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.

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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Beverly Evans Smith is the 26th National President (2017-2021) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. While serving in this role she restructured the corporate Board and headquarters operation, initiated the documentation of all business operations, updated all program manuals, added new revenue streams, significantly increased membership, and international engagement. She also served as the organization’s elected National First Vice President, National Secretary and was previously employed as Delta Sigma Theta’s Executive Director leading their headquarters business function.

Beverly is wearing Cerese D’s Turquoise Swirl Necklace.

Smith retired from the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) as the Assistant Commissioner and Georgia State Director for Adult Education and GED Testing in 2018. In this role she provided adult education training programs for an average of 69,000 Georgia citizens annually with a staff of over 1200 educators and support staff at 450 sites across the state. She was also responsible for the administration of all Georgia GED testing and supported local literacy action groups throughout Georgia. In addition, Smith served as 2015-17 Chair of the National Association of State Directors in Adult Education and has testified before the U.S. Senate HELP Committee representing the issues faced by adults with literacy challenges.

As an entrepreneur, Smith is also senior vice-president of The HR Group Inc., a management consulting firm she has co-owned with her husband, Stephen, for over 30 years. Her skill sets include demonstrated expertise in organizational effectiveness, business operations redesign and restructure, strategic planning, and crisis management. As a corporate manager, Smith spent 18 years in leadership positions with AT&T (Southern Bell) implementing innovative business processes during her tenure. During that time, she also served as a member of the 1994 AT&T Malcolm Baldrige Award winning team in the area of human resources. Prior to her corporate work, Smith spent several years as university administrator in varied capacities. She is a prolific motivational speaker in the areas of leadership and change management.

A long-term community volunteer, Smith is the founding Delta National President and serves on the board of D4 Women in Action, the first of its kind 501(c)4 social welfare and advocacy organization to be established under the umbrella of a Black Greek letter organization. She is a Life Member of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), where she serves as Co-Chair of the International Affairs Committee. Smith has served on the Bowling Green State University (BGSU-Ohio) Student Affairs Leadership Council and the Board of Directors of the Delta Research and Education Foundation (DREF). In addition, she chaired the Cobb County Board of Elections & Registration for eight years and served on varied community boards including the Cobb County United Way and Girls, Incorporated. She has been a Co-Chair for Leadership Cobb and served on the Board of Directors for Chattahoochee Technical College as well as on the Alumni Board of Directors for BGSU where she chaired its Strategic Planning committee.

A recipient of numerous honors and awards, Smith was a recipient of the Phoenix Award (2022), which is the highest honor an individual or group can receive from the mayor of Atlanta. She is also the recipient of the People Profile Lifetime Achievement Award (2022) and the Network Journal 25 Influential Black Women in Business Award (2021). In 2017 Smith was recognized as an Outstanding Georgia Citizen by the Office of the Secretary of State and named the 2020 Georgia Outstanding Individual by the Georgia General Assembly. In addition, she is the recipient of a U.S. Congressional Certificate of Special Recognition. Smith was named the LEAD360 business organization’s Executive of the Year for 2020-21 and was a UNCF Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Honoree in 2020. Her alma mater, Bowling Green State University, named her to the 2018 Class of the Academy of Distinguished Alumni and she was honored by the St. Louis Urban League/Urban League Guild with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. Recognized by the NW Georgia YWCA as a Woman of Achievement, she has been listed in both Who’s Who Among African Americans and Who’s Who in the Southeast. In 2006, she was named a “History Maker” by The HistoryMakers (thehistorymakers.com), a national African American historical registry which is housed in United States Library of Congress. She has also received numerous keys and proclamations from cities/states across the country.

Beverly and her husband, Stephen, have been married for fifty-one years. The Smiths have two married children: son Brian (Rashan Ali) Smith, daughter Stacy (Dr. Jason) Frazier, and five grandchildren.

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