In early 2001, Lenisha Broadway (Roberts) and Nikeba R. Davis were moved to manifest a yearslong dream of chartering a new graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in the Central Arkansas area. The dynamic duo swiftly sought members of Alpha Kappa Alpha who shared this dream, desire, and motivation. May 29, 2001, marked the emergence of "The Pearls of Purpose Interest Group". Twenty-six multi-talented Alpha Kappa Alpha women of diverse backgrounds and interests found a common desire and willingness to work together to form a chapter that would serve Conway, Maumelle, Morrilton, Russellville, and surrounding communities. Kimberly Bryant (Gardner) was selected as President of the group. After much dedication and purposeful effort, The Pearls of Purpose Interest Group was chartered as the Chi Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Conway, Arkansas on February 8, 2003, by the 21st South Central Regional Director Shirley R. Fisher. Ms. Linda White was the International President and Mrs. Carolyn House Stewart was the International Secretary.
In 2009, Chi Eta Omega was granted graduate sponsorship of the Theta Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., located at the University of Central Arkansas, where 23 of the 26 charter members were initiated and where Phillis Nichols-Anderson served as their Graduate Advisor. In 2011, Chi Eta Omega’s membership reached the 100-member milestone. Chi Eta Omega has grown from 26 members representing three chapters to over 270 members representing numerous chapters across the United States. Chi Eta Omega’s membership consists of a group of dynamic, talented, innovative, and industrious women who value sisterhood and the spirit upon which Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded over a century ago and who are dedicated to fulfilling the sorority’s purpose of being of “Service to All Mankind” through its programming and volunteerism.
Within 10 years after its chartering, Chi Eta Omega won the 2012 and 2014 Ethel Award for Overall Programming, a national award given for the chapter's outstanding programing. CEO continues to thrive and provide award winning service to the community.
Charter Members: LaQuinda Alexander, Sabreen Al-Uqdah, Chanda Peyton Bailey, Amber Broadway, Lenisha Broadway, Tameka Brown, Kimberly Bryant, Shawn Burgess, Melissa Bynum, Rashenda Calloway, Takecia Cox, Nicole Cunningham, Nikeba Davis, Sherita Durden, Denise Henderson, LeKetra Pettis Hicks, Talesia Hawkins Jasper, Tina Jordan, Kimberly King Davis, Stephanie Lawson, Zandra Moore, Carla Nelson, Misty Nolen, Keisha Richard-Patterson, Shinia Walker, JaJuan Chantele Williams