
Dr. Tyechia Culmer is your "Partner in PROGRESS" for the future of North Carolina. She has served Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated since 2002. As the North Carolina State Director Dr. Culmer has brought her visionary leadership to guide the state to new heights. She looks forward to being your Partner In Progress.
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Partners in PROGRESS: Advancing Zeta, Empowering Communities
The vision is to continue to build on the work we have accomplished, the relationships we have formed, and the champion the initiatives that impact our communities. We are Partners in P.R.O.G.R.E.S.S.
P – Purpose-Driven Leadership Through Intentional Development
R – Recommitment to Sisterhood Through Unity, Understanding, and Uplift
O – Outreach that Impacts and Inspires Change
G – Growth Through Innovation in Fundraising and Sponsorship
R – Resource Equity Through Collective Power
E – Excellence in Execution Through Strategy and Strength-Based Leadership
S – Strengthening and Securing Strategic Partnerships
S – Sisterly Spaces for Respect, Resolution, and Renewal
Kamala Harris
We lead with clarity and conviction, honoring our Founders’ vision by serving with integrity, courage, and intentionality. Our leaders must remain rooted in Zeta’s founding principles — Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood — while adapting to the evolving needs of our communities and members.
Zeta is a bond of sisterhood forged in love and sustained through service. But we must ask: Are we doing enough to protect, nurture, and celebrate that bond? Let us recommit to respect, transparency, and inclusion — creating safe, uplifting spaces for every Soror and Zeta Amicae to thrive.
Our community needs us more than ever. Through initiatives like Z-HOPE, Stork’s Nest, Adopt-a-School, and Elder Care, we must move from event planning to impact planning — ensuring that our outreach is strategic, sustainable, and measurable.
To remain relevant, we must embrace change. Let us invest in technology, modern communication tools, and innovative programming that speaks to the needs of younger generations, busy professionals, and seasoned Sorors alike.
Equity means more than fairness — it means access for all. We must ensure smaller chapters, rural areas, and collegiate chapters receive the same access to information, funding, leadership opportunities, and training as our largest chapters.
We have powerful ideas — but excellence requires follow-through. Let’s build systems of accountability, timely communication, and streamlined project management to move from good intentions to great results.
As Partners in Progress, we must forge long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with civic organizations, Black-owned businesses, health institutions, and youth programs that align with our mission and uplift our people.
True sisterhood creates room for vulnerability and voice. Let us normalize restorative conversations, conflict resolution, and healing spaces that honor both tradition and transformation.
Dr. Tyechia Culmer, North Carolina State Director
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Dr. Tyechia Culmer is a committed servant-leader, educator, and advocate who has served Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated with distinction for over 20 years. She joined the "Oh So Magnificent" Omega Iota Chapter at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Fall 2002 (Collective - ”Pearl ViZion”, Individual - “#4 Formality”). Dr. Culmer became a member of the North Carolina Executive Board in Fall 2019 as State Secretary. Elected as the North Carolina State Director in 2023, Dr. Culmer brought her visionary leadership, compassion, and strategic acumen to guide the state to new heights.
A proud Charter member of the Always Active Alpha Alpha Epsilon Zeta Chapter (Pittsboro), Dr. Culmer has held leadership roles at the local, state, regional, and international levels. State Director Dr. Culmer is known for fostering sisterhood, inspiring action, and delivering results. She has served as the International Co-Director of the International Women of Color Committee, Eastern Region Coordinator for the International Women of Color Committee, and Eastern Region Co-Coordinator for the Chapter Basilei Council. Dr. Culmer has the honor of being a Centennial Life Member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
Outside of Zeta, Dr. Culmer is a clinical research scientist by education and a project manager by profession. Dr. Tyechia Culmer is a native of Miami, FL and celebrates her Bahamian and Kenyan heritage. She is a member of Orange Grove Missionary Baptist Church (Durham, NC). She is engaged to Brother Jason Rutherford (Delta Zeta Sigma Chapter, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated [Durham, NC]). Dr. Culmer is the Chief Operating Officer of the Rutherford Family Foundation and a member of the Black Alumni Reunion - Light on the Hill Gala Committee. She is a leader who uses her platform to advocate for equity in health, education, and economic opportunity. She is a dedicated daughter, sister, mentor, and trailblazer committed to leaving every space better than she found it.
Under Dr. Culmer’s leadership, North Carolina has made significant strides in programmatic excellence, membership development, and community impact:
✔️ Launched the Leadership Training & Development Series for collegiate, graduate, and auxiliary members
✔️ Hosted a record-breaking statewide youth retreat with over 100 youth participants
✔️ Coordinated MIP trainings, Advisor training (Zeta Youth, Zeta Amicae, and Undergraduate), National Association of Parliamentarians training, Harbor Institute Anti-Hazing Training and Youth Mental Health and First Aid Certification
✔️ Expanded partnerships with March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children's Hospital, and American Red Cross, with measurable deliverables
✔️ Increased chapter support through officer training, resource toolkits, workshops, and funding equity sessions
✔️Raised over $165,000 in combined service fundraising and community giving
✔️ Improved communication flow, digital resource sharing, and internal leadership accountability
✔️Continuous representation at Zeta Day on the Hill and North Carolina D9 Legislative Day to advocate for maternal health equity and economic justice.
