Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ®
Theta Zeta Omega Chapter
Serving the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Founders' Day Greetings
Greetings to each of you, and welcome to our 2025 Founders' Day program. This is a time when we celebrate the founding of our beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and the twenty trailblazing women who paved the way for members of our sorority and all Black Greek-letter sororities.
We are so grateful you decided to join us today as our organization celebrated 116 years of service and sisterhood since its founding on January 15, 1908, on the Howard University campus in Miner Hall. As Women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, we are thankful for our Founders' vision and the mission of service they established.
We use this platform today to honor their rich legacy and recognize members of our community who, through their ideology and work, share in that mission today. It is a privilege and indeed a pleasure to have an opportunity to publicly thank this community for supporting our great sorority over the past 59 years to showcase this year. Theta Zeta Omega Chapter will recognize Norma Caples and Norma Graham Dreamer Recipients.
We will also recognize our 2025 Women of the Year and celebrate a milestone year of service to all mankind. A sister will celebrate 50 years of service to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
We look forward to our continued partnership as we continue to serve and uplift the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Again, thank you for joining us today,
Respectfully,
Dr. Bridgette Parks, President
Theta Zeta Omega Chapter
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Founders' Day Guest Speaker
Dr. Kimberly Smith-Russ
Dr. Kimberly Smith-Russ. Dr. Kimberly Smith-Russ was initiated in 1993 into the Gamma Phi Chapter at Alcorn State University. Upon graduating, she immediately transferred to the Mu Xi Omega Chapter(Vicksburg, MS) where she was elected as 2nd Vice President in 2004.
Dr. Smith-Russ served as chairman for multiple committees that included Major Fundraising. In 2018 She was elected the 16th President of the Rho Lambda Omega Chapter (Jackson, MS) and the theme for her administration was “Ignited by Service, Powered by Sisterhood”.
Dr. Smith-Russ is committed to the perpetuity of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the legacy of the South Eastern Region. She has served on the Regional Protocol committee under the 23rd South Eastern Regional Director, Mrs. Juanita Doty. Under the direction of the 25th South Eastern Regional Director, Mrs. Mary B. Connor, Dr. Smith-Russ served as a conference co-chairman overseeing operations and logistics during the 86th South Eastern Regional Conference. Dr. Smith-Russ’ work for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority extends far and wide, she has served as a workshop presenter on the Chapter and Regional level and on different occasions as a Boule and Leadership Conference workshop presenter and panelist.
In March of 2022, Dr. Smith-Russ was re-elected for a second term as the South Eastern Region’s Representative to the International Nominating Committee. In July, 2024, Dr. Smith-Russ was appointed by our International President & CEO, Mrs. Danette Anthony Reed to serve as the South Eastern Region’s Representative to the International Constitution Committee and she still serves in that role today.
Professionally, Dr. Kimberly Smith-Russ provides leadership in developing and overseeing educational programs, policies, and initiatives to promote community growth and achievement at Alcorn State University. Her work as the Extension Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Specialist for Alcorn State University’s Extension Program (ASUEP) allows her to coordinate high-impact programming for individuals and families throughout the State of Mississippi.
Kimberly and her husband Jerry reside in Madison, MS, and are the proud parents of two children Jaycelyn, 20, and Kollin,15.
Order of Program
Mistress of Ceremony
Mrs. Katie Criddell
Welcome
Mrs. Katie Criddell
Meditation
Mrs. Brenda Goldsmith
AKA History and Recognition of Founders
Ms. Frederica Ousley
Lighting of the Founders’ Candles
Mrs. Bonnie Washington and Mrs. Monica Stallworth
Song: “More Than Anything”
Dr. Lindy McLeod
Recognition of Greek Organizations and Medley
Mrs. Carolyn Jones
Introduction of Speaker
Dr. Carmen Walters
Speaker
Dr. Kimberly Smith-Russ
Song: “Total Praise”
Dr. Lindy McLeod
AKA Celebratory Milestones
Mrs. Alita Harmon
TZO Norma Caples Dreamer Award
Presented by Mrs. Margaret Bush
Award recipient: Together We Can – Jackson County
TZO Norma Graham Dreamer Award
Presented by Ms. Barbara Monroe
Award recipient: MS Center for Autism and Related Developmental Disabilities -Harrison County
2024 TZO Woman of the Year
Presented by Ms. Tanya Haynes
Award recipient: Mrs. Alita Harmon
Closing Remarks
TZO President, Dr. Bridgette Parks
At our annual Founders Day celebration hosted by the Theta Zeta Omega Chapter, we honor outstanding individuals and organizations for their exemplary service. This year, we're proud to recognize our 2025 Woman of the Year and the recipients of the 2025 Norma Caples and Norma Graham Dreamer Awards, highlighting exceptional contributions in Jackson and Harrison County. Additionally, we'll acknowledge members reaching milestone years in our sorority, this year's sister achieving golden status at 50 years, celebrating her enduring dedication to our sisterhood and community.
2025 Theta Zeta Omega Awards
Mrs. Alita Harmon
Mrs. Alita Harmon was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Iota Kappa Chapter, in 1992 and has been a dedicated member of Theta Zeta Omega Chapter for over seven years. She is a role model to her daughters, Khalyn & Kinsley, and niece, Tanesha, who are also members of TZO. Alita is the daughter of Elder Eddie L. Jones and Mrs. Merry Jones, also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
Known as the "correspondence queen," Alita served as TZO's Corresponding Secretary for four years, expertly managing chapter communications. In this capacity, she earned an SER award for the creator of the Ivy & Pearl Connection newsletter.
Alita’s leadership includes her role as co-chair of The Ivy and Pearl Affair (TIPA) for both 2023 and 2024, where she led the planning committee. She co-chaired the TZO Mental Health Awareness Program, the TZO 92nd SER Awards Committee, and the Chapter Anniversary Planning Committee. At the South Eastern Regional level, Alita chaired the President’s Council Retreat Sisterly Relations Activity. She served as lead soloist for the SERC Choir, as well as serving on other committees.
In her professional life, Alita serves as National Program Coordinator, a collateral duty to support the National Social Work Program for the Department of Veterans Affairs. She is also the Outpatient Medical Programs Supervisor for VA Primary Care Clinics in Mississippi and Alabama. Her professional excellence in Social Work practice has been recognized with national awards and the title of Supervisor of the Year in 2021.
Alita has been married to Coach Wesley “Geno” Harmon, for 27 years, they are proud parents of a son, Chase, and two daughters, Khalyn and Kinsley.
2025 Norma Caples Dreamer Award-
Jackson County
Together We Can
About Together We Can:
2025 Norma Graham Dreamer Award-Harrison County
MS Center for Autism and Related Developmental Disabilities (MCARDD) – Harrison County
About MCARDD:
We are honored to celebrate the remarkable dedication and enduring legacy of a member who has devoted 50 years of service to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. This prestigious milestone is commemorated with the esteemed title, Golden, symbolizing their unwavering commitment to our cherished sisterhood. This year, we proudly acknowledge Mrs. Charlotte Evens. Her remarkable contributions and steadfast commitment exemplify the spirit of excellence within our beloved sorority.