History of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated
The oldest Greek lettered sorority created by college educated African - American women

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated is the oldest Greek lettered sorority created by college educated African - American women. It was founded on the campus of Howard University on January 15, 1908. The sorority's sixteen Founders created the organization to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women, and most important of all, to serve all mankind.

Under the leadership of Ethel Hedgeman, a group of nine Howard students started our sisterhood. They were Lavinia Norman, Margaret Flagg, Lucy Slowe, Marie Wolfolk, Beulah Burke, Lillie Burke, Anna Easter Brown, Marjorie Hill. Seven sophomores were asked to join later in 1908 to ensure the continuity of the sorority. They were Joanna Berry, Norma Boyd, Ethel Jones, Sara Merriweather, Alice Murray, Carrie Snowden and Harriet Terry. These sixteen women are known as the Founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Four years later on January 29, 1913, Nellie Quander ensured that Alpha Kappa Alpha would exist forever by incorporating our sisterhood. The incorporators are: Norma Boyd, Julia Brooks, Ethel Jones Mowbray, Nellie Quander, Nellie Pratt Russell and Minnie Smith.

Over one hundred years later, the sorority is still serving the world community by merit and by culture.

History of Lambda Phi Omega Chapter

Lambda Phi Omega Chapter, chartered March 18, 1978, is one of two graduate chapters in Cleveland, Ohio. The 71 charter members made a heartfelt commitment to forge a sisterhood that would make a significant difference in the community. The first Chapter President was Geneva B. Maiden. Today, we proudly celebrate that legacy of community involvement.

Since its inception, Lambda Phi Omega Chapter has been unwavering in its dedication to service and has initiated many programs and projects, which have left a lasting impact on the community. Internationally, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., focuses on five major areas: Education, The Black Family, Health, Economics and The Arts.

Mission

In 2003, Lambda Phi Omega Chapter completed a three-year strategic plan. Our mission statement, which is directly aligned with the purpose of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Inc., proves how dedicated the chapter is in its desire to keep alive the dream upon which this Sorority was founded - service to all mankind. The mission of Lambda Phi Omega Chapter is:

- To foster an environment which enables its members to serve the community;

- To support the professional and social growth of women who possess high ethical standards; and,

- To promote friendship, unity, Sisterhood and mentoring among a network of college-educated women.

Vision/ Aspirational Statement

Lambda Phi Omega Chapter is the premier unique sisterhood of distinguished professional women united to serve humankind.

We are unwavering in our dedication to fostering high standards in all of our endeavors, unsurpassed in our implementation of programs and projects, which have a sustainable impact on our community members. Each Soror is zealous in her commitment to uphold the ideals and principles of the organization.

We capitalize upon every opportunity to enhance Lambda Phi Omega Chapter so that it is always in a mode of continuous improvement and remains a dynamic organization.

Guiding Principles

Lambda Phi Omega Chapter's success is based on ten guiding principles:

- Teamwork

- Integrity and Respect

- Diversity

- Personal Accountability

- Continuous Improvement

- Full Engagement

- Short-term and long-term planning

- Economic Empowerment

- Scholastic Excellence

- Leadership