✔️Certificate of Completion, Risk Management (June 2025)
✔️Certificate of Completion, Harbor Institute Anti-Hazing (April 2025)
✔️Certificate of Completion, Membership Intake (January 2025))
✔️Certificate of Completion, Membership Intake (August 2024)
✔️Certificate of Completion, Mental Health First Aid (February 2024)
✔️Certificate of Completion, Membership Intake (January 2024)
✔️Certificate of Completion, CPR/First Aid (September 2023)
✔️Certificate of Completion, Amicae Advisor (August 2023)
✔️Certificate of Completion, Zeta Youth Advisor (August 2023)
✔️Certificate of Completion, Undergraduate Advisor (July 2023)
✔️Certificate of Completion, Risk Management (February 2023)
✔️Certificate of Completion, Membership Intake (January 2023)
✔️Certificate of Completion, National Association of Parliamentarians (December 2021)
✔️Certificate of Completion, Membership Intake (November 2021)
✔️Certificate of Completion, Membership Intake (March 2020)
✔️Certificate of Completion, Membership Intake (July 2018)
✔️Certificate of Completion, Zeta Organizational Leadership (July 2018)
Leadership training and development opportunities hosted
✔️Membership Intake Program Training, 2023-2024, 2024-2025
✔️Leadership Training and Development Series 2023-2024, 2024-2025
✔️Women Who Win Business 101 2024-2025
✔️National Association Parliamentarian 2024-2025
✔️Mental Health and First Aid 2023-2025, 2024-2025
✔️Special Intake Track Mandatory Training
✔️Harbor Institute Anti-Hazing Training
Empowered our collegiate and youth affiliates by offering events and activities for growth and development
✔️Hosted Zeta Youth Affiliate (ZYA) Retreat at Avid Change (Charlotte)
✔️Coordinated STEM Emersion Workshops
✔️Organized a Chromebook Distribution - Bridging the Digital Divide
✔️Hosted Undergraduate Retreat at UNC - Wilmington (Wilmington)
✔️Established the Undergraduate Assistant Fund
✔️Received 70 Scholarships applications for the 5 available scholarships
✔️Supported the creation of the Mighty Miracle Scholarship
✔️Encouraged Stroll to the Polls to increase voter registration, education, and engagement
Advocated for our auxiliaries
✔️Promoted Zeta Youth Affliate Conference
✔️Championed for book club participation of Zeta Youth Affiliates (ZYA)
✔️Participated in Gold Together to address Childhood Cancer
✔️Organized Double Good Fundraiser to support Triumphant Archonette
✔️Hosted a Zeta Amicae Retreat - Shaw University (Raleigh)
✔️Facilitated a Zeta Male Network Appreciation Day - Stars and Strikes (Raleigh)
Developed chapter relations and chapter management workshops and seminars
✔️Provided officer training lead by NC Executive Board Officers and Coordinators
✔️Established a NC Conflict Resolution committee to address chapter concerns
✔️Hosted Advisor Training Session for Undergraduate, Zeta Youth, and Zeta Amicae
✔️Re-established the North Carolina Webpage
✔️Established an online directory of state appointed coordinators
✔️Met with the North Carolina Financial Literacy Council to promote financial literacy
✔️Established a Conflict Resolution/Mediation Committee to mange chapter and member issues & concern
Elevate the bond between Sorors and Brothers
✔️Fostered collaboration with the Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated
✔️Hosted the NC Blue and White Cookout with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated
✔️Attended the North Carolina Legislative Day and Governor reception (2023-2025)
✔️Collaborated on the All White Domestic Violence (DV) Awareness social to support DV Shelters and Centers of North Carolina
✔️Attended the Investing in Economic Development with former Vice President and Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris
✔️Participated in Joint Founder's Day Celebrations, domestic and abroad
✔️Commemorated the life, legacy, and linage of Triumphant Founder Pearl Anna Neal
✔️Partnered for March of Dimes March for Babies events, educational sessions, and fundraisers
✔️Contributed to President Chris Rey, J.D. and Barber Scotia College Saber Angels Campaign
Results driven
✔️3 newly activated chapters (Wake Forest University, Franklin County, Kannapolis)
✔️6 chapters approved for reactivation (Western Carolina, Shelby, University of North Carolina -Chapel Hill, East Carolina University, Campbell University, Elon University)
✔️3 reactivated Zeta Amicae Auxiliaries (Gastonia, Concord, Greenville)
✔️3 established Zeta Male Network Groups (Concord, Pineville-Matthews, Cary)
✔️$90,000 raised for March of Dimes 2023-2024
✔️$33,000 raised for St. Jude Children's Hospital 2023-2024
✔️$15,000 raised for Domestic Violence Shelters and Centers of North Carolina 2023-2024
✔️$12, 000 raised for Barber Scotia College 2023
✔️$8,000 raised for Hurricane Helene Relief 2024
✔️$4,509 raised for Project Period 2024
✔️Life Members provided participation grants for Undergraduate members to attend 2024 Boule (Indianapolis)
✔️Adopted a Turtle Nest in compliance with the US Fish and Wildlife Toolkit
✔️Hosted Social Justice, Health, Economic Justice webinars for Elder Care, Life Members.
