We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Hildra AnnaJean and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Hildra, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Honestly, I have always valued the importance of personal and mental freedom, which for me was the primary goal for starting my own business. I’ve never been content with the prospect of working for others for my entire professional career. Being furloughed in 2019 was the ultimate wake-up call for me, and it was at that moment I firmly decided that I would dedicate my time towards starting a business.

What should our readers know about your business?
Sigma Chi Psi Sorority and Gamma Sigma Gamma Fraternity are my fourth business ventures, both operating as independent non-profit organizations not affiliated with any Greek councils. They are the first sorority and fraternity dedicated to students pursuing online degrees, with a mission to bridge the social gap. Membership also extends to students at community colleges, technical schools, and trade schools.

This journey was inspired by my personal challenges. Years ago, I faced an unexpected situation, which led to tough financial decisions and a period of homelessness in Los Angeles. During that time, I endured isolation and self-reflection, which ultimately became a transformative experience. What felt like punishment was, in hindsight, preparation. After moving to Las Vegas, I began my professional career working with college students and discovered my passion for helping others. This clarity of purpose deepened during my work on a research project in Miami, where I identified a growing demand for community among students in online programs.
Recognizing this need, I founded Sigma Chi Psi and Gamma Sigma Gamma to create a supportive, engaging community for online learners. Research shows online programs have higher dropout rates due to a lack of meaningful social connections. By extending membership to students at various educational institutions, we aim to build a broader, inclusive community.
Together with my close friend Stephanie Robinson, we worked diligently to sustain this vision through the pandemic. Despite challenges, our mission remains to enhance students’ lives through networking, service, and in-person and virtual meetups—locally, regionally, and nationally. These efforts aim to strengthen the social dimension of education and foster a deeper sense of belonging for all members.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I think in order to experience an area, you have to take part in what it truly offers. I would take my friends to Las Vegas to see some of the many famous shows that represent the culture and vibrancy of the city. Las Vegas has many different shows that appeal to a diverse audience, but I personally recommend the Blu Man Group, Jabbawockeez, and the Chris Angel show.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely, I would like to personally shout out to everyone who has played some part in the beginning stages of our organization and to those who currently dedicate their precious time to ensuring the organization succeeds with its mission and purpose.

Those individuals include Stephanie Robinson our co-founder, Hillary Davis, Toni Johnson, Tonya Rankins, Latasha Currie, Monica Shaw-McAlpine & her daughter’s, Amanda Maynard, Tiffaney Brown, Fawn Parden, Jasmine Taylor, Antoinette Walton, Fransine “Frankie” Sanchez, Alora Valadez, Deborah Witherspoon, Kayla Howard, Joann Cummings, Vanessa Oates, Valenicia Price, Tasha Johnson, Dana Coleman,  Kapricia Miller, Ebonee Strong, Toimeka Starks, Natasha Pickett, Chankeia Scott and Briana Rasul (RIP).

Without their time and support, what we strive to accomplish would be next to impossible so I am very thankful for their contributions to the organization.

Website: https://www.sigmachipsi.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sigmachipsi/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sigma-chi-psi-sorority-incorporated-2a284b208

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SigmaChiPsi

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SigmaChiPsiSorority

Image Credits
Images by Itsenutopia

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