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January 2025 Mag

December 30, 2024

Tecia Adrienne McGruder McKay: A Cobblestone in 105 Years of Leadership, Service, and Impact

Tecia Adrienne McGruder McKay is a spirited leader, lifelong learner, and committed servant of her community. With over 35 years of active membership in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, McKay has exemplified the values of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and finer womanhood in all areas of her life and is humbled to serve as the State Director for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. State of Georgia Director. A proud Diamond Life Member of the sorority, McKay has been afforded the opportunity to be an influential force in Zetadom, having held membership in multiple chapters, including the Omicron Nu Chapter at the University of West Georgia, Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter, 9th Chapter President, in East Point / Atlanta, Beta Alpha Chi Zeta Chapter in Dublin, Georgia, Mu Nu Zeta Chapter in Anchorage, Alaska, and Delta Beta Chapter at Fort Valley State University.

Tecia

With all of her efforts to be a positive influence for others, McKay knows she is simply a part of a bigger picture and greater path. Celebrating 105 years of finer womanhood with the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, McKay acknowledges being a cobblestone in the powerful testament to the enduring legacy of this remarkable sisterhood. Since its founding on January 16, 1920, by Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Viola Tyler Goings, Fannie Pettie Watts, and Pearl Anna Neal, Zeta Phi Beta has continued to uphold its mission of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. This milestone marks over a century of leadership, advocacy, and empowerment, with members making significant contributions to their communities and society at large. Whether through initiatives like Zeta’s National Educational Foundation, Amicae (auxiliary group for professional women to be affiliated with Zeta and assist the sorority with providing positive, proactive, and far-reaching community service), or the Stork’s Nest Program (a cooperative project, launched originally in Atlanta, Georgia, of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and the March of Dimes Foundation aiming to increase the number of women receiving early and regular prenatal care in an effort to prevent cases of low birthweight, premature births and infant deaths), the sorority has continually inspired generations of women to live lives of purpose and impact. As McKay and her Sisters of Zeta Phi Beta reflect on this monumental achievement, the ladies honor not only the trailblazing visionaries who founded the organization but also the countless women who have carried the torch forward, shaping history and advancing social justice for future generations.

A visionary leader, McKay, as the esteemed Georgia State Director for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, has chartered several chapters, additionally, she is honored to be one of the Charter Members at Omicron Nu Chapter in 1987 and Beta Alpha Chi Zeta Chapter in Dublin, Georgia in 2017. With the guidance of International Vice President Gina Merritt- Epps, Esq. and Regional Director Vicki L. Pearson, McKay’s extensive work to activate and grow new chapters has made a lasting impact in communities across Georgia, with recent accomplishments including the chartering of chapters in Millen (Bulloch and Jenkins Counties), the University of Georgia, Gainesville (Hall County), and reactivation of chapters at LaGrange College, Clark Atlanta University, and Morris Brown College. McKay’s passion for sisterhood extends beyond the collegiate chapters to include the Zeta Amicae Auxiliaries, with new charters in Valdosta, Midland (Columbus), Douglasville, and Americus.

In recognition of her leadership and commitment to Zeta Phi Beta, McKay was honored to become not only the thirteenth, but the first Elected State Director for Georgia in October 2022. Under her guidance, the state achieved historic milestones, including having the largest membership in all of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Her approach to leadership—rooted in shared knowledge, shared ownership, and inclusivity—has been instrumental in helping Georgia earn international recognition placing second in the Power of S.H.E. Impact Awards (Social, Health, and Economic Justices), a testament to the significant growth and impact of the State of Georgia’s sisterhood under her direction following the guidance of International President and CEO Dr. Staci NC Grant.

Beyond her leadership within Zeta Phi Beta, McKay is also a dedicated educator and school administrator. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Fort Valley State College, a Master of Education, and an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Georgia State University. Her academic and professional background has paved the way for her impactful career in education. McKay serves as an Associate Superintendent and continues to be a voice for the voiceless, particularly in advocating for access to quality education for all students, especially those in underserved and rural communities.

McKay’s professional journey has not been without its sacrifices. Throughout her career, she has often had to choose professional advancement at the expense of personal and family goals, but her unwavering commitment to paving the way for other women has fueled her desire to create a more equitable environment for future generations of women in leadership. Her leadership is grounded in a deep belief in social justice, health justice, and economic justice—three pillars that International President and CEO, Dr. Grant has shared. McKay now understands and believes the three pillars must intersect in order to address the systemic inequities facing marginalized communities.

Her understanding of these issues is sharpened by her observations in the education sector. McKay is particularly aware of the interconnectedness between poverty, social injustices, and access to education. Further, her awareness of health injustices has tremendously increased, recognizing that many rural communities are denied basic resources like healthcare and educational opportunities. With developing growth in being cognizant of social injustices as they directly relate to Black Women in Business (BWIB), she notes the similar struggles faced by women of color in entrepreneurship—limited access to mentors, resources, and opportunities. Her work aims to bridge these gaps, providing women and students of color with the tools and support they need to succeed. Being an advocate for BWIB expanded once her knowledge base grew. She knows that foundation and thoughts are rooted in exposure.

A firm believer in the power of collective action, McKay is guided by the belief that “when we know better, we do better.” She emphasizes the importance of shared knowledge and learning from others, no matter their background or station in life. She uses this philosophy to foster an environment of growth and empowerment for her colleagues and mentees, encouraging them to learn, lead, and ultimately leave their own legacies. When she asked a state board member, Elizabeth Gibson, Esq.,within the sorority to transition to a new role wanting to give more emphasis to The Power of S.H.E., Gibson had an epiphany. As Gibson looked deeper into the sorority’s international initiative, she realized, “The revenue I made for the firm last year could have been mine.” This is when she stepped out on faith and believed in The Power of SHE! She is now the owner of The Givens Gibson Firm in Albany, Georgia. Amazed at the unintentional impact, McKay took this inspiration of feedback as a message to continue shining a light for others. We never know how it may manifest nor where it may illuminate.

Outside of her professional and organizational commitments, McKay is a deeply devoted family member, residing in Dublin, Georgia with her husband Arthur, whom she describes as her “love at first sight.” She is also a member of Williams Chapel Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Eddie Hixon and is active in organizations such as Pilot International, promoting brain health, and the FVSU National Alumni Association. Her family—particularly her parents Ruben and Janice McGruder, her brother, and other members of the family, especially her namesakes —remains a central source of support and inspiration.

McKay is guided by faith and a belief that everything happens for a reason. As she reflects on her life, she holds dear the teachings of Hebrews 11:1, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen,” embracing the uncertainty of the future with optimism and courage. She views her life’s work as part of a larger journey to create lasting impact, whether in an ocean of influence or a pond of opportunity.

Her life is a testament to the power of leadership, sacrifice, and the unyielding pursuit of justice. With a heart focused on shared knowledge, shared ownership, and a vision for inclusivity, McKay’s story continues to inspire those around her to build a better tomorrow for generations to come.

As only a cobblestone in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated’s pathway to 105 years, Tecia Adrienne McGruder McKay’s journey is a testament to the power of faith, the understanding of obligations which come from the wheelhouse of influence, and the joy and stripes endured when seeking equity. Through her work in education, advocacy, and sisterhood, she continues to inspire future generations to build a better, more inclusive world. Here’s to 105 years of legacy, and all Black women walking in service, leadership, and sisterhood!

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