In March of 2013 a group of members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Nu Zeta Omega Chapter gathered to create an organization that would focus solely on philanthropy. Throughout 2014, the committee continued to meet and attend workshops. In 2014, the charity’s bylaws were drafted. Named to reflect their connection to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, the group named this new organization Ivy and Pearls of Southern Maryland Community Charities Incorporated (IPSMCC).

Under the leadership of Natalie Hart (President), Denise Barnes (Vice President), and Miriam Matthews Clark (Executive Director), IPSMCC received its Letter of Determination in September 2015 and officially became a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization in August 2015.

Currently IPSMCC is lead by President Kristia Watkins and Executive Director Carmella Davis Watkins. The mission of Ivy and Pearls of Southern Maryland Community Charities, Incorporated is to support the Maryland Communities of Charles and St. Mary’s Counties. We aim to enhance the socio-economic condition of our environment by providing educational, charitable, financial, cultural and health-related resources and events.