Our Newest Members

The legacy continues

On March 11, 2022, the Epsilon Xi Omega (EXO) Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated invited a privileged group of women to attend an interest meeting and learn more about the 73-year-old local San Diego Chapter of the illustrious international organization -- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Two months later, after completing a comprehensive and informative Membership Intake Process (MIP), 27 were initiated into the beloved sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and EXO.

During a beautiful Sunday afternoon ceremony at the Embassy Suites La Jolla, candidate sponsors, co-sponsors, and sorority sisters, gathered as Epsilon Xi Omega led by Chapter President Dianne Joiner -- warmly welcomed the initiates into the 114-year-old sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. “One of the most valuable takeaways from the Membership Intake Process was that ‘We Help Each Other,’” said Initiate Dorinda Francois.

Putting words to action, within the first weeks of the MIP, life circumstances put these women to the test of sisterly love when one of the co-initiates suffered a personal tragedy. “My sisters surrounded me with support, genuine concern, and love…this only intensified as the weeks went on and events unfolded. It was truly an instant bond that, as an only child, I had never experienced and only longed for…I found sisterly love in each of them,” said Initiate Lesley Nurse.

Always at the ready to serve, the newest members of Epsilon Xi Omega represent a variety of generations, professions, and backgrounds that include retired and active-duty military officers; educators; healthcare, pharmaceutical and technology professionals; journalists; a commercial real-estate broker; and a museum curator. 

Although the Membership Intake Process allowed this group of 27 complete strangers to quickly build sisterly connections, the initiates have vowed to continue strengthening their bonds while also forging life-long relationships with the other outstanding women of Epsilon Xi Omega and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. “I would best describe it as a beautiful journey…this united vision that forever connects us as sisters to one another and to the sorority,” said Initiate Camille Bethune-Brown.

EXO initiates who will forever remember Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 12:08 pm as a life-changing moment include:

Camille Bethune-Brown Natay Holmes Alicia Prather

Nikole Carter-Curtis Jamaela Johnson Shanaya Sayles

Chandra Clady Malaiya Knight Charissa Smith

Brenda Edgerton-Webster Renunda Lee Monica Tate

Dorinda Francois Andrea Long Brandi Turner

Katelyn Griffith Lesley Nurse Joquel Vasquez

Shaunte Griffith-Jackson Kaila Oliver Teresa Velazquez

Lashala Hall Serena Pendleton Soleil Wallen-Balmir

Brittiani Hicks Tianka Pharaoh Tara Welborne