Chapter History

On December 23, 1923, twenty women chartered Xi Omega as the first Alpha Kappa Alpha graduate chapter in Washington, D.C. Most were educators in the District of Columbia who shared a common commitment to service and scholarship.

Xi Omega’s commitment to education has been a vital part of our programs of service through partnerships with area schools, college fairs at Xi Omega Center, and math and science summer camps to foster academic achievement. Our nonprofit Pearl and Ivy Educational Foundation, in association with Xi Omega Chapter, has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships for college-bound students since its inception 35 years ago. Our service legacy has also impacted healthcare, economics, youth leadership, and community activism to include voter registration drives, civic forums and transporting voters to the polls.

Over the life of the Chapter, Xi Omega members have targeted health disparities in the African American community with specific programs for children, families and seniors. Through health fairs, wellness screenings and informational workshops, the chapter has highlighted resources for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, breast cancer, lupus, kidney disease and mental illness. Our longest-running programs of service, Monday Activities, focuses on senior health, wellness and vitality.

Notably, Xi Omega Chapter’s membership has included Alpha Kappa Alpha luminaries:

Norma Elizabeth Boyd

Founder

Norma Elizabeth Boyd

Founder

Initiated in 1908 at Alpha Chapter, Howard University, Norma E. Boyd is one of the original 16 Founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. As a charter member of Xi Omega Chapter in 1923, Boyd brought her pioneering spirit to Washington, D.C. She served as the 1st North Atlantic Regional Director (1926–1929), establishing the foundation for regional governance. Nationally, she was instrumental in organizing youth and community programs, including the Non-Partisan Council, one of the first African American lobbying organizations in the U.S.

Carrie E. Snowden

Founder

Carrie E. Snowden

Founder

Initiated in 1908 at Alpha Chapter, Howard University, Carrie E. Snowden was one of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s original charter members and Founder of Xi Omega Chapter. Snowden resided in Washington, D.C., where she remained actively involved with the Sorority and supported Xi Omega Chapter initiatives throughout her lifetime. Professionally, she worked at Howard University for over 35 years, embodying the Sorority’s values of scholarship and service.

Nellie May Quander

Incorporator

Nellie May Quander

Incorporator

Initiated at Alpha Chapter, Howard University in 1910, Nellie Quander led the incorporation of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® in 1913, safeguarding its legal status and ensuring its continued growth. A member of Xi Omega Chapter since its chartering in 1923, Quander was a fierce advocate for higher education and public service, working as an educator and administrator in Washington, D.C. Her leadership secured the Sorority’s foundation for more than a century of impact.

B. Beatrix Scott

International President

B. Beatrix Scott

International President

Initiated at Beta Chapter, Wilberforce University, B. Beatrix Scott later became a dedicated member of Xi Omega Chapter. Serving as the 14th International President (1953–1958), Scott led Alpha Kappa Alpha through international expansion and strengthened its financial infrastructure. Under her leadership, the Sorority broadened its global partnerships and elevated its educational and scholarship programming.

Dorothy Boulding Ferebee

International President

Dorothy Boulding Ferebee

International President

Initiated at Xi Omega Chapter, Dorothy Boulding Ferebee served as the 10th International President (1939–1941). A renowned obstetrician and public health advocate, Ferebee was instrumental in launching national health initiatives, including the Mississippi Health Project, which provided critical care to underserved Black communities in the South. Her work continues to represent one of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s most significant national service contributions.

Marjorie Holloman Parker, PHD

International President

Marjorie Holloman Parker, PHD

International President

Initiated at Xi Omega Chapter, Dorothy Boulding Ferebee served as the 10th International President (1939-1941). A renowned obstetrician and public health advocate, Ferebee was instrumental in launching national health initiatives, including the Mississippi Health Project, which provided critical care to underserved Black communities in the South. Her work continues to represent one of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s most significant national service contributions.

Nan Arrington Peete

International 2nd Vice President

Nan Arrington Peete

International 2nd Vice President

Initiated at Xi Chapter, Wilberforce University, Nan Arrington Peete rose to serve as International Second Vice President (1974–1978) representing the undergraduate voice. Later affiliated with Xi Omega Chapter, Peete was a vibrant leader during the Sorority’s expansion of undergraduate programming and leadership development for collegiate members, paving the way for generations of student leaders.

Julia Evangeline Brooks

International Treasurer

Julia Evangeline Brooks

International Treasurer

Initiated at Alpha Chapter, Howard University, Julia E. Brooks was one of Xi Omega Chapter’s earliest leaders. Serving as International Treasurer (1923–1948) for 25 years, she built the Sorority’s first national financial structure. As Dean of Women at Howard University, Brooks mentored countless young women and represented Alpha Kappa Alpha’s unwavering commitment to education and fiscal integrity.

Esther Garland Pollard

International Treasurer

Esther Garland Pollard

International Treasurer

Initiated at Xi Omega Chapter, Esther Garland Pollard served as International Treasurer (1948–1953) and as the 5th North Atlantic Regional Director (1940–1942). She provided crucial financial oversight during the Sorority’s wartime years and strengthened chapter reporting protocols that remain part of AKA’s national standards today.

Ruth Weatherless Cook

International Recording Secretary

Ruth Weatherless Cook

International Recording Secretary

Initiated at Xi Omega Chapter, Ruth Weatherless Cook served as International Recording Secretary 1936–1939), ensuring the preservation of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s national records during significant periods of expansion and administrative growth. Her precise recordkeeping helped secure important historical documentation for the Sorority’s archives.

Sadie D. St. Clair

North Atlantic Regional Director

Sadie D. St. Clair

North Atlantic Regional Director

Initiated at Xi Omega Chapter, Sadie D. St. Clair served as the 2nd North Atlantic Regional Director (1929–1931) and later as International Recording Secretary (1946–1950). Her leadership contributed to strengthening the Sorority’s organizational structure during its critical early growth years.

Teresa C. Alexander

International Corresponding Secretary

Teresa C. Alexander

International Corresponding Secretary

Initiated at Xi Omega Chapter, Teresa C. Alexander served as International Corresponding Secretary (1942–1946) maintaining consistent communication and organizational unity across the growing number of chapters during the war years and ensuring AKA’s mission was carried forward despite national challenges.

Jessie Hailstock Roy

Ivy Leaf Magazine Editor-in-Chief

Jessie Hailstock Roy

Ivy Leaf Magazine Editor-in-Chief

Initiated at Xi Omega Chapter, Jessie Hailstock Roy served as Editor-in-Chief of The Ivy Leaf (1948–1953), preserving the Sorority’s narrative and documenting chapter histories and member achievements during a period of national expansion. Her editorial stewardship remains a cornerstone of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s historical record.

Phone:+1 (859) 254-6589
Email:info@example.com

Sophie Edlin Fowler

North Atlantic Regional Director

C. Edith Booker

North Atlantic Regional Director

C. Edith Booker

North Atlantic Regional Director

Initiated at Xi Omega Chapter, C. Edith Booker served as the 11th North Atlantic Regional Director (1970–1974) during a period of profound growth in higher education access and Black women’s leadership development. She led the region through its social justice expansion and was deeply involved in youth and scholarship programs.