Politics

 

Soror Carol Moseley-Braun Soror Braun made history by being the first Black woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate in 1992. She currently serves as US Ambassador to New Zealand. Soror Braun is also a Candidate in the 2004 Presidential election View Campaign Website

Soror Sadie T.M. Alexander, Ph.D Soror Alexander, In 1921, became the first black woman in the U.S. to obtain a Ph.D (the first to complete the Requirements for a Ph.D is Eva B. Dykes, also a Soror). In the fall of 1924, she entered the University of Pennsylvania Law School. She became the first black woman to graduate from that institution and, in 1927, the first black woman admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar. Among her most notable activities was her service on President Truman's Committee on Human Rights in 1947 and on the Commission on Human Relations of the City of Philadelphia from 1952 until 1968. She was also Delta Sigma Theta's First National President. Due to her unparalled accomplishments, there is a school in Pennsylvania being renamed in her honor. Read more about tribute

Soror Rosa Copeland Miller, J.D. In December of 1999, Supreme Court Justice Ralph Cappy appointed her to serve on the Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board, making her the youngest member of the board as well as the only African American. The following year, Rosa was elected as Chair of the Allegheny County Young Lawyers Section and in 2001, received the "Outstanding Young Lawyer" Award for her commitment to the legal profession. That same year, Rosa received the "Outstanding African-American Attorney Alumni" award from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law Black Law Students Association. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc., and several professional Law Associations.

Soror Patricia Ann Blackmon Judge Patricia Ann Blackmon celebrated her tenth (10) year on the Court of Appeals on February 11, 2001. Presently, she is serving her second six-year term. Her election in 1990 was historical. When she took office on February 11, 1991, she became the first black woman to sit on the Court of Appeals in the State of Ohio.

Soror Barbara Jordan Soror Jordan has been a very influential figure in the political arena. She was the first Black Woman to serve the state of Texas as a Congresswoman and later held a position as a professor at the University of Texas. In 1972, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Jordan served briefly as acting governor of Texas on June 10, 1972, when both the governor and lieutenant governor were out of the state. As president pro tem of the Texas senate, it was one of her duties to act as governor when the situation warranted. The 1974 Watergate scandal gave Jordan national prominence. Her speech in favor of President Richard Nixon's impeachment was nothing short of oratorical brilliance. During her tenure in the House, she introduced bills dealing with civil rights, crime, business, and free competition as well as an unprecedented plan of payment for housewives for the labor and services they provide.

Soror Joyce Wilson Harley, J.D. Ms. Harley is an attorney specializing in legislative and public policy work supporting community and economic development initiatives. Her client list includes the New Jersey LISC Multi-City Program where she is the Program Director, the North Jersey Community Research Initiative, the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, the Union Chapel AME Community Development Corporation, the Business and Entrepreneurial Network of New Jersey, and others. Ms. Harley was the Senior Vice Pesident and New Jersey Community Development Officer for Fleet Bank responsible for overseeing the Bank’s compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act in the areas of Lending, Service and Investment. In addition, Joyce was the first African-American elected to the South Orange City Council and later served as Mayor. Other affiliations include the Junior League and The Links, Inc.

Soror Verda Welcome In 1963, Senator Verda Welcome was the first African American elected to serve in the Senate of Maryland. Other political accomplishments for Soror Welcome are; Member, Mayor's Advivsory Committee for Urban Renewal, 1946. Member, President Johnson's National Citizens Committee for Community Relations. Delegate, 1964 Democratic National Convention. Member, 1960 Democratic 750 Club. State Delegate. 1960 Legislative Work Conference, Southern Regional Education Board.

Soror Dorothy Irene Height, Ph.D Soror Height served as Delta's 10th National President (1947- 1956), and was appointed by President Carter to the Presidential Commission on a National Agenda for the 1980s. She served as president of the National Council of Negro Women for over 40 years. Dr. Height was also the only female member of what was known as the ''Big Six '' civil rights leaders, which included Whitney Young, A. Phillip Randolph, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., James Farmer, and Roy Wilkins, while strategies were developed for the civil rights movement. She was a valued consultant on human and civil rights issues to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and she encouraged President Eisenhower to desegregate the Nation 's schools and President Johnson to appoint African-American women to sub-Cabinet posts. Her work with the (YWCA) led to its integration and more active participation in the civil rights movement.

Soror Toni Harp Soror Harp was named Connecticut's Lawmaker of the year 2003. Soror Harp is currently serving as an Assistant Senate Majority Leader and the Chair of the Legislature's Public Health Committee. Senator Harp is also the Vice-Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Chair of the Appropriations Committee's Health and Hospitals and Human Services subcommittees, Vice-Chair of the Select Committee on Children, and a member of the Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee. She was named Legislator of the year 2001, Distinguished Citizen in 2000 and 2000 Family Legislator of the Year. Other Affiliations include The Links, Inc., and The National Coalition of 100 Black Women.

Soror Patricia Roberts Harris Soror Harris served as Delta Sigma Theta's first Executive Director. She was also the first Black woman to be appointed ambassador to a European country (Luxemburg), (other black women who have served as Ambassadors and are also members of Delta Sigma Theta are Barbara Watson, Ann Holloway, and Bynthis Perry) and to be appointed to a presidential cabinet post as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). She was later appointed as Secretary of Health and Human Services. She was also the first black to serve in the United Nations and the first woman to serve as dean of a law school. In January 2000, she was honored on the 23rd commemorative stamp in the United States Postal Service's Black Heritage Series.

Soror Clara Adams-Ender Brigadier General Clara Adams-Ender began her Army career as a private, earned a commission as a second lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps, and ultimately became a brigadier general and top nurse in the Army. She holds two masters degrees and ten honorary doctorate degrees. She served 34 years in the Army and became the first nurse to command a military base as a general officer.

Soror Alexis Herman When Soror Herman was sworn in in May of 1997 (during the Clinton Administration), she became the first Black woman to hold the title of U.S. secretary of labor and the highest-ranking Black female Cabinet member ever. With her 1977 appointment as head of the Department of Labor's Women's Bureau during the Carter administration, at age 29, she became the youngest head of the Women's Bureau ever. After Carter left office, Herman started her own lucrative workforce-diversity consulting business, but she was lured back to public service by then -- Democratic National Committee Chairman Ron Brown, who drafted her first as deputy chair of the committee, then as CEO of the 1992 DNC convention, which was a huge success.

Soror Jeanne Lucas A long-time political activist, Lucas was the first African-American female to serve in the North Carolina General Assembly. She is also the first African-American female to serve as the Senate Majority Whip. Since beginning her political career in 1993, Lucas has worked tirelessly for children and to improve public education in North Carolina. She co-chairs the Committee on Appropriations on Education/Higher Education and the Education/Higher Education Committee. She is vice chair of the Agriculture/Environment/Natural Resources Committee, and serves as a member of the Appropriations/Base Budget Committee, Health and Human Resource Committee, Judiciary I Committee, Pensions & Retirement and Aging Committee, and Select Committee on Insurance and Civil Justice Reform. For her tireless efforts, she was presented the 2003 NCAE Friend of Education Award during the Association's annual awards. Other affiliations include NAACP and The Links, Inc.

Soror Jean Murrell Capers, Esq. Soror Capers, who is a retired Cleveland Municipal Court Judge, was Cleveland's first black councilwoman,the first African American woman to serve as Assistant County Prosecutor in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland, OH) and is a member of the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame.

Soror Alma Wheeler Smith Alma Wheeler Smith is serving her second term in the Michigan Senate. She represents the 18th Senatorial District. Smith is the vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the first woman to hold a leadership position on that prestigious committee. She serves on the Higher Education, Community Health, Department of Environmental Quality and Corrections subcommittees. Senator Smith also serves on the Senate Fiscal Agency Governing Board.

Soror Jewel Lafontant MANkarious, J.D. Her high placement in legal circles led to LaFontant-MANkarious' service on numerous corporate boards and to state and federal service. Most notably she served as Deputy Solicitor General of the United States (under Presidents Richard M. Nixon and Gerald Ford) and Ambassador-at-Large and Coordinator of Refugee Affairs (under President George Bush). From the beginning of her career, Jewel LaFontant-MANkarious stood out in the legal and political spheres traditionally dominated by white men. In 1946 she became the first African American woman to graduate from the University of Chicago Law School. Her determination to succeed enabled her to find ways to work effectively in the predominately white and male legal world while maintaining her identity as an African American woman.

Soror Christine Beatty Formerly the Director of the District Legislative Office in Detroit, MI, she is currently the city of Detroit's Cheif of Staff, which makes her the highest ranking woman within the City. Having assumed this position at age 31, aslo, makes her the youngest person to have acquired this position.

Soror Shirley Chisolm Soror Chisolm was the first African American congresswoman to be elected to the United States House of Representatives in November of 1968. Chisholm was elected the first Chair of National Congress of Black Women and served until she assumed the esteemed title of Chair Emeritus. The mission of the NCBW is to address social, economic, educational and political issues impacting black women and their societal counterparts. In addition to her successful political career, Chisholm is the author of two books; Unbought and Unbossed and The Good Fight. She was also the first African-American woman to run, although unsuccessfully, for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972 which made her well-known throughout the United States.

Soror Karen Fort Hood, J.D. Wayne Circuit Judge Karen Fort Hood was installed as a member of the Michigan Court of Appeals in December of 2002, becoming the first African-American woman to serve on that bench. Formerly the presiding judge of the Criminal Division of Wayne County Circuit Court in Detroit she was originally elected to the bench in 1992 after eight years in the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. Other affiliations include NAACP, B.A.B.E.S. (Beginning Alcohol & Addictions Basic Education Studies), Benjamin E. Mays Academy, and past president of the Association of Black Judges of Michigan.

