Get to know us

Founded in 2017, Pearls and Ivies Serving Montclair, NJ and Beyond is a New Jersey nonprofit corporation inspired by the legacy of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® and the Omicron Xi Omega Chapter.

Our Mission

Our mission focuses on giving back to the local community, addressing community needs, advancing education through service programs, providing scholarships to deserving students, and collaborating with like-minded organizations.

Our Vision

Building stronger communities through charitable, educational, and philanthropic excellence.

Message from Our President

Welcome to the Pearls & Ivies Foundation Serving Montclair, NJ, and Beyond.

It is my honor to welcome you to our website and introduce you to a foundation dedicated to transforming lives through service, education, and community partnerships. Since our establishment in 2017, Pearls & Ivies Foundation has proudly carried forward the legacy of service inspired by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® and the Omicron Xi Omega Chapter. While our roots are firmly planted in the communities we serve, our vision extends far beyond them.

As a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3), we are committed to creating meaningful opportunities that empower individuals, strengthen families, and enrich communities. Every initiative we undertake is guided by our belief that lasting change begins with investing in people.

Through educational programs, health and wellness initiatives, youth development, scholarships, and strategic community partnerships, we strive to meet today's needs while helping build tomorrow's leaders. Our scholarship program is especially close to our hearts, as it enables deserving students to pursue higher education and realize their dreams without financial barriers standing in their way.

Our success is made possible by the generosity of our donors, volunteers, corporate partners, and community supporters. Your commitment to our mission allows us to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and continue serving with excellence.

Whether you are visiting to learn more about our work, become a volunteer, make a donation, or partner with us, we are grateful for your interest. Together, we can create opportunities, inspire hope, and build stronger communities for generations to come.

We also invite you to connect with us on Instagram @pearlsandiviesfoundation to stay informed about our programs, events, scholarship opportunities, and the impact we're making throughout our communities.

Thank you for visiting, and welcome to the Pearls & Ivies Foundation family.

With gratitude,

Jennifer Virgil
President

Jennifer Virgil
President

Laseanda McLellan Ford
Vice President

LaKesha Brantley
Recording Secretary

Tanzania Guyton
Treasurer

Anita D. Crum
Financial Secretary

Natasha James-Waldon
Parlimentarian

Julie Owens
Scholarship Chairman

Board of Directors

Candace Jefferson
Omicron Xi Omega Chapter, President

Cynthia Raines
Director

Gina Elliott
Director

Deborah Wilson
Director

Rachel Archelus
Director

Dashua Hinton-Allen
Director

Chanta Blue
Director

Joan Wiggins Reeves
Honorary Board Member

Board of Directors

Our strength lies in our individuality. Set up by Esther Bryce, the team strives to bring in the best talent in various fields, from architecture to interior design and sales.