Leadership Highlight

Leadership Highlight: Kiyanna Robinson the President of Zeta Phi Beta at Kennesaw 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 Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.’s Theta Rho Chapter at Kennesaw State University and did an interview with Kiyanna Robinson the president of the chapter.

The position of president of an undergraduate chapter of a Black sorority is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes. 23-year-old Kiyanna Robinson 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 Nursing 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?

Since 2000, the Tenacious Theta Rho chapter has continued the legacy committed to Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. It is truly an honor to be chapter president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Tenacious Theta Rho Chapter. Being chapter president is more than a title to me. It means more than showing up to countless meetings throughout the week, or being the face of my chapter. Being chapter president means that I am responsible for everything that does and does not happen in regards to my chapter. It means that I am a sister, a leader, a mediator, and sometimes even a therapist. Nevertheless, I would not have it any other way. I am proud of my position and all of the hard work that comes with it. The good, bad, and the ugly. Not only has being president been a learning experience, but it has also helped mold me into a better leader overall. Each day I strive to ensure that Theta Rho remains true to the principles that our Five Pearls established.

Photo Credit: Zyaire Robinson @frshaire

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

I decided to attend Kennesaw State University because of its prestigious Nursing Program. Ever since I was a child, I was determined to follow in my grandmother’s footsteps and become a nurse. Therefore, it only made sense for me to attend the best of the best. My dream became a reality when I was accepted to Kennesaw State. At the time I knew that acceptance into the program was not the same as being accepted into the Wellstar School of Nursing, but I was one step closer. My dream was put on hold when I joined the U.S. Georgia Army National Guard at the age of 17. I missed my first semester of college to attend basic training and AIT. It was hard, but when I finally had the opportunity to attend KSU I was ecstatic! While at KSU I joined the KSU ROTC Program and served as a Resident Assistant responsible for over 50 freshman students for 3 years. I am elated to say that I will be graduating from the Wellstar School of Nursing in December. The dream that I envisioned years ago will finally come true.

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

My chapter is placing a large emphasis on raising money to contribute towards our National March for Babies Program. My chapter is also very focused on bridging the gap between Greeks and non-Greeks. Therefore, we host many social programs with the intention to interact with and get to know everyone. These initiatives will improve the community by bringing people together to support a National cause and allowing Greeks and non-Greeks to develop a deeper relationship with one another.

Photo Credit: Jamila Ferguson @bbjamila_pretty

What made you want to pledge Zeta Phi Beta?

Due to the fact that I have no Greek background, I had no one to tell me which way to go. When I researched my organization I fell in love with the history, principles, and vision that is Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Not only did Zeta’s values align with my values, but the National Programs , Stork’s Nest and March For Babies, interested me the most. Women’s health is my passion. My vision is to get involved with Stork’s Nest on a National level, working to enable prenatal and postnatal care for all women. This is one of the many reasons that I decided to pledge Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

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

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Tenacious Theta Rho Chapter is unique because of its members’ ability to adapt and overcome to any circumstance, no matter how big or small. The Sorors who crossed Theta Rho paved the way for hard work and success. Theta Rho is unique because of the fire lit behind each of its members eyes. A fire dedicated to serving others. Whether partnering with its Sponsoring Graduate Chapter, Rho Epsilon Zeta, or coordinating service projects with the local community Theta Rho always strives to engrave a positive impact on others.

Photo Credit: Zyaire Robinson @frshaire

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?

Undergraduate chapters across all orgs need to be mindful of the things that they share in the digital world.. Our organizations represent a business, meaning that potentially tarnishing our image also has a negative impact on the business. Personally, Theta Rho utilizes its Instagram story to spread awareness in regards to various causes. Just like the digital world, change is inevitable. Therefore, organizations should definitely keep up with tomorrow’s technology while always putting their best foot forward today.

What does leadership mean to you?

To me, leadership means action. Leadership is taking action for a cause create than oneself. In the Army, we like to describe leadership as the Seven Army Values- Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal courage. Leadership means all of these things and more. It means being an influencer, a role model for others to look up to. It means having resilience when things don’t go as planned. It means listening to, caring for, and growing with those that you lead.

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

To be completely honest, before crossing I had no idea what Watch The Yard was. Watch The Yard is important to Black greekdom because it brings all Greeks together. It not only highlights Greeks for their efforts today, but also reminds us of where we came from with photos and videos of the Greeks that came before us. The importance of Watch The Yard continues to grow as we become more and more technologically advanced. Now, chapters from all over can share their accomplishments, service, and more at the push of a button. What better way to incorporate such achievements than on Watch The Yard.

Photo Credit: Jamila Ferguson @bbjamila_pretty

What does sisterhood mean to you?

I come from a family of five girls, no brothers. For me, the definition of sisterhood has always been tied with blood. However, after having crossed Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated I know that sisterhood is a bond that means loving another woman unconditionally. Sisterhood has no limitations. Sisterhood is being that shoulder to cry on when needed, that open ear when its time to listen, and so much more. Sisterhood is a light that God hand crafted for all women. It is not all smiles, dandelions, and roses. There is some pain that comes with Sisterhood that you would not understand until you experienced it. Sisterhood is about growing and molding one another in order to go forth as Queens ready to conquer the world with one another by our sides.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

Post-graduation I will finally be a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Army. My plan is to stay in the Georgia Army National Guard and work full time as a civilian nurse in an Atlanta Hospital. Once I am acclimated to my new career I plan to go back to school for my Masters Degree. Short term, I would like to just get back some lost time with my family. There have been countless holidays, family gatherings, and more that I missed due to summer long Army ROTC training or Resident Assistant obligations. Juggling nursing school, the National Guard, RA life, Army ROTC, working as an Extern at a hospital, and being chapter President has not been easy. I am hoping that the skills I have attained throughout my college experience assists me with life after graduation.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Kiyanna Robinson for her work as the president of Theta Rho Chapter which has a long legacy that spans back to 2000.