Soror Carlita Kilpatrick Soror Kilpatrick is the first Lady of Detroit. She uses the spotlight to focus on needs of Children and education issues within the city.

Soror Cassandra M. Chandler Soror Cassandra M. Chandler is the highest-ranking African-American woman at the Federal Bureau of Investigation with her appointment as Assistant Director (AD) for training on February 5, 2002. Soror Chandler has a long history with the FBI. AD Chandler, 44, was designated a Special Agent in January 1985. In 1991, she was promoted to Supervisory Special Agent and was assigned to FBI Headquarters Legal Counsel Division and was later assigned as a manager in the Criminal Investigative Division, where she assisted with the development of the Bureau's health care fraud program. In 1994, she was promoted to supervisor of white collar crimes in the San Diego Field Office. In 1997, she was assigned to the San Francisco Field Office as Assistant Special Agent in Charge, overseeing its white-collar crime and civil rights programs and, later, its National Foreign Intelligence Program, computer intrusion investigations, and terrorism cases. Since April 2000, she has served as a Section Chief in the Investigative Services Division at FBI Headquarters, overseeing the Bureau's analytical program for criminal and domestic terrorism matters.

Soror Diana Bajoie As the first African-American woman elected to the Louisiana State Senate, Senator Bajoie looks proudly on her accomplishments. Just to name a few, she has sponsored legislation relative to health care and the creation of school based health clinics. Bajoie sponsored legislation creating the Minority Health Care Council, and one of the first HMO's in a public hospital. Her legislation mandated coverage of mammography and other cancer screening. Bajoie's efforts resulted in the Project Independence Welfare Reform Act, and passage of a bill that both expanded and named the New Orleans Convention Center in honor of the first African-American mayor of the city. Today the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center stands as a reminder of the tireless efforts of Senator Bajoie and other area legislators.

Soror Stephanie Tubbs-Jones Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, now serving her second term, is the first African-American woman elected to the United States House of Representatives from Ohio. The Congresswoman, a strong advocate for many issues, has championed wealth building and economic development, access and delivery of health care, and quality education for all children. Her Committee assignments include Financial Services, Small Business, and Standards of Official Conduct (Ethics). She is an active Member of the Congressional Black Caucus and chairs its Housing Task Force. She is also the first black woman named to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.

Soror Ann Claire Williams, J.D. With her appointment on April 4, 1985, Judge Williams became the first African-American appointed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and in the Seventh Circuit. When appointed by President Ronald Reagan at age 35, she became one of the youngest judges ever appointed to the bench. Soror Williams is also a Wayne State University Alumnae, and was initiated at TAU Chapter. She was also 'The Chicago Lawyers' 2000 Person of the year.

Soror Lottie Shackelford Lottie H. Shackelford has an impressive 20-year track record in local, state and national politics. In 1993, she was appointed by President Clinton to the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). Ms. Shackelford's career as a local elected official began in 1978 as a member of the Board of Directors for the city of Little Rock, Arkansas. She was re-elected city-wide three times to this office. In 1987, she made history by becoming the first woman elected Mayor of Little Rock. Other affiliations include the Urban League, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and The Links, Inc.

Soror Beverly J. Harvard Soror Beverly J. Harvard was appointed chief of police by Mayor Bill Campbell and confirmed by the Atlanta City Council, October 1994. Chief Harvard began her distinguished career in 1973 as a patrol officer, and has served in a number of positions within the department including: executive protection officer — breaking ground as the first woman to serve in the male-dominated unit; director of public affairs; and deputy chief of police for the Career Development Division, the Criminal Investigations Division and the Administrative Services Division. The first African-American woman in the nation and many parts of the western world to run a major police department, Chief Harvard serves on numerous boards and committees including: the Executive Committee of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, U.S. Attorney General's Working Group on Reducing Violence in America, Council on Battered Women Board of Directors (Metro Atlanta Chapter), The Georgia Center for Children, Women’s Forum of Georgia, and the National Institute of Justice Southeast Regional Technology Advisory Board.

Soror Juanita Kidd Stout, J.D. Soror Juanita Kidd Stout, who in 1959 was the first black woman in America to be elected to the Bench, is recipient of some fifty awards, including "Outstanding Woman Lawyer of the Year," National Association of Women Lawyers, 1965; "Outstanding alumni Award" from the Oklahoma State University 4-H Club, 1967; the "National 4-H Alumni Recognition Award,"1968; and the "Good Citizen Award" from the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO in 1971. Judge Stout was appointed by President Kennedy as a Special Ambassador to the Kenya Independence Celebration in 1963, and in 1967, under the State Department's Cultural Exchange Program, she toured six African countries and lectured at law schools, colleges, high schools, and civic groups.

Soror Shirley Franklin Soror Shirley Franklin became the 58th Mayor of Atlanta, winning in a landslide victory in November 2001. Having never been an elected official, Shirley Franklin re-defined history, being elected as the city’s first woman Mayor and the first African-American woman to serve as Mayor of a major southern city. Soror Franklin has a long history in politics. Her political career began in 1978 where she served as the Commissioner of Cultural Affairs under Mayor Maynard Jackson. Under the leadership of Mayor Andrew Young, she was later appointed as the nations first woman Chief Administrative Officer or City Manager. In 1991, Shirley joined the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, Inc. (ACOG) as the top ranking female executive, serving as senior vice-president for external relations. In 1997 Shirley formed Shirley Clarke Franklin & Associates, a management and consulting firm for public affairs, community affairs and strategic planning and in 1998 became a majority partner in Urban Environmental Solutions, LLC.

Soror Patsy Jo Hilliard Soror Patsy Jo Hilliard was inaugurated as Mayor of Easst Point, Georgia, on January 5, 1993, and is currently serving her third term. Mayor Hilliard is the 1st Female African-American Mayor in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. She is the 1st Female and African-American Mayor in the 117 th year history of the City of East Point. She is currently Co-owner and Executive Officer of WASET Education Production Company. Mayor Hilliard was one of six mayors from the United States selected to participate in the 4 th Japan-United States Mayors Friendship Exchange Conference. Mayor Hilliard has also traveled around the country in a conference in Florence, Italy discussing cultural enrichment for the citizens of East Point. Other affiliations include the Links, Inc

Soror Pamela Bridgewater, Ph.D Soror Bridgewater is the Assistant Secretary for Africa, prior to this appointment, she served as U.S. Ambassador to Benin. From 1996 to 1999, Ambassador Bridgewater was Deputy Chief of Mission in Nassau, Bahamas. She has also served as Political Officer in Pretoria, South Africa (1990-1993) and as Consul General in Durban, South Africa (1993-1996); Labor Attache/Political Officer in Kingston, Jamaica; and Vice-Consul in Brussels, Belgium. Her State Department assignments have included the Office of Global Affairs; the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental Affairs; the Bureau of European Affairs; and the Bureau of Intelligence and Research.

Soror Rosalyn Dance Soror Dance served as the Mayor of Petersburg, VA. She was elected to the Petersburg City Council in 1992 as the 6th Ward representative and at that time was Appointed Mayor by the City Council. Currently serving her fourth consecutive term as Mayor. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc.

Soror Hazel Johnson Brown, Ph.D Brigadier General Hazel Johnson Brown, Ph.D was the first African American woman general in the United States Army.

Soror Karen Freeman-Wilson, J.D. Soror Karen Freeman-Wilson, was judge of the busiest municipal court in the state, and was appointed to be Indiana’s attorney general. Karen Freeman-Wilson has served with distinction as a prosecutor, public defender, executive director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission and judge. She was the first African-American woman to serve as Gary City Court judge, Freeman-Wilson has been active in her community, especially in protecting its most vulnerable citizens, the governor pointed out. As head of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission under Governor Evan Bayh, Freeman-Wilson helped make Indiana the first state to pass fair housing legislation that dovetailed with federal fair housing laws. She also was instrumental in persuading the General Assembly to adopt Indiana’s version of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Soror Vashti Murphy-McKenzie, Ph.D Soror McKenzie made history by becoming the first female bishop in the 213-year history of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. She was one of only two women and 42 candidates total. In a world where women preachers still struggle for parity and acceptance, McKenzie has become a symbol of change. She is also the granddaughter of Founder, Soror Vashti Turley Murphy. Other affiliations include The National Coalition of 100 Black Women.

Soror Lois Deberry Soror Deberry made history by becoming the First African-American woman elected to House of Representatives from city of Memphis, the first woman chairperson of the Shelby County Delegation, the first African-American woman elected speaker pro tempore of the House of Representatives, and she is also the Founder and chairperson of Annual Legislative Retreat of Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators. Other affiliations include NAACP, P.U.S.H., N.O.B.L.E., and the Memphis Chapter of The Links, Inc.

Soror Yvonne Ferguson-Watkins, J.D. Soror Ferguson-Watkins made history by becoming the First African-American woman to own and operate a full service law firm in Indianapolis. She has served on numerous community organization’s Boards of Directors, which include Camp Fire Girls, Legal Services Organization, Co-Chair of Pan American Games (Opening and Closing Committee), Founding Legal Adviser for Big Sisters of Greater Indianapolis, former Chief Legal Counsel for Indiana Black Expo, Inc., and Co-founder of BALSA, Indianapolis Chapter. She also served as President of the Marion County Bar Association and the Indianapolis Professional Association.

Soror Annice M. Wagner The Honorable Annice Wagner was appointed Chief Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, the highest court of the District of Columbia, in June 1994. She has served as a judge on that court since 1990, following her nomination to the position by President George Bush and confirmation by the U.S.Senate. She was appointed as an associate judge of the superior of the District of Columbia in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter and served on that Court until her appointment to the court of appeals. Chief Judge Wagner is chairperson of the joint committee on judicial administration, the policy-making body for the District of Columbia Courts. Recently, Chief Judge Wagner was elected to the board of directors of the Conference of Chief Justices, an organization of chief justices and judges from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and various federal territories. She has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the United Planning Organization ("UPO") since 1979, and has been vice president of the board since 1988.

