Southern Region History
Originally a part of the Gulf Coast Region, the Southern Region was created in 2001 with the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.
The decision to split the two regions was made because of the phenomenal potential for growth happening in the four states.
During the 2010 Spring Regional Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, the Southern Region Sweetheart Executive Board was established.
The first Southern Region Executive Board
Sweetheart President - Samantha Smith
Sweetheart Vice-President - LaCrecia Brown
Sweetheart Treasurer - Miranda Tyson
Sweetheart Secretary - Raquel Pena
Sweetheart Business Manager - Tiffany Truehill
Sweetheart Sergeant at Arms - Chelsi Amos
Arkansas Liaison - Shakenia Thomas
Louisiana Liaison - Pennie Brown
Oklahoma Liaison - Vacant
North Texas Liaison - DeMarias O'Banner
South Texas Liaison - Letitia Ivey
In 2014, Iota Sweethearts formally incorporated, during this historical evolution of our organization, the first Southern Region Executive Board to bring us through the incorporation is the following:
E-Board during the transition period 2014 - 2016
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President - Shakenia Tate
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Vice-President - DaMaris O'Banner (2014-2016) Letitia Ivey (2016-2019)
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Secretary - Jessica Thompson
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Treasurer - Miranda Tyson
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Business Manager - Letitia Ivey
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National Communications SR Rep- Samantha Smith
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Sergeant-at-Arms - Ashley Branch
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National Community Service SR Rep- Anna Nunez (added in 2015)
Regional Directors (2014-Present)
Shakenia Tate 2014-2021
Michele Trejo 2021-2023
Brittany Corprew 2023-2025
The Southern Region has produced members that have lead our organization on the National level from membership, to treasurer, to secretary, to vice-president and most recently to the highest seat, National President. The Southern Region is not without its Southern charm, known for our hospitality, welcoming spirit, and gracious nature, the "Show OWT" Southern Region definitely exemplifies the pillars of a "Special Lady". Our region continues to grow and expand within the 4 states of our region. We look forward to seeing the legacy of the Eternal Sweetheart Ms. Audrey S. Brooks, grow within our region and organization overall.