Meet our 2022 New Sister of the Year:  

Datia Flowers

I have a Bachelors of Science in Organizational and Professional Leadership from Eastern Illinois University. As of December 11, 2022 I will have a Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I am an Accessibility Specialist for the Office for Access and Equity at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.  

I am driven by my faith first and foremost, followed by my family and friends. In addition, I am highly driven and inspired by my passion to help people, especially those that are underrepresented. I am constantly galvanized by my desire to be a change agent. Lastly, my determination to succeed compels me.

My life’s purpose is helping people, but especially women and young girls. Like Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.’s mission, I desire to help women be their best selves, emotionally/mentally, physically, financially, etc. I wanted to join an organization that exemplifies elegance and ethics while serving the community to better the lives of women, as well as form relationships with like minded educated/professional women.

In my first year I co-chaired Epsilon Epsilon Omega’s Leadership Retreat, served on the 5k Walk/Run, Membership, 2022 Regional Conference, Rituals, and Sisterly Relations committees. I have participated in the majority of the Sisterly Relations activities, including planning the bike party. In addition, I participated in the Pumps to the Pavement and distributed Thanksgiving baskets. I have also begun to train for the Corresponding Secretary role by collecting the chapter’s mail and completing the monthly report. 

In this first year I have not only gained friends, I have gained sisters, women who I can depend on. The women of Alpha Kappa Alpha have shown me what true sisterhood really is. The day I became a member of this great sorority, regional conference, Epsilon Epsilon Omega’s chapter anniversary, and the holiday parties are all highlights of my first year. 

I am so grateful to be awarded neophyte of the year, as it shows my passion for the organization. I take the work of Alpha Kappa Alpha very seriously. I am a worker bee and I knew that I wanted to hit the ground running, thus I am grateful to everyone that has entrusted me to lead or be a part of a committee. I would be remiss to not mention my line sisters, who have supported me in this journey and have worked very hard this past year!