Soror Anna Mac Clarke Soror Clarke learned the hard way that educated African American women in the early 1940s had few options, particularly in small towns where the only jobs available to them were low-paying. In 1942, Anna Mac Clarke joined the All-Volunteer Women's Army Auxiliary Corps and left for Basic Training at Fort Des Moines, Iowa. After she completed Basic Training, Clarke went on to Officer Candidate School. As a black officer at Fort Des Moines, Clarke faced segregation such as not being allowed to swim in the pool on the base, except during a one-hour period on Fridays, after which the pool was purified. Yet it was during this time that Clarke became the first black WAAC to commandeer an all white-regiment. Clarke continued to be promoted, and became a First Lieutenant in 1943, around the same time that the WAAC became a part of the regular military, becoming the Women’s Army Corps. Clarke and other African American officers stopped the Army from establishing an all-black regiment at Fort Des Moines. She then led the first group of WAC officers onto the Douglas Army Air Field in 1944, where she initiated an end to segregation on the base.

Soror Carrie Meek Soror Carrie Meek made history In 1982, she became the first black woman ever elected to the Florida Senate. In 1992, Meek became the first black Floridian elected to Congress in modern times. She retired from politics in July of 2002.

Soror M. Yvette Miller, J.D. Judge M. Yvette Miller made history in the State of Georgia on July 12, 1999, when she was appointed by Governor Roy Barnes as the first African-American woman, and the 65th judge to serve on the Georgia Court of Appeals. Prior to this appointment, Judge Miller served on the State Court of Fulton County where she distinguished herself as a trial judge handling many cases including several complex litigation cases. Judge Miller was re-elected to the State Court bench without opposition in 1998. In 1992, she was appointed by then Governor Miller as the first African-American, the first female, and the youngest person ever to serve as Director/Judge Appellate Division on the State Board of Workers' Compensation. In 1989, Judge Miller served as an Administrative Law Judge hearing workers' compensation cases.

Soror Wilma Webb Soror Wilma Webb, the First Lady of Denver, Colorado, became a member of the Colorado Legislature in 1980. She was the first minority woman on the Colorado Joint Budget Committee. She sponsored 44 bills, 11 of which passed. These bills include the Comprehensive Anti-Drug Abuse Program, Elderly Frail People to Receive Care at Home as Opposed to Nursing Home Placement, and Improvement of Living Conditions for Troubled Youth. In one of her hardest battles, she fought for four years before the State of Colorado adopted the MLK Holiday. In 1998, Webb became the first woman to serve in the U.S. Department of Labor as the primary official for Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. Her duties included administration and enforcement of federal statutes governing workplace activities, including pension rights, health benefits and job training. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc.

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Civic

 

Soror Marian Wright Edelman, J.D. Soror Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund (CDF), has been an advocate for disadvantaged Americans for her entire professional career. Under her leadership, the Washington-based CDF has become a strong national voice for children and families. Mrs. Edelman, a graduate of Spelman College and Yale Law School, began her career in the mid-60s when, as the first black woman admitted to the Mississippi Bar, she directed the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund office in Jackson, Mississippi. In l968, she moved to Washington, D.C. as counsel for the Poor People's March that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., began organizing before his death. She founded the Washington Research Project, which was the parent body of the Children's Defense Fund. For two years she served as the Director of the Center for Law and Education at Harvard University, and in 1973 began CDF. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc. View CDF Website

Soror Elaine R. Jones, J.D. Soror Elaine R. Jones, Esq. is the past Director of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) a position which she held for 11 years. LDF is America's oldest civil rights organization devoted to securing equal justice for all. LDF was founded in 1940 under the direction of Thurgood Marshall. The Legal Defense Fund has won many other historically significant civil rights cases including the landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education - the school desegregation case that ended the "separate but equal" doctrine of government discrimination. In her early years at the LDF, Ms. Jones became one of the first African American women to defend death row inmates. In 1975, Ms. Jones was named special assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, William T. Coleman, Jr. She returned to the LDF in 1977, where she originated the position of legislative advocate in LDF's Washington, D.C. office. In 1989, Ms. Jones became the first African American elected to the American Bar Association Board of Governors. Her term ended in 1992; she continues to sit on the ABA's Council of Individual Rights and Responsibilities. View LDF Website

Soror Frankie Muse Freeman, J.D. Noted attorney and 14th National President (1967-1971) of Delta Sigma Theta, she was the first woman appointed to the Civil Rights Commission (by President Lyndon B. Johnson) and served 16 years. As a new member of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission—its first woman and first African American—Frankie Muse Freeman braved rural Mississippi in 1965 to investigate the bombings of four black churches, not long after several civil rights workers were murdered for trying to register blacks to vote. Her leadership in the 1960s changed life for all African Americans. In 1991 Freeman was chosen to chair the National Council on the Aging, a nonprofit organization committed to promoting the dignity, self-determination, well-being and productivity of older Americans. Ms. Freeman is Trustee Emeritus of the Board of Trustees of Howard University, past Chair of the Board of Directors of The National Council on the Aging Inc., and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. She is also a board member of the United Way of Greater St. Louis

Soror Alexine Jackson Soror Jackson has just completed a 5-year term as National President of the YWCA of the USA. In July, 1996, she was invited to be one of ten members of a World YWCA delegation for a fact-finding mission to the Middle East. She was a USA delegate to the 1995 World YWCA Council meeting in Seoul, Korea and led the USA delegation at the 1999 World YWCA Council in Cairo. She is the past Chairman of the Board of the Washington Performing Arts Society and Past President of the YWCA of the National Capital Area. As a 15-year breast cancer survivor, Mrs. Jackson has been an advocate and public spokesperson for cancer prevention, early detection and quality healthcare for all. Other affiliations include Girl Friends, Inc., and Links, Inc.

Soror Daisy Bates In 1952 Soror Bates was elected president of the Arkansas State Conference of NAACP branches. It was in this capacity that Daisy Bates became the advisor to the Little Rock Nine. The Little Rock School Board's desegregation plan, upheld by the District Federal Court and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, was to begin September, 1957 at the senior high school level at Central High School.

Soror Pauli Murray, Ph.D Pauli became an attorney, a college professor and administrator, a crusader for the rights of minorities and women, a founder of NOW, a friend of Eleanor Roosevelt, a prize-winning author and poet, a priest -- and a dynamo. She was a freedom rider in the early 1940s and was arrested for protesting segregated seating on interstate buses. She practiced law in New York City, was a senior lecturer at the Ghana School of Law in Accra, a professor at Brandeis University, and vice president of Benedict College in South Carolina. She was the only woman in the June 1944 graduating class at Howard University Law School, where she was first in her class. She was the first African American to be awarded a Doctor of Juridical Science degree from the Yale University Law School, the first African American woman to serve as assistant attorney general of the State of California, and the first African American woman to publish a lead article in a law review of an American law school (the University of California Law Review). At the age of sixty-six, she was ordained as the first African American woman priest of the Episcopal Church.

Soror Peggy A. Lewis Soror Lewis currently serves as director of communications for the Children's Defense Fund. Prior to joining CDF, Ms. Lewis was deputy assistant secretary for public affairs at the U.S. Department of Labor. Ms. Lewis also served in the White House, first as director of specialty press, and then as assistant to the chief of staff to the First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. Soror Lewis was the Centennial Alumnae Award Winner from Trinity College. Other affiliations include, The National Association of Black Journalists, The Links Inc., The Kids and Us, Inc., and the Washington Area Women's Foundation.

Soror Donna Jones Stanley Soror Stanley is the President & CEO of the Greater Cincinatti Urban League. Previous to having been appionted to this position she, for the past 14 years, had been the executive director of Associated Black Charities, a Maryland-based nonprofit that provides grants for community programs. She's a dynamic leader who took a fledgling $700,000-a-year organization and turned it into a $20 million-a-year operation.

Soror Fannie Lou Hamer Soror Hamer ensured her stand on de facto oppression was known. "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired" are the words this dynamic activist made household. Fannie Lou Hamer was one of the most eloquent speakers for the civil rights movement in the south. She worked for political, social and economic equality for herself and all African Americans; she fought to integrate the national Democratic party, and became one of its first black delegates to a presidential convention.

Soror Maudine Cooper, J.D. Soror Maudine Cooper is the President and CEO of the Greater Washington Urban League. Prior to her position with the Greater Washington Urban League, Ms. Cooper served as the Chief of Staff of the Executive Office of Mayor Marion Barry, Jr., as the Director of the Office of Human Rights, and as the head of the Minority Business Opportunity Commission. Before joining the D.C. government, Ms. Cooper served as the Vice President of Operations for the National Urban League, as a tax attorney, and as a college lecturer. She has received the Isaiah Award for the Pursuit of Justice from the Washington Chapter of the American Jewish Committee, and a "Skirts in Power" award from the D.C. Chamber of Commerce's Women in Business Committee. Ms. Cooper was recently named a McDonald's Black History Maker of Today in the Washington, D.C., area. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc. and NAACP.

Soror Harriette Bailey Conn, J.D. Soror Harriette Bailey Conn (1922-1981). Following in her father's footsteps, in 1941 she became a second generation alumnus of Talladega College. She later became an attorney and spent her professional career in Indianapolis. She was elected an Indiana state representative from Marion County in 1966, and again in 1968. She served as a member of the Constitutional Revision Committee, a ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, and as chairperson of the Welfare and Social Security Committee during her legislative career. She sponsored bills pertaining to civil rights, aid to dependent children, property rights for married women, private slum clearance, and abortion. As assistant city attorney from 1968 to 1970 during Richard Lugar's administration, Conn served as counsel to the City Council. She helped write the Unigov Council rules, drafted ordinances, and advised the Indianapolis Human Rights Commission. She worked as deputy attorney general, as a deputy prosecuting attorney with the 19th Judicial Circuit, and as assistant city attorney. In 1970 she became the first woman and the first African American to be appointed as the State Public Defender.

