Alpha Kappa Alpha Converges upon New Orleans

2007 Leadership Seminar - New Orleans, Louisiana - July 14-21, 2007

Visit mixes business with economic boost to city

More than 3,000 of its members have converged upon New Orleans for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's biennial Leadership Conference. The Sorority is providing a helping hand to residents and offering a forum to discuss business, in preparation for its Centennial in 2008.

Originally scheduled as a Hawaiian cruise, the conference location was changed as an extension of the Sorority’s resolve to support New Orleans’ economic revitalization effort.

The time spent in New Orleans includes the International Regional Conference, Leadership Conference and a Public Service Day, on which members will participate in community projects that parallel the Sorority's mission to "serve all mankind."

Declared Barbara A. McKinzie, the Sorority’s international president, "While there have been signs of economic life in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans continues to struggle economically. By hosting our Leadership Conference in New Orleans, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is doing its part to pump some economic life into the city."

McKinzie added that Alpha Kappa Alpha's presence parallels the Sorority's economic vision, which is embraced under the theme of her administration: ESP, an acronym for Economics, Service and Partnership.

"During our stay in New Orleans, Alpha Kappa Alpha expects to pump over $5 million into the city by dining at its restaurants, shopping and by supporting its convention and tourism mission," McKinzie said. "Most of all, we will be sending a strong message that Alpha Kappa Alpha is part of New Orleans' economic solution. Hopefully, our decision will encourage other organizations to make New Orleans their city of choice when hosting their special events."

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