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Phi Nu Omega Chapter

Chartered January 29, 2000

The Pearl Gazette

2025

Executive Committee

Kirstin Riddick President

Pauline Smith Vice-President

Essence Mitchell Secretary

Kim Kendrick Vice-Secretary

Marva Scott Treasurer

Dawn Marcelle Financial Secretary

Yemisi Olusada Hostess

Vikki Pretlow Ivy Leaf Reporter

Karen Miller Parliamentarian

Danielle Bridgeforth Chaplain

Grace Mukupa Correspondence Secretary

Daria Finley Member-At-Large

**Past Basilei**

Sharon Worthy

Kimberly Armstrong

Michelle Pretlow Thomas

Lona Gordon

Kimberly Walker

Yvonne Jones

Theresta Lanier

Growth and Renewal

"Letusnotgrowwearyofdoinggood,forindueseasonwewillreap,ifwe donotgiveup."

(Galatians 6:9)

As Spring arrives, with it comes growth — a shift from the fresh beginnings of a new year to a time of nurturing, tending, and quiet progress. Just as nature moves from dormancy to vibrant growth in the spring, so too can your faith deepen and mature during this season. This is a time to recommit to the work God is doing in your life — not through rushing, but through steady cultivation and trust. Spiritually, this is a time to tend the soil of our hearts pulling out weeds of distraction and nurturing what God has planted.

 April reminds us of resurrection hope, as it often aligns with Easter. It serves as a powerful reminder that God brings life out of death and hope out of despair.

 May brings new opportunities to blossom, even if unnoticeable, at first Growth often happens in the unseen places in quiet disciplines, or in ordinary routines. God is working even when you don’t see immediate results. Your job is to remain faithful.

 June calls us to deeper consistency and perseverance. As summer approaches, we begin to anticipate fruit. In your spiritual life, this season is an invitation to remain connected to your purpose.

Encouragement:

Don’t underestimate what God can do through small, faithful steps. You are being shaped, transformed, and prepared even when you feel unseen or unremarkable. The second quarter is not about flashy breakthroughs but slow, steady progress. Growth doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient with yourself Keep watering your soul with truth, keep showing up to God, and trust the harvest is coming. God is cultivating something good in you.

Mid-Atlantic Region Prayer Calls

Every Tuesday at 7:00 am

April

Reunited!

Soror Kim ran into her linesister, who she had not seen in over 10 years, at the Great Lakes Regional Conference. Those smiles speak volumes!

A Golden Experience

Soror Kim and her sister Jerri celebrated their sister, former (28th) Great Lakes Regional Director, Soror Toni, as she turned Golden. Our current MidAtlantic Regional Director, Soror Nadine, joined in on the festivities.

May

Mental Health Awareness Month: Finding Hope in the Healing

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to highlight the importance of mental well-being, reduce stigma, and encourage open conversations about emotional health. In a world that often rewards productivity over peace and silence over honesty, this month invites us to pause and ask: “How am I really doing?”

Mental health is not just the absence of illness—it is the presence of wholeness. It involves our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, impacting how we think, feel, relate, and navigate life’s challenges. Like our physical health, it needs attention, care, and sometimes healing.

Many people struggle silently, believing that asking for help is a sign of weakness. But the truth is that seeking support is a courageous step toward wellness. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, or simply feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone—and your story matters.

Here are some simple, accessible ways to promote your own emotional well-being:

1. Practice daily self-check-ins. Take a few quiet moments each day to ask yourself how you’re really feeling—physically, emotionally, and mentally.

2. Maintain regular routines. Structure helps regulate mood and motivation. Aim for consistent sleep, meals, movement, and work/life balance.

3. Nourish your body. Eat well, stay hydrated, and get regular physical activity. A healthy body supports a healthy mind.

4. Stay connected. Talk to someone you trust. Isolation increases stress and anxiety, while connection fosters hope and healing.

5. Limit screen time and social media. Take breaks from digital noise to protect your mental clarity and peace of mind.

This month reminds us of a few key truths:

- It’s okay to not be okay.

6. Seek professional support. Therapy is for everyone—not just for crises. A counselor can help you process, grow, and navigate life in healthy ways.

7. Practice mindfulness or prayer. Deep breathing, journaling, meditation, and spiritual reflection can calm your mind and center your soul.

