About Us

In the years of our chapter’s existence, it has been increasing the visibility of Rho Iota Omega in the community of Odessa, Texas.  In addition, we have strengthened our call as women of Alpha Kappa Alpha to be servants to all mankind.  The following are some of the projects and events in which we sponsored throughout the years to impact our community:  

• In 1989, the chapter collaborated with Ector County Independent School District and the Mexican American Scholarship Committee, sponsoring a Minority Youth Conference.  Purpose was to give incentives to minority students grades 9-12 to stay in school, graduate, and go to college.  Information was given to raise awareness and curb teen pregnancy, drugs, alcohol. 200 students and 129 parents attended what was to be an annual event.
• Bon Avance – To promote social graces and cultural awareness for 7th to 9th grade boys and girls.
• Dress a Living Doll ~ Sorors go shopping and provide clothing for children of need 
• Thanksgiving Baskets ~ Sorors deliver food to needy families providing them with food for more than just one day of the year
• Coat Drive ~ Sorors donate new or slightly used coats of all sizes to local drives or chosen locations.  In the past years we have donated to the Boys Club, Go Project Head Start, Safe Place, and to victims of the Katrina & Rita Hurricanes.
• Scholarships ~ have been increased from $500 to $1000 since 2002 for a local high school senior girl  
• In 2004 the chapter became incorporated, receiving 501c3 status by November 2005.
• In 2005 we joined as members of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce and the Black Chamber of Commerce of Odessa as an organization
• Socially, we continued to take part in the annual “Greek Round-Up” and alternated as hosts with the Midland chapter of AKA.
• In April of 2005, as members of the Texas/New Mexico cluster, we were strongly instrumental in making the 73rd South Central Regional at El Paso a success 
• Our duties as hostesses continued in September as we hosted the cluster at the Holiday Inn Fun Dome. 
• 2007 & 2009 – Ebony Fashion Fair of Chicago, Ill. – for the first time, bringing the internationally renowned runway show to the Permian Basin at the Holiday Inn Fun Dome, where we filled the ballroom with guests exceeding 4,000 (because of the Ebony Fashion Fair and the generous contributions of Odessa community and sponsorships, we have given over $25,000.00 in scholarships, and in 2010 we are scheduled to give $10,000.00 more)
• In 2008 we celebrated 20 years of service to the community of Odessa.  We held a banquet and honored multiple community members for their service in business, civic, religion, leadership, education and health.
• In 2009 we were vigilant in “getting out the vote” through our Connection Program.  We were able to register over 300 first-time voters through the local high schools, as well as at various churches, our push for being connected to our local, state and national government are continuous.
• Served as sponsors and hostesses in the Juneteenth Health Fair, sponsored by the Odessa Black Nurses and Odessa Black Chamber of Commerce
• Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk

As an organization we believe we have continued to grow not only in membership but as individuals. Rho Iota Omega Chapter follows the expectations of being a service to mankind. We manage to align with the national programs and still give back to our community, giving to our youth, towards education and for those in need. 

Inclusive of our service as a group, many of our members can be found working tenaciously, sometimes in leadership positions, in other organizations, civic duties, churches; all while serving as wives, parents, and caregivers to our loved ones.  In addition, many have pursued higher degrees in their education, with over half of the chapter membership having a master’s degree or higher. 

Today, 33 years after its inception, and 21 active members, Rho Iota Omega Chapter proudly continues in the dedication and tradition set forth by the founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, whether making the community aware of Heart Health initiatives  

Created and presented by:  History Committee, MIP 2021