The story of the pearl & ivy community corporation
Our Impetus: A Deeper Commitment to Community
The Pearl & Ivy Community Corporation (PICC) was established from a shared vision within the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Alpha Nu Omega Chapter. While the chapter had long been fortunate to manage and disburse donor-endowed scholarships, its members felt a strong desire to expand their impact by providing more chapter-designated scholarships and community programming. This passion for service became the driving force behind the creation of a new, dedicated nonprofit.
Our Founding
With the full support of the Alpha Nu Omega Chapter, a group of dedicated members began the formal planning process in 2013. A core group, including Yemaya Ponder Pitts, Diane Lewis, and Donna Ziegler, was tasked with researching and developing the new nonprofit.
In late 2013, the Articles of Incorporation were signed and submitted by then-Chapter President Robin Thomas, along with Sharese Hill, Yemaya Pitts, and Alana Pitts. Our official 501(c)(3) status was received in May of 2014, marking a new chapter in our commitment to the Bay Area community.
Our Founding and Charter Board of Directors included:
In late 2013, the Articles of Incorporation were signed and submitted by then-Chapter President Robin Thomas, along with Sharese Hill, Yemaya Pitts, and Alana Pitts. Our official 501(c)(3) status was received in May of 2014, marking a new chapter in our commitment to the Bay Area community.
Our Founding and Charter Board of Directors included:
- Chairman: Robin Thomas
- Vice-Chair: April Scott
- Secretary: Gail McGuire
- Treasurer: Eddie Scruggs Smith
- Financial Secretary: Yemaya Ponder Pitts
- Directors at Large: Sharese Hill, Claudine Ratcliffe, Sonya Simril, and Denise Parker
Our impact: from vision to action
Since our establishment, PICC has been dedicated to putting our mission into action. Our first official fundraising event in 2015 was a resounding success, exceeding our initial goal of $3,000. In May 2015, the organization also formalized its brand identity with the creation of the official PICC logo, designed by Johari Leaks. In that same year, our members approved the creation of the Alpha Nu Omega Scholarship, which now stands alongside the existing Ida L. Jackson Scholarship.
Operating as a nonprofit gives the opportunity to provide fundraising opportunities with the benefit of tax deductibility for our generous donors, allowing us to disperse more scholarships and program funding than ever before. Our work continues to be guided by the following committed board chairs:
Operating as a nonprofit gives the opportunity to provide fundraising opportunities with the benefit of tax deductibility for our generous donors, allowing us to disperse more scholarships and program funding than ever before. Our work continues to be guided by the following committed board chairs:
- Robin Thomas: 2014-2018
- Sharese Hill: 2019-2024
- Johari Leaks: 2025-present