By Dr. Sharon H. Porter | Tuesday, November 21, 2023 | 6:00 AM ET
Today's Divine Nine Member Spotlight is sponsored by
The Winston-Salem Alumni Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Fall 2023 Line
1. Jerelle Laughlin 2. Maurice Crocker 3. Dr. Chris Gilmore 4. Darryl Sawyer 5. Daiquan Roach 6. Jeffrey Shaw
Join Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine in celebrating the incredible influence of the members of the Divine Nine! Discover the rich legacy and vibrant impact of these exceptional members in our special Divine Nine Spotlight!
From Alpha to Omega, we're shining a spotlight on the trailblazers, scholars, leaders, and community advocates who make up the Divine Nine. Get ready to dive into the history, achievements, and empowering stories of the members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations that continue to shape our society.
Stay tuned for the exclusive interviews, captivating profiles, and extraordinary journeys of the Divine Nine members on the Vision & Purpose Podcast and upcoming print issues.
Join the conversation and share your thoughts on the incredible impact of these inspiring individuals. Stay tuned for an issue you don't want to miss!
Who or what inspired you to become a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.?
"My mother. If it wasn’t for my mother I wouldn’t have known about this wonderful sisterhood. My mother became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc in the Fall of 1978 while a student at the University at Buffalo. Growing up I knew there was only way I would go. I admired my mother as a child so I knew this was something that I wanted to become a part of.
In 2008, my mother encouraged me to become an Alpha Kappa Alpha Debutante, and it was one of the best, unforgettable experiences I’ve had. I was able to go through the Centennial Debutante program with 50 other young girls, and I was able to meet so many members of the sorority. Once again, shoutout to my mom for encouraging me to take part in the journey, and for my father partaking in the ceremonial father and daughter dance.
In 2015, I became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Phi Omega Chapter, and I finally got the chance to call my mother, Soror Mommy! It was such a great feeling, and until this day I call my mother Soror Mommy, and we hold such an unforgettable, special bond together."
About Sharifa Viola
Sharifa Viola, is a nutrition educator, mental health advocate, and creative entrepreneur.
She received her Bachelor’s degree in Health and Wellness from Buffalo State University, and a Master’s degree in Applied Nutrition from Canisius University.
Sharifa has worked in the health and wellness industry for over ten years, serving in several roles such as a Center for Disease Control (CDC) Diabetes Prevention Coach, Health Educator, Wellness Coach, and most recently, a Research Assistant at a local university focusing on nutritional studies both locally and nationally.
In 2020, Sharifa created the I'm Good podcast, now known as The Mental Health Diet, as a way to help people overcome anxiety and depression through plant-based foods and holistic approaches. Her podcast was birthed from her own personal experience living with type1 diabetes and overcoming anxiety.
Sharifa also owns and operates All Things Shri, an e-commerce store that features sweatshirts and hoodies with words on it to encourage confidence and inspiration.
With a love for entrepreneurship and digital brand growth, she also works as a freelance social media coach helping others grow their personal and business brands through social media.
Sharifa Viola’s mission in life is to help people become the best version of themselves through faith, nutrition, and entrepreneurship.
About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® (AKA), an international service organization, was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated® is comprised of more than 355,000 initiated members in graduate and undergraduate chapters located in 12 countries including the United States, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Dubai, Germany, Japan, Liberia, Nigeria, South Korea, South Africa and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Led by International President & CEO Danette Anthony Reed of Dallas, Texas, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, often is hailed as “America’s premier Greek-letter organization for African American women.”
About the Divine Nine
The Divine Nine, formally known as, the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is a collaborative umbrella council composed of nine historically African American fraternities and sororities, and also referred to as Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs). The NPHC was formed as a permanent organization on May 10, 1930, on the campus of Howard University, in Washington, D.C., with Matthew W. Bullock as the active Chairman and B. Beatrix Scott as Vice-Chairman. NPHC was incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois in 1937.
The council promotes interaction through forums, meetings, and other media for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions.
Each constituent member organization determines its own strategic direction and program agenda. Today, the primary purpose and focus of member organizations remains camaraderie and academic excellence for its members and service to the communities they serve. Each promotes community awareness and action through educational, economic, and cultural service activities.
The Divine Nine Member Spotlight Sponsor
The Winston-Salem Alumni Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Fall 2023 Line
1. Jerelle Laughlin 2. Maurice Crocker 3. Dr. Chris Gilmore 4. Darryl Sawyer 5. Daiquan Roach 6. Jeffrey Shaw
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