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Winter 2025 Pearl Gazette

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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

Sharon Worthy

Kimberly Armstrong

Michelle Pretlow Thomas

Lona Gordon

Kimberly Walker

Yvonne Jones

Theresta Lanier

Beloved Phi Nu Omega Sorors,

Greetings

This month, we stand together in joyous celebration of a legacy that has shaped generations. On this Founders' Day, we honor the trailblazing women who, in 1908, had the vision and courage to create Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®— the first Black Greek-letter sorority for women. Their commitment to sisterhood, scholarship, and service has inspired us for 117 years and counting.

This year’s celebration is especially significant for us in Phi Nu Omega Chapter as we mark 25 years since our chapter was chartered. For a quarter century, we have carried forward the vision of our founders through impactful service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our community. Let us take pride in all that we have achieved together and the countless lives we have touched.

Let us reflect on the timeless values our sisterhood embodies—love, strength, unity, and service. Through our collective efforts, we continue to make a difference, guided by the principles our founders laid before us.

As we celebrate, let us also renew our dedication to the ideals of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Whether through mentoring, volunteering, or fostering connections among our sorors, we can always do more to spar, uplifting one another and our local community.

Let us commemorate our history, celebrate our sisterhood, and chart a path for continued success. As always, thank you for being part of this amazing sisterhood and extraordinary journey. I am especially humbled and pleased that you are a part of us.

Sisterly yours, Kirstin

God’s Steadfast Hand

“ TheLordhimselfgoes beforeyou andwillbewithyou;hewillnever leave you nor forsakeyou.Donotbeafraid;donotbediscouraged."

(Deuteronomy 31:8)

As we enter a new year, it is easy to begin January with zeal—fresh resolutions, new dreams, and hopeful prayers. But by the time the first quarter ends, many of us have already faced unexpected challenges. Plans may not have unfolded the way we imagined. Momentum may have slowed. Some victories have lifted our spirits; some losses may have tested our faith.

That’s why it’s important to pause and reflect: Where have I seen God’s hand in the first quarter of the year?

 In January, we're reminded of beginnings: His mercy is new each morning, and His grace gave us a fresh page to write upon.

 In February, He showed us love: through His Word, His people, and His Spirit, we remembered that we are deeply cherished.

 In March, He strengthened us in the waiting: teaching us that growth often happens beneath the surface before it blooms in spring.

As we close the first quarter, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness. What He has already carried us through is proof of what He will continue to do. Just as the seasons shift from winter to spring, He is working in us a new thing—even when we cannot yet see the fullness of it.

Encouragement:

Step into this new season with expectancy. Let go of discouragement, knowing that God does not measure your year by perfect resolutions kept, but by His ongoing work in your heart. The story is still being written, and His plans are good.

Rosie Riveters at Ft. Belvoir

March

PhiNuOmegaChaptermembershadtheir"bootson theground"inRVAforthe72ndMARC.TheDPG HospitalityLoungewasaglowingsuccess!OurDPG Sororsenjoyedlinedancing,snacks,conversations, hugs,andreconnecting.Waytogo,PNO!

March

Sorors Dawn and Kim posing with NARC Regional Director, Elicia Pegues-Spearman during MARC.

Winter Celebrations

Yemisi Olusada - January 22nd

Danielle Bridgeforth - February 14th

Nkenge Friday - February 18th

Kathy Philyaw - March 6th

Vikki Pretlow - March 23rd

Danielle Bridgeforth - March 1996

Jatrice Martel Gaiter - March 4, 1974

Nefertiti Hunter Holbeck - March 7, 2004

Grace Mukupa - March 4, 2001

Yemisi Olusada - March 2008

Pauline Smith - March 7, 1999

Roiketa Strand-Giles - March 26, 2000

On a Search for our Founders

In honor of Founders' Day, take a brief pause and have some fun searching for our Founders and Incorporators. First names only.

ETHEL Hedgemon Lyle

ANNA Easter Brown

BEULAH Elizabeth Burke

LILLIE E. Burke

MARJORIE Hill

MARGARET Flagg Holmes

LAVINIA Norman

LUCY Diggs Slowe

MARIE Woolfolk Taylor

JOANNA Berry Shields

NORMA Elizabeth Boyd

ETHEL Jones Mowbray

SARAH Meriwether Nutter

ALICE Porter Murray

CARRIE E. Snowden

HARRIET Josephine Terry

NELLIE May Quander

MINNIE Beatrice Smith

JULIA Evangeline Brooks

NELLIE Pratt

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