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 eighteen 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-three 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 34th 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
Carla Harris
Chairperson
Joyce M. Kercheval
Chairperson Emerita
It is with great honor that we present to you eighteen 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.
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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.
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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.
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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
2024 Breakfast For MiLady
HONOREES
It is with great honor that the San Diego Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. presents eighteen 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.
MC & Entertainment
Pastor Leilah Kirkendoll, PhD
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Pastor Leilah Kirkendoll, Ph.D. is a Licensed and Ordained Minister of the Gospel and has been serving in this capacity since 2000, displaying the gifts that God has placed in her to help deliver and encourage others in the name of Jesus Christ. Elder Kirkendoll, as a single mother and divorcee, experienced the power of God in her life in such exciting ways that she felt privileged that God would choose to use her as His vessel to those who need His love and encouragement. While training for this awesome task, she served as the church administrator, Sunday School Superintendent, leader of the Singles Ministry, Minster of the Leaders and eventually the Associate Pastor. This served as a true training ground to the multifaceted approach to ministering to God’s People.
A teacher by profession and a director by occupation, sharing God’s Word in a down-to-earth and life applicable manner is what she does best. This approach allows people to see themselves in God’s Plan and ultimately gives them the opportunity to accept His way for their lives. Her style is real and fun and brings to life the infinite possibilities that our God has shared with us in His Word. Dr. Kirkendoll currently serves as an Associate Pastor at Greater Life Church with Pastor Nate Stewart. As the lead for partnership development and as a member on the leadership team for the Women’s Ministry, she shares her gifts will all she encounters.
In her personal life, she has been a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for over 35 years. In this role she serves as the San Diego Alumnae Chapters’ Chaplain and as the Secondary Advisor to her collegiate chapter, Nu Upsilon. In the community she serves as the Secretary/Treasurer and an Assistant Cheer Coach for Skyline Youth Football and Cheer Organization. She also serves as treasurer and Co-leader of Girl Scout Troop 6786. Probably her most fulfilling role is also her first ministry; that is as the wife of Minister Andre Kirkendoll and as a mother to Khadijah, (30) and Aaliyah (12). God has truly blessed her to bless others and that is what she strives to do, with joy, daily.
DJ
Datboy​
