Founded in 1908 on the campus of Howard University, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, was the first Greek-letter organization established by African American, college-educated women. Today, it has more than 1,085 chapters and more than 365,000 initiated members in 11 nations and all states.
Dr. Bridgette Parks, president of the sorority’s Theta Zeta Omega Chapter, tells us more.
WHAT IS ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA’S PURPOSE/MISSION?
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated was founded on a mission of five basic tenets that have remained unchanged since the sorority’s inception. Our mission is:
- To cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards
- To promote unity and friendship among college women
- To study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature
- To maintain a progressive interest in college life
- To be of “service to all mankind”
HOW HAS THE SORORITY GROWN OR EVOLVED?
The sorority was formed by a group of visionary women led by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, who sought to create an organization that would support academic excellence, promote unity and sisterhood and provide service to all mankind. At a time when African Americans, and especially women, faced significant social, political and economic barriers, these 16 founders committed themselves to improving the lives of others through scholarship, leadership and civic engagement. In 1913, the sorority was incorporated, solidifying its legacy and expanding its impact beyond the college campus.
We are comprised of 10 regions formed according to geographic location and density of population. Along with Alabama and Tennessee, Mississippi is a part of the Southeastern Region, led by Dr. Tracey Morant Adams, with more than 116 undergraduate and graduate chapters and over 12,000 active members who are dedicated to the mission of our illustrious organization.
Theta Zeta Omega chapter was chartered on May 15, 1965 — the first graduate chapter Greek-Letter organization established on the Coast. Our membership has grown over the years, ranging from 95 to 125 active members.
Since its founding, Alpha Kappa Alpha has continued to serve communities through programs of service that address education, health, the Black family, economic empowerment and global issues.
WHO ARE YOUR TYPICAL MEMBERS?
Membership is exclusive to college-educated women and by invitation only. Led by International President and CEO Danette Anthony Reed of Dallas, Texas, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, often is hailed as “America’s premier Greek-letter organization for African American women.”
WHAT’S NEW AND EXCITING WITH ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA?
The Ivy & Pearl Affair (TIPA): A Night of Elegance, A Legacy of Impact, is set for March 28, 2026. This event is Theta Zeta Omega Chapter’s signature annual scholarship ball, a grand celebration filled with elegance, unity and purpose. More than just a festive evening, TIPA is a meaningful tradition that transforms joy into impact. Funds raised by our members and the royal court directly support scholarships and vital community-based initiatives, creating a lasting ripple effect across the Coast.
For more than 60 years, the chapter has been a steadfast pillar of service and support. Our efforts include combating childhood hunger, supporting national organizations like the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society and strengthening local outreach through partnerships with Back Bay Mission food pantries and programs for seniors. We empower youth through ACT prep workshops, career readiness initiatives and direct support for high school students.
In the past five years alone, we have awarded over $85,000 in scholarships to local high school seniors and contributed $25,000 to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) — investments that reflect our commitment to education, empowerment, and community advancement.
Together, we celebrate. Together, we serve.
HOW IS ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT?
Service and sisterhood have been the cornerstone of Alpha Kappa Alpha since 1908. With the theme of “Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood,” the 2022-2026 administration wants to build the sorority’s rich legacy of service by galvanizing our sisterhood to lead on the front lines of change, education and advocacy.
This administration has six initiatives. “Strengthen Our Sisterhood” will serve as the administration’s foundation initiative as we strengthen our bonds to support our service mission. The remaining five initiatives will serve as the program initiatives, which include: “Empower Our Families,” “Build Our Economic Wealth,” “Enhance Our Environment,” “Advocate for Social Justice” and “Uplift Our Local Community.” These initiatives are designed to improve the lives of those we serve. We will work collaboratively to maximize our outreach on progressive endeavors and consistently produce leaders who will advance our credo of service.
HOW DOES YOUR CHAPTER EMPOWER OR SERVE WOMEN?
Locally, Theta Zeta Omega has sponsored countless events to help alleviate problems concerning girls and women. These include the Youth Leadership Institute, where we facilitate youth-led modules focused on STEM, the environment, culture and careers. As a part of our 60th chapter anniversary celebration, we chose to focus our service project on the “Period Project.” This effort is designed to help alleviate period poverty, as one in four students struggle to afford period products and one in three low-income women miss work, school and other events due to lack of access to feminine hygiene products.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST THING YOU HAVE LEARNED OR GAINED BY BEING INVOLVED WITH ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA?
Serving as chapter president has deepened what Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. always has represented to me: service. The greatest thing I have gained through my involvement is a profound sense of sisterhood and purpose. The genuine friendships and bonds I’ve formed have truly become an extension of my family — women who uplift, support and challenge one another. Being part of this legacy not only has deepened my commitment to serving families and communities but also has pushed me to grow personally and professionally. It’s within this sisterhood that I’ve found both accountability and inspiration to strive for excellence in every aspect of life.
Just as importantly, this role has challenged me to grow as a leader, think strategically, serve selflessly and guide others with integrity and purpose. It has reinforced my dedication to uplifting families and communities while also developing the strength, resilience and vision necessary to lead effectively. This journey continues to shape me — not only as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, but as a woman committed to lasting impact.
WHAT ARE ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA’S GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?
With the theme “Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood,” the 2022-2026 administration seeks to build upon Alpha Kappa Alpha’s rich legacy of service by galvanizing our sisterhood of more than 120,000 active members to lead on the front lines of change, education and advocacy.
WHAT DOES YOUR ORGANIZATION DO WELL, AND WHAT IS IT SEEKING TO IMPROVE?
For more than a century, our sisterhood has served as the foundation for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority to be an indomitable force for good — in our communities, states, nation and the world. We will intentionally take time to fellowship and form lifelong relationships based on affinity, love, trust, respect and shared goals and interests while concurrently building on our foundation to serve others.