# Black History Month Spotlight: Shepeta Allen

/ Published Feb. 19, 2024
FORT BELVOIR, Va. , 
The 2024 Defense Department Black History Month theme highlights African Americans and the Arts. Throughout history, influential African American artists used their talents as a catalyst for change. Writers, painters, musicians, filmmakers, architects, dancers, and a myriad of other artists continue to influence African American culture.

DLA Energy celebrates the month with a theme of Celebrating the Contributions of the Divine Nine to shed light on a group of historically Black fraternities and sororities and their impact on the DOD mission. Members of these organizations are driving forces of change as they foster a powerful community that prioritizes service, sister and brotherhood, and scholarship. Like the plethora of African American artists, the Divine Nine have and continue to play a pivotal role in sculpting modern African American culture.

Throughout February, DLA Energy will spotlight employees who exemplify resilience, creativity, community, and service. In this spotlight, meet **Shepeta Allen, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.**

**What is your job?**As the lead procurement analyst in the DLA Energy Office of Small Business Programs, I provide training, advice, guidance, and strategies to maximize opportunities for small businesses to participate in DLA's acquisition program.

**How long have you been with DLA and/or DLA Energy?**I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work alongside DLA as an Army Officer at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, during my 21 years of military service, and have been employed with DLA Energy for 15 years.  

**What is your favorite aspect of your job?**As a former independent insurance agent, I am passionate about educating, advocating for, and interfacing on behalf of small businesses as I understand the myriad of challenges owners face—from financial uncertainties, fierce competition, finding and retaining skilled talent, and adapting to market changes. Helping small businesses overcome some of these hurdles is the best part of my job.

**How long have you been a member?**I have been an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for 20 years.

**Are you still active with the organization?**Absolutely! Joining an illustrious sisterhood such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, is a lifelong commitment, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of women to grow and build lifelong connections with. My sorority provides a strong sense of community and sisterhood which has allowed me to foster deep connections with like-minded women who share common goals and values. The sense of belonging and the shared cultural experiences create a supportive environment that has contributed to personal and professional development.

**Why did you choose this organization?**Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was the **First** Black Greek Lettered Organization for women founded on January 15, 1908, on the campus of Howard University, an HBCU (Historically Black College or University). Its mission – to promote unity and sisterhood. among college educated women through friendship, scholarship, and community service – has lasted for more than a century.

As a young lady, I admired women who were members of this esteemed organization. They were women who embodied grace, class, excellence, and the ideals of the sorority’s mission. Each woman was beautiful not only in appearance – particularly in the sorority’s salmon pink and apple green colors with pearl necklaces – but also in spirit. Each of them, in their own unique way, reflected the woman I aspired to be. But they were more than beautiful; they were powerful advocates for social change and progress. They used their education, poise, and elegance to not only serve as role models, but they were also actively involved in their communities, working to improve the outlook of young women. Seeing Black women engaging in community service and accepting a collective responsibility for the next generation uplifted my view and vision of who and what I wanted to be. Everything about these phenomenal women inspired my desire for membership in this illustrious organization of college educated African American Women. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was the only choice for me.

**How has this organization shaped who you are?**Throughout my 20 years of membership, I have been surrounded by a community of strong and empowering women who share similar values, goals, and aspirations. While I do not have any biological sisters, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. has provided me a huge network of professional and amazing sisters intertwined by our shared love of community service, continued education for young Black women, and fostering of sisterhood.

Community engagement through the organization fostered a unique connection between the organization and the local community broadening my view. Selfless giving of myself, my time, and my talents, created more awareness and empathy to the plight of others and in me emerged a huge advocate of service and sisterhood which are both at the core of everything that we do. Women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. not only give back to their communities, but are also leaders uniting women to have positive impacts on others.

Through this esteemed organization I have had numerous opportunities to serve in leadership roles as a mentor and role model to young African American women.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has encouraged me to find joy in little things as every little moment is a memory to cherish. Shared rituals, traditions, and interactions create a bond within the culture where small gestures, moments, and personal connections become treasured, meaningful moments in life.

I**n what way has membership in this organization influenced your professional career?**Serving in various leadership positions within Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has influenced my professional career throughout the years by honing my critical thinking, speaking, and organizational skills. I have been afforded many valuable experiences and leadership opportunities through the sorority that also included planning, organizing, budgeting, and executing projects and events.

Additionally, the networking and mentorship within the sorority have been instrumental in my professional growth by offering valuable connections and insights. The sense of responsibility and teamwork cultivated in the sorority has translated into a strong work ethic and collaborative mindset. Just as collaboration enhances productivity, creativity, and problem-solving in the sorority, it works just as well in the workplace as it fosters a collective effort towards common goals. Ultimately – whether in a sorority or in the workplace – collaboration is the key to achieving shared objectives and building strong, supportive organizations.