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 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 31st 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
Maria Maxie Whitfield
Co-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
HONOREES
It is with great honor that the San Diego Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. present 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.
SOUVENIR AD BOOK
A souvenir book that highlights the honorees and their accomplishments will be published. The souvenir journal will include congratulatory and business ads. Ads can be placed in support of an honoree or to promote a business or organization.
MC & Entertainment
Elder Leilah Kirkendoll, PhD
Elder Leilah Kirkendoll, PhD is a Director with the San Diego County Office of Education ~ Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS). In this role, she is responsible for the curriculum and instruction professional learning, the focus on Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), the proper allocation and reporting of funding plans, both state and categorical and the focus on Equitable Education. Her passion for equity helps her lead this educational institution while providing opportunities for learning that are relevant, rigorous and accessible for ALL students.
In her personal life, she has been a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for over 33 years. In this role she serves as the San Diego Alumnae Chapter Chaplain and the Primary Advisor to her collegiate chapter, Nu Upsilon. She also serves as an Elder and Co-Director of the marriage ministry at City of Hope International Church. In the community she serves as the Treasurer and Cheer Coach for Skyline Youth Football and Cheer Organization. Probably her most fulfilling role is as the wife of Minister Andre Kirkendoll and as a mother to Khadijah, (27) and Aaliyah (9.75). God has truly blessed her to bless others and that is what she does daily.
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