In February 2001, four dynamic general members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®

Sorors Barbara Thomas, Revertha Grace, Veronica Phillips, and Mildred
Hightower—recognized a unique opportunity to expand the Sorority’s reach and serve the
residents of North Broward County. Fueled by a shared vision, they began organizing, planning,
and laying the foundation for what would become the Chi Psi Omega Chapter.
 

Later that year, during the Cluster I Conference in Miami, FL, the group met with then–South
Atlantic Regional Director Sonja Garcia to present their case for chartering a fourth Broward
County chapter. Although their request was not approved at the time, these determined women
remained committed to the mission of service. They continued to meet monthly and actively
served the community by distributing backpacks, assembling Thanksgiving food baskets,
organizing Brain Bowl competitions, judging science fairs, donating toys to families, and
conducting voter registration drives. They also supported the service initiatives of the existing
three Broward County chapters.
 

Three years later, during the 2004 Cluster I Conference in West Palm Beach, the group seized
another opportunity to bring their vision to life. They met with the 15th South Atlantic Regional
Director, Irene Westbrooks McCollom, to revisit the idea of chartering a new chapter. Their
persistence paid off—in March 2005, the Directorate granted approval. That same year, the
general members officially formed an interest group named “Pearls of Distinction.”
 

On June 12, 2005, after nearly four years of unwavering dedication, Chi Psi Omega Chapter
was officially chartered in Coral Springs, Florida, by Regional Director Irene Westbrooks
McCollom. The thirty-four charter members were:
 

Margarita Alamo, Andrea Bailey-Dowling, Gloria Battle, Ernestine Bobb, Arnetta Davis, Cheryl
Fields, Sonya Fields, Aletha Foxworth*, Revertha Grace, Michelle Green, Daise Greenland,
Mildred Hightower, Sydney Hodge*, Darlene Hudson, Karena Ivey, Genita Jackson*, Sharon
Jordan, Emma Kurtz, Ann Burnett, Gwendolyn Lewis, Debra McCray, Bettye McDonald*, Mary
McDuffie, Gloria Myrick, Josetta Patterson, Veronica Phillips, Vonetta Rachels William,
JoAnnethier Ritter, Yulanda C. Smith, Betty Somerset, Leona Sturrup, Barbara Thomas, Taffie
Turner, and Anita Washington.
 

(*Denotes Ivy Beyond the Wall)
 

Dr. Barbara J. Thomas was elected the chapter’s first Basileus. Since its chartering, Chi Psi
Omega has been led by seven dedicated Basilei:
 

Dr. Barbara Thomas, Revertha Grace, Andrea Bailey-Dowling, Veronica Phillips, Venetta
McCullough, Joel McCray, and currently serving, Tracy Roach.
 

The chapter proudly serves the cities of Coral Springs, Tamarac, Margate, North Lauderdale,
Coconut Creek, and Parkland.

 

Service in Action
 

Chi Psi Omega continues to fulfill the Sorority’s mission through impactful programs and
partnerships, both independently and alongside its nonprofit arm, the A Plus Foundation, Inc.
Signature events and service initiatives include:

• Courageous Conversations

• Adopt-A-Street Clean-Up

• Pedal in Pink – a breast cancer awareness bike ride

• Partnerships with Relay for Life, American Cancer Society, City of Tamarac MLK Day,

• Sistrunk Parade & Festival, Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and the Step Out Walk to Stop

• Diabetes

• Collaborations with the Beauty Initiative to provide feminine hygiene products and

• laundry supplies to underserved women and families

• Annual Back-to-School Fair and participation in Fort Lauderdale’s Light Up Sistrunk Holiday Event

 

Fundraising & Scholarships
 

To support educational advancement, the chapter hosts several signature fundraising events,
including:

• Fifty Shades of Pink

• Sekure the Bag/Trip (virtual fundraiser)

• Karaoke & Brunch Day Party

• Running for the Innovative Visionary Youth (I.V.Y.) 5K Run/Walk

 

These efforts have provided scholarships to numerous deserving, college-bound high school
seniors.

 

Recognition & Awards
 

Chi Psi Omega has been honored with numerous accolades, including:

• 1st Place – Carolyn G. Randolph AKA Connection Award

• 1st Place – Women’s Health and Wellness

• Sustainable Standards of Operational Excellence Award

• Level One Standards Evaluation – 2021, 2022, 2023

• Platinum EAF Status – maintained for the past 10 years

• Best of the Best Reactivation Recognition

• Runner-up, Ella Springs Jones Soror of the Region Award – Soror Tracy Roach

• SOAR Award Winner – 72nd South Atlantic Regional Conference

 

Leadership & Representation
 

Chi Psi Omega members actively serve on numerous regional and international committees,
including:

• Time and Place Committee

• Standards Committee

• Regional Gathering Committee

• International Investigative Team

• Boule Tellers’ Committee

• International HBCU Task Force

 

Chi Psi Omega Chapter stands as a beacon of sisterhood, service, and excellence, rooted in a
legacy of determination, perseverance, and impact.