Alpha Gamma Theta Omega Chapter
The Journey of the Persevering Pearls
A Vision Begins (2020–2021)
In late 2020, at a moment when the world felt uncertain, a spark ignited in Central Arkansas — north of the Arkansas River, where North Little Rock, Sherwood, Jacksonville, Maumelle, and the Little Rock Air Force Base meet. A group of women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® recognized a need. No graduate chapter served North Pulaski County, and presence from NPHC organizations was minimal. They sought to expand the Sorority’s legacy into communities often overlooked.
Dr. Phillis Nichols Anderson, a familiar servant leader in these areas, convened women who shared the same purpose. On January 15, 2021, Dr. Anderson, joined by Kandi Chitman Hughes, Branndii Peterson, Eltrudia Toliver, and Ava Coleman, submitted a formal proposal representing 26 women to the South Central Regional Director to form an Official Interest Group. The early name — Women Inspired by Needs — defined their hope: helping others WIN in life.
Holding the Line (2021–2022)
Throughout 2021, members gathered virtually, continued service, and nurtured sisterhood while awaiting movement on the proposal. Months passed without formal action. Still, they stayed committed. Some transitioned out, others joined in. Early 2022 brought renewed energy as the proposal was updated and resubmitted — now backed by 30 women ready to carry the work forward.
Becoming the Persevering Pearls (2022)
In June 2022, Regional Director Ms. Joya T. Hayes agreed to visit the region. Hope rose. Members planned a Learning Tour, introducing Ms. Hayes to residents and leaders across each locality. The response was overwhelming — elected officials, school and district leaders, clergy, business owners, NAACP representatives, and other stakeholders embraced the vision for an Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter.
In July 2022, under the leadership of Supreme Basileus Dr. Glenda Glover, the International Directorate approved the group as an Official Interest Group:
The Persevering Pearls Serving North Pulaski County.
Twenty-seven of the women who began the journey were recognized as Visionaries, and seven additional members joined as Amplifiers, forming a body of 34 women. They represented diverse professions — educators, healthcare workers, attorneys, social workers, accountants, entrepreneurs, military officers, and more — with service records spanning three to thirty-three years.
Dr. Anderson brought deep institutional experience — former chapter president, prior Regional appointments, service on the International Program Committee, and experience drafting a proposal for an interest group more than a decade earlier. Kandi Chitman Hughes was also a former chapter president with Regional leadership experience, alongside many members with similar histories of service.
Service in Motion (2022–2023)
From July 2022 to November 2023, the Persevering Pearls lived the charge “Soaring to Greater Heights of Sisterhood and Service.” Their work produced:
706 community service hours in 2022
3,008 community service hours through October 2023
3,714 hours recorded across all target communities
They established partnerships with school districts, local churches, Shorter College, North Little Rock Police Department, River City Missionary Baptist Association, and Baptist Health Heaven’s Loft Wellness Center. Service was not theory — it was active, visible, and measurable.
In September 2023, Dr. Anderson submitted the chartering application. Meticulous documentation, sustained outreach, and consistent service led to approval during the International Directorate’s November 2023 meeting.
The Chartering Moment (2023–2024)
The road held joy and loss. In December 2023, members grieved the passing of Dr. Cherie Labat, whose service and sisterhood remain deeply remembered.
As 2024 unfolded, 33 members continued forward. One transition reduced the number, yet 32 women stood ready on chartering day. On May 26, 2024, surrounded by hundreds of Alpha Kappa Alpha members at The Westwind Venue in North Little Rock, Arkansas, the dream was realized.
Alpha Gamma Theta Omega Chapter was chartered under South Central Regional Director Ms. Joya T. Hayes.
Twenty-six Visionaries, six Amplifiers, and four Inaugural Chapter Members formed the chartering body — women who transformed work, waiting, prayer, and perseverance into purpose.
The Story Continues
The path from proposal to charter spanned 41 months — a quiet demonstration of determination, unity, and faith. The Persevering Pearls brought light to North Pulaski County, fulfilling a calling that began as a whisper and blossomed into history.
Alpha Gamma Theta Omega stands today as a beacon of sisterhood, service, and commitment to community. By the close of 2025, membership surpassed fifty, carrying forward a legacy built from patience, grit, and unwavering belief in purpose.
The work is not finished — it is only beginning.
CHARTER MEMBERS
VISIONARIES
(January 2021 – May 26, 2024: 41 Months)
Sunetta Alexander • Phillis L. Nichols Anderson • Kandi Chitman Hughes • Ava Coleman • Zella Verline Davis • Martina Davis • Adrienne Durham • Aundrea Durham • Felecia Hamilton • Tanica Howard • Sharon Johnson • Tranice Johnson • Angela Kendrick • Angela Moore Rachel • Cresia Murphy • Demetrius Ann Paskel • Branndii Peterson • Jessica Randolph • Tricia Sproles • Jacqueline Taylor • Eltrudia Toliver • Stephanie Tucker • Antoinette Weathers • LaJarlyn Wesley • Janette Williams-Smith
AMPLIFIERS
Joycelin Benton Randle • Tara Hines-McCoy • Valerie Duckery • Catherine Lee • Tierra Donson-Jones • Leaundra Sanders • Monica Talbert
INAUGURAL CHAPTER MEMBERS
Kim Dean • Kalena Jones • Shirley White • Nicole Williams
