In the spring of 1991, Sorors Alma Ivey Clarke, Cheryl W. Grimes, Lynnette M. Heard, and D. Jean Worth met to discuss strategies necessary to reclaim and retain members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and to advance the mission of the sorority which is to “serve all mankind.” This discussion led the group to explore the possibility of establishing an additional chapter in the Miami Valley.

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Of the four members who met, Soror Alma Ivey Clarke was selected to lead the group through this exploratory phase of the process.

Names of inactive members were gathered, and those members were invited to help create a “vision for the future” and to develop the foundation for a robust and viable chapter to further the goals of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. After other members in the area showed ample interest to join the four originators, the group then named themselves, “Sisters in Service,” an Interest Group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Soror Clarke became the first and only President of the Interest Group (Sisters in Service). Sisters in Service became a chapter in nine months, which was unprecedented.

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On Sunday, April 12, 1992, Tau Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was chartered at the close of the 61st Great Lakes Regional Conference in Akron, Ohio. Twenty-five Tau Lambda Omega charter members proudly took the challenge of fostering the teachings of Alpha Kappa Alpha to make a difference in the Trotwood and Miami Valley communities.

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A vision statement was adopted: To strive to be a strong, viable local sisterhood that actively addresses the international targets and goals adopted by the Boule and serves the needs of local communities, which became the founding philosophy for the chapter’s programs and initiatives.

Early on, Tau Lambda Omega Chapter developed several innovative programs, including producing and televising its own cable television program, “The Way We Live”, providing crucial information about issues that impact the local community. Additionally, the chapter reached out and secured significant grants to fund and support “Operation Back to School,” a program designed to provide new clothing/uniforms, shoes, and school supplies to children living in homeless shelters.

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Under the leadership of six different presidents: Alma Ivey Clarke (1992–1996), Lillian M. Johnson (1997–2000), Phyllis J. Salter (2001–2004), Lynnette M. Heard (2005–2008), Alice O. McCollum (2009–2012), Patricia S. Meadows (2013–2016), Linda K. Wilson (2017–2019), and Debbie M. Carter (2019–present), the chapter has remained steadfast in following the vision of the charter members—actively addressing international targets and serving the needs of the local community.

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Seeking continuous improvement, the chapter regularly reviews and refines its mission to remain focused on enhancing our international programs and providing leadership in implementing and promoting activities that will improve the social and economic value of Trotwood, Ohio, and surrounding communities.

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The members of Tau Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. reflect the spirit of the sorority to provide “service to all mankind” by enthusiastically supporting the chapter’s goals:

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• To retain, reclaim, and recruit members and to create an environment where each member feels successful, supported, and encouraged for her efforts. To be a stabilized, effective, credible, strong, and unified chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

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• To be entirely dedicated to exemplary service. To be a leading civic organization in the area, working to improve the lives of African Americans.

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• To focus on enhancing our program targets with expanding more programs and activities in Trotwood, OH