March is here, and with it comes the chance to celebrate the incredible achievements of women throughout history. Women’s History Month gives us the opportunity to reflect on the remarkable contributions of women from all walks of life—past and present—whose strength, creativity, and resilience have shaped our world.
This month, we honor not just the well-known figures, but also the everyday women whose courage and dedication continue to inspire and create change. Whether it’s through breaking barriers in science, leading social movements, or changing the cultural landscape, women’s contributions are woven into the fabric of our global history.
As we celebrate the impact women have made and continue to make, let’s uplift their stories, support their aspirations, and ensure that the future is one where every woman can thrive.
Dear Mid-Western Region Sorors,
I hope this message finds you in good spirits. In these challenging times, we recognize that the current political climate has led to uncertainty—especially for those affected by job losses in the federal and state sectors. Please know that you are not alone.
Me and my leadership team stand with you and are committed to offering support in any way we can. Whether you need resources, guidance, or simply a listening ear, we are here for you.
We also encourage you to prioritize your mental health during this time. Transitions like these can be overwhelming, and it’s important to care for yourself—mind, body, and spirit. If you are in need of assistance or know a soror who could use a helping hand, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Together, we will navigate these challenges with strength and sisterhood.
In Sisterhood and Service,
Soror Anika Wilson Starling
Greetings Sorors,
In 2024, the Mid-Western Region celebrated 100 years of Sisterhood and Service and left “A Jazzy Pink Print in the City of Fountains” during the 94th Mid-Western Regional Conference in Overland Park, Kansas. For your review, we have included the conference minutes.
Please review and submit your corrections on the Corrections to Minutes Form no later than March 14, 2025. Corrections can be submitted to Mid-Western Region Grammateus, Soror Portia Sorden, via email at pa_porter@yahoo.com. Please be sure to identify your email to Soror Portia as "Conference Minutes Corrections" to ensure they are quickly identified. The minutes with corrections, if any, will be approved during the First Plenary Session on Friday, March 21, 2025.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me or Soror Portia Sorden. The minutes will also be posted on the region's website: aka1908.com/midwestern under the Members ONLY tab.
I'm excited and look forward to seeing you in Des Moines, Iowa, March 20-23, 2025!
Soror Anika Wilson Starling
Mid-Western Regional Director
94th Mid-Western Regional Conference Minutes
94th Mid-Western Regional Conference Minutes Corrections Form
MOTIVATIONAL MONDAYS: Perks for Prayer (Phone)
Monday, March 3, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. CST
Dial-in:1-312-626-6799 US
Meeting ID: 830 5557 6574, Passcode: 669785
Click here to submit your prayer requests!
This year’s theme is “The Power of the Ivy: Advancing Justice and Equity Through Advocacy”. Now more than ever, our presence is required to raise our voices. The communities we serve expect us to show up, stand in the gap, and advocate for issues vital to them. Our Ancestors resisted oppression, and so shall we. Let's show up as Alpha Kappa Alpha Women have for the past 117 years.
Kansas Registration: https://form.jotform.com/mwrtechteamaka/kansas-aka-day-at-the-capitol
The deadline to register is Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
Nebraska Registration: https://form.jotform.com/mwrtechteamaka/nebraska-aka-day-at-the-capitol
The deadline to register is Friday, March 21, 2025.
Colorado Registration: https://form.jotform.com/mwrtechteamaka/colorado-aka-day-at-the-capitol
The deadline to register is Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
Oklahoma Registration: https://form.jotform.com/mwrtechteamaka/oklahoma-aka-day-at-the-capitol
The deadline to register is Friday, April 18, 2025.
Iowa Registration: https://form.jotform.com/250508691281155
The deadline to register is Monday, March 17, 2025.
Sorors, the 95th Mid-Western Regional Conference is here! Show your excitement by downloading the official frame.
Click here to get yours: https://www.twibbonize.com/registered95thmwrc
Don't Miss out on a chance to win big! Go for the Green!
Top Chapter $500
Top Soror $250
Each Soror is asked to buy a $10 ticket and share their link with friends and family.
Visit: https://go.rallyup.com/eafgoforthegreen/
Grand Prize: A $2500 Gucci gift card
2nd Prize: A 2-night hotel stay and tickets to a Las Vegas Aces basketball game
3rd Prize: An airline gift card
Winners will be drawn on March 18, 2025, during the 95th Mid-Western Regional Conference.
READY, SET, STEP:
The Experience
Tickets to the 95th Mid-Western Regional Conference Step Show are now open to the public for purchase. Kicking off on Friday March 21, 2025, at 8:30 p.m., tickets can be purchased in advance for $25.00.
Scan the QR code in the flyer or click here to purchase your tickets: https://form.jotform.com/250476598705166.
REGIONAL CONFERENCE
SCOOTER RENTAL
If you have mobility issues and would like to rent a scooter for the duration of Regional Conference, please contact Nigel or Kevin (515) 528-2013 to reserve yours today.
The cost is $240.00 for five days.
As we gather for the 95th Mid-Western Regional Conference, let’s seize the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community of Des Moines.
What to Bring to the Conference:
Hair Care Products for Women of Color
Make-up Products for Women of Color
Feminine Care & Hygiene Products
Bodywash & Lotion for Women of Color
Together, we can leave a lasting legacy of service and sisterhood in Des Moines.
Thank you for your dedication to making a positive difference!
The Pink Print Connections: Sisters in Career Success committee is working to develop programs that support employment goals and create genuine job opportunities for sorors in the Mid-Western Region. Please take a moment to complete our brief 5–10-minute survey and help us make a positive impact! Your feedback will directly shape the programs and resources we offer.
