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During the holiday season, self-care and baby-care gift bags were presented to new and expectant mothers by the Lambda Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA). This citywide undergraduate chapter assembled 200 gift bags with assistance from several partnering organizations.
This service event was the brainchild of Kynnedy Smith, the president of the Lambda Chapter of AKA, which proudly serves the Harlem community. Smith, an Oprah Winfrey Leadership Scholar (OWL) and senior at Columbia University in New York, has a double major in computer science and cognitive science with a specialization in artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction.
While acknowledging her upbringing, Smith said, her focus on outreach is fueled by gratitude to the "scholar communities" that helped shape and strengthen her commitment to service.
"From age 11, when I founded a charitable organization to advocate for arts education for underserved students in my hometown [Cleveland, Ohio] to today, at 22, I continue to lead and volunteer with organizations that support underrepresented families both locally and internationally," said Smith. "Whenever I encounter a challenge in my community, I see it as an opportunity to act, to find creative solutions, and to bring others together. Service is not just something I do. It's who I am. I am committed to 'leaving the ladder down,' ensuring that others have the support and resources they need to climb higher and achieve more, just as those before me did for me."
Contributed photos
Through a partnership between the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation and Herrendorf Family Foundation, Smith participated in the Herrendorf Family Foundation's Global Leadership Conference for personal and professional development.
With her sorority sisters, Smith believes, "Collaborating with Harlem Hospital to support mothers is just the beginning of what we envision. We are committed to building a stronger, more inclusive connection between our chapter and the community we serve."
According to Satrina Boyce, advisor of the undergraduate chapter, "The Ladies of Lambda Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated would like to thank everyone who attended the 'Moms Offering More' gift bag packing event. The objective of this activity was to provide necessary resources to new and expecting mothers in Harlem Hospital's Labor and Delivery unit both to improve the support they have while entering motherhood and to allow them the space to focus on their mental well-being." Boyce said support came from the Moms Offering More organization, undergraduate chapters of Divine Nine organizations, and the Black Student Organization at New York University. Boyce added, Smith was able to coordinate the event thanks to a grant from the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation.
As a result, the pink drawstring bags were packed to help new mothers care for their babies and themselves. New mothers received several items including face masks, essential oils, ear plugs, tea bags, lactation tea, and handheld massagers, as well as diapers and baby wipes.
As a special touch, each gift bag included a handwritten note. The messages were written by mothers who are members of the Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Boyce, who is a member of this graduate chapter, said her sorority sisters shared their motherhood experiences along with a few tips and gentle reminders such as:
According to their website, the Tau Omega Chapter is the oldest graduate chapter of AKA in the New York metropolitan area. In 2025, members will celebrate the chapter's 100th anniversary.
On Jan. 15, 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. was established on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. as the first Greek-letter organization founded by African American college-educated women. In 2025, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated celebrate 117 years of international service to mankind.
Happy Founders' Day from the New York Amsterdam News!