Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
San Diego Alumnae Chapter
Uncompromising Commitment to the Community
WELCOME
During the month of May, we celebrate the importance of family by honoring mothers throughout San Diego County. Over the years, we have had the pleasure of honoring over three hundred women. This year, we are honoring sixteen outstanding mothers in the San Diego Community.
The San Diego Alumnae Chapter thanks all of you for your continued participation and attendance throughout the past thirty-two years.
Message from the President
“Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.” -Unknown
On behalf of the San Diego Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. , I bring greetings and welcome you to the website for all things 33rd Breakfast for MiLady, “A Tribute to Mothers.” We are thrilled to shine a light on this group of dedicated and accomplished women who have given of their time and talent to worthwhile community service projects. Proverbs 31:31 reads, “Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” We extend our sincere gratitude to the organizations that have chosen these women to receive this honor.
Breakfast for MiLady Commitee
LaShonda Jones
Chairperson
Rachel Thomas
Co-Chairperson
Joyce M. Kercheval
Chairperson Emerita
It is with great honor that we present to you sixteen of San Diego's most exceptional mothers, mentors, and community leaders. Also, it is with great pride that we celebrate our Honorees' accomplishments, which include their enduring commitment to service in the San Diego Community. These esteemed honorees never lost sight of their deep-rooted responsibilities: admonishing, assisting, forgiving, giving, listening, loving, mentoring nurturing, providing, rearing, and teaching the children that the Sovereign Father saw fit to place in their lives. A mother's role is a distinct, matchless, and unique responsibility that is pertinent to our society because mothers have the major undertaking of raising our future doctors, lawmakers, leaders, professors, and of course, Presidents of the United States of America. To our Honorees, we thank you for your acts of service and continued commitment to the San Diego Community. You lead by example, beautifully and we salute you for doing the most magnificent job of all, making a significant difference in the lives of others.
History of Breakfast for MiLady
The San Diego Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated held its first Breakfast for MiLady, "A Tribute to Mothers" recognition ceremony in May 1990 to honor women in the community. The initial celebration took place as part of the sorority's annual May Week community celebration. Soror Mary Borders DeWitt* became aware of an event, honoring women in the community, that was held by the Memphis, Tennessee Chapter. Soror DeWitt presented the initial idea for Breakfast for MiLady, patterned after the Memphis, TN event, to the chapter. Soror Barbara West, who was a previous member of the Memphis Chapter, was also instrumental in filling in the missing pieces and laying the foundation for the Breakfast. The Chapter adopted the event.
The first Committee consisted of Sorors Dale E. Strayhorn (chair), Barbara West (co-chair), Mary B. DeWitt*, Cynthia James, Joyce M. Kercheval, Joyce Parks, Bernice Slaughter* and Janice M. Black Robinson* (then Chapter President). When presented to the Chapter, the event was quickly accepted, and the San Diego Deltas immediately began working to form its Breakfast for MiLady, "A Tribute to Mothers" honoring women from the San Diego Community.
The initial Honorees were Wendy Babb, Pearl Brigham*, Julia Christian, Mary B. DeWitt*, Algernon Phillips*, Mary Tillory and Octavia Todd. Over the years, this event has grown requiring us to move to larger venues to accommodate larger audiences.
Since the beginning, there have been many chairs and committee members who have worked non-stop to ensure our honorees have a day that will be a lifetime memory. Many organizations have presented an honoree year after year.
The San Diego Alumnae Chapter thanks all of you for your continued participation and attendance throughout the past thirty years.
*Deceased
HONOREES
It is with great honor that the San Diego Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. presents sixteen of San Diego’s most exceptional mothers, mentors, and community leaders. We are honored to celebrate our Honorees’ commitment to their family and serving the community. These women are trailblazers that selflessly give of their time and talents to worthwhile community projects and programs.
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MC & Entertainment
Bianca Shaw
Fierce, phenomenal, and free spirited are all words used to describe the one and only, Bianca Shaw. After graduating May of 2023 magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in business management with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, she has truly embodied her degree. She sat on the board of directors for associated students, board of directors for the Aztec shops, served as an Afrikan Student Union mindset mentor, interned at the black resource center, joined the greatest sorority on earth, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Nu Upsilon Chapter, and served as chapter President for 2 years in a row. In 2022, Bianca started her first business, 7EVYN7 LLC., a 360 photo booth company, and has recently expanded it into an event planning and entertainment company. Lastly, but certainly not least, she became the
youngest assistant general manager in the history of nightlife in the gaslamp district at a lounge and nightclub called The Owl.
Dr. Felicia Singleton
Dr. Felicia Singleton, a native San Diegan, is an Executive Director at the San Diego County Office of Education. Dr. Singleton is in her 35th year as an educator and has served at the site, district, county, and higher education levels in a variety of professional roles. Felicia has a deep commitment to dismantling inequitable structures and practices that prevent all learners from thriving and fully accessing their education. Felicia holds a Doctor of Education from UC San Diego, and her research is anchored in Black youth lived experiences with restorative justice. Felicia has been a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for 22 years and serves on the executive committee of the San Diego Alumnae Chapter. She attends Greater Antioch Church of God in Christ where she is the praise and worship leader and choir director. Felicia, a mother, grandmother, book collector, soul food foodie, and music enthusiast.
