Melanie Hillard of Little Rock has a big job ahead of her as incoming president of the Beta Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. But she should have plenty of support from the sorority and the community, judging by the over-capacity crowd that turned out at a Jan. 10 reception held in her honor at the Little Rock Club. Hillard's sister, Anita Brannon, hosted the event, at which Hillard's birthday was also celebrated.
Guests enjoyed a buffet of hors d'oeuvres along with music by Curtis Adams and Sounds So Good. Lauding Hillard during a brief program were Katrina Owoh, first vice president of Beta Pi Omega Chapter; Kiara Ruth of Raleigh, N.C.; Esther Rogers, Hillard's longtime work associate at Eli Lilly & Co.; and husband Jessie Hillard. Melanie Hillard's own comments preceded the cutting of the congratulatory cake.
A graduate of Rhodes College in Memphis, Hillard, who will serve four years as president, entered Beta Pi Omega Chapter in 1992. At Rhodes, she was a charter member and served as president of Omicron Chi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Her past offices with Beta Pi Omega chapter include corresponding secretary, first vice president and program chairman.
Chartered in 1937, Beta Pi Omega is the oldest Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter in the state.
-- Story and photos by
Helaine R. Williams
High Profile on 01/18/2015