Leadership

MONARCH NADINE BARKSDALE, PhD
National President
Email: president@geamilitarysorority.org

Monarch Nadine Barksdale serves as the National President of Gamma Eta Alpha Military Sorority Inc. She was born in New Orleans, LA, and raised in a metropolis.  She is currently serving as an active-duty Officer of the U.S. Navy.  She possesses a Bachelor of Science, and a Doctorate in Medicine, and is a board-certified Family Medicine physician.  Dedicated to women‘s health, empowerment, and spiritual growth, she will support the mission of Gamma Eta Alpha, to its fullest, every day of her life. 

MONARCH Stanita Burton
National Vice President
Email: vp@geamilitarysorority.org

Monarch Stanita Burton serves as the National Vice President of Gamma Eta Alpha Military Sorority Incorporated. She was born and raised in St. Louis, MO., and retired from the U.S. Navy in 2021 after 20 years of active honorable, loyal, and dedicated service.  She possesses a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health and a Master of Science in Forensic Science with a Specialization in Investigation.  She resides in New Orleans, LA., where she stepped out on faith and started HER black-woman-veteran-owned business, Kweenz Kreationz, LLC.  Stanita loves God, the Bible, her family, and friends.  She lives by the statement treat others the way YOU want to be treated, she believes that living this way helps keep you grounded as an individual and opens your perspective of others.  She always uses the following words for thought:  What if the shoe was                                                       on the other foot? 

MONARCH LISA COOLEY
National Lead Regional Director
Email: lrd@geamilitarysorority.org

Monarch Lisa Cooley serves as the National Lead Regional Director of Gamma Eta Alpha Military Sorority Inc. She was born in New Brunswick, NJ, and raised in Decatur, GA. A retired U.S. Navy Veteran with 22 years of honorable and dedicated service. She possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics Systems Technology, a Bachelor of  Administration degree in Finance, and a Master of  Science degree in Accounting. She enjoys influencing revenue-positive outcomes. Lisa has a passion for eliminating financial illiteracy and educating our youth in areas of finance and investment.

MONARCH MONICA COOPER
National Secretary
Email: secretary@geamilitarysorority.org

Monarch Monica Cooper serves as the National Secretary of Gamma Eta Alpha Military Sorority Inc. She was born and raised in Gulfport Ms.  She is currently active-duty serving as a Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy. She is  currently stationed at Joint Base Mcquire-Dix-Lakehurst and resides in New Jersey. She holds a Associates Degree in Business Administration. She promotes sisterhood daily and stands by the mission and goals of Gamma Eta Alpha.

MONARCH PAULA RAPHAEL
National Treasurer 
Email: treasurer@geamilitarysorority.org

Monarch Paula Raphael serves as the National Treasurer of Gamma Eta Alpha Military Sorority Inc. She brings a strong background in financial management and strategic planning to oversee the organization's economic health. With a passion for supporting the sorority's mission of empowerment, service, and sisterhood, Monarch Raphael is dedicated to ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency across all levels. A proud first-generation Texan, Monarch Raphael has deep family roots in Pelican, Louisiana. Her upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of community, heritage, and resilience, values she carries into her work with Gamma Eta Alpha. Monarch Raphael is a U.S. Army Veteran with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Paul Quinn College and a Master of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University. Professionally, Monarch Raphael is the Head of Program Management for a major financial institution, where she oversees                                                                     database management at an enterprise level. Her experience managing large-scale systems and processes has strengthened her skills in                                                                      organization, problem-solving, and leadership, all of which contribute to her success as National Treasurer. Paula's foundation includes the 4                                                             L's. LEAVE places better than you found them. LEAD from wherever you are. LIVE a life that matters. And finally, LOVE something greater                                                        than yourself. Making a positive impact on others and inspiring change are Paula's formulas for living a life that matters.

MONARCH MICHELLE HOUSE
National Sergeant at Arms
Email: sgtatarms@geamilitarysorority.org

Monarch Michelle House serves as the National Sergeant at Arms of Gamma Eta Alpha Military Sorority Inc. She was born in Queens, NY, and raised in Staten Island, NY.  She is a U.S. Army Retiree with 14 years of honorable and dedicated service. She possesses a Bachelor's in Business Administration and a certificate in Paralegal Studies. She currently resides in Harker Heights, TX, where she works full-time as a statewide notary public for Texas. Michelle has a strong passion for championing women's benefits, standing in business for what's right, advocating for the correction of what's wrong, and motivating women to rise above their limits and stand in their truth. She uses cooking conversation as therapy to lift and feed the weary soul.

MONARCH KATURA BAINES
National Membership Coordinator
Email: membership@geamilitarysorority.org

Monarch Katura Baines serves as the National Membership Coordinator of Gamma Eta Alpha Military Sorority Inc. She was born and raised in Portsmouth, VA. She is a retired U.S. Army Veteran with 25 years of honorable and dedicated service. She possesses a Master of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Human Services, and Certification in Treating Trauma in Adults, Adolescents, and Children. She is passionate about enlightening others on the importance that mental health plays in each person's life. She is committed to fostering programs that enhance the lifestyles of others, exemplify excellence, and support the mission and vision of our                                                             sorority.

MONARCH KIVA HALL
National Programs & Initiatives Coordinator
Email: prog_int@geamilitarysorority.org

Monarch Kiva Hall serves as the National Programs & Initiatives Coordinator of Gamma Eta Alpha Military Sorority Inc. 

MONARCH DYANI MCKENZIE
National Historian
Email: historian@geamilitarysorority.org

Monarch Dyani McKenzie serves as the National Historian of Gamma Eta Alpha Military Sorority Inc. She is an honorably retired U.S. Navy veteran with 21 years of active and reserve-dedicated service. She possesses a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. She currently pursuing her Nursing license and works at United States Parcel Service.  She was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. While residing in Jacksonville, Florida, Monarch McKenzie is committed to helping others heal and promoting the prevention of disease processes. Devoted to the mission and vision of Gamma Eta Alpha, she is passionate about continuing her service to our military members and veterans.

MONARCH THERESA MELTON
National Philanthropist
Email: philanthropy@geamilitarysorority.org

Monarch Theresa Melton serves as the National Philanthropist of Gamma Eta Alpha Military Sorority Inc.