8. Do something life-giving. Read a book, take a walk, listen to music, garden, paint—whatever helps you feel grounded and joyful.

9. Set boundaries. Protect your time and energy. Learn to say no and prioritize rest.

10. Show yourself compassion. Speak to yourself with kindness, not criticism. You are doing better than you think.

- You are not your diagnosis, your past, or your struggle. - Healing is possible—with time, support, and grace.- Reaching out is a sign of strength, not shame.

We can all play a role in creating a culture of compassion. Start by checking in on yourself. Then check in on a friend, family member, or coworker. Offer empathy, not answers. Listen without judgment. Encourage counseling, community, and connection.

As we honor Mental Health Awareness Month, may we all be reminded: you are not alone. You are not broken. And your mental wellness matters.

Resources:

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider reaching out to a trusted counselor, pastor, or support group. You can also contact:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): nami.org

National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7): Dial or text 988

Local therapists or faith-based counseling centers in your area

June

The First Juneteenth On June 19, 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln emancipated enslaved Africans in America, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas with news of freedom. More than 250,000 African Americans embraced freedom by executive decree in what became known as Juneteenth or Freedom Day. With the principles of selfdetermination, citizenship, and democracy magnifying their hopes and dreams, those Texans held fast to the promise of true liberty for all.

Click here to visit the National Museum of African American History & Culture for more fnformation.

Black Dollar Days

Alpha Kappa Alpha

Sorority, Incorporated® is committed to supporting inviting all of our Sisters to “Wear Pink, Spend Green, and Buy Black,” to collectively support Black and minority-owned businesses.

Click here to access the MidAtlantic Region Pink Pages Black Business Directory

Soror Nailah Ellis Timberlake

A Tribute to our Ivy Beyond the Wall

Our dear Soror Nailah departed this life on May 13, 2025, after fighting a courageous health battle. She lived a dynamic life, and has left a lasting impact on all who were fortunate enough to meet her.

Soror Nailah was a proud graduate of Spelman College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English in 2004. While at Spelman, she distinguished herself as a student leader and changemaker by serving as the Press and Publicity Chair for the Southeast Region Student Executive Board of the NAACP, President of the English Club, Vice President of the NAACP, Vice President of UNCF/PAC, Features Editor and Writer for the Spelman Spotlight, and a graduate of the Women of Excellence Leadership Series. Following her time at Spelman, Soror Nailah earned a Master of Science in Sports Management from Columbia University. She also earned an Executive Certification in Sports Philanthropy from George Washington University and a Certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University.

Soror Nailah’s career began in television journalism, where she spent nearly a decade producing and covering high-profile stories at ABC News and CNN — work that earned her multiple Emmy nominations. She later transitioned into sports media, serving as the Publicist for New York State’s thoroughbred horse racetracks, including Aqueduct, Belmont, and Saratoga Springs.

Her visionary leadership was solidified as the first-ever Director of USA Swimming Productions, where she oversaw the development of original content across digital, social, and print platforms. She also produced live coverage for national and international competitions, playing a key role in shaping the media voice of the Olympic movement.

Soror Nailah was also the founder of Timberlake Enterprises, where she was serving as Media Consultant. Through her firm, she crafted and implemented creative strategies to help companies elevate their presence and deepen their impact across media platforms.

Beyond her professional achievements, Soror Nailah had a heart for service. To broaden the impact of her service, she joined our illustrious sisterhood. Soror Nailah was initiated through the Zeta Nu Omega Chapter on December 10, 2010, and later transferred into Phi Nu Omega Chapter. While a member of Phi Nu Omega, Soror Nailah actively participated by serving as a delegate at the 71st Boule in Dallas, TX, a member of the Leadership Development Committee, and a member of the Program Committee. Outside of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she held leadership roles on the National Boards of the Play Like A Girl organization, the YMCA, and the Junior League — all organizations that reflect her commitment to youth empowerment, health, and community development.

Soror Nailah was a model of purposeful leadership where brilliance met boldness, and service met strategy. She broke barriers, uplifted others, and led with clarity, confidence, and compassion.

Soror Nailah’s life reflected an unwavering commitment to excellence, empowerment, and innovation. We celebrate her journey. We honor her voice. We appreciate her for the legacy she built.