Soror Rhea Williams-Bishop Soror Bishop is currently working as a consultant providing assistance to non-profits and educational institutions with grant writing, family and child advocacy, public policy, and educational enhancement. Previously she served as the Children's Health Insurance Program Coordinator for the Southern Regional Office of the Children's Defense Fund - Black Community Crusade for Children in Jackson, Mississippi. Prior to work at CDF, she assisted communities and school districts in establishing family resource centers, as well as promoting the establishment of Communities In Schools, a stay-in-school national program model for at-risk youth. Early in her career with the Department of Treasury, she coordinated and assisted hundreds of local citizens applying for the Earned Income Tax Credit. Other affiliations include The National Coalition of 100 Black Women.

Soror Sandra D. Leek, J.D. Soror Leek has served as director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission since November 1992. Following four (4) years of leadership at the agency Governor Frank O'Bannon reappointed Ms. Leek in January 1996. Ms. Leek has practiced civil law in both federal and state courts, concentrating on government entitlement programs, housing law, community economic development and family law. Currently, Ms. Leek serves as director of Indiana Legal Services, a commissioner for the Commission on the Social Status of Black Males, and a member on the Indianapolis - Private Industry Council.

Soror Mary Frances Berry Soror Berry, as Civil Rights Commission chairwoman, has stood up to two popular presidents, and has won both times. She was first appointed to the commission in 1980 by President Jimmy Carter, only to be fired by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 for criticizing his civil rights policies. In 1984, she sued and won reinstatement in federal district court. Beyond the Civil Rights Commission, Berry has had a distinguished career as a leader and public servant. Berry served as the assistant secretary for education in the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) during the Carter Administration.

Soror Velveta Golightly Howell, J.D. Since August 2000, Velveta Golightly Howell has served as the Regional Manager (RM) of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), Region VIII. During the decade preceding her selection as RM, Ms. Howell was HHS’ Chief Regional Civil Rights Attorney. Ms. Howell was the first African American woman appointed to the position of Deputy District Attorney in the state of Colorado. She quickly advanced through the office’s ranks to become a Senior Deputy District Attorney. Following six years as a prosecutor, Ms. Howell worked as senior counsel in the Denver City Attorney’s Office where she specialized in employment law. She was the highest ranking African American ever hired to represent the City and County of Denver’s legal interests. After litigating civil cases for three years, Ms. Howell became Deputy General Counsel of an international labor organization. Ms. Howell is active in the legal community. She founded and served as the first president of the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Black Women Attorneys (NABWA).

Soror Nanette Lee Reynolds, Ph.D Soror Nanette Lee Reynolds has served as director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) and on the Governor's Cabinet since April 1993, making her the longest serving director in this agency's 35-year history. During her tenure, the department has successfully engaged in a cultural change and process reengineering, increasing the number of services, as well as the agency's effectiveness and efficiency. In 2000, Dr. Reynolds was included in a list by the Lansing State Journal of "100 People to Watch in the New Millennium" and received the National Association of Human Rights Workers' (NAHRW) Individual Human Rights Award; and in 2001 she was honored with the Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Service Award from Michigan's chapter of the American Society for Public Administration, among many other legislative, organizational and media citations during her tenure as director. Dr. Reynolds represented the Governor in his role as Honorary Chair of the 1997 Goodwill Mission to Shiga Prefecture, Japan; and she led a delegation of 54 Michigan adults and teens to Japan that summer. She is a member of Women Executives in State Government and on the board of the Michigan affiliate of The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ). She has also served on the Michigan Commission on Genetic Privacy and Progress. In November 1997, Dr. Reynolds was one of some 350 invitees from across the nation to the White House Conference on Hate Crimes. Subsequently, a bias crime initiative which she assisted in designing and implementing in Michigan was incorporated into a new statewide project co-sponsored by the Civil Rights Commission and Department with the U. S. Department of Justice. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc. View MDCR Website

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Education

 

Soror Johnetta B. Cole, Ph.D Currently the 14th President of Bennett College in Greensboro, NC, she has had a long history in education leadership. She became the first African American woman to serve as president of Spelman College in 1987, Soror Cole served her students well over the years and was embraced as "Sister President" by the Spelman students. In 1992, she was asked by President Clinton to help set the nation's educational agenda, it was also in this year, under her leadership, Spelman was named the number one liberal arts college in the south. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc. and the National Council of Negro Women. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the United Way of Greater Greensboro, Cola-Cola Enterprises and Merck & Co., Inc.

Soror Valarie McCoullum, Ed.D In 1991-92 she served as President of Cheyney University (the oldest HBCU) of Pennsylvania, and led a successful effort to achieve reaccreditation by the Middle States. Last year she also chaired the Landmark School Equity Educational Panel which produced the report leading to settlement of a major suit against the Philadelphia School District. She is currently Vice Provost for University Life at the University of Pennsylvania.

Soror Mona Humphries Bailey, Ph.D Soror Bailey currently serves as a Senior Associate with the Center for Educational Renewal at the University of Washington and the Institute for Educational Inquiry in Seattle. Additionally, Mona Bailey is an independent consultant in the field of education. She was the 17th (1979-1983) National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In October 1999 Mrs. Bailey was selected and honored by Florida A and M University as one of the 100 most influential FAMUANS of the century. Mrs. Bailey has been recognized by the Johnson Publishing Company as one of the 100 influential Black Americans. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc.

Soror Althia F. Collins, Ed.D Althia F. Collins was the 13th President of Bennett College. She became president on July 1, 2001. Prior to this, for three years, she was the chief executive officer for Academic and Educational Resources, an Alexandria, Virginia, based consulting company that she founded to assist institutions in responding to changes that affect their performance. As the CEO, Dr. Collins provided advice, guidance, and support for accreditation, diversity, international education, higher educational administration, and information technology.

Soror Elnora Daniel, Ed.D Soror Daniel was appointed president of Chicago State University (CSU) on August 1, 1998. As a result of President Daniel's initiatives, business and community relationships with the University have substantially increased. She has reconstituted the Chicago State University Foundation and contributions to the Foundation have also increased significantly. Additionally, her fundraising efforts have more than doubled the size of the CSU endowment. Dr. Daniel's international reputation is reflected in her appointment by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to serve as a consultant in the area of regulatory health care reform to Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Swaziland. Additionally, she served as a consultant for Operation Smile International in Liberia, Kenya and Ghana.

Soror Sebetha Jenkins, Ph.D Dr. Jenkins served on President Clinton's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and universities. She is the current President of Jarvis Christian College. Prior to her role as Chief Administrator at Jarvis Christian College, she served in a number positions in the educational arena including serving as Coordinator of Title III programs for Coahmom Junior College and Assistant to the President and Director of Minority Affairs at the University of Akron.

Soror Thelma Thomas Daley, Ed.D She has served as president of four national organizations. As president of the American School Counselor Association, she broke the barriers for women and minorities. As president of the international American Counseling Association (formally the American Personnel and Guidance Association), she opened the top leadership role for women and minorities. She served as the 16th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (1975-79)and among her many legacies via the sorority are the erection of the sculpture, Fortitude, on Howard University's campus and the establishment of the Distinguished Professor Endowed Chair for Black Colleges. As president of WICS (Women In Community Services), she has been an advocate for education and training for needy girls via the 106 Job Corps Centers in the U.S. WICS is a coalition of five national groups: The National Council of Negro Women, The National Council of Jewish Women, The National Council of Catholic Women, Church Women United, and The Hispanic Women. By presidential appointment, Daley became the first woman to chair the National Advisory Council on Career Education. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc., National Council of Negro Women and The National Coalition of 100 Black Women. She is currently a Counselor Educator at Loyola University.

Soror Niara Sudarkasa, M.D. Soror Sudarkasa made history by becoming the first woman president of Lincoln University, one of America's oldest historically Black colleges. Prior to her appointment at Lincoln, she made history by becoming the first Black woman to receive tenure at the University of Michigan.

Soror Mary Church Terrell Soror Terrell was appointed to the District of Columbia Board of Education, the first black woman in the United States to hold such a position. Soror Terrell was also the first African American chosen to represent the United States Congress of Women and to serve on the board of education of a major city. A charter member and first president of the National Association of Colored Women, Terrell became nationally known both for her support of women's suffrage and her opposition to racial segregation. Soror Terrell was also a founding member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In 1953, at the age of ninety, she led a successful drive to end the segregation of public facilities in Washington, D.C.

Soror Mary McLeod-Bethune Soror McLeod-Bethune is the woman who opened the Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute for Negro Girls (now known as Bethune-Cookman College) in 1904 and served as president from 1904-1942 and from 1946-47. She Founded the National Council of Negro Women in 1935. In 1985, Bethune was recognized as one of the most influential Afro-American women in the country with a postage stamp issued in her honor, she became the first African-American woman to be honored with a statue in a public park in Washington, D.C. In June of 1936, she was assigned director of the Division of Negro Affairs and became the first black woman to serve as head of a federal agency. As director, she traveled across the country, speaking out for equal education and treatment for blacks. View NCNW Website

Soror Betty Shabazz, Ed.D Before her untimely death in 1997, Soror Dr. Betty Shabazz was the Director of Communications and Public Relations for Medger Evers College of the City University of New York. She was also widely recognized as the widow of Malcolm X. Other affiliations include The Links, and Jack and Jill of America.

