Alpha Kappa Alpha’s International Region Draws Members from More Than 15 Countries to Las Vegas for a Record 35th Conference

Pink and green took over Las Vegas as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. held its 35th International Regional Conference on July 16 and 17, 2026, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. More than 400 members registered, the largest conference attendance ever for the International Region, which includes members living outside the continental United States.

Sorors traveled from more than 15 countries and territories to be there, including the United States, Liberia, the Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands, Germany, South Korea, Bermuda, Japan, Canada, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Puerto Rico and Ghana. Many arrived in Las Vegas a few days early to take in everything the two-day gathering had to offer, from community service and workshops to business meetings that keep members current on sorority matters.

One of the new additions this year was Career Connections, a forum built in response to news reports about the large number of Black women impacted by spiking unemployment globally. The region brought together human resources leaders and consultants who offered guidance on job searches, networking and charting a professional path.

“We cannot ignore what is happening right now to Black women as it relates to their employment and livelihood,” said 10th International Regional Director Carrie J. Clark. “This forum was full of wisdom to help us move out of our comfort zones and into a space where we are more proactive about growing our careers, engaging mentors and charting our own professional paths.”

A yearly favorite, the Welcome Reception served as the festive kickoff to the conference. Chapter members arrived in attire that honored the culture and traditions of their countries and territories, and this year’s celebration featured Las Vegas showgirls in long, shimmering dresses complete with elaborate feather headpieces.

The region’s annual Global Spotlight gave members a rare chance to hear from all four of the sorority’s living former International Presidents at once. 25th International President Dr. Norma Solomon White, 28th International President Carolyn House Stewart, Esq., 29th International President Dr. Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson and 30th International President Dr. Glenda Glover fielded questions from moderator and current International First Vice President Charletta Wilson Jacks, with 8th International Regional Director Gizette Canegata Thomas serving as mistress of ceremonies. The former presidents shared memories of leading the sorority, their work with the International Region, and their perspectives on the sorority’s future.

Service anchored the conference as well. Members spent part of their free time assembling kits filled with shampoo, deodorant, tampons and other essentials for female military members on active duty, and several sorors wrote messages of encouragement to tuck inside. The goal was 500 kits. Members assembled more than 700. All of the items were donated by sorors and partners at a value of about $20,000, in partnership with the USO (United Service Organizations), which supports the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. Staff from the three-time WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces provided enough toiletry items to assemble about 100 of the kits.

“The International Region has a number of members who are active military soldiers, so we want to do whatever we can to support them and help to meet their essential needs,” said Clark. “Partnering with the USO and the Las Vegas Aces organization was thrilling because it shows the value of working together for a common goal.”

From record attendance to more than 700 care kits, the weekend carried forward the sisterly relations and service to all mankind that Alpha Kappa Alpha has championed since 1908.