Season 2, Episode 45: Talking Sisterhood, Leadership, and Service with Dr. Araba Afenyi-Annan and Educator Leola Banks

Episode 45 is the season finale for Season 2 for That Social Work Lady Podcast. Recorded on November 12, 2022, this episode pays homage to my sorority Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. I am so grateful to the two women who joined me to celebrate our sorority's centennial celebration: Dr. Araba Afenyi-Annan and Educator Leola Banks.  We pledged together at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (Iota Psi Chapter) and have each done the work to live out our sorority mission - Greater Service, Greater Progress!

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was organized on November 12, 1922, in Indianapolis, Indiana, by seven young educators: Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Vivian Irene White Marbury, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford, Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin, and Cubena McClure. The group became an incorporated national collegiate sorority on December 30, 1929, when a charter was granted to the Alpha chapter at Butler University. Since its inception, the dynamic women of Sigma Gamma Rho have built and sustained a well-known and well-respected reputation for leading positive change to help uplift the community through sisterhood, leadership, and service.

LEOLA BANKS, known as Tee to her family and close friends, is a proud native Detroiter and product of the Detroit Public School District; graduating 2nd in her class from Central High School. She currently works as an Assistant Principal with Detroit Public Schools Community District.  Ms. Banks has taught elementary as well as middle school reading, language arts and mathematics.  She also served in various roles (Lead Teacher, Title I Intervention Teacher and Instructional Specialist) prior to her current role in administration. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and has earned two Master’s degrees in Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Leadership from the University of Detroit Mercy.  Leola is a committed advocate for equity and quality education for under-represented and underprivileged children which has been her motivation for remaining in public education.  Ms. Banks has a close-knit family; two sisters and a very loving mother, her greatest supporter, who raised three girls as a single parent. Additionally, she is a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., enjoys attending and serving in her church, spending time with family, friends and traveling.  Ms. Banks is honored to be an educator.  She wholeheartedly believes it is her “ministry.” Most importantly, God has had His hands on her for a very long time.  Since her baptism, at the age of 14, she has enjoyed gospel music, reading, and studying the Word of God.  She loves the Lord!

Dr. Araba Afenyi-Annan is a retired academic physician, researcher, and educator. After a life changing injury left her permanently disabled in chronic pain, she was led on a new life path and understanding of healing. As a student and practitioner of A Course In Miracles, she believes her true purpose is to be truly helpful and live a life of Love. Her life is a testament to the power of grace. Now a certified spiritual counselor, facilitator, author and speaker, it is her joy and honor to support others on their journey of spiritual growth and awakening. A mother and co-parent of two teenagers, she believes parenting is an untapped yet vital vehicle for individual and collective transformation. 

To learn more about the illustrious organization, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.:
https://www.sgrho1922.org/
https://www.instagram.com/sgrhoupdates/
https://www.facebook.com/sgrhoupdates