Soror Leah Gaskin Fitchue , Ed.D Before her untimely death in 1997, Reverend Dr. Leah Gaskin Fitchue is the first woman to serve as President of Payne Theological Seminary, a 160-year old institution sponsored by the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She is the first African American woman president of the 244 Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the first woman to serve as president of any historically black theological seminary. Prior to her historical election, Dr. Fitchue was President of the Gaskin Fitchue Group, a consulting firm specializing in leadership development, organizational and community transformation for church and faith-based organizations. Other affiliations include The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, and The Links, Inc.

Soror Yvonne Kennedy, Ph.D Dr. Yvonne Kennedy is the first black woman east of the Mississippi River to head a state college. She has served as president of Bishop State College since 1981. As president, she spearheaded the College's first capital campaign which was successful in netting more than $1 million for the betterment of the institution. Dr. Kennedy has established the Faculty and Staff Annual Giving Program and an endowment foundation which has given the College solid funds to assure its financial foundation and future. She led in the building and preservation of the College's fourth campus, the Baker-Gaines Central Campus, which houses the College's health-related programs. She represents District 97 in the Alabama House of Representatives (since 1982) where she serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and as Chair of the Education Committee. Dr. Kennedy was elected for two terms as Chairwoman of the Alabama Legislative Black Caucus and her fellow legislators have voted her recipient of the Outstanding Legislator Award. She was a speaker at the Democratic National Convention in New York City in 1992. She was also the 19th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (1988-1992)

Soror Annette Goins-Shakir, Ph.D Shakir, of Beach Street, Daytona Beach, was the daughter of a Rosewood survivor. She was instrumental in bringing the foundation's permanent Rosewood exhibit to Bethune-Cookman in October 2000. Shakir's father, Arnett T. Goins, one of the few living survivors of the Rosewood massacre that began Jan. 1, 1923, attended the grand opening. The exhibit includes books, household items, clothes, historical documents and dozens of photographs. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc.

Soror Lillian Parks, Ph.D Dr. Lillian Parks is very committed to bringing excellence to the East St. Louis school system, the first woman to be superintendent, an East St. Louis native, an East St. Louis resident and one who believes in "showing them" the stuff you're made of, definitely shows what East St. Louis is made of.

Soror Rachel B. Noel In 1965, Mrs. Noel became the first African-American to serve on the Denver Public Schools' Board of Education. With her successful campaign and election, she became the first African-American woman elected to public office in Colorado. She is best known for the "Noel Resolution." The Noel Resolution was presented to the Board of Education on April 25, 1968. It called for the school district to provide equal educational opportunity for all children. The Resolution called for the superintendent to develop a plan to integrate the school system. The "Noel Resolution" brought end to segregation of Denver Public Schools and triggered "white flight" from Denver in 1970s, 1980s, feeding suburban growth. In 1981 she became first black to head University of Colorado's Board of Regents. She was honored with the formation of the Rachel B. Noel Distinguished Professorship in 1981. A visiting professor is named each year to conduct classes seminars and workshops for students, faculty and the community. For all of her accomplishments, they opened a Middle School in August of 2002 that bears her name. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc.

Soror Muriel A. Howard, Ph.D. Soror Howard is the first female president of Buffalo State College and the seventh president in the school’s history. Dr. Howard served as the first African American female chair of the United Way campaign for Buffalo and Erie County in 1999. She has received numerous awards for her contributions in education and services to the community. Among some of the most recent are the Governor’s State Division of Women Award for Excellence in Education, the American Jewish Committee Institute of Human Relations Award, the University at Buffalo’s Distinguished Alumni Award, the Minority Bar Association of Western New York Award for Community Service, the Black Educators Association of Western New York’s Educator of the Year award, and numerous others. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc.

Soror Marie V. McDemmond, Ed.D Dr. McDemmond is president of Norfolk State University (NSU), the nation's fifth largest historically black university. She is the university's first female president and the first woman to serve as the chief executive officer of a four-year, state supported university in Virginia. Dr. McDemmond has been president of the Council of Minority Educators in Massachusetts' Public Colleges and Universities, the New England Minority Women Administrators, and the Florida Association for Women in Education (FAWE), as well as a board member and president of the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers (SACUBO), and the first African-American woman to head any of the National Association of Colleges and University Business Officers (NACUBO) regions, on whose board she served. Other affiliations include the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, and The Links, Inc.

Soror Helen Gray Edmonds, Ph.D Soror Edmonds was the first Black woman to receive a Ph.D. in History at the Ohio State University. In 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed Soror Edmonds as his personal representative to the dedication of the new capital building in Monrovia, Liberia. She spoke to the assembled delegations. While in Liberia she lectured at the Universities of Monrovia and Liberia, and five other educational and/or community groups. Dr. Edmonds was the first Black woman to become Dean of a Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in the United States. In 1977, the year of her retirement from NCCU, the establishment of the "Helen G. Edmonds Graduate Colloquium of History” at North Carolina Central University took place. Dr. Edmonds was also the 5th National President of the Links, Inc. (1970-1974). It was under her leadership, that one of the most significant movements in the Link's history was begun the-- targeting of these Grants-in-Aid to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). With a near perfect record of meeting chapter obligations, the Grants-in-Aid for the first biennium exceeded $l32,000.00, and ultimately exceeded $1,000,000.00.

Soror Darlene Clark Hine Soror Darlene Clark Hine is the first and only African American to become the John A. Hannah Professor of History at Michigan State University and is past president of the Organization of American Historians (OAH) for the year 2001-2002. She is also the President of the Southern Historical Association.

Soror Hortense Golden Canady Soror Canady, in 1969, became the first black woman elected to the Board of Education of the Lansing School District, has served on numerous Boards and Councils in the State of Michigan, and was inducted into the Michigan's women's hall of fame in 2003. She served as the 18th National President of Delta Sigma Theta (1983-1988). Other affiliations include The Links, Inc., and the Lansing Women's Club.

Soror Clara Hale Between the years of 1940 and 1965, Soror Hale became "Mommy" Hale to over 40 children of all ethnic and religious backgrounds. As problems with illicit drug use became greater, she helped establish a home for infants addicted before birth. It was the first--and only known program--in the U.S. designed to deal with infants born addicted to illegal drugs. In 1975, Hale House became the "Center for the Promotion of Human Potential," a licensed voluntary childcare agency. At that time, it was the only black voluntary agency in the country. "Mother" Hale had cared for over 500 children at Hale House. She was a nurturing, loving, comforting woman who genuinely cared about the future of these otherwise friendless children. View Hale House Website

Soror Dianne Boardley Suber, Ed.D Dr. Suber is the 10th President of Saint Augustine's College in North Carolina. She is the first female to lead the institution. Dr. Suber currently serves on President Bush's Board of Advisors to the White House Initiative on Historically Black College and Universities, the Central Region Board of Directors of Wachovia Bank.

Soror Constance Carrol , Ph.D. Dr. Constance M. Carroll has had a distinguished career in higher education. She presently serves as President of San Diego Mesa College, a position for which she was selected in 1993.

Soror Trudie Kibbe Reed, Ed.D. Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed is the 11th president of Philander Smith College of Little Rock, Arkansas. Dr. Reed is the first woman to serve in this capacity in the college's 125 years of history. Dr. Reed served 18 years as a senior level administrator with The United Methodist Church. At age 28, she became the youngest elected General Secretary CEO). While in South Carolina, Dr. Reed was recognized for outstanding leadership by the Governor, voted "Business Woman of the Year" and received the Diamond Twin Award from the YWCA.

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Science/Technology

 

Soror Alexa Canady, M.D. Soror Canady in 1977 at age 26 became the first black neurosurgeon, and the youngest to ever acquire that position. Now retired, she was the cheif of neurosurgery at Detroit's Children's Hospital. She is daughter of the 18th National President Soror Hortense Golden Canaday

Soror Dorothy Levinia Brown, M.D. There was a strong opposition to female surgeons in the 1940's and she was denied a surgical residency while an intern at the Harlem Hospital in NYC. She did not let this stop her from trying to become a surgeon. She went back to Meharry and convinced the chief of surgery, Matthew Walker, to give her a residency there. Her residency was completed in 1954. Dorothy Brown became the first African American female surgeon in the South. She also became the first single woman in Tennessee to adopt a child. Dorothy also became involved in politics. In 1966 she became the first African American woman to be elected to the Tennessee State Legislature for a two-year term.

Soror Geraldine Pittman Woods, Ph.D Dr. Geraldine Pittman Woods played an instrumental role in the development of several of National Institute of Health's (NIH's) minority programs. She received a Ph.D. in biology from Radcliffe long before any other African American scientist could so qualify. She was appointed to the National Advisory General Medical Sciences Council in 1964 and in this position, she addressed the need to improve science education and research opportunities at minority institutions. This led to the 1972 launch of the Minority Schools Biomedical Support Program (now known as the Minority Biomedical Research Support Program). Woods earned a bachelor's degree in zoology from Howard University in Washington, DC. She continued her education at Radcliffe College/Harvard University in Cambridge, MA, where she earned both a master's degree and a Ph.D. in neuroembryology. Soror Woods was also the 13th National President (1958-1963) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Soror Edith Irby Jones, M.D. Soror Jones was the first Black woman admitted to a southern white university and first Black student admitted to a southern white medical school when she entered the University of Arkansas medical school. She later became president of the National Medical Association. The university later honored her by permanently exhibiting her portrait in the entrance hall of the School of Medicine.

