Tanesha D. Thompson named Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Mid-Western Regional Director

Tanesha D. Thompson will lead Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Mid-Western Region after being named regional director at the sorority’s 72nd Boule in Las Vegas. Her first priorities are connection, development and growth across eight states, with an early focus on listening, assessment and support for chapter leaders and members.

Why it matters: - Thompson takes over leadership of a region spanning eight states, putting one person in charge of coordination across graduate and undergraduate chapters in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana and Oklahoma. - Her agenda centers on member connection, leadership development and long-term regional growth, which can affect how chapters collaborate and serve local communities. - The role also matters because Thompson brings more than 25 years of education experience, including early childhood education work tied to family support and school readiness.

What happened: - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® named Tanesha D. Thompson the Mid-Western Regional Director following the sorority’s 72nd Boule, held July 18-24 in Las Vegas. - Thompson will oversee the sorority’s Mid-Western Region, which includes chapters in eight states. - Thompson works as Program Director for Growing Futures Early Education Center in Overland Park, Kansas. - Thompson said she will lead with transparency, accountability and care. - Thompson said she is ready to listen, serve and work alongside Mid-Western Region members.

The details: - Thompson’s stated priorities are connection, development and growth. - Connection means strengthening relationships so members and chapters can work together more effectively. - Development means creating opportunities for every member to contribute, build skills and lead. - Growth means investing in members, chapters and the region so they can better serve their communities. - Thompson said her first 100 days will focus on listening, assessment and relationship-building. - Early efforts will include engaging chapter leaders and members, improving regional communication and supporting undergraduate chapters. - Thompson said her goal is to help every member feel seen, supported and connected. - Thompson said chapters need tools, training and resources to serve effectively. - Thompson has spent more than 25 years in education, with significant work in early childhood education. - Thompson is a member of Mu Omega Chapter in Kansas City, Kansas. - Thompson was initiated through Alpha Rho Chapter at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. - Her leadership experience includes service as president, vice president, hostess, graduate advisor and a member of the International Program Committee from 2018 to 2022. - Thompson has also led chapter, regional and service initiatives focused on education, scholarship, fundraising, sisterly relations, membership, standards and community service.

Between the lines: - The appointment signals continuity for a region that already emphasizes service, leadership development, education, scholarship and civic engagement. - Thompson’s emphasis on communication and support suggests an early effort to tighten coordination across chapters and strengthen undergraduate engagement. - Her education background aligns with the region’s community-focused mission, especially where chapters support families and youth.

What's next: - Thompson’s first 100 days will likely set the tone for her term as she meets members, assesses needs and identifies communication gaps. - The region will also look to her for support to chapter leaders and undergraduate chapters as she builds out her priorities. - Thompson said she wants to create forward momentum by helping members lead more boldly, serve more deeply and build lasting partnerships.

The bottom line: - Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Mid-Western Region has a new leader with deep chapter experience and a clear focus on connection, development and growth.