Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated welcomed six extraordinary women into its sisterhood as honorary members this week during the organization’s 72nd International Boule in Las Vegas. The inductees are Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Pauletta Pearson Washington, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire, Merline Saintil and Robin Washington.
“Today, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated welcomed six women whose influence extends far beyond their names,” the sorority wrote on social media. “They are scientists, innovators, artists, executives, and visionaries whose work has changed industries, opened doors, and created lasting impact. Not just trending. Transformational. Not just accomplished. Enduring. Not just recognized. Respected.”
- LaTanya Richardson Jackson — Three-time Tony Award-nominated actress, director and producer whose credits include A Raisin in the Sun and The Fighting Temptations. In 2022 she became the first woman to direct an August Wilson play on Broadway with The Piano Lesson. She is also the wife of Samuel L. Jackson.
- Salli Richardson-Whitfield — Award-winning director, producer and actress whose directing credits include Queen Sugar, Scandal, Dear White People and The Chi. Her work on Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty made her the first Black woman nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series.
- Pauletta Pearson Washington — Acclaimed actress and musician who has appeared on Broadway in Jesus Christ Superstar, Sophisticated Ladies and Shakespeare’s Cabaret, and was featured on the soundtracks for Philadelphia and Antwone Fisher, both starring her husband, Oscar winner Denzel Washington.
- Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire — Leading vaccine scientist and viral immunologist whose foundational coronavirus research at the National Institutes of Health helped drive the rapid development of one of the first COVID-19 vaccines.
- Merline Saintil — Software engineer turned Silicon Valley COO and angel investor in enterprise technology, AI and deep tech. She is also co-founder of Black Women on Boards, chair of the compensation committee at TD Synnex and lead independent director of Rocket Lab.
- Robin Washington — President and Chief Operating and Financial Officer of Salesforce, overseeing global finance, operations, marketing, communications and real estate. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Alphabet, the parent company of Google.
The inductions took place under the leadership of International President and CEO Danette Anthony Reed. Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first Greek-letter organization founded by Black women, continues to recognize women whose impact reflects its enduring commitment to scholarship, service and leadership.
Originally read on Essence.