Former Pearls of Service

           

Daphne Benbow
President 2016-2019

Daphne Benbow helped modernize Xi Zeta Omega by advancing the chapter's technology efficiencies and increasing its social media footprint and online presence.

Administration Highlights:

  • National Launching New Dimensions of Service Overall Program Award
  • 2020 North Atlantic Region President of the Year, Large Chapter

Ms. Benbow was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at Xi Zeta Omega Chapter.

Alicia Johnson
President 2014-2015

The bonds of sisterhood and sisterly support strengthened under Alicia Johnson's leadership of Xi Zeta Omega through her emphasis on prayer and mutual support.

Administration Highlights:

  • Implemented the 21-Day Prayer Project and the Sisterly Prayer Circle.
  • Earned the chapter recognition for Outstanding Overall Program in the North Atlantic Region.

Ms. Johnson was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at Spelman College's Mu Pi Chapter.


Sabrina E. Williams
President 2010-2013

Sabrina E. Williams helped improve operations, which strengthened our chapter. Under her leadership, Xi Zeta Omega released the first Chapter History Book encompassing the first 30 years of the chapter.

Administration Highlights:

  • Fine-tuned and updated the chapters and foundations Bylaws and Manuals of Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Established Ad Hoc Committees resulting in improved chapter operations, which assured alignment with Regional and International requirements and guidelines.

Ms. Williams was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at Howard University's Alpha Chapter.


Maggalean W. Weston
President 2006-2009

Maggalean W. Weston spirit ensured that we continued to engage older members and those with debilitating illnesses. Under her leadership, Xi Zeta Omega established its first Protocol Committee. 

Administration Highlights:

  • Established the Treasured Pearls in 2007 (originally called Emeritus Status) for members in need.
  • Awarded more than 10 sorority honors and awards.


Ms. Weston was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at Norfolk State University's Delta Epsilon Chapter. 


Beverly Ann Fields
President 2002-2005

Beverly Ann Fields vision for Xi Zeta Omega was embodied in the word IVY, symbolizing sisterhood and strength through Institutionalized Tradition, Vital Member Participation, and the importance of saying Yes - the Sorority is Sisterhood.

Administration Highlights:

  • Implemented impactful programming including Black Dollar Day, Buckle Up Day, Days of Caring, and the first D.C. Chapters MLK Day On and Not Off.
  • Awarded more than $53,000 in scholarships to deserving youth in the metropolitan area through The Ivy Foundation.

Ms. Fields was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at Georgia Institute of Technology's Nu Beta Chapter.


Ora M. Darby
President 1998-2001

Ora M. Darbys technologically savvy expertise, took the chapter to new heights. Under her leadership, Xi Zeta Omega Chapter launched its first Tea Rose Cotillion, the presentation of debutantes at a formal ball.

Administration Highlights:

  • Received the North Atlantic Regions First Place (Large) Chapter of the Year award.
  • Developed Xi Zeta Omegas manual of chapter procedures.


Ms. Darby was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at Hampton (Institute) University's Gamma Theta Chapter.


Rosalie H. Stroman
President 1994-1997


Rosalie Holmes Stromans gentle, but firm leadership style led the chapter to victory. Under her leadership, Xi Zeta Omega received the North Atlantic Region Chapter of the Year recognition for four consecutive years, including first place in 1994, 1995, and 1996; and third place in 1997.

Administration Highlights:

  • Presented the Innovations in Teaching Math and Science Award to 4th grade teachers in DC Public Schools who were implementing innovative techniques to improve student performance.
  • Presented the Barbara Caldwell Gibson Book Award for Mathematics/Science awarded to DC Public School students enrolled in advanced classes in mathematics and science.

Ms. Stroman was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at Savannah State (College) University's Gamma Upsilon Chapter.


Ferial Bishop
President 1990-1993

Ferial Bishops connections in the District helped the chapter extend its reach. Under her leadership, Xi Zeta Omega, held its first Tea Rose Ball and the first Black Male Conference.

Administration Highlights:

  • Hosted the first Youth Services Award Program, a Community Health Fair, Clothing Drive, and WIRF Bazaar.
  • Hosted the 4th International Forum on DC/Dakar Sister Cities program.

Ms. Bishop was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at Howard University's Alpha Chapter. 


Johnnie R. Brown Swift
President 1986-1989


Johnnie Blanche Reddick Brown-Swifts impact on the community was multi-generational, as she set the standard of excellence for our chapter. The chapter grew readily through membership reclamation and the retention of sorority members.

Administration Highlights:

  • Initiated Volunteer and Tutorial Programs at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School.
  • Implemented senior citizen activities at Asbury Dwellings.

Ms. Brown-Swift was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at Arkansas AM&N's Rho Chapter.  (Arkansas AM&N is currently known as the University of Arkansa's at Pine Bluff.)


Rosemarie Tyler Brooks
 1982-1985

Rosemarie Tyler Brooks led the way and was installed as the first President of Xi Zeta Omega Chapter at the time of its chartering on January 16, 1982.

Administration Highlights:

  • Adopting Banneker Academic High School, providing tutors, and presenting Outstanding Achievement awards to two students.
  • Establishing the Hollie C. Chapmon Scholarship earmarked for a graduating senior at Banneker.

Ms. Brooks was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at Howard University's Alpha Chapter.