MORNING ANNOUNCEMENTS

The official newsletter of the Seven Pearls Foundation, Inc.

Vol. 12

March 2026

President's Corner

Good morning, Seven Pearls Family!

Happy Women's History Month!

March is the time to celebrate women's significant role in history. Every day, we exercise our capacity to achieve greatness in all areas of life, from STEM, motherhood, politics, education, the arts and much more! The weaker sex we are not.

Throughout history, women have not only led nations but have also profoundly influenced the cultural landscape, embodying revolutionaries who demonstrate remarkable courage through their defiance and patriotism. Despite facing systemic gender discrimination, women have made groundbreaking discoveries across diverse fields such as physics, chemistry, and biology, while tirelessly advocating for the right to control their own bodies and fighting for civil and voting rights that shape the reforms impacting our lives.

Initiatives like “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future” serve as a powerful testament to women’s pivotal roles in addressing pressing issues like climate change, economic justice, and civic engagement, underscoring that women’s leadership is essential for building resilient and equitable societies. By understanding our historical contributions, we gain a richer and more inclusive perspective on human achievement, as women—leaders, scientists, activists, and innovators—have consistently challenged norms, inspired change, and shaped the very fabric of society. As Sigma Women, we continue to weave a vibrant tapestry into the narrative of the world, and our journey is far from over!

Let us unite in our mission to empower one another and engage with the Seven Pearls Foundation, fostering transformative change within our communities and nurturing the next generation of leaders who will carry this legacy forward.



Always for the Seven,

Linette Y. Caroselli

President/CEO of Seven Pearls Foundation, Inc.

Crowning Efforts with Success Award Nominations

WE WANT TO CELEBRATE YOU!

On the seventh of each month, the Seven Pearls Foundation will spotlight and award an individual, group or chapter that embodies the grand legacy of our seven illustrious Founders.

Do you know a group or individual deserving of this honor? Feel free to send their name, photo, brief bio and email address to: admin@sevenpearls.org.

Criteria for the "Crowning Efforts with Success" Award:

• Open to all professions
• Does not have to be a Soror
• Brief explanation on how the candidate embodies the legacy and vision of the Founders
• Their philosophy on education or sisterhood
• Examples of community service or programs implemented



Nominate someone today!

Crowning Efforts with Success Award

Soror Racquel H. Dozier is the Foundation's Crowning Efforts with Success Award recipient for March 2026!

Racquel H. Dozier is the Founder of Lupus In Color, a global movement dedicated to educating, inspiring, encouraging, and empowering lupus warriors worldwide.

Diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in 2004 after years of dealing with one diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis and near-fatal complications, Racquel transformed her pain into purpose. Seeing the lack of lupus awareness and support for Black women, she created Lupus In Color to build community, amplify voices, and provide education and empowerment for those living with lupus and other autoimmune diseases. Racquel started the first in person support group in Henrico, VA for women of color. 

A social worker, counselor, author, certified meditation facilitator, and patient leader, Racquel also serves as a Lupus Foundation of America Ambassador and Regional Support Group Facilitator. 

Through her advocacy and storytelling, she continues to be a powerful force for awareness, equity, and healing in the lupus and chronic illness community.



Beyond her work with the lupus community, Racquel is a Life Member and has been a member of Sigma Gamma Rho for 36 years. She has worked in every aspect of the organization and continues to serve her community partnering with many chapters to bring health and wellness to members. 

Find out more about Racquel’s lupus awareness and patient advocacy work on her website at http://www.lupusincolor.com and on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @lupusincolor 

It is our esteemed honor to present Soror Racquel H. Dozier as this month's recipient of the Crowning Efforts with Success Award.

Join us in giving this awesome lady her flowers!



Healthy Horizons is a dedicated section to

empower women with knowledge and tools

to thrive in wellness.

National Kidney Month:

Why Women Must Pay Attention to Kidney Health

Racquel H. Dozier

March is National Kidney Month, an observance led by the National Kidney Foundation (https://www.kidney.org/) to raise awareness about kidney disease prevention, early detection and treatment. Kidney disease if often called a “silent” condition because symptoms may not appear until significant damage has occurred. For women, the risks, warning signs, and long-term impacts deserve special attention.

Understanding the Scope

Chronic kidney disease, commonly called CKD, affect about 37 million adults in the United States, according to the CDC. Although women are slightly more likely than men to develop CKD, men are more likely to progress to kidney failure. This difference can delay diagnosis or minimize urgency in women’s care.

