On Dec. 14, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter, in partnership with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Beta Psi Lambda Chapter, hosted “Iconic Girls in House: That includes NASA Astronaut Dr. Jeanette Epps.”
Held on the Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter Sorority Home, the occasion related college students, ages 11 to18, with the transformative energy of STEAM schooling and mentorship.
Dr. Epps, a NASA astronaut and AKA member, delivered the keynote tackle drawing from her historic 235-day mission aboard the Worldwide House Station (ISS) as a SpaceX Crew-8 Mission Specialist.
The occasion additionally highlighted the chapters’ youth initiatives. AKA’s Youth Management Institute (YLI) is a extremely interactive management growth program designed to empower and interact center college college students from ages 11 to13. APA’s Alpha Esquires program mentors center and highschool boys specializing in management growth, tutorial excellence, and STEAM schooling.
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College students from the broader group additionally participated on this alternative to have interaction with a trailblazer in house exploration. The applications created a continuum of mentorship and help, making ready college students to sort out challenges and seize alternatives.
“This occasion was greater than a program—it was a motion to ignite the potential in our youth, exhibiting them that the celebrities should not the restrict; they’re only the start,” mentioned Katrina Carter-Journet, occasion organizer and YLI co-chair.
“Collaboration was the cornerstone of this occasion’s success,” mentioned Chapter Basileus Cheryl Mason.
“Partnering with Beta Psi Lambda Chapter and their Alpha Esquires program expanded our attain and influence.”
Dr. Epps exemplified the essence of perseverance, braveness, and brilliance. As a NASA astronaut chosen in 2009, she accomplished rigorous coaching in Worldwide House Station techniques, spacewalks, and robotics.
Throughout her 235-day mission aboard the ISS, she performed groundbreaking analysis in stem cell modeling and studied the consequences of spaceflight on human immunity. As one of many few African American girls to realize such milestones, Dr. Epps paved the best way for underrepresented teams in house exploration.
“Dr. Epps’ journey was a testomony to resilience and inspiration. Her presence, steerage, and insights helped college students envision their place in house exploration and the broader universe of prospects,” mentioned Carter-Journet.
The occasion mirrored the dedication and imaginative and prescient of committee members from each chapters. Along with Mason and Carter-Journet, AKA Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter committee members included Tajarah Nicholson, YLI chair; Tracey Booker, Empower Our Households Committee chair; Angelle Brooks and Shirl Chambers, decorations coordinators; and Robbie Danzie, YLI mentor/coach.
APA Beta Psi Lambda Chapter committee members consisted of Landell Collins, chapter president; Jarell Richmond, Alpha Esquires chair; and De Shon Andrews, Alpha Esquires mentor.
“This occasion was the end result of every part I worth: illustration, mentorship, and the assumption that our youth can obtain extraordinary issues when given the instruments and inspiration to succeed,” mentioned Carter-Journet.
“It was a second I’ll cherish and one which left a long-lasting legacy in our group.”
Chartered in 1927, AKA Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter has maintained a long-standing dedication to uplifting the group and advancing the group’s mission. With membership spanning generations, the chapter embraces addressing points similar to psychological well being, schooling, financial empowerment, and youth mentorship.
“Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter embodies imaginative and prescient and motion,” Mason mentioned.
“This occasion mirrored who we’re—dedicated to empowering our youth, uplifting our group, and honoring our sisterhood. Collectively, we soared to larger heights of service and created a legacy that conjures up generations to return.”
She continued, “Seeing this occasion unfold has been one of the vital fulfilling moments of my tenure as Basileus of Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter. This chapter has all the time embodied the ideas of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Included® — sisterhood and repair to all mankind — and this occasion was a shining instance of these values in motion,” famous Mason.
What made me most proud was how this occasion began as a visionary concept introduced forth by member Katrina Carter-Journet earlier this 12 months. To see her ardour for aerospace and galvanizing the subsequent era by STEAM schooling culminate in such a strong program was really particular.”
