INDIANAPOLIS (March 29, 2016) – Alpha Kappa Psi alumni, no matter where they are or what they are doing, have a large impact on their communities.
| Tychanika Kimbrough, Texas State ’12, grew up in San Antonio where she was no stranger to hardship. Throughout her life, her grandmother made a difference in their local community but she realized how much more was needed. This inspired Kimbrough to not only pursue a law degree at Baylor University, but be a constant proponent for change and growth. Along with following a career path to politics, Tychanika volunteers as a mentor through Big Brothers/Big Sisters, an organization she was once a part of as a child and is beginning a low cost pageant called Elegant Divas to promote empowered confidence. She started Texas State’s first pre-law society with an undergraduate and was highly active in Alpha Kappa Psi. Through her connections in Alpha Kappa Psi, she was able to network with different attorneys, learning more and more about how to continue chasing her dream.
“My life has been full of opportunities to overcome violence and negativity, and I want to pay those opportunities forward.” |
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| Alder Dehner, Central Florida ’09-Life, is surrounded by luxury cars on a daily basis. This unique opportunity presented itself through his involvement with Alpha Kappa Psi. During his undergraduate studies, Dehner found a job prospect at a luxury car dealership from a fellow pledge brother. After acquiring the director of business development position he worked on the company’s public image, positioning them into a competitive market. After two years, Dehner jumped on an open position as the inventory manager, managing an $8 million inventory of luxury vehicles. Alder credits his ability to maintain the company’s competitiveness in the industry to what he learned in Alpha Kappa Psi.
“Most of my coworkers are seasoned professionals, so it was important that I could play ball with them. AKPsi gave me the tools necessary to become the businessman I am today.” |
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| Thomas Tran, Penn State ’02-Life, took a leap of faith, journeying from working for someone else into the world of entrepreneurism. Tran is the founder of 1ME, LLC, which is committed to developing new concepts in communication. The latest idea is a social networking app called Waddle, connecting like Facebook, but breaking them down into private networks. The road to becoming an entrepreneur was long and hard, especially while working in various other positions, but eventually gave way to Waddle. Through his experience with Alpha Kappa Psi, Tran found opportunities for leadership. As an undergraduate he became more confident and took on many leadership positions. As an alumnus, the same holds true having volunteered in many capacities as chapter advisor, section director and regional director.
“After you take the first step to follow your dream, everything else seems easier. Now I’m more confident I can do what I’m doing, without the fear.” |
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| Doug Croft, Western Carolina ’81-Life, has been a part of the not-for-profit world for 27 years. In 2015, Croft ended his term as president of North Carolina’s Thomasville Area Chamber of Commerce. His entire career has been non-profit centered, giving him a unique view on how to assist struggling entrepreneurs and businesses. Croft is passionate about sharing his insights from the many years helping businesses understand the need for a good business plan, marketing efforts, and general business leadership. As an undergraduate, he took on the leadership role of president in Alpha Kappa Psi. Being chapter president became the gateway to his first career success and a valuable lesson in leadership for many years to come. Prior to joining the chamber of commerce in 1988, Croft was director of membership services and development at the Alpha Kappa Psi headquarters in Indianapolis.
“You’ve got to be all in, but have to be smart about it. I can’t tell you how many people came into my office having trouble because they didn’t have a good business plan, or weaknesses in their business plan got ignored because the dream was so strong.” |
From the most recent graduate to the seasoned veteran, these alumni share their goals, passions, and expertise in the latest issue of the Diary. The full articles featuring these alumni are available in the Diary (volume 105 no. 1).
