Phi Pi Omega Chapter History
On June 10, 2000, the Phi Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® was chartered in Newnan, Georgia, by nineteen visionary women known as the Fabulous Pearls. These women laid the foundation for a legacy of service and sisterhood in Coweta and Fayette Counties.
Charter Members: Wanda Bonner, Yolanda Cheatham, Annie Clowers (Deceased), Windy Dye, Debra Dwight, Dr. Cynthia Finney, Bridget Hardaway, Cheryl D. Hill, Angela Hines Brown, Karen Hines Williams, Theresa P. Hudson, Veronica Jones-Johnson, Cheryl Banks Mason, Marilyn McDaniel, Rita Hines Parker, Patula Patterson, Versa Perry Harris, Torrice Smith, and Anita Williams.
At the time of its chartering, Phi Pi Omega was the tenth graduate chapter established in the Metropolitan Atlanta area, and notably, the smallest chapter in Cluster V. Despite its size, the chapter was unwavering in its commitment to excellence. Under the leadership of Dr. Cynthia Finney, the chapter’s first President, Phi Pi Omega began to lay the groundwork for what would become a strong and impactful chapter.
Chapter Leadership: Over the years, nine members have served as chapter president:
Dr. Cynthia Finney, Cheryl Mason, Veronica Jones-Johnson, Joanne Mosley, Sharon Thomas, Cassandra June, Mildred S. Drayton, Karol Widemon Montgomery, and Tiffany Callaway Ferrell. Each administration brought forth innovation, growth, and continued commitment to Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission of service to all mankind.
Undergraduate Support: One of Phi Pi Omega’s early accomplishments was assuming oversight of Kappa Tau, the undergraduate chapter at the University of West Georgia in Carrollton—located more than 60 miles away. This relationship has strengthened both undergraduate and graduate engagement in Alpha Kappa Alpha.
The Hedera Foundation: In 2015, members of Phi Pi Omega further expanded their impact by establishing The Hedera Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the chapter’s philanthropic efforts and provides scholarships and grants to individuals and organizations in need.
Signature Programs and Partnerships: Phi Pi Omega has developed numerous signature programs and partnerships throughout Coweta and Fayette Counties. These include:
Growth and Program Excellence: By 2020, Phi Pi Omega grew to over 250 active members. The chapter is now recognized for its outstanding implementation of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s international program targets.
Sisterhood and Fellowship: In 2023, honoring “Strengthening Our Sisterhood,” Phi Pi Omega launched its first Pink-Nic fellowship, formed Sister Squads and Affinity Groups, and created a Spiritual Oversight Committee offering prayer calls and ministry outreach.
Youth Engagement: Phi Pi Omega supports youth through:
Civic Engagement:
Regional and International Leadership & Recognition:
Looking Ahead: Phi Pi Omega continues to be a leader within Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ®, committed to excellence, sisterhood, and service—soaring to greater heights in Coweta and Fayette Counties, across the region, and around the world.
Charter Members: Wanda Bonner, Yolanda Cheatham, Annie Clowers (Deceased), Windy Dye, Debra Dwight, Dr. Cynthia Finney, Bridget Hardaway, Cheryl D. Hill, Angela Hines Brown, Karen Hines Williams, Theresa P. Hudson, Veronica Jones-Johnson, Cheryl Banks Mason, Marilyn McDaniel, Rita Hines Parker, Patula Patterson, Versa Perry Harris, Torrice Smith, and Anita Williams.
At the time of its chartering, Phi Pi Omega was the tenth graduate chapter established in the Metropolitan Atlanta area, and notably, the smallest chapter in Cluster V. Despite its size, the chapter was unwavering in its commitment to excellence. Under the leadership of Dr. Cynthia Finney, the chapter’s first President, Phi Pi Omega began to lay the groundwork for what would become a strong and impactful chapter.
Chapter Leadership: Over the years, nine members have served as chapter president:
Dr. Cynthia Finney, Cheryl Mason, Veronica Jones-Johnson, Joanne Mosley, Sharon Thomas, Cassandra June, Mildred S. Drayton, Karol Widemon Montgomery, and Tiffany Callaway Ferrell. Each administration brought forth innovation, growth, and continued commitment to Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission of service to all mankind.
Undergraduate Support: One of Phi Pi Omega’s early accomplishments was assuming oversight of Kappa Tau, the undergraduate chapter at the University of West Georgia in Carrollton—located more than 60 miles away. This relationship has strengthened both undergraduate and graduate engagement in Alpha Kappa Alpha.
The Hedera Foundation: In 2015, members of Phi Pi Omega further expanded their impact by establishing The Hedera Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the chapter’s philanthropic efforts and provides scholarships and grants to individuals and organizations in need.
Signature Programs and Partnerships: Phi Pi Omega has developed numerous signature programs and partnerships throughout Coweta and Fayette Counties. These include:
- A 10-year partnership with the Fayette County NAACP, conducting annual voter registration drives
- Pearls of Excellence mentoring at North Fayette Elementary
- Co-leadership of The Hedera Foundation’s Domestic Violence Seminar
- Ongoing support for Promise Place, a local domestic violence shelter
- Installation of a pink and green park bench in Coweta County
- Hosting activities supporting scholarships and community programs
Growth and Program Excellence: By 2020, Phi Pi Omega grew to over 250 active members. The chapter is now recognized for its outstanding implementation of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s international program targets.
Sisterhood and Fellowship: In 2023, honoring “Strengthening Our Sisterhood,” Phi Pi Omega launched its first Pink-Nic fellowship, formed Sister Squads and Affinity Groups, and created a Spiritual Oversight Committee offering prayer calls and ministry outreach.
Youth Engagement: Phi Pi Omega supports youth through:
- H.Y.P.E. for high school students
- Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) for middle schoolers
- Third grade to high school programs
- $36,000+ in scholarships via The Hedera Foundation
- 1,400+ snack packs distributed through CHIPP ® initiative
Civic Engagement:
- Featured in the Newnan Times-Herald
- Hosted AARP Shred Day
- Planted trees and beautified senior living communities
- Voter forums and education reaching 1,000+ viewers in 2024
Regional and International Leadership & Recognition:
- Co-chaired 2024 Metro Atlanta Founders’ Day with 2,600+ attendees
- Received the Georgia Schank Innovative Award from the South Atlantic Region and Soaring Now Award for full implementation of all international initiatives.
Looking Ahead: Phi Pi Omega continues to be a leader within Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ®, committed to excellence, sisterhood, and service—soaring to greater heights in Coweta and Fayette Counties, across the region, and around the world.
Charter Members of Phi Pi Omega Chapter
|
Wanda Bonner
Yolanda Cheatham Annie Clowers** Windy Dye Debra Dwight Cynthia Finney Bridget Hardaway |
Cheryl D. Hill
Angela Hines-Brown Karen Hines-Williams Theresa P. Hudson Veronica Jones-Johnson Cheryl Mason Marilyn McDaniel |
Rita Parker
Patula Patterson Vera Perry-Harris Torrice Smith Anita Williams **Ivy Beyond the Wall |
Former Chapter Presidents
|
2019 - Karol Widemon Montgomery
2015 - Mildred Skipwith Drayton 2011 - Cassandra June 2008 - Sharon Thomas |
2005 - JoAnn Mosley
2002 - Veronica Jones-Johnson 2001 - Cheryl Mason 2000 - Cynthia Finney |
