Charisse Marie Penalver, Esq.  (1998-2002)


National Programmatic Thrust:  Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy, National Public Day of Service, Voter Education and Registration, Social Action:  It's Personal, It's Local, It's Global.

Accomplishments:  North Manhattan Alumnae Chapter experienced unprecedented membership growth during my tenure.  I believe that NMAC benefited immeasurably from our embrace of the Project ACE initiative, as noted by our winning an award two years in a row for our programming.  While it was necessary for the membership to "buy into" this program, I provided the direction as I encouraged newer members of the chapter to assume leadership roles.   I must say, however, that I had great role models in my predecessors, most notably Sorors Redd and Parsons, who envisioned NMAC as the place for recent graduates and sorors rejoining the fold to learn the true meaning of sisterhood, scholarship and service.

Highlights:  After many years of working to acquire 501(c)(3) non-profit status, Delta House North was incorporated during my first term.  Following its transition from Teen Mentoring to the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy, Miss Zakkiyyah Reece represented NMAC in the Presidential Academy during the 45th National Convention in Chicago.    In January 2002, NMAC hosted the most talked about Founders Day program in the New York Metropolitan area in the past 10 years.