MID-WESTERN REGION
91st Mid – Western Virtual Conference Celebrates the Spirit of Excellence
REGIONAL CONFERENCE RECAP
On March 19-21 , 2021 over 1,050 sorors from across the Magnificent Mid-Western Region boarded the virtual Northbound Pearl Express to the host city of Des Moines , Iowa where they would conduct the business of the Region at their 91st Mid-Western Regional Conference . The conference was presided over by the Magnificent Conductor , Soror Twyla Woods-Buford and brought to a visual reality by the host chapters of Cluster “ C ”, plus the technology and programming engineers of the Region . The conference was captured by the theme “ Northbound Express : Celebrating Our Spirit Of Excellence ”.
Friday began with “ Exemplifying EAF Excellence ” Celebration , where six chapters who had achieved Platinum level status participated in the Platinum Parade , including Delta Chapter , the Regions first undergraduate chapter to achieve this status . The icing on the cake was the EAF Public Auction where we exceeded our $ 10,000 goal .
The first plenary began with a welcome of visual delight by the Classy Cluster C Sorors , entertaining and displaying the beauty of the Des Moines City . After a creative virtual roll call , Soror Woods- Buford delivered “ The State of Region Report ”. She highlighted several accomplishments throughout the region during the pandemic year . One specific feature were the Strengthening Our Need to Grow ( S . O . N . G .) Series organized by the Regional Representatives , that kept members virtually connected during the course of the year .
The afternoon Jewel Celebration was an event to behold . The attendees witnessed a video montage of all the members who have achieved the milestones of 25 , 50 , 75 and the newest milestone of 65 years . We very proud of our newly inducted Sparkling Diamonds , Sorors Evie Dennis , Quida Tolbert , Minnie Ray Hunter and Lorraine Hobbs , along with our other Jewel ’ s .
The 28th Supreme Basileus , Soror Carolyn House Stewart , served as the keynote speaker . She opened with the Jewel ’ s theme “ Celebrating Magnificence – Claim Your Crown ” by asking , “ what kind of service are we to give ?” She cited that the Jewel ’ s have been keepers of the flame . They have faced many Ivy challenges , balanced by Tea Rose accomplishments . She gave the Jewel ’ s a charge to continue the service they have given us over the years .
The next stop on the Express was the Public Program where five outstanding community leaders and organizations were recognized for their service to the Des Moines community , which exemplified the mission of our 5 Targets of Excellence . The virtual audience enjoyed captivating performances by the Roosevelt High School Bridge 2 Harmony Choir , greetings by local Legislators , and the Divine 9 . Special remarks were given by the Supreme Basileus .
The evening was topped off with social gatherings focused on fun , laughter , and sisterly bonding . Graduate Sorors attended the Pajama Jam with Ol ’ Skool and New School themed rooms , Bingo and Line Dancing . Undergraduates played games such as Name that Tune and AKA Kahoot to win prizes .
On Saturday , Sorors rose early to reboard the train . This year ’ s Leadership Recognition program , “ Excellence in Dynamic Leadership ” was the enriching program we needed as we gathered in celebration of phenomenal women throughout the Mid-Western Region . Despite the challenges of 2020 , leadership throughout the region still found ways to support their chapters , encouraging sorors to dig in deeper , reach farther and achieve or exceed goals set for the year .
Keynote Speaker , First Supreme Anti-Basileus , Soror Danette Anthony Reed , offered pearls of wisdom that reminded us that leadership is not just about standing in front , but rather leadership is about listening , watching over those who follow , motivating and encouraging them through actions , not just words . The program closed with a video montage , showcasing all of the chapter leadership .
The Undergraduates Honors and Awards Recognition : “ Destination Whistle Stop 91 on Track to Excellence ” included a poignant message delivered by Second Supreme Anti-Basileus , Soror Jasmyne E . McCoy .
The final plenary began with a Virtual Legacy Parade : “ It ’ s a Family Affair ”, followed by the “ State of the Sorority Report ” by the Supreme Basileus , chapter awards , an invitation to the 92nd MRWC in Denver , Colorado .
Energy was brought to the “ Elegant Expression ” party train , as Sorors dressed up and danced the night away with Tammi The DJ and Emcee Tish , during the Gala . The evening concluded with a toast by Madame Regional Director , thanking all for a job well done !
On Sunday morning before unboarding , the MWR paid remembrance to the Ivies Beyond the Wall . Fireside tributes were given by the 19th MWRD , Delorise A . Gines . Later , all saints were present at the Ecumenical Service . Rev . Quanda Brown , Iota Zeta Omega Chapter , brought home the message that excellence is not a skill but an attitude and pursuing excellence is giving what is due God . It was a jubilant end to the 91st MWRC .
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