THE IVY VINE
GAMMA THETA OMEGA
THE IVY VINE
A GLANCE INSIDE TIMES
Lead 2gether
Basileus News-pg.1-2
First Anti Basileus News-pg.3-4
Second Anti Basileus News-pg. 5-6
Chapter Officers-pg. 7-9
Strategic Plan-pg. 10
Serve 2gether
MLK Parade & Day of Service-pg. 11
GenNext-pg.12
Miss Teenage Tampa- pg. 13
Build 2gether
Founders’ Day Church Service- pg.14
Founders’ Day Celebration-pg. 15-16
Soror in the Spotlight-pg. 17-22
GAMMA THETA OMEGA
BASILEUS NEWS
Lead 2gether
Dear Sorors,
It is with profound gratitude, purpose, and excitement that I welcome you to the inaugural issue of The Ivy Vine Times. As the newly elected President of the Gamma
Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, I am honored to serve and humbled by the trust you have placed in me.
This newsletter marks the beginning of a new chapter one rooted in sisterhood, strengthened by service, and guided by the rich legacy of excellence our chapter has upheld for generations. My vision for this publication is simple: to keep us informed, inspired, and intentionally connected. Each issue will highlight our collective accomplishments, celebrate the brilliance of our members, and share opportunities for us to continue making an impact in our community. 2gether!
BASILEUS NEWS
Lead 2gether
As we embark on this journey together, I am reminded that our power lies not only in our individual talents but in our unity.
When we uplift one another, when we serve with purpose, and when we lead with love, there is nothing we cannot achieve.
Sorors, we are better 2gether and I thank you for your unwavering commitment to Gamma Theta Omega. I look forward to all we will accomplish in the months ahead — with grace, with excellence, and with the enduring strength of our sisterhood. We will lead 2gether, serve 2gether and build 2gether!
With love and service,
Soror Deidre R. Jones
Basileus, Gamma Theta Omega
FIRST ANTI BASILEUS NEWS
Lead 2gether
The Pulse of the Pearl: Programs in Motion
The Gamma Theta Omega Programs Committee is dedicated to keeping the rhythm of sisterhood by cultivating a culture of impactful service that harmonizes sisterhood and strategy. Our objectives are clear: to strengthen community partnerships and visibility, foster active sister engagement through meaningful service opportunities, ensure programs are sustainable and impactful, and document and celebrate service outcomes to preserve our legacy.
Stay tuned to The Pulse of the Pearl articles in the Ivy Vine Times, where we will continue to spotlight our exceptional programs and the Sorors who bring them to life.
January is off to a strong start! Precious Pearls inducted an exceptional group of young ladies during their Blazer Ceremony on January 18, 2026, marking another meaningful investment in our future leaders.
Gamma Theta Omega also showed a powerful presence in the community at the MLK Parade and MLK Day of Service. A heartfelt thank you to Soror Ty Codner, Soror Vanessa Paige, Soror Anquenetta McKissic, and Soror DeShone Glenn for serving as team captains and leading with excellence.
FIRST ANTI BASILEUS NEWS
Lead 2gether
king ahead, Pink Goes Red will take place on bruary 6, 2026, at James A. Haley Veterans' spital, Michael Bilirakis VA SCI/D Center, ated at 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, 33612. Join us to learn ways to lead a more heartlthy lifestyle while supporting this important iative.
The Ivy Pitch Challenge has officially begun! Mark your calendars for February 21, 2026, to witness the brilliance and innovation of rising entrepreneurs. Additional details will be shared in ConnectHer.
We also look forward to celebrating the 35th Ivy AKAdemy Celebration on February 28, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Police Athletic League, 1924 W. Diana St., Tampa, FL 33604.
As you can see, Sorors, there is a place for each of you in programs. Please don’t just sign up—show up. Attend meetings, participate in events, and help us meet the needs of our community. Together, let us keep the rhythm of service and sisterhood—because we are better together.
SECOND ANTI BASILEUS NEWS
Lead 2gether
Greetings Sorors,
As I reflect on my transition into the role of Second Vice President of the Gamma Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, I am both grateful and energized. The transition proved
seamless, largely due to the intentionality, sisterly care, and leadership demonstrated by my predecessor. Her commitment to preparation, transparency, and collaboration exemplified the essence of Alpha Kappa Alpha and ensured that I stepped into this role with clarity, confidence, and a deep respect for the responsibilities entrusted to me.
