Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, the nation’s first Greek-letter sorority established by African American college women, has expanded its presence in the Kansas City metropolitan area with the chartering of a new chapter, Pearls of Heartland, in North Kansas City, Missouri.
The Mid-Western Region, under the leadership of Regional Director Anika Wilson Starling, formally announced the chapter’s creation as part of the sorority’s mission to strengthen service, scholarship, and sisterhood across the Heartland.
First Chapter in the Northland
The Pearls of Heartland Chapter is the first Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter established in the Northland of Kansas City. It will serve Clay, Platte, and Buchanan counties, focusing on initiatives that directly impact those communities. Leaders said the expansion was motivated by the recognition that Northland residents needed greater access to the sorority’s outreach and service programs.
New Officers Announced
The chapter has elected a full slate of officers for its inaugural term, led by President Teaira Miller, First Vice President Marquita Miller-Joshua, and Second Vice President Tamara Clark Sykes. Other officers include Recording Secretary Teyana Miller; Treasurer Dr. Tonja Gardner; Financial Secretary Dr. Kiva Gates; Corresponding Secretary Nina Kimbrough-Johnson; Public Relations Officer LaShonda Lee; Social Chairman Dr. Donna Houpe; Historian Yvonne Dorsey; Sergeant at Arms Kim Newton; Member at Large Yolanda Waldon; and Parliamentarian Jamie Davis, Esq.
Chartering and First Meeting
The official chartering ceremony for Pearls of Heartland will take place on September 20, 2025. The chapter will hold its first official meeting in October.. After the chapter is settled and organized, leaders plan to begin welcoming new members and expanding membership through outreach and interest meetings.
Purpose and Mission
Pearls of Heartland will carry forward the national mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha: to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, promote unity and friendship among college women, study and address issues affecting girls and women, maintain a progressive interest in college life, and be of service to all mankind.
A Historic Legacy
Founded in 1908 at Howard University, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® was the first Greek-letter sorority created by African American women. Over the past 116 years, it has grown to more than 1,000 chapters worldwide, impacting education, health, economic empowerment, the arts, and social justice.
The Kansas City area has long been home to several active chapters, including Beta Omega in Kansas City, Mo. (chartered 1920), Mu Omega in Kansas City, Kan. (1924), Xi Tau Omega in Kansas City, Mo. (1983), and Upsilon Rho Omega in Lenexa, Kan. (1997). The chartering of Pearls of Heartland adds to that legacy, extending Alpha Kappa Alpha’s presence north of the river.
“Our roots are growing, and our strands of pearls are multiplying,” said Starling. “This chapter signifies not only growth in numbers but also the deepening of our impact in the communities we serve.”
For more information about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® and its programs of service, visit www.aka1908.com
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