As an undergraduate nursing student at Virginia Commonwealth University, Jannette Ricks learned about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, an international service organization established at Howard University in 1908.

Ricks knew then that she wanted to become a member of the first Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women. Serving and helping people steered her into a career in nursing, so she saw the sorority as another way to serve and help. She pledged years later and her 29 years as a member have been everything she thought it would be.

“If I can help you, I’m going to help you,” she said.

Nursing was not just a career choice for Ricks. It’s a childhood dream she has lived for over 30 years. Her journey has taken her from general and cardiac medicine to post-surgical care and administration. She vividly remembers the early days of her career when she first began to assess and meet the needs of patients.

“It was so exciting because nursing is my passion. I was actually performing the duties I studied in school,” Ricks said.

Given her passion for helping others, it’s no mystery that Ricks stepped into the role of vice president of the Rho Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. As part of the leadership, she helps fulfill the sorority’s focus on service in the Richmond area, including initiatives advocating social justice, enhancing the environment, building economic wealth and empowering families. 

Ricks and her chapter members provide backpacks to deliver to students at Blackwell Elementary School on Fridays. The effort is called Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Packs, which provides weekend and holiday meals for children and is part of the sorority’s national childhood hunger program.

According to recent data from the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, over 252,000 children in Virginia are experiencing hunger, bringing the child hunger rate to almost 14% across the state. The organization also found that food-insecure individuals spend an average of over $1,500 more on health care.

One of Rho Eta Omega’s signature chapter programs is Passport to Wellness, a health fair at the Bon Secours Center for Healthy Living Sarah Garland Jones Center. Bon Secours physicians are on hand to speak to attendees, stressing the importance of men’s and women’s health issues.The members also organize arts and crafts for kids, provide free meals and offer exercise sessions for underserved residents in Church Hill.

The chapter also hosts voter registration drives. Their most recent voter drive at the Thomas Jefferson and John Marshall football game on Oct. 4 aimed to register high school students who may be eligible to vote in the November election.

Meet Jannette Ricks, the nurse who’s passionate about helping others, a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and this week’s Personality:

Volunteer position: Vice president and program chairman for the Rho Eta Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Occupation: Registered nurse.

Place of birth: Richmond.

Where I live now: Chesterfield County.

Education: Bachelor’s in nursing from VCU and a master’s in health services administration from Central Michigan University.

Family: Two adult children, two grandchildren and a supportive Honey-do! 

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is: An international service organization, founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C., in 1908.

Number of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority chapters and members around the globe: We have more than 360,000 initiated members in graduate and undergraduate chapters located in 12 nations and territories.

Mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority: To cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life and to be of “Service to All Mankind.”

Most celebrated Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority member: Kamala Harris is the most celebrated member today. She’s the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election. She has made history by shattering the glass ceiling.

When and where I became a member: I pledged Rho Eta Omega Chapter in Richmond in 1995.

My sorority is meaningful to me: Because we strive to make a difference on all levels.

No. 1 goal as vice president: Be visible as a chapter to advocate and implement the programs that support the needs of our communities.

Rho Eta Omega Chapter president: Monica Darden.

No. 1 challenge for our chapter: Thinking of new and innovative ways to meet the needs of the community we serve.

Upcoming chapter event: 2nd Annual Pink Pearl Experience Black Tie Gala, An Ivy Elegant Affair.

Purpose: Benefits scholarships for high school seniors in Metro Richmond, surrounding counties and other community service projects

Details of event: Saturday, Nov. 16, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Grand Ballroom, Richmond Marriott, 500 E. Broad St.

Event chairperson: Vanessa Myers Mason.

How readers can participate: Purchase tickets. General admission tickets are $85/each.

Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite or PayPal. The deadline for ticket sales is Nov. 3 at midnight.

How the gala benefits Richmonders: Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the Richmond community. We gave over $20,000 in scholarships to area graduating high school students this year. Proceeds from the gala also fund sorority initiatives we implement locally.

How I start the day: With prayer and a 30- to 45-minute workout.

Three words that best describe me: Outgoing, energetic and confident.

Best late-night snack: Hot cup of relaxing tea.

A quote that inspires me: “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says I’m possible.” — Audrey Hepburn.

Best thing my parents taught me: My parents taught me to be goal-oriented and self-sufficient. If you fail, try again.

Most influential people: My parents.

Most influential book: “Becoming” by Michelle Obama. She exhibited openness, inner strength and power as the matriarch of her family.

Next goal: I plan to challenge myself with a DIY home project.