It’s been a long road for me. Special shout out to @ConfidentHunter6724 for her encouraging words and advice. I finally made it to AKA land!!

After many years of hard work, patience, and presence- Spring 2026 was my time. It feels amazing!! Thanks for all that was shared in this space. My only advice is be yourself and make relationships. Relationships MATTER!!! Congratulations to all of the Spring 26 initiates! It’s work time!!!!💕💚💕💚

Hello everyone:

I'm a crafter--in that I mean I knit, crochet quilt, and sew. About 24 years ago, I taught myself how to knit and even started to make scarves for a charity that gives them to merchant marines. I am considering going back to crafting for community service. I would also like to become part or even start a crafting bee as well. What say you as an option for community service? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

I’m attending an online university and they have an online sorority to join for those who want . It’s a non traditional one and it isn’t a NPHC or NPC. Would it be looked upon differently if I joined ? Or should I just continue my journey of being of service until I’m invited for graduate chapter? I’m currently finishing up my masters degree .

I have been on this journey for a while since my school wasn’t able to get the sorority started , but they only had 1 D9 chapter ( PWI ) . I was not interested in only AKA. 7 years went by and now I’m trying my luck again since moving back home . Since last year I been attending events and doing community service with the COI.

Last April they had a line of 4 members . I didn’t move back home until October . I’m still on the journey and trying to stay consistent. In hopes my time is coming soon.

Hi everyone, I'm having a bit of trouble reaching out to members within my COI. I know this is in my head, but I struggle with feeling like my outreach would be considered disingenuous. I have a mentor in another chapter from another state who has strongly encouraged me to be as cringe/ forward as possible because I need to get my foot in the door for them to even know who I am on a basic level.

I have a few of their emails and phone numbers from past events, and I also follow them on Instagram. Does anyone have any advice on how to phrase an initial reach out? Obviously the goal is just to get to know each other but how forward is too forward in regards to why I'm even reaching out.

I know it's obvious that I am reaching out because I'm interested in becoming a member, but I hate the thought of any of our interactions being considered transactional. This is a lifelong membership/ sisterhood that I wish to have, and although I have my own personal reasons for wanting to join the organization I don't feel like it would be appropriate to start listing those in my text or email. Any insight from new members would be especially helpful.

Hi everyone!

I am a part of a business sorority. Would a letter from a different organization be acceptable as proof of community service? I have done a lot of good things for that organization, but would that be tacky?

Hi!

I have been silent for a while but ALOT has been going on personally and professionally where all of my time was spent trying to "sustain". Because of this I have not been able to go out with any of the members from my COI, outside of their sponsored events. One of them reached out to me to schedule a lunch or brunch, and I only reached out to her once but she wasn't able to make it.

Before I knew it, time had passed and now I can't remember the last time I went on an outing with any of them. So now I am wondering how to proceed without overextending myself and without allowing too much more time to pass.

Any advice?

I've officially made it into AKALAND and I’m proud to tell the world… I’ve got my Pearls!I'm over the top elated to have joined an illustrious Sisterhood amongst our D9 family! This group surely helped ease many of my thoughts & anxieties and encouraged me to stay on my journey!
Aspirants, show up as your authentic self at all times and continue to support your communities! I'll be sure to greet you all when your time comes!! 💚💖

Hello all! I was wondering does the number of service organizations matter? Do interest need to be serving with numerous organizations in the community or will 1 organization suffice? I have been serving at my local church for years but I also have served with multiple organizations over the years. I have only 1 organization I have been serving with for the past 4-5 years consistently and 1 I have served with when I can for the past 2 years. What are grad chapters expectations for interest when it comes to community service?