Soror Gladys Gary Vaughn, Ph.D. Soror Gladys Gary Vaughn is national program leader of the human sciences research, families, 4-H and nutrition unit, Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES). She is a recognized authority on issues related to family and consumer sciences, and her expertise is sought by members of Congress, agency officials and members of the corporate and academic communities. Dr. Vaughn has secured more than $12 million in grants for innovative programs. A writer and orator, she is co-author of Links to Success: Children Achieving Excellence, which promotes academic achievement for children of African descent; and co-writer of the Team Nutrition Community Nutrition Action kit issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1997. She developed the FF-NEWS (Families First-Nutrition Education and Wellness System) curriculum for food stamp recipients for a consortium of six historically Black land grant 1890 institutions; and the Teen Leadership Connection (TLC) curriculum, a national award-winning 4-H program implemented by Prairie View A&M; University. Dr. Vaughn is the recipient of many professional and community awards including the 2000 Distinguish Service Award, the highest award presented by the Association of Family and Consumer Sciences and the 2000 Outstanding Achievement Award from the National Coalition for Black Development in Home Economics and certificates of merit from the USDA in 1998 to 2003. She currently serves as National President of The Links, Incorporated.

Soror Joycelyn Elders, M.D. Soror Elders was confirmed as the 16th Surgeon General of the United States on September 7, 1993. Joycelyn Elders (born in 1933) was the first African American, and only the second female, to head up the U.S. Public Health Service. In her brief 15-month tenure, Elders added tobacco use, national health care, and drug and alcohol abuse to her platform.

Soror Audrey Forbes Manley, M.D. After receiving her medical degree in 1959, she completed her residency work at Cook County Children's Hospital in Chicago, where she became, at age 27, the first African American female to be appointed Chief Resident. In 1987 she became the first African American female to be appointed Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health, another first for her. Manley continued in the Public Health Service in several capacities with increasing responsibilities: Assistant U.S. Surgeon General, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Health, Deputy U.S. Surgeon General, and acting U.S. Surgeon General. She was the first African American female to achieve such a high rank within the public health establishment. As the culmination of her medical career, she was appointed by Secretary of Health Donna Shalala to become the acting U.S. Surgeon General. For two years Manley held that position of our nation's highest-ranking health professional while the search continued for a permanent replacement for (Soror) Dr. Jocelyn Elders, who had resigned under duress in 1995. In 1989 she was selected as the eighth President of Spelman College, succeeding her late husband, Dr. Albert E. Manley.

Soror Jasmin Shirley Soror Shirley is Vice President of Health Systems Development/Ambulatory Services at the North Broward Hospital District, the nation’s sixth largest public health system. She wants to expand on an infrastructure that is already “phenomenal.” She also has a particular interest in the Disease State Management program, which ensures people with chronic illnesses are taught how to manage their illnesses by using outpatient facilities instead of relying on the emergency room.

Soror Shirley Jackson, Ph.D Soror Shirley Jackson was the first African-American woman to earn a Ph.D. at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (in 1973), and she was the first African-American woman to become a commissioner of the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Dr. Shirley Jackson was also the first female and the first black to become President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Soror Paula R. Newsome, O.D. Dr. Newsome was the first African American female optometrist to practice in the state of North Carolina and the second to be licensed by the state of North Carolina. Dr. Newsome is the country's first African American Female fellow in the prestigious American Academy of Optometry. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc. and Jack and Jill of America.

Soror Gwendolyn E. Boyd Soror President is Assistant for Development Programs in the Director's Office, where she reviews APL task assignments, coordinates and develops initiatives with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, supports marketing and new business opportunities, and serves on the Johns Hopkins University Diversity Leadership Council and works in their Applied Physics Laboratory . Gwen earned a master's in mechanical engineering at Yale University. She is President of the Board of Directors of the United Way of the National Capital Area and has a leadership role in dozens of professional and service organizations, including the Society of Women Engineers, the Yale Club of Washington, Leadership Washington, and the Children's Hospital. She also serves a mentor with the Meyerhoff Scholars at University of Maryland Baltimore County. She is well-known keynote speaker at public and organizational events. Other affiliations include the NAACP, The National Council of Negro Women, and The Links, Inc.

Soror Stayce Harris Soror Harris was the second Black woman pilot in the United States Air Force, and is the first Black woman to fly the Boeing 747 aircraft, the world’s largest commercial aircraft. Stayce received her flight training from the United States Air Force. While on active duty, she was rated as a C-141B aircraft commander logging over 2500 hours. She is still active in the Air Force Reserves holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Currently, Stayce is assigned to the Secretary of the Air Force’s staff at the Pentagon. Soror Harris is currently an adjunct faculty member at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc and The Rotary Club.

Soror Marie Wright, D.D.S. Dr. Wright attended Meharry Dental College In Tennessee, and the University of Michigan Medical School. Marie was the first woman to receive a dental degree from Meharry in 1919. Dr. Wright has been a trail blazing professional for a number of years, and her involvement in community associations is very extensive. She is the last living founder of the Urban League of Flint. She was also a charter member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in Flint, Ann Arbor, and Nashville. Her work with the sorority enabled countless women of color to pursue college degrees.

Soror Valerie D. Callender, M.D. Dr. Callender is founder and medical director of the Callender Skin and Laser Center, which specializes in cosmetic dermatology, hair loss in women, skin laser surgery and clinical research. Her academic affiliations include Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Howard Univeristy College of Medicine and Clinical Instructor of Dermatology for the Physician Assistant Program at Howard University.She serves as a medical consultant on several pharmaceutical advisory boards and speaker's bureaus. Dr. Callender is an active member of the National Medical Association where she serves as the Chairperson for the Dermatology Section that represents all African-American dermatologists in the United States.

Soror Teresa P. Hughes, Ph.D. A former legislative and education consultant to the State Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Professor of Education at California State University Los Angeles, Soror Hughes was elected to the Senate in 1992 after serving for seventeen years in the state Assembly. In the field of health, Senator Hughes lead the fight to provide research grants for lupus disease and high blood pressure; protect physicians from civil and criminal liabilities for informing the spouse of a patient of a positive test result for the AIDS Antibodies; and provide for adequate compensation for development disabilities work-activity programs. She is also the first woman and the first Afro-American to serve on the Senate Rules Committee. Other affilitions include The National Coalition of 100 Black Women.

Soror Jondelle B. Jenkins, M.D. Dr. Jondelle B. Jenkins became the 49th president of the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association, (IPMA), during the organization's recent annual business meeting. In 1997, Dr. Jenkins was appointed to the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation's Podiatric License Board. An officer of the Board for the Fund for Podiatric Medical Education, Dr. Jenkins is also a trustee to her alma mater, The Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, and she serves as treasurer and board member to the National Podiatric Medical Association, and the Cook County Podiatric Medical Association. Also, she is a Fellow to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Soror Gladys B. Dillard, RN She graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1939 and enrolled in Wayne University. Because she was interested in obtaining a nursing degree, she had to transfer to the Freedmen's Hospital nursing program at Howard University in 1941 (because at that time, Blacks were not allowed in that program). She received her nursing diploma in 1944 and returned to Detroit. She was then granted the Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Wayne University and became their first African American nursing graduate.

Soror Joan E. Higginbotham In 1989 Soror Higginbotham was promoted to lead orbiter project engineer for OV-102, Space Shuttle Columbia. In this position, she held the technical lead government engineering position in the firing room where she supported and managed the integration of vehicle testing and troubleshooting. She actively participated in 53 space shuttle launches during her 9 year tenure at Kennedy Space Center. Selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in April 1996 Joan Higginbotham reported to the Johnson Space Center in August 1996. Since that time, she had been assigned technical duties in the Payloads & Habitability Branch, the Shuttle Avionics & Integration Laboratory (SAIL), and the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Operations (Ops) Support Branch, where she tested various modules of the International Space Station for operability, compatibility, and functionality prior to launch. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc.

Soror Dhyana Ziegler, Ph.D Dr. Dhyana Ziegler, Ph.D., is acting Vice President for Research and Planning & Analysis, Florida A&M; University. For the second consecutive year, Dr. Ziegler was selected as one of the Top 50 African-Americans in Technology (2002 & 2003). Dr. Ziegler was the first African-American to be elected as President of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville Faculty Senate and later was inducted into the University’s African-American Hall of Fame.

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Media/Journalism

 

Soror Nikki Giovanni Soror Giovanni has made her mark in society as an innovative poet. Her latest book is entitled Racism 101. One of her poems that is an inspiration to all Black Women is "Ego trippin". View Soror Giovanni's Website

Soror Wilma Rudolph Soror Wilma Rudolph was the first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field at a single Olympiad. Before she died, she served as Track Director and Special Consultant on Minority Affairs at DePaww University.

Soror Ericka Dunlap Soror Dunlap has defied stereotypes in the Miss Florida pageant. The Miss Florida pageant, which has been running since 1935, has never had an African American titleholder, until Ericka Dunlap, 21, of Orlando, received the crown recently at the 2003 Miss Florida Pageant held in St. Petersburg. Not only is the new Miss Florida breaking a 68-year-old color barrier by reigning as the first African American Miss Florida, but she is also defying stereotypical ideas about "beauty queens." Soror Dunlap is Miss America 2004. View Miss America Website

Soror Rae Lewis-Thornton Soror Thornton is an AIDS activist who has been featured on the cover of Essence magazine, as well as in numerous feature stories in Ebony and Emerge magazines, Chicago Tribune newspaper, Chicago Sun Times newspaper, and the Washington Post. She was also featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, and Nightline with Ted Koppel. She received an Emmy award in 1996 for her WBBM-TV's ongoing series of first person stories on living with AIDS. View Soror Thornton's Website

Soror Robin D. Stone Robin D. Stone is the executive editor of ESSENCE Magazine. Her responsibilities include assisting with the day-to-day management and overseeing the magazine's main features. She most recently served as deputy editor of Essence, where she top-edited the magazine's main features, its health stories and its Back Talk Column. Stone, 35, is a former vice-president for print media of the Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), a 3,000-member organization of Black media professionals. She now chairs the organization's Student Education, Enrichment and Development (SEED) Committee.