✔️Hosted a viewing party for the movie 6888 in honor of Triumphant Soror Millie Dunn Veasey
Since 2023, Dr. Tyechia Culmer has served the State of North Carolina and has fulfilled the following duties:
Duties and Responsibilities
✔️Reports to the Regional Director (bi-weekly meetings and quarterly Executive Board meetings)
✔️ Supports and embrace the initiatives of the International Grand Basileus and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. (i.e., Harbor Institute Anti-Hazing, Women Who Win, International Women of Color Committee)
✔️ Keeps chapters abreast of the National Programs (i.e. Weekly email to Chapter Presidents).
✔️ Knows, supports, and implements the Regional Director’s goals and programs (i.e., Membership increase by 10% 2023-2024 and 2024-2025; MISSION ACCOMPLISHED).
✔️Plans programmatic activities for the State (i.e., National Association of Parliamentarian Training, Mental Health and First Aid Training, Power of S.H.E. Justice)
✔️ Keeps the Regional Director up-to-date on the happenings in the state
✔️ Submits to the Regional Director a draft of the state meeting/conference program three months prior to the state meeting/conference.
✔️Keeps a record of all chapters in the state.
✔️ Keeps membership/chapters informed of all activities pertaining to Zeta that have been disseminated by the Regional Director (i.e., NC Torch)
✔️ Assists the Regional Director in making plans for regional conferences and meetings in her respective state.
✔️ Exhibits good interpersonal relationship with the membership.
✔️Prepares reports for State, Regional and National meetings.
✔️Sends reports to the Regional Director for inclusion in her overall reporting on the target date designated.
✔️Conducts seminars/workshops with chapters as well as provide technical assistance.
✔️ Plans and initiate new/inventive ways of expanding Zeta with chapters, programs, and undergraduate (i.e., Chapter Charter, Chapter Reactivation, and Chapter Expansion).
✔️Searches for new leaders and provide them opportunities and experiences, and membership participation at a wider range.
✔️Is visible.
✔️ Fosters great communication with chapters and auxiliaries in North Carolina.
✔️ Is well-versed in conflict resolution.
✔️ Directs focused attention to undergraduate internal structure ,membership development and campus and public affairs
✔️Is friendly, sisterly, always positive, on time, smile and carries herself as a finer woman
✔️ Shows sisterly love at all times to all Sorors!
✔️ If requested by the International Grand Basileus and/or the Eastern Regional State Director, serves in the place of the Regional Director (i.e., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Regional Conference 2024: Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated Regional Conference 2024, 2025: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Regional Leadership Conference 2024)
✔️Maintain open communication with Chapter Presidents to effectively address problems and concerns.
✔️Preside over the State Leadership Conferences and Retreats
✔️Trained on the Membership Intake Process (MIP) by the Internationational First Vice President
✔️ Serve as an Official MIP Trainer for the State (along with co-trainers)
✔️Responsible to disseminate and reinforce all National policy changes to members (weekly email or NC Torch announcement)
✔️Encourage implementation of National programs (i.e., Elder Care, Adopt-A-School, Mental Health Awareness, Autism Acceptance, American Cancer Society, DFree, March of Dimes, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Women's Veterans Rock, International Women Day, and Opal's Walk for Freedom)
✔️Ensure chapters are financial at all levels (95% are financial)
✔️Develop leadership workshops and seminars for State Meetings and Retreats.
✔️ Serve as the Liaison to Phi Beta Sigma State Director
💙 Consistency in Communication – Build unified messaging across state, region, and national levels.
💙 Retention & Reclamation – Welcome our Sorors home with programs that meet their needs, not just our expectations.
💙 Leadership Pipeline – Empower collegiate and young alumnae Sorors through mentorship and transition support.
💙 Data-Driven Programming – Move from guesswork to goal work; evaluate impact consistently.
💙 Cultural Competency – Ensure programming and leadership reflect and respect the full spectrum of our membership.
Dr. Tyechia Culmer, North Carolina State Director
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