Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority to Bring 4,700 Members to Raleigh for Regional Conference

Historic gathering will spotlight service, sisterhood, and community impact across North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. — More than 4,700 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated will gather in Raleigh March 19–22 for the organization’s 73rd Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, bringing one of the largest gatherings of African American women leaders and community advocates to North Carolina this year.

 

 

Hosted at the Raleigh Convention Center, the conference will unite members from across North Carolina and Virginia for several days of leadership development, service initiatives, cultural programming, and community engagement.

Founded in 1908 at Howard University, Alpha Kappa Alpha is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women and now includes more than 390,000 members worldwide.

A Conference Focused on Service and Community Impact

This year’s conference will highlight the sorority’s community initiative “We Are Legendary, Period!”, which partners with the Diaper Bank of North Carolina to combat period poverty in schools across the state.

Through the organization’s Period Power initiative, schools receive supplies such as:

• sanitary pads
• tampons
• black leggings
• underwear

The effort ensures that students can focus on learning rather than missing class because of limited access to essential hygiene products.

“As 4,700 members gather to advance our mission, we are proud to uplift our community service initiative that helps ensure young people can focus on learning rather than lacking basic hygiene essentials,” said Nadine Vargas Stewart, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director.

“This conference is not only a celebration of our legacy—it is a testament to the lasting impact we strive to make in every community we touch.”

Leadership of Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Nadine Vargas Stewart

Stewart leads more than 15,000 Alpha Kappa Alpha members across North Carolina and Virginia and has expanded the region’s impact through the leadership initiative NVS C.O.N.N.E.C.T.S., which focuses on building opportunity, transparency, and sisterhood across chapters.

Under her leadership, members in the Mid-Atlantic Region have:

• completed 108,000+ volunteer service hours
• supported Black-owned businesses through Black Dollar Days initiatives
• registered thousands of voters and expanded civic engagement
• distributed more than 150,000 Childhood Hunger Initiative food packs

Stewart, a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, is also a professional event strategist and owner of NVS Events, bringing extensive experience in fundraising, partnerships, and conference planning.

Public Events Open to the Community

While the conference includes closed business sessions for members, several major events are open to the public.

 

 

Public Meeting – “Legendary Service, Lasting Impact”

• Date: Thursday, March 19
• Time: 7:00 p.m.
• Location: Raleigh Convention Center

The event will recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to social justice, community empowerment, and environmental initiatives. Media personality and author Gizelle Bryant will serve as moderator.

Hip-Hop Legends Headline Friday Night Event

 

The conference will also feature the “Return of the Legends” Old School Hip-Hop Concert and stroll competition.

Performers include:

• Big Daddy Kane
• Doug E Fresh
• Slick Rick
• Sugar Hill Gang

The event will take place Friday night at the Raleigh Convention Center, with proceeds supporting community initiatives.

Closing Worship and Breakfast

 

 

The conference will conclude on Sunday with a Worship Service and Closing Breakfast featuring gospel artist Kelontae Gavin.

Economic and Cultural Impact

Large regional conferences like this generate significant economic impact for host cities, benefiting hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, and small businesses.

But for Alpha Kappa Alpha, leaders say the focus remains on service.

“For more than a century, Alpha Kappa Alpha women have worked to uplift communities through leadership, education, and service,” Stewart said. “This conference continues that legacy.”