Overview
The Central Region encompasses chapters throughout Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and southeastern Missouri. The region includes a dynamic network of graduate and undergraduate chapters representing generations of accomplished women committed to advancing Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission through impactful community engagement, civic leadership, and sisterhood.
The Central Region is especially significant as the home of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®’s Corporate Office, located in Chicago, Illinois. It is also proudly recognized as the home region of Ethel Hedgemon Lyle, whose vision and leadership established the first Greek-letter organization founded by African American college-educated women on the campus of Howard University in 1908.
The region is home to several of the sorority’s oldest and most historic chapters, including:
- Beta Chapter in Chicago, Illinois
- Gamma Chapter at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Eta Omega Chapter in Louisville, Kentucky
- Theta Omega Chapter in Chicago, Illinois
- Gamma Omega Chapter in St. Louis, Missouri
These chapters, along with many others throughout the region, helped lay the groundwork for Alpha Kappa Alpha’s national growth and organizational excellence.
The Central Region also played a critical role in shaping several historic milestones within the sorority. The region was the site of the publication and distribution of the first edition of the Ivy Leaf® magazine following the 1921 Boule in Indianapolis, Indiana. Additionally, the region is connected to the sorority’s first honorary member, Jane Addams, a pioneering social reformer and Nobel Peace Prize recipient whose work reflected Alpha Kappa Alpha’s longstanding commitment to social justice and community service.
The Central Region proudly celebrates a remarkable legacy of leadership within Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. The region is honored to be connected to several International Presidents whose visionary leadership helped shape the sorority’s growth, direction, and global influence:
- L. Pearl Mitchell
- Edna Over Gray Campbell
- Linda Marie White
These extraordinary leaders embodied the excellence, professionalism, and commitment to service that continue to define the Central Region today.
For more than a century, members of the Central Region have been recognized for their leadership across every level of the sorority and throughout their professions and communities. The region has consistently cultivated educators, attorneys, civic leaders, elected officials, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, and advocates whose influence extends nationally and internationally.
The Central Region is also known for its strong culture of sisterhood, mentorship, and leadership development. Members are committed to fostering environments where future leaders are empowered, traditions are preserved, and innovation is embraced. Through impactful programming focused on education, economic empowerment, health equity, social justice, environmental stewardship, and civic engagement, the region continues to make meaningful contributions to communities throughout the Midwest.
Today, the Central Region remains a powerful force within Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, honoring its historic legacy while embracing the future with excellence, purpose, and vision. Guided by the principles established by the Founders and strengthened by generations of transformative leadership, the Central Region continues to inspire, lead, and serve communities across the nation.
