| Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Southwestern Region |
| 61st Southwestern Regional Conference |
The Southwestern Regional Conference
was held in Houston, Texas, March 7 – 9,
2008, and hosted by Alpha Kappa Chapter.
This year's Conference was will attended.
The Conference got off to a great start with
the Leadership Forum with Assistant SWR
Director Charlotte Berry presiding and Past
National President Lillian Parker serving as
moderator. The theme was “21st Century
Sisterhood: A Paradigm Shift in the
Southwestern Region – Revisited”. Topics
presented included: Planning “FIL”
Programming - Soror Willie Burton, Glass
Ceilings “Women of Color” – Shirley
Holland-Hunt and Dr. Pamela Obiomon,
Keys to Chapter Membership – Soror
Wendy Jacques, Secure Your Family:
“Estate Planning and Wills” – Nina J. Taylor,
and League of Women Voters – Helen
Francis-Mac.
was held in Houston, Texas, March 7 – 9,
2008, and hosted by Alpha Kappa Chapter.
This year's Conference was will attended.
The Conference got off to a great start with
the Leadership Forum with Assistant SWR
Director Charlotte Berry presiding and Past
National President Lillian Parker serving as
moderator. The theme was “21st Century
Sisterhood: A Paradigm Shift in the
Southwestern Region – Revisited”. Topics
presented included: Planning “FIL”
Programming - Soror Willie Burton, Glass
Ceilings “Women of Color” – Shirley
Holland-Hunt and Dr. Pamela Obiomon,
Keys to Chapter Membership – Soror
Wendy Jacques, Secure Your Family:
“Estate Planning and Wills” – Nina J. Taylor,
and League of Women Voters – Helen
Francis-Mac.
That afternoon a RUSH was held with Soror Pauletta Hooper presiding. The Deans of Intake or their designees from each Chapter
presented information on “Who We Are” to the prospective Lomepas. U.S. Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee of the 18th District of Texas
was our special guest. Congresswoman Lee commended Iota for the work we do, briefed us on bills and legislative issues, and challenged
us to do more for those not as fortunate as we. A proclamation was presented to National President Dr. Doris Browning-Austin and SWR
Director Janie Samuels.
The Educational Luncheon was held on Saturday with Soror Daphne Hornbuckle, SWR Recording/Financial Secretary serving as Mistress of
Ceremony. Dr. Browning-Austin was the Speaker of the hour and emphasized in her speech that the “Time is Now” to address the issues of
economic disparities that African Americans are facing due to racism and sexism; and the “Time is Now” to amplify our voices politically and
polarize in numbers in sure equity. She encouraged us to put pressure on our legislatures and to prioritize the issues that we need to take to
eradicate the “glass ceiling” and “concrete wall” that so many African Americans deal with in Corporate America.
During our Business Sessions, Iota Training Workshops were presented. Ready, Set, Perform was presented by Sorors Mary Liz Clark, Beta
Psi Chapter, and our own Nona Fisher. Iota tools, calendar, forms, roles, and responsibilities were reviewed. The Gift of Goals was
presented by Dermara Williams. Mrs. Williams talk about the importance of “looking at the big picture”, staying healthy and taking care of our
bodies, and being financially stable.
After taking care of Iota’s business for a day and a half, it was time to recognize and celebrate our accomplishments. The Awards Night
theme was “Denim and Diamonds”. Sorors were finely dressed in denim outfits with sparkles and diamonds to accent. Highlights of the
night:
The night ended with the Iota family dancing the night away.
The Conference continued with the Prayer Breakfast on Sunday with MOI Liaison Soror Judy Reeves presiding. The inspiring and thoughtprovoking sermon was brought by Rev. Adrian Wynn of the Greater Truelight M.B.C. His message was “What Moves Me to Action” with
scriptural reference Mark 5:21.
The 61st Southwestern Regional Conference was a success. If you did not attend the Conference, you missed meeting and greeting our
National President and President-Elect, mingling with old and new Sorors, taking care of Iota business, and exploring the great city of
Houston. But don’t worry, we’ll be back in Houston in 2009 and you can experience all of this then. See in next year!
presented information on “Who We Are” to the prospective Lomepas. U.S. Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee of the 18th District of Texas
was our special guest. Congresswoman Lee commended Iota for the work we do, briefed us on bills and legislative issues, and challenged
us to do more for those not as fortunate as we. A proclamation was presented to National President Dr. Doris Browning-Austin and SWR
Director Janie Samuels.
The Educational Luncheon was held on Saturday with Soror Daphne Hornbuckle, SWR Recording/Financial Secretary serving as Mistress of
Ceremony. Dr. Browning-Austin was the Speaker of the hour and emphasized in her speech that the “Time is Now” to address the issues of
economic disparities that African Americans are facing due to racism and sexism; and the “Time is Now” to amplify our voices politically and
polarize in numbers in sure equity. She encouraged us to put pressure on our legislatures and to prioritize the issues that we need to take to
eradicate the “glass ceiling” and “concrete wall” that so many African Americans deal with in Corporate America.
During our Business Sessions, Iota Training Workshops were presented. Ready, Set, Perform was presented by Sorors Mary Liz Clark, Beta
Psi Chapter, and our own Nona Fisher. Iota tools, calendar, forms, roles, and responsibilities were reviewed. The Gift of Goals was
presented by Dermara Williams. Mrs. Williams talk about the importance of “looking at the big picture”, staying healthy and taking care of our
bodies, and being financially stable.
After taking care of Iota’s business for a day and a half, it was time to recognize and celebrate our accomplishments. The Awards Night
theme was “Denim and Diamonds”. Sorors were finely dressed in denim outfits with sparkles and diamonds to accent. Highlights of the
night:
 | Psi Chapter - First Place Business Month | |
| Alpha Kappa - First Place Future Iota Leaders | |
| Alpha Rho - Third Place Pelati | |
| Beta Delta - Third Place Men of Iota | |
| Beta Pi - Second Place Crazy | |
| Beta Psi - Outstanding Chapter | |
| Gamma Phi - Third Place Newsletter | |
| Epsilon Omicron - 2nd Place Newsletter |
The night ended with the Iota family dancing the night away.
The Conference continued with the Prayer Breakfast on Sunday with MOI Liaison Soror Judy Reeves presiding. The inspiring and thought
scriptural reference Mark 5:21.
The 61st Southwestern Regional Conference was a success. If you did not attend the Conference, you missed meeting and greeting our
National President and President-Elect, mingling with old and new Sorors, taking care of Iota business, and exploring the great city of
Houston. But don’t worry, we’ll be back in Houston in 2009 and you can experience all of this then. See in next year!
