native of New Haven, CT.  She was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated - Kappa Kappa Chapter at University of North Carolina Charlotte in the Spring of 1995.  By day, Kenya works as a Community Service Manager (MSW) with a passion for advocacy work for vulnerable families.

Kenya's mother and sorority sister is her confident and best friend.  Her mom is the epitome of a phenomenal woman.  Kenya's is a huge fan of the HG channel.  Although not fond of driving on the interstate, dancing, attending concerts, live jazz sets, fine dining, and great fellowship brings Kenya joy!

Her favorite quote is "What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you."

Our Member Spotlight of the Month for March 2024 is Ivra Varner.  Ivra was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Epsilon Rho Chapter at Purdue University on March 30th, Spring of 1990.

Ivra was born in the month of October and is from Chicago, IL.  She currently works as a Change Management Consultant. She is a married to LaMont Varner and is Mom to Kaelyn, Karmyn, and Carson.   One thing that people may not know about Ivra is "For some reason, I can recall male actors in television and film with alarming accuracy. It’s a great party trick. "

Ivra's role model is her Mother, Mary.  Her Mother was a phenomenal mom, an educator, a servant leader, and the epitome of the “I’m Every Woman” role model for five girls. "She consistently demonstrated empathy, patience, strength, optimism, confidence, support, generosity (she gave away so many of my toys when other children didn’t have them!), courage and hard work. Now as a parent of three, I am even more amazed by who she was and how she invested in and influenced me, my sisters and so many others."

Ivra is passionate about partnering with young people as they prepare to “take their place in their respective spaces.”  She enjoys reading, shopping for and listening to vinyl records, and traveling with family and friends.  However, her greatest fear is swimming without her husband near.  She quotes "Who else is going to save
me? LOL"

Ivra's favorite quote is “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Our Member Spotlight of the Month for February 2024 is Jaylen Barkley.  Jaylen was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Lambda Theta Chapter at Clemson University in 2020.

Jaylen was born in the month of July and is from Rock Hill, SC.  She currently works as a Medical Assistant and is also a Pre-Med student! She is a single Fur Mom to her puppy Blaze.   One thing that people may not know about Jaylen is that she lived in Spain for a year and plans on moving back in the future.

Jaylen's role model is her mother, who has been the epitome of resilience for Jaylen her entire life.

Jaylen is passionate about making healthcare accessible and affordable to all minority populations.  Although she has a fear of Yellow Jackets, Jaylen enjoys traveling and spending time with her loved ones.

Jaylen's favorite quote is “To whom much is given, much is required" Luke 12:48

Our Member Spotlight of the Month for January 2024 is Taylor Timmons. Taylor was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Mu Xi Chapter in 2011.

Taylor was born in Hampton, VA, but was raised in Pamplico, SC.  She currently works as a Legal Compliance Manager and lives in Blythewood, SC.  One thing that people may not know about Taylor is that she plays the piano.

Taylor's role model is her mother, who is also her sorority sister!  Her mother has overcome the unimaginable and still manages to smile and have a loving spirit.

Taylor is passionate about empowering Black women and believes that Black women deserve the world!  She loves being with her people and practicing self-care.

Taylor's favorite quote is “You are your best thing.” by Toni Morrison.