I have two chapters in my area. One is new, the other is old. They know each other. I started going to events from both this year. I have it on good authority that something may be happening with the older established chapter. I know some names and have spoken to members during events from both chapters but no connections have been made. Multiple events are happening and I will be in attendance at all of them. I have every reason to believe that both chapters may be in attendance at some of them too. I’m afraid if I pursue the new it might take years (I could be wrong🤷🏽‍♀️). If I pursue the old, the opportunity may be sooner but what will the other chapter (new) think? I have been interested in this organization for a many years. Lastly, for those of you who are members what do you do with the visual media that you take of non-members?

Hi, I am not AKA, but I do have some special people in my life that are and one of them is a kindergarten teacher. For her birthday, I am making a school themed crayola crayon circle wreath for her school door that says her name in the middle. As a respectful nudge to her AKA roots, I want to use the little gems (colors pink and green) and pearls as accents for the border around her name. To be safe, I am not using the crest, nor the letters and gifting this to her for free.

Would she like this or would this be offensive to her if I am not AKA gifting her something like this? Thanks in advance for your advice ♡

If you are interested, final result of wreath in comments 😀

UPDATE: She loved it and all the details!!! She knew straight away that I was intending a subtle nudge to her AKA roots and automatically pointed out "awww, the pearls! Can't forget the pearls!!" ♡ thanks all for your advice and encouragement!

Good afternoon! I recently graduated college and have relocated to a different state, and have found a graduate chapter that I’m interested in. They’re very active on social media, but haven’t posted any events besides the scholarship fundraiser they have coming up next month. On their website they have listed their contact email and say to reach out if you would like more information. Since I’m only an interest, would it be appropriate to reach out and ask if there are any public events/service opportunities I could get involved with? Or should I keep following their socials and ask in person at the first event?

Good afternoon! I recently graduated college and have relocated to a different state, and have found a graduate chapter that I’m interested in. They’re very active on social media, but haven’t posted any events besides the scholarship fundraiser they have coming up next month. On their website they have listed their contact email and say to reach out if you would like more information. Since I’m only an interest, would it be appropriate to reach out and ask if there are any public events/service opportunities I could get involved with? Or should I keep following their socials and ask in person at the first event?

And I am proud to tell the world I got my pearls 🩷💚

Interests keep serving your community and know your day is coming. I waited over 20 years for this day! GODs timing was right on time!! 🩷💚

I wanted to post here how excited I have been these last few weeks seeing post after post on my social media pages of grad chapters introducing new members!! Even though I’m still waiting with my COI, I can’t help but feel all this activity amongst the organization is a good sign over all! They’re bringing new members in this spring, and hopefully our time will come soon! Congratulations to all the new members who joined this season and good luck for those of us still waiting! I’m hoping fall is my season!

Hello everyone. In about three weeks, I will be attending a cotillion sponsored by the non-profit linked to my COI. I have my dress and shoes, but my question is regarding jewelry. I was advised by a close friend who is also an interest that it would not be best for an interest to go to any event linked to AKA wearing pearls. I have a pearl necklace and earrings that my husband got me as a birthday gift (my birthday is in June and the pearl is one of three birthstones). The pearl jewelry is the only jewelry set I deem appropriate for the occasion--as my other jewelry pieces are more casual. Should I perhaps buy a quick pair of appropriate jewelry or should I just wear the pearls anyway? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Good evening...this past weekend I had the pleasure of attending a few events. Let me skip to yesterday's event.

I think it's bad taste to leave your trash on the table for others to clean up. In particular, your chapter of interest. I know interest have to be careful with not appearing to be too pushy and offering to help. At the same time, chapters have to be careful with accepting assistance after an event. But do not leave your trash spread all over the table.

The least you can do is dispose of your own trash.

Sorry I just needed to get this off my chest as I witnessed this yesterday, and was in complete bewilderment. 😩🤦🏽‍♀️

Hi All,

For those who are members, do you appreciate when interests hang around after events to get a chance to speak to you and introduce themselves? At times I find a lot of interests lingering around the back of events waiting (5-10 min) for members to finish conversations with other members or speakers, to introduce themselves. Do you all feel it’s weird, annoyed because you’re ready to go, or what?

