AKAs

Leadership Highlight: Faith Ransom the Basileus of Alpha Kappa Alpha at South Carolina State University

In an effort to highlight the young leaders who are leading undergraduate chapters across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to the sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.’s Beta Sigma Chapter at South Carolina State University and did an interview with Faith T. Ransom the Basileus/president of the chapter.

The position of president of an undergraduate chapter of a Black fraternity is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes. 22-year-old Ransom has used the position to gain new leadership experience, improve the lives of other students on campus and help the community around her.

We interviewed the Criminal Justice major and talked about her position, goals, future and what it means to hold a leadership on campus in the digital age.

Read the full interview below.

What does it mean to be a chapter president to you?

First and foremost, I’m so blessed that my sisters gave me this opportunity to serve as their chapter president. This position holds a special place in my heart. I want my chapter to make a mark on my campus and the community. I have a responsibility and a duty to my sisters and myself to make the right choices and decisions. It means so much that I can serve an organization that I have loved ever since I could remember.

What made you decide to attend the South Carolina State University for undergrad?

I decided to attend the Illustrious South Carolina State University after attending my first homecoming at age 8. I never felt so much love and kindness in one place in my entire life. The campus made me feel like I was at home. Also , this was my mother’s Alma Mater, so I was bulldog by blood.

What specific initiatives is your chapter heading up this year and how do you think they will improve the campus/surrounding community?

As an organization, we have five international targets that include: HBCU for life, Women’s health, Building your economic legacy, the Arts and Global impact. These targets will impact college students and the surrounding community of Orangeburg county by educating the younger community of Orangeburg on the importance of HBCUs, providing information to young women on our campus and the surrounding community on how to maintain a health lifestyle and to be up to date on where health is, to stress the importance on having generational wealth and financial equity in African American Families, to spark a lost appreciation for the Arts and to help not just our local community but the world through our Soles for Souls and Glasses initiative.

What made you want to pledge Alpha Kappa Alpha?

I’ve had many phenomenal mentors that are women of Alpha Kappa Alpha. They set the bar and the standard for me on how to be a successful, intelligent and creative woman. My mother, who is my greatest inspiration, is also an Alpha Woman. She taught me how to have integrity, to be honest and always put God first. So when I say Alpha Kappa Alpha is the ONLY way, I mean that!

What is it about your specific chapter that makes it so unique?

All of my sisters are gifted and talented. They bring so many amazing ideas to the table regarding service and improving our campus as a whole. We all carry the Beta Sigma Chapter and we all take pride in our chapters history and the impact that it has made on our campus.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think undergraduate chapters across all orgs need to do to represent themselves online in 2019?

Service, Service and more service. We need to show the world that we are dedicated to helping others. We also as individuals have to represent our organizations in a positive light. No one can be negative if you are always being positive.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership means always having a solution before a problem arises. It means to be fair, honest and trustworthy to my sisters. And lastly, it means do the right thing at all times.

Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black greekdom?

Watch the Yard is important because it shows the outside world the positive aspects of Greek Life. It also highlights the amazing accomplishments of all NPHC organizations.

What does sisterhood mean to you?

Sisterhood means to always love your sisters.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

I plan to attend law school and obtain a Juris Doctor in Family law or Criminal/Civil Litigation.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Faith T. Ransom for her work as the president of Beta Sigma Chapter which has a long legacy that spans back to April 18th, 1938.