Your kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. They regulate blood pressure, balance electrolytes, and support bone health. When the kidneys are damaged, these functions decline gradually. Many women do not realize they are at risk.

Why Women Face Unique Risks

Certain conditions that disproportionately affect women can increase kidney disease risk. Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, for example are far more common in women. Lupus can directly damage the kidneys, leading to lupus nephritis.

Pregnancy complications also matter. Conditions like preeclampsia raise the risk of future kidney disease Gestational diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy can increase long- term kidney strain. Even years late, women with these histories should monitor kidney function.

Hormonal changes may also influence disease progression. Research suggests estrogen may offer some kidney protection before menopause. After menopause, those risk patterns can shift. There are studies that are ongoing to increase knowledge about how hormones can affect kidney health.



Warning Signs Women Should Know

Kidney disease often develops without noticeable symptoms. However, signs can include fatigue, swelling in the legs or around the eyes, frequent urination, foamy urine, and persistent high blood pressure. Because these symptoms overlap with other conditions, they are sometimes overlooked.

Simple blood and urine tests can detect kidney problems early. A blood test measures estimated glomerular filtration rate, known as eGFR. A urine test checks for albumin, a protein that should not leak into urine in significant amounts. These tests can be ordered by your doctor as preventative care.

Did You Know? Historically, eGFR tests included a race-based multiplier that estimated higher kidney function for Black people. This often delayed diagnosis of chronic kidney disease, CKD, and access to care. Just recently, as of 2022-2023, most, not all, medical organizations have adopted a “race-free” formula to ensure accurate equitable diagnosis and faster treatment.

Prevention and Protection

Women can take practical steps to protect kidney health:

·        Monitor blood pressure and blood sugar regularly.

·        Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

·        Limit excess salt intake.

·        Stay Physically active.

·        Avoid unnecessary use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

·        Schedule routine checkup, especially if there is a family history of kidney disease

For women managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or autoimmune disorders, coordinated care is critical. Early intervention slows progression and reduces complications.

Moving Forward with Awareness

March is National Kidney Month. It is a reminder that prevention begins with awareness. Kidney disease does not discriminate, but women face biological and life-stage risks that require attention.

Healthy Horizons is committed to equipping women with trusted information and practical tools. Knowledge empowers action. This month, take one step towards your kidney health. Schedule a screening. Start a conversation. Protect your health.

When women safeguard their health, entire families and communities thrive.

Health Disclaimer 

This article is meant to inform and empower, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns regarding your health, screenings, or symptoms. Everyone’s health journey is unique. Learn your body, listen to your body, and get personalized guidance from a qualified professional.

About the Author

Racquel H. Dozier uses her 21-year journey with her own chronic illnesses and her professional experience in social work and patient leadership to empower, educate and inspire those living with chronic illnesses. She inspires patients to live empowered and resilient lives through education and support.

Spotlight on Sigma of Substance

Soror Merri Dee

In celebration of Women's History Month, we honor the extraordinary legacy of Soror Merri Dee, a distinguished philanthropist and journalist whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the media landscape. As a pioneering figure in both radio and television, Dee's career spanned numerous roles, including newscaster, talk-show host, and staff announcer, with her most notable achievements occurring during her tenure as an anchor and reporter at Chicago's WGN-TV from 1972 to 1983. Following her impactful years in broadcasting, she continued to serve the community as the director of community relations from 1983 until 2008. Beyond her media accomplishments, Dee was a dedicated leader, serving as the president and a member of the leadership council of the Illinois chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) from 2009 until her passing in 2022. Her commitment to empowering others aligns seamlessly with our Foundation's mission to uplift women and girls of color, inspiring the next generation of leaders through mentorship and advocacy.

Merri Dee's extraordinary journey is a testament to resilience and strength, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration within the Chicago community and beyond. Her harrowing experience of being kidnapped at gunpoint, shot, and left for dead, yet ultimately rising from the depths of paralysis and blindness, highlights her remarkable tenacity. This profound ordeal was not only documented in prominent media outlets such as 60 Minutes, the Phil Donahue Show, and Oprah, but it also propelled her to champion the passage of the Victim’s Bill of Rights in the Illinois General Assembly—the first of its kind in the nation, which has since inspired similar legislation across the United States. Merri Dee's survival story underscores her commitment to advocacy for violence prevention, and through her collaboration with CeaseFire, a leading evidence-based violence prevention organization, she continues to drive impactful change. Her efforts align seamlessly with the mission of the Seven Pearls Foundation, which emphasizes the importance of advocacy and social change in our communities. As we confront the ongoing challenges surrounding violence prevention, it is imperative that we unite our efforts, support such initiatives, and engage actively in fostering a safer environment for all. 