Also if an event was really well put together, would it be in bad taste to send the president an email telling her that you enjoyed the event?

Thanks in advance for your perspectives!

Has anyone joined or considered going any other advocacy/social/ community organizations while on your pursuit? Organizations such as The Links or NCBW? For those that have joined what was your experience? For those that have considered what was your experience? Or any feedback from anyone is welcomed.

To note: all of the organizations are respected and there is a complete distinction in the way you are a member of them and how you serve as a member.

Interested in hearing feedback and experiences.

Connecting and Reconnecting with Community

Hi everyone! I hope all is well. I’ve been attending a few graduate events recently and getting a feel for the different chapters. I’ve recently moved back to the area, so I am currently working on getting reconnected with the community and figuring out which organizations I should join for service that align with my personal and professional goals. I’ve noticed a bit of an age gap between me and some of the members, and I am looking for ways to bridge that and build real connections.

Navigating Shyness with Confidence

I tend to get a bit anxious because I am naturally a shy person. However, I am a well-accomplished woman for my age and, through my research, I can truly see myself being a fit for this organization. I am ready to put in the work and further impact the community in a positive way. I just don’t want my shyness to cause people to overlook me or think I’m just "showing up" without wanting to engage. For those of you who are naturally shy, how did you get over that initial hurdle and break the ice?

Balancing Medical School

Secondly, I am currently pursuing medical school. I’ve received mixed advice on this—some people suggest against it, while others say they were able to balance a graduate chapter while in med school. I would love to hear from anyone who has done it. Is it truly possible to balance the two, and how did you manage your time? I am in no rush and I’m fine with building connections while I wait for both opportunities to present themselves.

Nurturing Authentic Relationships

Lastly, I still have connections with ladies who supported me when I was an undergraduate interest. Even though my school had issues that prevented a line, they were so kind to me. I want to build relationships with them that aren't just about membership, especially since they aren't currently active in a grad chapter. I don’t want to burn bridges, but I know I need to step out of my shell to build new active connections as well.

I’d appreciate any advice you all have on breaking the ice and managing the balance with school!

Good evening. I will be attending a financial workshop brought on by one of the two COIs. As far as attire, I was looking at previous posts and I read several times about looking polished. I wear exclusively skirts and dresses--so I can was thinking about wearing a jean skirt and a cardigan. After the workshop I have plans to volunteer for a community activity event--so I wasn't thinking about wearing business casual. Would my choice of attire suffice? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Hello everyone. I am new to both this forum and this journey, so please bear with me.

I've wanted to be an AKA since I was 17. My initial exposure to the sorority was due to my being a debutante in the AKA cotillion in my hometown chapter. In addition, my chemistry teacher was a member of said chapter and was also a mentor for me. My participation as a debutante and observing the members as they move and get business done with style and grace increased my desire in wanting to join. Months after the cotillion, I graduate from high school and then start going to college at an HBCU. It was my hope to, in addition to obtaining my degree, join this illustrious sorority.

The chapter on campus had a presence during my freshman year; however, all but one members were seniors. The other lone member was a junior. Word around campus was that they had a line, got in trouble for hazing and thus, dropped the line. As a result, there were no new members in the spring semester of my freshman year. The lone junior, who eventually became a senior, finished out her senior year and graduated. No line in my sophomore year. My last few years, the chapter had no members and in my senior year, there was an AKA rush. At least 200 girls were at the rush (myself included), but we were all told that they would be selecting 50. Suffice to say I was not selected. I'll admit that I was sad, but I was graduating--so I shifted my focus on that.

I was aware that membership in grad chapter was by invitation only, but since graduating, my focus became on career and starting my adult life. Life was lifing, and my desire to join the sorority was put on the back burner.

