Women of Achievement

Enjoy Our Women of Achievement 2026 Highlight Reel

The Birth of Women of Achievement

In 2011, God gave the men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti-Inkster Alumni Chapter, a vision to create the Women

of Achievement Tribute Event. Each year, He has blessed the us with the means to celebrate five brilliantly imaginative, radically subversive, and exceptionally accomplished women in their professions, business, and/or ambitions, who gave willingly of their time and resources to uplift their communities. We believe it is vitally important to recognize and honor women in our communities who have demonstrated high levels of achievement in their fields of human endeavor and service.

As one of the premier events in the community and the keynote event for our chapter, Women of Achievement gained national exposure thanks to the generous support of the public. AAYI Kappa men intend to continue honoring women because of their generosity, personal sacrifice, and leadership as they serve as role models to others around the world.

We, the Kappas salute our Silhouettes and owe them a great deal of gratitude for their contributions to the success of this event. Our Kappa Leaguers also attend and contribute to the success of the event.

Proceeds from this event help fund scholarships for students in Washtenaw and western Wayne Counties, which we award at our annual Scholarship Luncheon.

Women of Achievement 2026 Honorees

Khyla D Craine, Esq.

A dynamic legal leader and powerful advocate for justice, Khyla D. Craine serves as Chief Legal Director for the Michigan Department of State, where she guides legal, policy, investigative, and administrative matters impacting millions of residents. Her leadership has expanded access to government services, protected resident privacy, and removed barriers for returning citizens and marginalized communities. Through major statewide initiatives, including the ID and Driver License Project and Road to Restoration Clinics, Khyla has helped thousands of Michigan residents regain access, dignity, and opportunity.

Tiffany Ford

A visionary executive and accomplished financial leader, Tiffany Ford serves as President and CEO of the University of Michigan Credit Union, where her leadership has driven significant growth in membership, assets, and organizational excellence. With a career rooted in finance, accounting, and executive strategy, she has helped lead award winning work in talent development, products, and member services. Her impact extends through service on several community and professional boards, reflecting her commitment to leadership, service, and economic empowerment.

Edna Jackson Dray

A resilient scholar, retired educator, and passionate health advocate, Dr. Edna Jackson Gray has dedicated her life to education, community service, and advancing health awareness. Her career includes teaching medical technology at Eastern Michigan University and serving in the Office of Diversity and Equity at Wayne State University School of Medicine, where she helped support future health professionals. As a 19 year pancreatic cancer survivor, she is a powerful voice for cancer awareness, patient support, early detection, and health equity.

Kay Dudley Wade

A trailblazing educator, respected curriculum leader, and devoted community servant, Kay Dudley Wade has spent nearly five decades shaping lives through education, advocacy, and service. Her leadership helped create transformative learning opportunities across Willow Run and Ann Arbor Public Schools, including the School Age Parent program and the African American Humanities course. Through her continued work with cultural, civic, faith based, and community organizations, Kay's legacy reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence, justice, and empowering future generations.

Rhonda Walker

A beloved journalist, community leader, and tireless champion for women and youth, Rhonda Walker has inspired Detroiters for 27 years as an award winning anchor at WDIV Local 4 News. Beyond the newsroom, her service and philanthropy have earned national and local recognition, including the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service. As founder and president of the Rhonda Walker Foundation, she has empowered teen girls through mentoring, education, career development, college readiness, and wellness programming.

Additional WOA History

In the 2011 inaugural year for the Women of Achievement Tribute, the awardee class was anchored by Mrs. Jeralene Tally who was 111 years old at the time. Brother Hal Heard was the Polemarch of our chapter, Brother Michael Kinloch was the General Chairman and Brother John Finn served as the Chairman of the Program and the Master of Ceremony for the inaugural event. Other Leadership Team members were Brothers Kyle Caldwell, Larry Davis, James Hawkins, Jeff Holland, Errol Jackson, Bryan Johnson, Isadore King, Fred McDonald Sr. and Darrell Washington.

For our grand finale, Brother Finn, now Chairman Emeritus, along with Brother Hawkins, Brother Johnson, Brother King, and Brother Washington, who impersonated the Dells while singing, “Give Your Baby a Standing Ovation."

Brothers who have served as Master of Ceremonies include: Brothers Bryan and Paul Johnson, Brothers Fred and Kevin McDonald, Brother Washington, Brother Kinloch, and Brother David Wooten.

Chapter Polemarchs who oversaw WOA include: Hal Heard, Michael Kinloch, Tadarial Sturdivant, Roderick Kilgore, Anthony Bradley, Tony Eccleston, and Darron Merritt.

In 2018, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Senior Grand Vice Polemarch Reuben A. Shelton III, Esq. and his wife attended the event.