The Pauline Redmond Coggs Foundation was established in 1999 by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Epsilon Kappa Omega Chapter, for charitable, educational and community services. It is the philanthropic vehicle that supports on-going educational programs and community agencies that align with our program targets; HBCU for Life, Women's Healthcare and Wellness, Building an Economic Legacy, The Arts, and Global Impact.

 

The charitable, non-profit, 501c3 organization has a rich history rooted in service with a focus on issues impacting women and girls.  “We are so very proud of the impact we make in the lives of young women through our Debutante Cotillion. Each debutante participates in various community impact projects, educational enrichment, leadership development and cultural awareness workshops and activities. The goal is for each debutante to emerge as a poised, self-confident and socially conscious young lady, ready to follow her dreams”, said Debra Brown Wallace, president, Pauline Redmond Coggs Foundation.

 

The Foundation understands that education is a means of improving the quality of life and opportunities for African-American women. Young women, who are currently 12th graders, are selected as debutantes who participate in community service, leadership presentations, team building and trainings in addition to fundraising. Debutantes receive a monetary award based on their fundraising efforts and successful completion of the program. In the spring of every year, the debutante scholarships are distributed. To date, more than 1000 young women have participated.

 

On November 27, 2021, the 47th Annual Debutante Cotillion was held virtually. Eight young women who hail from Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) and surrounding school districts were presented. In 2020, the Pauline Redmond Coggs Foundation awarded debutante scholarships and presented five community organizations with contributions bringing the annual total to more than $40,000.

 

 

About Pauline Redmond Coggs

Pauline Redmond Coggs, a noted community activist and retired professor of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, passed on July 17, 2005 after serving as a charter member of the local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Coggs had an extensive background in education, sociology and politics. Her commitment to service was unmatched. In 1999, in honor of her work and service the chapter formed the Pauline Redmond Coggs Foundation.

 

About Epsilon Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

The Epsilon Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was chartered on May 11, 1949. Since its inception, the chapter has made significant impact in the Milwaukee community including promoting the arts, reading, math and science, literacy and proficiency through award-winning programs designed for students beginning in pre-school and continuing through high school, conducting workshops for parents and college preparatory testing workshops for high school students, and encouraging economic development among youth by sponsoring an annual Youth Entrepreneurial Fair.

 

About The Pauline Redmond Coggs Foundation

The Pauline Redmond Coggs Foundation was established in 1999 by the Epsilon Kappa Omega Chapter for charitable, educational and community services. It serves as a vehicle for accepting, raising, distributing and investing funds for scholarships and awards to students; to establish on-going educational programs and for charitable donations and community projects which assist mankind in general.

​

The Pauline Redmond Coggs Foundation's target areas include: education, health, the black family, economic empowerment, arts and leadership development.