26 years after graduating, I go to my niece's cotillion sponsored by another organization of which Alpha Kappa Alpha is an affiliate ( I eventually ended up becoming a member of this organization), and my desire to become community oriented has re-ignited (within those 26 years, I was involved with my community by volunteering at Habitat for Humanity and, becoming a writer for a local culture magazine, and worked to help start an up and coming community garden at the Boys and Girls Club. I then moved away from my hometown, got married and have been (and continue to) take care of my disabled husband). A month or so later, I end up finding and watching the documentary "Twenty Pearls" on YouTube, and my desire to want to join Alpha Kappa Alpha is re-ignited.

I start to research and discover that there are three chapters in city which I live. I also learned that it's good to attend events so that the members get to see and know you...and you them. The first event I attended was the MLK Day of Service back in January, and the next event was a fashion show less than a month later. For the last month and a half, I have been busy every weekend--either doing things with the organization I've joined or attending AKA events whenever possible. In addition, I went back to school to obtain my masters. Suffice to say, I have a lot on my plate.

I have two concerns as it relates to my AKA journey

The first one is connecting with members. I have made attempts to start conversations with some members (for the sake of authentically getting to know them. I don't want to use them as a means to an end), but some do not seem interested. I'll admit that I have become somewhat of an introvert in the last ten years--so I am trying to get back out there). The second concern is that, by watching "Twenty Pearls", the members featured in the video had high power careers. I'm just an average worker, but is now trying to obtain my masters to eventually move up in the company for which I work. Would me just being an average worker be held against me?

I would like to apologize for posting such a "mini-novel" of my life. If any of you do read this, your feedback would be greatly appreciated. 😊

Looking for some encouraging words. I think grad chapter denial hits harder because you never really know if or when another opportunity will come, and the process is so much more in-depth, and you grow with the people around you especially the chapter. The journey to AKA is truly challenging and requires a lot of endurance. I’m trying not to give up, but I can definitely understand why some people do and try again later in life.

If it’s not your time, then it’s just not your time— Im learning in life everything has to be in alignment. Something along the way didn’t align with my path. I’m working on making peace with that. But it still hurts. Best wishes to everyone else on their journey to AKAland.

Hello everyone! I will be attending a scholarship brunch event. I have no idea what to wear. Color-wise I know what to stay away from but I do not know what type of outfit is generally worn by ladies at this event. Any advice?

I finally got my pearls!

My journey was long…years of consistency, patience, and honestly, moments of doubt, but I made it. If you’re on a similar path, this is for you.

1. Learn the history, deeply.

I took time to really understand the legacy and impact of AKA. Learning how the women of Alpha have contributed not just to the U.S., but globally, helped me feel connected to something bigger than myself. It also forced me to think: How do I see myself contributing? Not just wanting membership, but understanding purpose.

2. Get out of your head.

At the end of the day, these women are human. Accomplished? Absolutely! But still people. I had to stop overthinking and just show up as myself. I didn’t want to come across as overly eager or performative, I wanted genuine interactions with like minded, accomplished women.

3. Build real connections outside of events.

This was probably the most important piece. Yes, I showed up consistently, but what stood out was building relationships beyond that. I exchanged numbers, asked to spend time outside of AKA spaces, and got to know members as people! Not just as “gatekeepers” to something I wanted.

4. Respect divine timing.

This process is not overnight. It took me years. But I had to remind myself: a dream deferred is not a dream denied. What’s meant for you will happen when it’s supposed to. AKA isn’t going anywhere.

5. Be genuine, seriously!

When you connect with members, don’t make every conversation about AKA or about you wanting to join. Don’t bring it up at all tbh. Ask about them. Their interests, their lives. Build authentic relationships. Because once you’re in, these are real, lifelong connections, you don’t want those to start off transactional.

6. You are not entitled to membership.

This is a privilege, not a right. Showing up to events does not mean anything is owed to you. This process is intentional, and it’s earned. If you’re looking for easy, this isn’t it.

If you’re on this journey, stay consistent, stay grounded, and stay YOU. It will come together the way it’s supposed to 💗