degrees , including a Bachelor of Social Work from Johnson C . Smith University , a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix , and a Doctorate in Higher Education Executive Leadership from Wingate University . Soror Paul , a dedicated professional with over 25 years of experience in education and social work and is a member of Zeta Mu Omega Chapter in Gastonia , NC .
Rainey Recognized as Notable Leader
Crain ' s New York Business has recognized Soror Jocelynne Rainey as one of 2021 ' s Notable Black Leaders and Executives . She has significant workforce development expertise , gained as a chief administrative officer and executive vice president at the Brooklyn Navy Yard . She now applies her background as the president and chief executive officer at Getting Out and Staying Out ( GOSO ), a reentry program that services people affected by incarceration . Soror Rainey has expanded GOSO ' s education and employment programs to include efforts to transform the criminal justice system and fight for racial justice . Under her leadership , recidivism for GOSO clients is 15 %, well below the national average . During 2020 , Soror Rainey has provided over 7,000 nourishing meals and more than 40 jobs through GOSO . New York City took notice and named her a Manhattan Hero . Soror Rainey is not only a hero to her community but a loving wife to Dr . Pericles Rainey and a proud mother to their two sons . She is a Silver Star , a charter member , and an active Psi Lambda Omega Chapter member .
Reese Appointed Deputy Secretary
Soror Debbie-Anne Reese , Esq , of Xi Zeta Omega Chapter , Washington , DC , was appointed as the Deputy Secretary of the Office of the Secretary at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ( FERC ), an independent Federal agency that regulates the interstate transmission of electricity , natural gas , and oil . As Deputy , Soror Reese works with the secretary to record all legal filings and notices of proceedings related to commission actions and all official actions of the commission and promulgate and publish the commission ' s orders , rules , and regulations . She previously served as managing attorney in the office of the general counsel , supervising attorneys , advising commissioners and agency staff on electric rate and corporate matters . She has also served as legal and policy advisor for a former commission chairman during the Obama administration . Before her federal service , Soror Reese worked for Verizon Communications in external affairs and product management . She received her Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Howard University . Soror Reese is a life member , Silver Star , and a spring 1986 Alpha Chapter initiate . She currently serves as the chairperson of the standards committee .
Rice Nominated and Honored
Soror Penny Rice , a member of Xi Tau Omega Chapter located in Grandview , Missouri , was nominated and honored at the First Call ' s 2021 Community Gratitude Luncheon to reduce the impact of drugs and alcohol in the Kansas City Community . Soror Rice has spent over 20 years tackling drug addictions and mental health issues that plague our community . Soror Rice attended the first-ever virtual luncheon on March 23 , 2021 , where she was honored for her ongoing work , her volunteerism , and how she has given of herself financially to support those in our community who are impacted by substance abuse disorders and mental illnesses .
Rutledge Appointed by USA Today
Silver Soror Njeri Mathis Rutledge of Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter has been appointed to the USA Today Board of Contributors as an opinion columnist . USA Today is one of the top daily newspapers in the country . Women of color write less than 10 % of opinion columns . Soror Rutledge ' s opinions have focused on legal issues , race relations , and criminal justice reform based on her personal and professional experience as a former prosecutor . Her first opinion piece on Normalizing Racism was published online and in print and was ranked as one of the top 10 opinion pieces for the week . Her prior opinions can be found on the internet or by visiting njerirutledge . com . Soror Rutledge was initiated into the Mu Pi Chapter at Spelman College . She earned her law degree from Harvard Law School , and she continues to serve as an associate judge for the City of Houston and a Professor of Law at South Texas College of Law Houston .
Shaw Opens Public Charter School
Soror Tamala Boyd Shaw , the basileus of Alpha Alpha Zeta Omega Chapter , made history opening the first public charter middle school in her hometown of Greenwood , Miss . As the founder of M . S . Delta Academies ( 2018 ), Soror Boyd-Shaw proposed and was approved by the MS Charter School Authorizer Board to open the first of several schools across the M . S . Delta , Leflore Legacy Academy . Legacy opened in Fall 2020 safely in the height of the global pandemic to 123 founding6th-gradee scholars and is now planning to welcome its second class of 6th graders , expanding to 7th grade and ultimately to 8th grade . She has a deep passion for education and service to her community . Though having received her Doctorate in Instruction & Curriculum Leadership from the University of Memphis , Soror Boyd-Shaw prides her knowledge and preparation on her education and experience gained through attending two HBCUs , Tougaloo and Jackson State University .
Simpkins Featured as Historian
Tau Delta Omega Chapter ' s Soror Twyla Simpkins , " Ms . T ," has been called Chester , Pennsylvania ' s modern-day historian . She brings to many projects the institutional memory and a profound understanding of both the local history of Chester and its place in the more extensive history of the region and country . Her articles are featured in Chester Made , a quarterly online publication and project of MJ Freed Theater and the Pennsylvania Humanities Council , with funding from Spring Point Partners . Chester Made gives community members the chance to engage with one another , learn more about the city ' s cultural assets and history , rebuild their downtown , and change perceptions about the city of Chester . Her quarterly submission , " Ms . T ' s Corner - Reflections of a Lifelong Chester Resident ," features articles that focus on significant figures in sports , research , and entertainment throughout Chester ' s history . Tau Delta Omega Chapter is so proud of Soror Simpkins and her efforts to promote the rich history of the community we support in Chester , Pennsylvania .
Smith Elected Member at Large
Soror Kara Smith , a member of Upsilon Theta Omega Chapter in Stillwater , Oklahoma , was elected to serve a three-year term to the Oklahoma Bar Association ' s Board of Governors as the Member at Large . Soror Smith is the only African American that is a fully elected member of the Board of Governors . She will be part of the OBA ' s 17-member Board of Governors , meeting monthly and governing the association . In addition , Soror Smith serves as general counsel for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority . She is an adjunct law professor at the Oklahoma City University School of Law . She received her J . D . from the OCU School of Law in 2002 .
36 I vyL eaf ® fall 2021 Centennial edition