New regional director assumes role with emphasis on collaboration, skill-building, and expansion across eight states
Tanesha D. Thompson has been appointed Mid-Western Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, following the organization’s 72nd Boule, which took place July 18-24 in Las Vegas.
In her role as Regional Director, Thompson will oversee Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Mid-Western Region, covering graduate and undergraduate chapters across Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana and Oklahoma. She currently serves as Program Director for Growing Futures Early Education Center in Overland Park, Kansas, where her responsibilities involve supporting children, families, school readiness, health, mental health, nutrition and direct support services.
Thompson’s appointment comes after years of extensive work in the region and beyond, including chapter executive leadership, graduate advisor duties, regional coordination, international committee roles, and board leadership with civic and educational organizations.
She stated that she plans to guide the region with openness, responsibility, and compassion.
“I am ready to listen, ready to serve and ready to work alongside the members of the Mid-Western Region,” Thompson said. “Together, we will lead with excellence, grace and sisterly love."
Thompson indicated that her agenda revolves around three key areas: connection, development, and growth. Connection involves building stronger ties so members and chapters can collaborate more effectively. Development means offering every member significant chances to contribute, enhance abilities, and take on leadership roles. Growth focuses on investing in members, chapters, and the region’s enduring strength so everyone can better serve their communities.
“This region is home,” Thompson said. “I step into this role with deep gratitude and clear purpose. My commitment is to help every member feel seen, supported and connected while ensuring our chapters have the tools, training and resources they need to serve with excellence.”
During her first 100 days, Thompson noted she will prioritize listening, assessment, and relationship-building across the region. Her early efforts will include engaging chapter leaders and members, identifying ways to improve regional communication, and supporting undergraduate chapters.
“When our chapters are stronger, our communities are stronger,” Thompson said. “When our members are equipped, they can lead more boldly, serve more deeply and build partnerships that last. That is the kind of forward momentum I want us to create together.” Professionally, Thompson has spent more than 25 years in education, with significant work in early childhood education.
Thompson, a member of Mu Omega Chapter in Kansas City, Kansas, was initiated through Alpha Rho Chapter at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Her Alpha Kappa Alpha leadership experience includes serving as President, Vice President, Hostess, Graduate Advisor and member of the International Program Committee from 2018 to 2022. She has also led chapter, regional and service initiatives focused on education, scholarship, fundraising, sisterly relations, membership, standards and community service.
About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Mid-Western Region
The Mid-Western Region of About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® includes graduate and undergraduate chapters in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana and Oklahoma. Through local chapters, regional initiatives and community partnerships, the region supports service, leadership development, education, scholarship, civic engagement and programs that strengthen communities.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, an international service organization, was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated® is comprised of more than 380,000 initiated members in more than 1,096 graduate and undergraduate chapters located in 13 nations and territories including the United States, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Japan, Liberia, Nigeria, South Korea, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Led by International President & CEO Charletta Wilson Jacks of Atlanta, GA, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, often is hailed as “America’s premier Greek-letter organization for African American women.”
Lani Stigler, Chief of Staff
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®
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