In 1907, our guiding light, Soror Ethel Hedgemon Lyle, defined the purpose of Alpha Kappa Alpha as “the response to the great need of Negro people, especially women and girls, and a grand lever to raise the star of women.” From our inception, our Founders envisioned a sisterhood that confronted the state of the Black community through upliftment, direct action, and servant leadership. For generations, the Notable North Atlantic Region has been at the helm of movements and community action, addressing issues of social justice, economic reform, educational equality, healthcare reform, gender equity, and more. From the streets of Maine to the halls of our nation’s capital, North Atlantic sorors, individually and collectively, are galvanizing and responding to the needs of our community. The Globally EmpowHERd: A F.I.R.S.T. Response highlights how sorors have upheld the original vision through globally responsive action, particularly on behalf of women and girls. This issue is an ode to the visionaries, movement makers, community organizers, change agents, trailblazers to the entrepreneurs, health professionals, public servants, reformers, lawyers, educators, and all footsoldiers across the region. With the leadership of our Regional Director and the F.I.R.S.T. Administration, the North Atlantic Region transcends all borders and redefines what it means to lead in this world. In true Alpha Kappa Alpha fashion, our individual and collective power continues to transform the global stage, guiding the world towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive!

Soror Brittney L. Yancy,

Editor-in-Chief

Epsilon Omicron Omega