Kelly Hodges, of African American Greek notoriety has taken the helm of the the Omicron Tau Omega Chapter located north of Houston in Spring, Texas. Rolling out spoke with the forceful and outspoken leader to get an insight on her plans for the storied and legendary Greek sorority.
What are some goals that you have for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority while you are in office?
My administration will focus on responsibility and accountability — to whom much is given much is required. A few of the goals are; to increase chapter community involvement. With the state of the current economy we are not in a position to just write checks. There is a great need for us in the community. We need to be visible on the ground and in the neighborhood. We would also like to increase chapter visibility. We are often referred to as the small AKA chapter way on the North side. I would like to increase our community support base. If we’re able to accomplish goals one and two, three will come to pass. If you’re visible and working in the community and establish a community presence, then you will garner community support.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I would describe my style as a little bit of this and a whole of that (lol). Seriously, I’m not a micro manager. I believe in delegating and giving the flexibility to be creative as long as the end result meets the organizations goal.
What does team work mean in your organization?
Everything. We are a service organization. We are not paid. We made a pledge, “service to all mankind.” In order to continue with the rich tradition set forth by our founders’ it takes team work! Not to be corny but there’s no “i” in Alpha Kappa Alpha.
Describe the best day of running your organization and making a difference in the community?
The best day is when you’ve exceeded the goal set by the organization and you know you’ve done so because you see the impact your program or event has made on an individual, a family or a community.
What are your thoughts on undergrad hazing? … How do you plan on preventing it in your chapters?
We have zero tolerance for hazing and for those who participate in the act. It’s not what Alpha Kappa Alpha is about. It’s not a part of our fabric. It will not be tolerated!
With all of the money that undergrad hazing has cost the Grad chapters do you feel that undergrad chapters should be shut down?
No, of course not. Undergraduate chapters are the heartbeat of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Alpha Kappa Alpha is an organization comprised of college trained women. For over 102 years we’ve served our families and the community. It started on the campus of Howard University with undergraduates.
Each Greek organization has its stereotypes … What would you say to outsiders who stereotype the Ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha as just pretty girls?
I would say ‘Yes, Pretty Girls do Wear the Twenty Pearls,” but we are so much more. We are wives, mother’s daughters, teachers, community leaders, politicians, and activist. We lead fortune 500 companies, we head non-profit and grass roots organizations, we serve in the armed forces. We are so much more than just a pretty face.
What does being a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha mean to you?
It means commitment, it means strength, it means power and most importantly it means family. That’s what we are, a family of over 260,000 women across the world working together to build better communities, stronger families and to have a profound impact on the communities in which we live.
How has being in a Greek letter organization helped you grow as a person?
Being a part of Alpha Kappa Alpha has helped me grow to see beyond the here and the now. I’ve learned that it’s much bigger than me!
What advice would you give someone on choosing a sorority that fits them best?
I would encourage them to look beyond what’s on the outside. Look into the soul of the organization. What does the organization stand for? What is the mission and vision? Is the organization true to its mission? What has the organization done for your community? Most importantly, what organization would you be most proud to say pledge a lifetime to serve?