Soror Natalie Cole This beautiful, soulful jazz/pop/R&B;/Urban Contemporary singer is the daughter of the late Nat "King" Cole and is just as successful today as her legendary father. View the Natalie Cole Website

Soror Kimberly Aiken Cockerman Soror Aiken was Miss America 1994. Her year of service as Miss America helped generate public awareness about homelessness and brought about a better public understanding of this significant societal dilemma. After graduation from New York University, Kim pursued a career in public accounting with Ernst & Young, LLP and one of the Big Five accounting firms. Currently, she is an image consultant specializing in pageant interview preparation and a public speaker. She is also a regular columnist for Pageantry Magazine. She was also was recognized by People Magazine as being one of the "Fifty Most Beautiful People in the World." She founded HERO (Homeless Education and Resource Organization), a homeless outreach that provided employment and educational training. She has received numerous awards and recognition for her community activism, including being invited to address the White House briefing on domestic violence.

Soror Stacey Nicole Lee GM Corporate Auditor Soror Stacey Nicole Lee, of Rochester Hills, MI, was recently crowned Miss Michigan USA 2004. Lee will represent the State of Michigan in the NBC national broadcast of the Miss USA 2004 pageant.

Soror Susan Bass A respected leader with more than 15 years of experience in public relations, philanthropy and community affairs, Susan Bass enters her second year as vice president of communications and community relations for the Atlanta Falcons. In her role, Bass oversees all of the Falcons media relations efforts - relating to issues both on and off the field - and is responsible for developing and executing all phases of Arthur Blank's plan to increase the team's presence in the community. Bass also works closely with the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation, which focuses primarily on the physical fitness, athletics and team building for Georgia's young people. In 2002, Bass worked with the Foundation in helping to distribute more than $1 million in grants to 71 non-profit organizations throughout the state of Georgia.

Soror Julianne Malveaux, Ph.D The Capitol Report with Dr. Julianne Malveaux is the last word on national issues pertaining to politics and economics! Dr. Malveaux is an economic writer and syndicated columnist whose weekly column appears nationally in some 20 newspapers. Her colleague, Dr. Cornell West has described her as the most provocative, progressive, and iconoclastic public intellectual in the country and with listener participation and in-studio guests she takes you on a thought provoking journey. View Website

Soror Charlayne Hunter-Gault Soror Hunter-Gault made civil rights history as one of only two black students to integrate the University of Georgia in January of 1961, and then being the first African American woman to earn a Bachelor's Degree from the University in 1963. She has since gone on to establish herself as one of television's premier journalists. While working for PBS, Hunter-Gault interviewed Nelson Mandela when he was released from prison. During her association with The NewsHour, Charlayne won several awards: two Emmys, and a Peabody for excellence in broadcast journalism for her work on Apartheid's People, a NewsHour series on South Africa. She also received the 1986 Journalist of the Year Award from the National Association of Black Journalists; the 1990 Sidney Hillman Award; the Good Housekeeping Broadcast Personality of the Year Award; the American Women in Radio and Television Award; and two awards from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for excellence in local programming. She is the recipient of more than two dozen honorary degrees. Soror Hunter-Gault currently lives in Johannesburg, South Africa. Soror Gault was initiated at TAU Chapter in October of 1960.

Soror Tyese Wright Soror Tyese Wright is Miss Deaf America 2002-2004. She currently teaches kindergarten at Kendall Demonstration Elementary School (KDES), the same school where years earlier, she had graduated Valedictorian and received the Linwood Smith Award and the Kendall Cup. The Kendall Cup is Kendall's most prestigious award, for excellence in academics, leadership and extracurricular activities. At the tender age of nine, she recited the Pledge of Allegiance in sign language for President Ronald Reagan at the bicentennial celebration of the United States Constitution in front of over two hundred thousand spectators. At age eleven, she served as a U.S. delegate in Paris, France for the Children's International Summer Village, a volunteer organization that promotes peace, leadership and long friendships and was featured in the 1995 issue of World Around Us Magazine, entitled "An American in Paris." She's also featured in the first book written on successful deaf women. After graduation from Gallaudet University in 2002, she was awarded a four-year fellowship to attend Trinity College for a Master's degree in school counseling where she maintains a stellar 3.8 GPA while juggling graduate school with her teaching job at KDES and her obligations as Miss Deaf America.

Soror T'Keyah Kemah Soror Kemah is best known for her ubiquitous work on the Emmy Award winning comedy, In Living Color where she won many fans with stunning impressions and an unending stream of original characters. During her five seasons on In Living Color, Keymáh earned an NAACP Image Award Nomination and a Soul Train Comedy Award Nomination. She also guest starred on The John Larroquette Show, The Commish, Quantum Leap and Roc Live. Keymáh gained a whole new set of fans and another two NAACP Image Award nominations as Bill Cosby's newest TV daughter, the flight attendant turned attorney turned aspiring chef turned wife and teacher Erica Lucas, on CBS' COSBY. Keymáh is currently working on a screenplay and completed her new book on natural hairstyles, Natural Woman / Natural Hair. View Soror Kemah's Website

Soror Yolanda Joe Soror Yolanda Joe is the author of Bebe's By Golly Wow!, He Say, She Say, and Falling Leaves of Ivy. A former newswriter at the CBS affiliate in Chicago, Joe graduated from Yale University and the Columbia School of Journalism. She currently lives in Chicago. View Soror Joe's Website

Soror Monique Braxton Before joining MSNBC in 1998, Braxton was a freelance reporter at WBAL in Baltimore, Maryland. Preceding the WBAL news team, she was a weekday morning anchor in Washington, D.C. with NewsChannel 8 Cable Network. While at NewsChannel 8, Braxton received a 1996 Emmy Nomination for her anchoring, and received the Best Public Affairs Award for her 1996 documentary, "Who We Are: Military." Other affiliations include The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Junior League and The Links, Inc.

Soror Ethel Payne Soror Payne was a tough investigative reporter who was one of the few black women covering Washington, D.C. in her time. Her peers referred to her as "The First Lady of the Black Press." She was the first African-American woman radio and television commentator employed by a national network. She wrote on desegregation laws and other civil rights issues, and remained passionate about those causes because she felt that journalists could not be objective about certain issues that directly affected them. Soror Payne is also one of 4 women journalists (of whom she is the only African-American)honored with a stamp from the US Postal Service.

Soror Camille Cosby, Ph.D Soror Cosby is a philanthropist and an entrepreneur. She co-produced the 1995 acclaimed Broadway show "Having Our Say" while donating her time, money, and energy to worthwhile causes such as helping to fund black colleges.

Soror Gloria Naylor Soror Gloria Naylor won the National Book Award for first fiction in 1983 for 'The Women of Brewster Place'. Her subsequent novels include 'Linden Hills', 'Mama Day', and 'Bailey's Cafe'. In addition to her novels, Naylor has written essays and screenplays, as well as the stage adaptation of 'Bailey's Cafe'. 'The Women of Brewster Place' was made into a popular television miniseries starring and produced by Oprah Winfrey, who is an ardent fan of the novel and its writer. Naylor has also founded One Way Productions, an independent film company, and is involved in a literacy program in the Bronx.

Soror Jessie Fauset Soror Jessie Fauset was the literary editor of the NAACP's publication the Crisis, under the direction of W.E.B. DuBois. In addition to writing regular articles for the magazine, Fauset was responsible for fostering such notable literary greats as Langston Hughes and Jean Toomer. In the early 1920s, she also edited The Brownies Book, an NAACP publication geared toward African American children. Upon leaving her post at the Crisis, Fauset returned to teaching and taught French in the New York City schools for much of the rest of her life.

Soror Alice Coachman (Davis) Soror Alice Coachman (Davis) was the first African-American woman to win an Olympic gold medal and the only American woman to win a gold medal in the 1948 Olympics in London. When she was young, blacks could not participate in organized athletic activities in Southern schools and YMCAs. Therefore, Alice trained for sprint events in fields and dirt roads and jumped barefoot at a neighborhood playground. In 1939, at the age of 16, she received at scholarship to attend Tuskegee Preparatory School. Before classes began, she competed in the women's track and field national championship. She broke the high school and collegiate high jump records without wearing shoes. Also at Tuskegee, she ran on the national champion 4x100-meter relay team in 1941 and 1942. In 1943, she won the AAU nationals in the running high jump and the fifty-yard dash. More on Soror Coachman Davis

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Business

 

Soror Jane Smith, Ph.D Dr. Jane E. Smith, former Executive and CEO of NCNW, is Chief Executive Officer for Business and Professional Women/USA. BPW/USA is an eighty-two year old organization with 37,000 members throughout the United States, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Dr. Smith is responsible for moving the organization toward its mission of achieving equity for all working women. In her role as CEO, Dr. Smith oversees the management of the organization's National Headquarters including the National Federation, the BPW Foundation, the Political Action Committee, and Business Woman Magazine. BPW achieves its mission through advocacy, education, and research. Dr. Smith holds a Doctorate of Education in Social Policy Analysis from Harvard University, a Masters in Sociology from Emory University, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Spelman College, and honorary doctorates from Spelman College and Texas College. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc. More on Soror Smith

Soror Myrlie Evers-Williams Soror Willams' career highlights include,helping the NAACP restore its tarnished image while serving in the capacity of chairwoman, 1995-98; she was also the first African-American woman to head the Board of Public Works in Los Angeles, 1988; she was an oil company executive, 1976-1987, and a vice-president of an ad company in California, 1973-1976. She is a symbol of the civil rights movement and all of the sacrifices that were made in the name of freedom. She watched helplessly as her husband, Medgar Evers, was shot to death on the front lawn of their Jackson, Mississippi, home in 1963, an event that turned him into a martyr and turned her into a single parent with little money as the war over skin color raged around her and across the country.

