MID-ATLANTIC REGION
Members Poised and Polished for Excellence at the 68th Mid- Atlantic Regional Conference
REGIONAL CONFERENCE RECAP
HERstory was made during the 68th Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference , “ PPE : Poised and Polished for Excellence ” under the leadership of Regional Director Jennifer King Congleton . Over 4,500 sorors and guests , including Supreme Basileus Glenda Glover , several past Supreme Basilei and Directorate members , gathered virtually for a unique experience that is sure to be remembered . Soror Congleton and the conference Planning Committee , led by Soror Aurelia Williams , Chairman and Soror Cynthia Salley Nicholson , Co Chairman , designed a conference agenda that kept sorors engaged and entertained each day .
Sorors joined conference activities with the same enthusiasm as in-person conferences of the past . The region also kept its commitment to service by conducting a virtual service project to benefit Feeding America , a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks that feed more than 46 million people through food pantries , soup kitchens , shelters , and other community-based agencies . Mid-Atlantic ’ s donation of over $ 20,000 will help families who receive assistance from foodbanks in North Carolina and Virginia .
The region dedicated the annual Public Meeting to the service and sacrifice of everyday people who have worked tirelessly to keep our economy going throughout the COVID19 pandemic . One honoree from each of the region ’ s five clusters joined the event virtually and received special recognition and a gift of appreciation . Honorees included individuals who work in law enforcement , mental health services and nursing .
“ On Your MARC , Get S . E . T ... ZOOM !” brought sorors together for a Friday night of fun and the premiere of the history making AKA documentary “ Twenty
Pearls ”. Sorors also enjoyed a variety of activities including a live cooking demonstration , Bingo , the trivia game Kahoot , and a live Pearl Party featuring DJ Rockmaster , Mr . Marshall Everette .
In addition to two plenary sessions , the conference included informative leadership and personal development workshops and forums as well as the celebrations sorors enjoy each year . The Dr . Barbara K . Phillips EAF Celebration and Chapter Recognition allowed Platinum level chapter basilei and Soror Congleton to “ Rip the Runway ” in the virtual celebration “ Greens to Envy ” and “ Party in Platinum ”. Silver and Gold level chapters were also recognized for their 2020 contributions to EAF .
The Jewels celebration , “ Shining in Excellence ”, gave over 350 new Jewels their much deserved moment in the spotlight . The honorees included four new Diamond sorors , first time recognition for 45 Pearl Sorors , 66 new Golden Sorors and 246 Silver Stars . A special addition was having Sorors Marye Jeffries , Doris Asbury and Clara Hines – the region ’ s 11th , 13th and 14th Regional Directors – present for their Pearl Soror recognitions .
The Janet Jones Ballard Leadership Event honored our 22nd Supreme Basileus who hails from the Mid-Atlantic region . Soror Katina M . Semien , 25th South Central Regional Director , shared an inspiring message " A Charge to Leaders in Unprecedented Times ”. Pearl Soror Addie Scipio Hagans honored sorors with an original poem for the occasion . The program was also an opportunity to recognize chapters and individual sorors for their outstanding service and achievements .
Sorors Amira Watson and Alex Marsicovetere , Conference Undergraduate Activities Chairman and Co-Chairman , ensured that undergraduate sorors were well represented for this historic conference . The “ Virtual Pearls for Success : Excellence Hall of Fame Undergraduate Celebration ” welcomed guest speaker Second Supreme Anti Basileus Soror
Jasmyne McCoy who inspired undergraduates and all sorors to continue striving for excellence despite the challenges we face in a virtual environment .
Soror Congleton shared her State of the Region , highlighting the region ’ s accomplishments over the last year , excelling through difficult and challenging circumstances . Chapters successfully transitioned to virtual community programs and sisterly relations activities , remaining connected to each other and their community partners . The Mid-Atlantic Region has thrived over the last year and has seen significant growth for two years , increasing active membership from approximately 7,200 sorors to over 11,000 today .
The closing gala “ Pumps and Pearls of Elegance ” combined chapter awards recognition with the comedic talents of performer Rod Allison and the continuation of Friday ’ s Pearl Party atmosphere with DJ Rockmaster . Sorors donned their black and pearls attire and danced on camera well into the evening . Sorors also had the opportunity to contribute recipes to a conference cookbook , and many prepared meals and appetizers to enjoy during the evening .
The conference closed with a final PPE themed event , the “ Phenomenal Praise Experience and Memorial Service ”. Sorors paid homage to the region ’ s Ivies Beyond the Wall who had transitioned since the 2020 regional conference . Special recognition was given to Soror Lucille J . Piggott , 4th Mid-Atlantic Regional Director who became an Ivy Beyond the Wall in November 2020 . Finally , Rev . Denise Williams of Falls Church , Virginia brought a word of praise and thanksgiving during these unprecedented times .
Despite being miles apart , the sweet , sweet Mid- Atlantic spirit kept sorors close at heart throughout the conference .
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