We will use the information collected from the survey to identify trends and preferences, allowing us to tailor our services to better meet your needs. This survey will also ensure that we provide our community with the most relevant and practical resources.
Please note that the survey will close on March 16, 2025. We appreciate your participation and value your insights! Click the link to share your thoughts now! https://forms.gle/fwsiFhx4CDNFniog9
Thank you for being an essential part of this project.
Sisterly Submitted,
Soror Aegeda Riggins, Chairman
Sorors, the Pink Sail Cruise is just around the corner, and we have some updates to share. Please see below.
The Pearls for Philanthropy Affinity Group is now open for your 2024-2025 membership. Pearls for Philanthropy began in 2023 as an affinity group for members of the Mid-Western Region.
This membership pays annual fees that support the professional and leadership development of undergraduate Sorors as well provide increased capacity for the Mid-Western Region.
Click here to activate your membership.
Soror Lai Andrea "Dee" Granger
This month’s Sisterly Spotlight is shining on Soror Lai Andrea “Dee” Granger of the Alpha Epsilon Omega Chapter! Soror Debra Horsechief shared these sentiments about Soror Dee:
“Lai Andrea Granger models exceptional sisterly behavior by always being present and actively participates in all activities with a smile. Lai Andrea beams with God’s love and joy and spreads happiness throughout the Mid-Western Region. She demonstrates a welcoming and inviting spirit to all. She ensures that everyone has a feeling of acceptance, involvement, and belonging. She listens attentively with no judgment. Dee always speaks positively about others. She is a very genuine, kind, faithful, sweet, and loving person. Dee is the definition of sisterly relations.”
Congratulations, Soror Lai Andrea!
Do you want to shine a light on a soror who may not always be publicly recognized but exemplifies kindness, compassion, care, and a nurturing spirit in all they do? If so, submit your nomination by completing the Sisterly Spotlight Form. Please ensure the form is fully completed before submission. The committee will carefully review all nominations for accuracy. Eligible names will be entered into a monthly lottery, and one soror will be selected each month. General members' names are welcomed, as well. The selected soror and her sisterly acts will be submitted to Madam Regional Director for approval before being celebrated on social media. While a soror may be nominated multiple times, she can win only once per year. Photos are highly encouraged but not required.
Key Deadline: All nominations must be submitted by the 15th of each month.
The Mid-Western Region Sisterly Relations Committee asks that you complete a brief survey to better serve you and your needs.
Survey: https://form.jotform.com/243516427133048
The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance recognized Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated’s Delta Epsilon Omega Chapter on Monday, January 20, 2025, with the prestigious 2025 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major of Action Award for the sorority’s transformative community service initiatives.
“We are honored to receive the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major of Action Award,” said Basileus Anita Johnson. “Dr. King’s legacy is one of service, action and empowerment, and our chapter is committed to continuing that legacy. Whether through voter engagement, financial literacy, or environmental initiatives, we strive to uplift and strengthen our community.”
Click to read more
The award celebrates Delta Epsilon Omega’s commitment to social justice, education and community empowerment. Through their Get Out the Vote initiative, the chapter mobilized community members, conducted voter registration drives and empowered citizens to make their voices heard at the polls.
Their dedication to financial literacy was evident in their Financial Literacy Workshop and Mad City Money simulation, conducted in partnership with the Urban Financial Services Coalition. The hands-on experience provided 40 high school girls at Girls Incorporated of Omaha with essential money management skills to help prepare them for financial independence.
Recognizing the importance of meeting basic needs, the chapter donated warm clothing and socks to children at Boyd Elementary School and participated in the national Childhood Hunger Initiative, distributing food Power Packs to fight childhood food insecurity. Spreading holiday joy, they also gifted Christmas toys to families at Clair Memorial United Methodist Church, brightening the season for children in North Omaha.
Beyond social and economic initiatives, Delta Epsilon Omega also demonstrated their commitment to environmental sustainability. Chapter members planted trees and gardens while hosting a Shredding and Electronics Recycling Day to reduce waste and promote eco-consciousness in the community.
Much of Delta Epsilon Omega’s impact is strengthened by its philanthropic partnership with the Nebraska Ivy Foundation, which serves as the chapter’s charitable arm. Together, they have provided essential funding and resources for local programs that address educational disparities, economic empowerment and community welfare.
The Nebraska Ivy Foundation has been instrumental in supporting these initiatives, ensuring sustained impact and outreach. Cathy Williams, President of the Nebraska Ivy Foundation, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: “Through our partnership with Delta Epsilon Omega, we are able to expand our reach and deepen our impact. By working together, we can provide the resources and opportunities that help our community thrive, ensuring Dr. King’s vision of equity and service remains alive and well.”
Through these multifaceted efforts, Delta Epsilon Omega Chapter and the Nebraska Ivy Foundation embody the spirit of Dr. King’s vision—turning words into action and service into lasting impact.
If you would like to be recognized for your special day, please complete this brief survey.
Please join us on the Mid-Western Region’s official app, YAPP to get the latest news on the region, chapters, and events in your area. See you on the app!
To ensure we capture all sorors that have now become an Ivy Beyond the Wall, a submission link has been created for ease of reporting. Ivy Beyond the Wall submissions should be provided by the Chapter Basilei as soon as the chapter is notified. Forms will be accepted for all sorors who have become an Ivy Beyond the Wall from the end of the 2024 Mid-Western Regional Conference through the end of the year. Please use the following link.