By Dawn Scotland
The Truth Reporter
The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Zeta Alpha Omega, Alpha Lambda and Iota Iota Chapters held their 118th Founders Day Celebration: Black Girls Rock in Exemplary Service, February 28, at The Pinnacle. The event honored 10 local women for their service to the community.
The program opened with a processional of the sorority sisters and honorees into the event hall. The Mistress of Ceremonies was Kristian Brown, news anchor for 13abc News. The Introduction of the dais by Shelia Brown was followed by Pearls of Harmony, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
“Today, we gather in reflection and in gratitude,” remarked Katrina Barry, Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter president, during her welcome. “Reflection on the vision, courage and commitment of those who came before us, and expressing gratitude for the leaders who continue to carry that legacy forth. Founders’ Day is more than just a celebration,” she said. “It is a sacred reminder of our call to services and our responsibility to uplift our communities.”
“This year, as we celebrate Black Girls Rock, we proudly shine a well-deserved spotlight on phenomenal women and community leaders whose dedication, resilience and impact exemplify excellence in action. This leadership rooted in service inspires progress and meaningful change. Thank you for joining us as we honor our legacy, celebrate service and recommit ourselves to the work of empowering others. Welcome, and may today’s celebration leave us inspired and uplifted in purpose,” she concluded.
Greetings and remarks were also shared by Alessandra Dews, Alpha Lambda Chapter president; Amira Welch, lota lota Chapter president and Lisa E. Dubose , EdD, Great Lakes Region Representative to the International Membership Committee and Great Lakes Region Membership Committee chairman.
Greetings and Recognitions were given by Felicia Roberts-Dunston 118″ Founders’ Day chair and the Sorority History by Clara Petty 118″ Founders’ Day co-chair. The invocation was provided by Nya Green of the Iota Iota Chapter.
Following lunch, a Program Initiative Presentation was given by Demecia Wilson Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter, vice president.
The 2026 Black Girls Rock in Exemplary Service Honorees:
- Pearl of Promise Award – Alessandra Dews
- Ivy of Distinction Award – Lisa McDuffie
- Sisterhood Award – Andrea Price
- Legacy of Excellence Award – Jenai Hicklin
- EmpowHER Award – Tahyah Smith
- Shot Caller Award – Aufwiedersehen (Veda) Winfield
- Social Humanitarian Award – Ohio State Representative Erika White
- Young Gifted and Black Award – Dejah Griffith
- Community Change Agent Award – Deborah Barnett
- Icon Award – Dr. Brenda L. Kynard-Holsey
Remarks were given by Felicia Roberts-Dunston 118th Founders’ Day Chairman and closing remarks by Katrina Barry Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter, President.
Committee Members for the 118th Founders Day Celebration
Felicia Roberts-Dunston, Chairman; Clara Petty, Co-Chairman; Katrina Barry, Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter President; Alessandra Dews, Alpha Lambda Chapter President;
Amira Welch, lota lota Chapter President; Andrea Price; Ashleigh Foster; Ashley Benson;
Cheryl Slack; Donnetta Carter; Leigh Utley; Lisa Dubose, EdD; Nazarene Tubman; Olla Avery; Pam Green-Jones; Patrice McClellan, PhD; Sonya Randall; Rhea Young; Richelle Watkins
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter is currently accepting applications for their 2026-2027 Scholarships for high school senior ladies with 3.0 GPA or higher accepted into an accredited 4 year college or university for fall semester 2026. The application closes April 10, 2026.
To learn more about the chapter and scholarship requirements visit zetaalphaomega.org or AKA Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter, Toledo OH on Facebook.
