AKARAMA Foundation, Inc.
By Helping Others We Rise
Our foundation is guided by the values of excellence and compassion and continues to be a beacon of hope and empowerment for individuals and families across the greater Chicago area and beyond.
Committed to Service
We promote community well-being via volunteerism, collaboration, and programs for economic growth, education, culture, and health.
Mather: Age Well Together
Join Mather in collaboration with the Empower Our Families Committee for our monthly Wellness Program Series, "Aging Well Together." This event is designed for individuals aged 55 and older, though everyone is warmly invited to attend. Feel free to bring friends and family along—everyone is welcome!
About AKARAMA Foundation
On October 14, 1981, Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., established the AKArama Foundation Inc. as a separate entity with a 501c (3) nonprofit status.
Our mission is to promote community well-being through volunteerism, strategic collaboration, and impactful programs that support economic growth, educational advancement, cultural enrichment, and health awareness. Guided by the values of excellence and compassion, the AKArama Foundation continues to be a beacon of hope and empowerment for individuals and families across the greater Chicago area and beyond.
44
Years of activities
200k
People in community
150+
Community programs
500+
Active volunteers
Programs for the Community
Our mission
The AKArama Foundation, Inc. was established on October 14, 1981, by the visionary women of the Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. With the creation of this separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity, the Foundation set out to expand its impact and deepen its commitment to uplifting communities through purposeful service.
Our mission is to promote community well-being through volunteerism, strategic collaboration, and impactful programs that support economic growth, educational advancement, cultural enrichment, and health awareness. Guided by the values of excellence and compassion, the AKArama Foundation continues to be a beacon of hope and empowerment for individuals and families across the greater Chicago area and beyond.
Our mission is to promote community well-being through volunteerism, strategic collaboration, and impactful programs
AKArama Foundation, Inc. Officers
Kimberly Collier
President
Michelle Paramore
Vice President
Adrienne Davis
Secretary
Rochelle Bryant
Corresponding Secretary
Ouida Dyer Bradford
Treasurer
Lynn Harriston
Assistant Treasurer
Anna Horn
Financial Secretary
Assistant Financial Secretary
AKArama Foundation, Inc. Committees
Strengthen Our Sisterhood
Tonya Mattox, Chairman
Leadership
Kisha Johnson Smith, Chairman
Eulalie West, Co-Chairman
Empower Our Families
Barbara Edwards, Chairman
Youth Leadership Institute
Elaine Singh, Chairman
Build Our Economic Wealth
Lisa Pope, Chairman
Enhance Our Environment
Wanda Power, Chairman
Block Club Party
Jaidah Wilson, Chairman
Advocate for Social Justice
Michelle Dunham, Chairman
Uplift Our Community
Yolanda Bailey, Chairman
AKARAMA 2026
Janae LeFlore, Chairman
Iona Calhoun- Battiste, Co-Chairman
AKARAMA 2027
Iona Calhoun- Battiste, Chairman
Holiday Affair 2026
Marva Nichols, Chairman
Holiday Affair 2027
Veletta Bell, Chairman
Scholarship
Michelle Harton, Chairman
Tiffany Harper, Co-Chairman
AKArama Foundation, Inc. Directors
Director of Buildings and Grounds
Denise Gresham Knox
Director of Corporate and Community Relations
Causandra McClain-Hall
Director of Human Resources
Dorothy Ragsdale Triplett
Director of Marketing and Communications
Oveda Brown
Director of Grants
Lori J Taylor
Director of Resource Development and Fundraising
Iona Calhoun- Battiste
Donate to make a difference
With your generous donation, you can make a difference. Your donation will go towards providing direct financial assistance, educational opportunities, and health resources, for the families in and around the Woodlawn community.
Contact us
Find our office
6220 South Ingleside Avenue
Chicago, IL