About
Mission
Raising the Standard Foundation's mission is to empower, enhance, and expose traditionally under-represented youth in Fort Worth and surrounding areas through educational opportunities, mentorship and scholarships.
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Vision
Raising the Standard Foundation is the catalyst for creating leaders who are college, career, and military ready and prepared to positively impact the economic, social and cultural landscape both locally and globally.
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Raising the Standard Foundation achieved 501(c)3 status on August 12, 2014 by the Internal Revenue Service.
We believe all youth can embrace who they are,
define their future, and change the world.
Message from the President
Welcome to the Raising the Standard Foundation!
I am grateful and elated for the opportunity to welcome you to the Raising the Standard Foundation website. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Officers and more than 245 influential members, we invite you to learn more about Raising the Standard Foundation.
The Raising the Standard Foundation is comprised of members of the Beta Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, with a documented history of serving the Fort Worth community with pride and distinction, since May 2, 1936. On August 28, 2008, the Beta Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated submitted the Certificate of Formation for a non-profit corporation under the administration of the chapter’s 35th president, Mrs. Beverly Butler. The Beta Mu Omega Chapter received notification of incorporation as a 501(c)3 organization on August 12, 2014 under the administration of the chapter’s 38th president, Dr. Deidra Turner. Since its inception, four women have served with excellence as Foundation President – Mrs. Pamela Harmon, Mrs. Melina Mayfield Williams, Ms. Tavernar Baxter and Ms. Amy Akanni and I am honored to serve as the 5th and current president. Serving under the President's leadership, four exceptional women have capably administered Raising the Standard Foundation operations as Executive Director - Ms. Christina Aguilar, Ms. Samantha Brittenham, Ms. Florastine Mack, Mrs. Jayme Spiller Franklin and the current Executive Director is Ms. Sherri Smith.
As the philanthropic arm of the Beta Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Raising the Standard Foundation members have contributed to providing scholarships, service and mentoring through programs, such as High School Seniors’ Recognition, Math & Science AKAdemy and Silhouettes to positively impact the quality of life for youth and families in the Fort Worth and surrounding community.
As you peruse our website, like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram and learn more about the work of the Raising the Standard Foundation, please consider contributing as a volunteer, event partner, donor and/or sponsor.
Shelia Barnett
President, Raising the Standard Foundation
RTSF Board of Directors
Shelia Barnett
President
Stephanie Frances
Financial Secretary
Annie Taylor-Curtis
Member at Large
Sherri Smith
Executive Director
Dr. Cheryl Mixon
Treasurer
Florastine Mack
Member at Large
Dr. Zoranna Jones
Secretary
Dr. Cynthia McFarland
Grant & Development Coordinator
Norie Pride-Womack
General Member