ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA CHARTERS A NEW CHAPTER TO SERVE NORTHAMPTON AND LEHIGH COUNTIES & EXPAND THE SORORITY’S POSITIVE IMPACT IN PENNSYLVANIA COMMUNITIES
Bethlehem, PA – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® (AKA) North Atlantic Regional Director Elicia Pegues Spearman, Esq. is pleased to announce the chartering of the North Atlantic Region’s newest chapter, Alpha Gamma Phi Omega, on April 9, 2025, at Wind Creek Bethlehem.
This momentous chartering marks the transition of the “Pearls of Steel Interest Group” into a full-fledged AKA chapter committed to the sorority’s mission of service to all mankind. An Alpha Kappa Alpha process enables its members to create interest groups as a pathway to chartering new chapters to carry out the sorority’s community work.
The Pearls of Steel have exemplified the ideals of Alpha Kappa Alpha through consistent, purpose-driven service across Northampton and Lehigh Counties. Interest group members organized impactful programs aligned with the sorority’s international initiatives, including hosting a Youth Leadership Institute at Nitschmann Middle School, advocating for social justice by holding registration drives, supporting mental health awareness efforts by hosting suicide prevention workshops, and enhancing the local environment through beautification projects and sustainability efforts through the Nature-Nurture Center.
“I am proud of the Pearls of Steel and their wide-ranging service programs,” said Regional Director Spearman. “It has been my pleasure to oversee and guide their journey to join the 155 chapters of the North Atlantic Region who make a positive impact in their communities on a daily basis.”
Now chartered as Alpha Gamma Phi Omega, the chapter is poised to elevate its foundational work by forging deeper community partnerships with local schools, nonprofit organizations, and civic leaders. The chapter will continue to promote educational excellence, economic empowerment, and holistic wellness, while upholding the legacy of service, scholarship, and sisterhood that has defined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. since its founding in 1908.
“The journey from interest group to chapter has been one of love, labor, and legacy,” said Dr. Melenese Sivells, President of Alpha Gamma Phi Omega. “We are honored to serve our communities with renewed strength and purpose. As a newly chartered chapter, we are committed to being a catalyst for positive change across Northampton and Lehigh Counties.”
For more information about Alpha Gamma Phi Omega Chapter, or to inquire about community partnerships, please contact agphio.aka@gmail.com.
About Alpha Kappa Alpha and the North Atlantic Region:
The North Atlantic Region is the birthplace of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ®, an international service organization founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women and is comprised of more than 365,000 initiated members in graduate and undergraduate chapters in 11 countries. The North Atlantic Region spans Eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Maryland, New Jersey, Eastern New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.
Information provided to TVL by:
Dr. Alexandra B. Smith