Our chapter’s commitment to service and advocacy has remained highly visible throughout the community. Most notably, Gamma Theta Omega proudly demonstrated its community presence through our support of the Tampa Organization of Black Affairs (TOBA), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to political education, economic empowerment, and youth development. By standing alongside TOBA, we reinforced our chapter’s longstanding dedication to informed civic engagement, economic progress, and the cultivation of future leaders, pillars that align squarely with our sorority’s mission.
SECOND ANTI BASILEUS NEWS
Lead 2gether
ollaboration has also been a defining feature of this eason. Partnering with our First Vice President on ur Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service nitiatives was both meaningful and impactful. Our articipation in service projects and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade provided a powerful opportunity for our sorors and youth program participants to honor and celebrate Dr. King’s enduring legacy. The parade was a resounding success, reflecting unity across generations and reaffirming our collective commitment to service, justice, and community uplift. Thank you to all Sorors who contributed on this incredible day.
In sisterhood and in service,
Tycelia Codner, Second Vice President
CHAPTER OFFICERS
Lead 2gether
Lead 2gether
Lead 2gether
2026 STRATEGIC PLAN
Gamma Theta Omega Serve 2gether
GENNEXT COMMITTEE
SECOND ANTI BASILEUS NEWS
Serve 2gether
The Miss Teenage Tampa Pageant is a hallmark elebration of scholarship, leadership, and legacy. In partnership with the Ivy Enrichment Foundation of Tampa Bay, Incorporated, we are elated to present the 2026 Miss Teenage Tampa and Little Miss Rosebud Scholarship Pageant under the theme Crowns, Courage, and Community: 50 Years Strong of Scholarship and Leadership. For five decades, this signature program has transformed lives through scholarship support, leadership development, and cultural enrichment.
As we prepare for this milestone event, we call upon our Sorors to elevate their excitement and actively champion this experience as we launch our promotional efforts, advertising campaigns, and ticket sales. This is a moment for our collective energy to shine; when our enthusiasm becomes contagious and the community is drawn to witness the impact of our work. Guided by the wisdom of our multigenerational Pearls of Wisdom and united in purpose, we look forward to welcoming a sold-out audience, Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Together, we will uplift our youth, honor our legacy, and demonstrate Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated’s commitment to service, sisterhood, and scholarship in action. Save the date!
In sisterhood and in service,
Tycelia Codner, Second Vice President
Gamma Theta Omega Chapter
Founders’ Day church service was held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Beulah Baptist Institutional Church.
Gamma Theta Omega
Golden & Pearl Sorors
2026 FOUNDERS’ DAY
BUILD 2GETHER ACCOLADES & SOROR
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
17th South Atlantic Regional Director Marsha Lewis Brown
Bestowed with Legacy Bench
Ceremony
GammaThetaOmegaSororsmadethejourneytoTallahasseetocelebrateourbelovedSoror MarshaLewisBrown.Despitethebrisktwenty‑degreewinterchill,webroughtwarmthand joytoFloridaStateUniversityforthehistoricLegacyBenchCeremonyhonoringour17th SouthAtlanticRegionalDirector.
SororMarshahasconsistentlyguidedboththechapterandtheregionwithinnovative, meaningfulprogramsthatstrengthenedandupliftedthecommunity.Fromherearlydaysat FloridaStateUniversity,throughherdistinguishedserviceasRegionalDirector,andmost recentlywithherexceptionalleadershipofourFiveStar85thAnniversaryCelebration,Soror Marsharemainsashiningexampleofrelevance,dedication,andunwaveringcommitmentto thework.
BUILD 2GETHER
17th South Atlantic Regional Director
Marsha Lewis Brown
Bestowed with Legacy Bench Ceremony
BUILD 2GETHER JANUARY
2026
SOROR OF THE MONTH
Soror Melissa Flowers
BUILD 2GETHER ACCOLADES & SOROR
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
BUILD 2GETHER ACCOLADES &
SOROR IN THE SPOTLIGHT
TOBA BREAKFAST
THE IVY VINE TIMES
