Sister of the Year

2023 Sister of the Year: Audrey Peppers

Where did you attend college?

I was an undergraduate at Delta State University in Cleveland, MS. I attended graduate school at Eastern Illinois University.

When were you initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®?

I was initiated at Delta State University on April 28, 1989, Mu Gamma Chapter.

Why did you join Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated?

I joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated because the women of AKA on campus were all about service, and they were helping in so many aspects of the community. I grew up in church and in a family that focused on helping one another. I wanted that same community on campus. When I arrived on campus, I knew absolutely nothing about Greek letter organizations, but I knew about service. No one did it better than the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha on DSU’s campus.

When did you join the Epsilon Epsilon Omega Chapter?

I joined EEO in January 2022.

What committees have you been a part of? What did you enjoy about the work?

I have served on the Connections and Social Justice, Rituals, Standards, Membership, Leadership Retreat, and Cluster Retreat. I am now on Archives, Regional Conferences, Membership, Standards, Rituals, and Leadership Retreats. I am willing to help in any capacity.

What do you enjoy most about being a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated?

I love so many things about being a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. I most enjoy serving the community, supporting my sisters, and helping with the chapter's business. Although I am not a very public-facing person, I try to be present and available to my sisters. I enjoy that most. I’m good under stress, so if my sister is experiencing a tough time, I want to be there if that’s what they need. I also like the chats we have in leadership retreats. It gives me a chance to share and get to know sisters in a way that chapter meetings can't afford us. Finally, I love giving, and if there’s a way for me to do that, I will.

What does being sisterly mean to you?

Being sisterly means being supportive, welcoming, and understanding. It means treating sisters with care and compassion. It means allowing sisters to be their individual, unique selves without judgment. It means giving sisters the benefit of the doubt, being transparent, and talking with them directly if you have an issue or concern. Membership, to me, is the most important part of the sorority. We have to nurture and support members, and they will, in turn, support the community. So, I guess I said all that to say that being sisterly means being kind, loving, and understanding.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I absolutely enjoy being with family and friends. I also love to sit in silence, think, craft, and read poetry. I also like Bible prep and study with my husband.

What motto/scripture do you live by?

I’m sure, as a preacher’s wife and former Sunday school teacher, I probably should have a scripture, but I actually don’t. I try not to isolate scriptures. I do live by two things most of the time. I believe Ulysses said, “I will drink life to the lees,” meaning live life to its fullest. I also believe it’s important to live a life with as few regrets as possible so it’s important to me to be fair to people and to treat them respectfully. You don’t get to take things back.