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With a plethora of accolades, including the prestigious Academy of TV Arts and Sciences Silver Circle Award and the National Gracie Allen Award from the Alliance for Women in Media, Merri has consistently demonstrated her commitment to excellence in both her professional and civic endeavors. Her recognition by the Chicago Journalism Hall of Fame and her recent induction into the National Association of Black Journalists’ Hall of Fame highlight her influential role in shaping the narrative for women and minorities in media. Additionally, her honorary doctorate degrees from esteemed institutions such as Tougaloo College and Lewis University further affirm her dedication to education and leadership. Merri's accomplishments not only celebrate her individual brilliance but also serve as an inspiring beacon for the communities we serve, reminding us of all of the power of resilience and the importance of uplifting one another.

Merri Dee's philanthropic endeavors were truly remarkable, evidenced by her extensive experience in hosting numerous parades, telethons, and television specials. Throughout her distinguished career, she has shared the stage with notable entertainers such as Lou Rawls, Stevie Wonder, Bill Cosby, Quincy Jones, Oprah Winfrey, Nancy Wilson, Bernie Mac, and Frank Sinatra, among many others. Her success as a telethon host and fundraiser significantly contributed to the financial stability of various deserving non-profit organizations. For over 30 years, Merri Dee co-hosted and presented the nationally syndicated “UNCF Annual Evening of Stars,” during which she raised tens of millions of dollars for college scholarships, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to education. Importantly, her advocacy transcended mere fundraising; she actively supported organizations that tackled pressing social issues, including adoption and foster care, violence prevention, education, and women's issues. This holistic approach aligns seamlessly with the Seven Pearls Foundation's mission of empowering women and girls of color, emphasizing the critical need for integrity and transparency in all community initiatives. As we reflect on Merri Dee's legacy, it is imperative that we recognize our collective responsibility to engage in similar initiatives that foster leadership and personal growth. We invite you to join the Seven Pearls Foundation in honoring the contributions of impactful community champions like Soror Merri Dee, and to collaborate towards creating transformative educational opportunities for those in need. She continues to be an inspiration of what self-less service resembles.

Sigmas Representing Black Excellence in STEM

This Women’s History Month 2026, we celebrate the inspiring theme “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” and there’s no better time to highlight the incredible contributions of Black women in STEM! Despite the challenges of racial and gender biases, women like Alena Analeigh McQuarter are breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. At just 13 years old, Alena made history as the youngest Black person ever accepted into medical school in the United States, showcasing the power of perseverance and ambition. As a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. since 2025, she continues to lead by example through her groundbreaking work with Brown STEM Girl, a platform that empowers young girls in science, technology, engineering, and math with scholarships, mentorships, and international opportunities. Let’s join together in recognizing and uplifting amazing female leaders like Alena, who are not only shaping our present but also inspiring the next generation to dream big!

Let’s talk about the unstoppable force that is Captain Deshauna Barber! This powerhouse, crowned Miss U.S.A. in 2016, is not just a beauty queen; she’s a motivational speaker and a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve, inspiring us all to reach for the stars! With her incredible journey as a STEM graduate, nonprofit vice chair, and fierce military leader, Barber exemplifies perseverance and determination like nobody’s business. She became the youngest President and CEO of the Service Women’s Action Network in 2019. Talk about trailblazing! Her passion for uplifting female veterans shines through her work with Women Veterans for Change.

Dr. Myiesha Taylor’s journey is nothing short of a medical marvel! As a board-certified emergency medicine physician and a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians, she’s not just saving lives; she’s shaping futures! With her heart set on empowering women physicians of color around the globe, she founded the Artemis Medical Society, a beacon of hope and mentorship in the STEM fields. Dr. Taylor’s incredible work even earned her the delightful recognition from Disney Junior, where the beloved mother character, Myiesha McStuffins, was named in her honor on the hit show Doc McStuffins!

These ladies' dedication exemplifies the spirit of sisterhood and service that the Seven Pearls Foundation champions, proving that women are indeed shaping a sustainable future! Join us in celebrating their achievements and supporting the Foundation’s mission to inspire future leaders as we advocate for educational opportunities and support these remarkable women, fostering a sense of sisterhood and collaboration that is vital for creating a brighter, more inclusive future in STEM!

Community Contributions

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Each issue of Morning Announcements is available on our website at sevenpearls.org, where you can explore past newsletters, stories, and exciting opportunities.

Contact: admin@sevenpearls.org