Soror Annita Bridges, J.D. Soror Bridges is President/Owner of Litigation Alternatives, a full service Mediation, ADR and Conflict Management firm in Oklahoma City, OK. Soror Bridges is also past Assistant Attorney General for the State of Colorado. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc., Jack and Jill of America and Inroads (Bd. Member).

Soror Ida Goodwin Woolfolk She was Special Consultant to Anheuser Busch’s Office of the Senior Vice President for Marketing Development and Affairs. She is a curriculum writer and author of “Business Psychology” (text presently being used in department stores for staff training). Also, she has produced a radio talk show entitled, “An evening with Ida.” She has conducted numerous workshops and seminars in the areas of human relations, racial and ethnic awareness, communication skills, practical psychology, public relations, assertiveness, inter-group relations, values, and stress. She was a special consultant to the American Institute of Banking focusing on cultural diversity awareness. She also provides training in the area of assertive discipline and addresses many church events. She has served as toast mistress, coordinator and commentator for civic, community and church related activities. Other affiliations include Association of University Women, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, the Urban League and The Links, Inc.

Soror Joyce Beatty, Ph.D The Honorable (Dr.) Joyce Beatty was the first woman to represent the 21st House District in the Ohio House of Representatives, where she serves as minority whip. She was recognized for her initiatives against racism and hate crimes, support of mentor programs for young people and for being an advocate for women's health issues. She is the president of Joyce Beatty and Associates Inc., a management consultant company that specializes in diversity awareness training and strategic planning. She is also the founder and president of African-American Business Women CEOs. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc., the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, the NAACP, and the Columbus Urban League.

Soror Harriette Cole Soror Cole is president and creative director of profundities, inc., a New York-based style and life-coaching production company. Cole has worked with recording artists such as Alicia Keys and Mary J. Blige, has appeared on television shows such as "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and "The View," and has appeared in magazines such as O, In Style, Brides and more. She has columns in the New York Daily News, and on Mikasa.com. Before starting her own company, Cole worked for 11 years at Essence magazine, where she served as lifestyle editor and fashion director. Cole is a member of the advisory board of TheKnot.com, the leading online bridal site. Soror Cole is author of "Choosing Truth: Living an Authentic Life," "Jumping the Broom: The African-American Wedding Planner," "Jumping the Broom Wedding Workbook," and "How to Be: Contemporary Etiquette for Africian Americans." She is co-author of "Black and Beautiful: How Women of Color Changed the Fashion Industry."

Soror Jacquelin S. McCord Soror McCord is the founder and CEO of T. Joy Andrea (TJA) Publishers, a publishing company which has published three of her books: When We Get Straight, Fur Coals In My Closet and A Mountain Is A Molehill. In May 2000, Mrs. McCord received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Cultural Citizens Foundation for her work in education and the literary arts.

Soror Ingrid Saunders-Jones Soror Jones is senior vice president of The Coca-Cola Company and chairperson of The Coca-Cola Foundation. In her capacity as senior vice president of corporate external affairs, Ms. Jones directs the vision and involvement of The Coca-Cola Company in community, philanthropic and civic affairs. As chair of The Coca-Cola Foundation, she leads the Company's philanthropic commitment to education. Under her leadership, The Coca-Cola Foundation in the decade of the 1990s, contributed more than $100 million to education including scholarships and programs for students of color in higher education, and initiatives to increase the academic success of students in public and secondary schools. In addition, Ms. Jones serves on the board of The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, which provides scholarships to high school students from across the country. A native of Detroit, Ms. Jones earned a bachelor's degree in education at Michigan State University and a master's degree in education at Eastern Michigan University.

Soror Joyce Hayes-Giles, J.D. Joyce Hayes-Giles is senior vice president of customer service for Detroit Edison, an electric utility serving 2.1 million customers in Southeastern Michigan and Michigan Consolidated Gas Company (MichCon), a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in more than 550 communities throughout Michigan. Hayes-Giles was recently selected as one of the country’s Most Distinguished Black College and University Graduates by US Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine. She was also recently recognized by Corp! Magazine as one of Michigan’s Most Powerful African-American Leaders. She received the Lewis H. Latimer award from the American Association of Blacks in Energy. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc., The Women Economics Club, The Urban League and NAACP.

Soror Gloria Randle Scott, Ph.D Dr. Gloria Randle Scott, Ph. D., is the president and owner of G. Randle Services, a consulting and training group that focuses on the empowerment of leadership for women and girls. Scott became internationally known when she became the first African American president of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., (1975-78). During that time, Scott was appointed by Presidents Ford and Carter (1976-78) to the National Commission on the International Women's Year. President Carter also appointed her to serve on the National Commission on the International Year of the Child (1978-80). She was also the 12th President of Bennett College (1987-2001) in South Carolina.

Soror Brenda Campbell Soror Brenda Campbell is President and CEO of Unlimited Services Systems Management & Consultants, Inc.(USSMC). She is an experienced manager and management consultant with an extensive nineteen year track record of providing training, facilitation skills, organizational and human resource development; therapeutic and career counseling and seminars and technical management services, ranging from individual and group consultation to the development and implementation of major program and project initiatives of government, private, public and commercial business sector environments across the continent of the United States. She is a proficient communicator and team facilitator with the capacity to effectively direct and innovate team development. More specifically as it relates to Supervisory, Career Development, EEO, Mediation, Multicultural and Diversity Training, her clients have included standing clients inclusive of NASA Program Managers from all over the country, US Energy Executives, US Customs and Bureau of Engraving Printing’s Procurement Office, Office of EEO/Employee Counseling Services, and Community Outreach, Office Directors, Chiefs and Managers; and Office of Personnel, Department of Agriculture and Veterans Administration Executive Officials, Staff and Union representatives. She is also an on call Management Consultant and Trainer for the Internal Revenue and U.S. Department of Education View USSMC Website

Soror Juli M. Wyatt, JD Soror Wyatt is President and CEO of Jam Sports & Entertainment, LLC, a Los Angeles/DC based full service sports marketing and entertainment event production company committed to providing a broad range of comprehensive marketing and event consulting services. In 1998, just one year after incorporating, Jam Sports and Entertainment conceptualized and pitched to the National Football League, Game Day Gridiron Celebrity Hoops - an annual official super bowl event where former and active NFL players, and celebrities from music, television, and film get together for a competitive game of basketball to raise money for charity. In 2003, on the event's fifth year anniversary, Game Day Gridiron Celebrity Hoops elevated from being an official super bowl event to becoming an official event of the National Football League (NFL), for Super Bowl XXXVII, making the celebrity hoops event uniquely positioned as the first and only official NFL sanctioned celebrity basketball game to be held annually at Super Bowl (the largest annual sporting event in the United States) and making Jam Sports & Entertainment one of the first minority-owned businesses to form this strategic alliance with the NFL. Wyatt is the Founder and Chairwoman of the Board for the Junior Achievers Motivated to Succeed (JAMS) Foundation. The JAMS Foundation is a 501 C(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing America's youth with educational, athletic and entrepreneurial opportunities. The mission of the JAMS Foundation is to enrich the quality of life and promote the optimum social development of today's abused, abandoned and neglected children throughout the United States whose futures have been directly impacted by circumstances which have placed them within the foster care system. The JAMS Foundation focuses on youths in child protective services, transitional homes and child abuse shelters. View JAMS site

Soror Michele V. Hagans Soror Michele Hagans a prominent figure in local development, business, educational and charitable circles has been Presidnet of Fort Lincoln New Town Corp.since 1984. In addition to leading Fort Lincoln New Town Corp., Hagans serves on the boards of directors of several prominent business groups, including the Greater Washington Board of Trade, the Federal City Council and the D.C. Convention and Visitors Association. She also serves on the Board of Trustees at the University of the District of Columbia, where she recently stepped down as chairman.

Soror Bunnie Jackson-Ransom Soror Jackson-Ransom is President, CEO of FirstClass, Inc. A full-service public relations and marketing firm. She has been the driving force behind firstClass for the past 26 years--conceptualizing the company, working with clients and implementing its programs. While serving as President and owner of firstClass, Ms. Jackson-Ransom responded to a request to manage the careers of several performing artists; and from 1978 through 1988, she was the Chief Administrative Officer of a conglomerate company under the umbrella of Atlanta Artists. As President of Atlanta Artists Management, she was also responsible for the daily activities of Atlanta Artist Productions and Atlanta Artist Records, and managed the recording career of such acts as CAMEO and Larry Blackmon, The SOS Band and Cashflow. Ms. Jackson-Ransom has received numerous awards and honors, including being listed in both Who’s Who in American Women, Who’s Who in Georgia, and Who’s Who in Black America from 1981 to present; she was also named Who’s Who in Atlanta by the Atlanta Business Chronicle in 1992. She was presented with the Bronze Jubilee Public Award in 1984; “America’s Top 100 Black Business and Professional Women” by Dollars and Sense Magazine in 1985; and the Black Journalist Awards in Community Relations and Event Planning for 1992 and Public Relations for 1993. Other affiliations include National Council of Negro Women, Board of Directors for the Partnership Against Domestic Violence, Atlanta Association of Black Journalists; Board of Directors of the Atlanta NAACP, The Links, Inc., the Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, and Board of Directors for the Atlanta Business League

Soror Bettye Odom, BSN, RN In 1978, Soror Odom introduced the concept of total skin care to the Chicago Black community after her return from studying in Paris, France. Today, Bettye O., Inc. is the premier and most imitated Day Spa in Chicago. Bettye O. Day Spa offers skin care treatments, body massages, manicures, pedicures, hydrotherapy, makeup lessons and application as well as a full line of skin care products, Skins of Colour which addresses the concerns of all people of color. Bettye O. Day Spa carries a cosmetics line under the title of "Le Beau Visage". Each year she travels to Europe to study the latest in Skin Care techniques and products. View Bettye O Day Spa

Soror Ramona E. Harrison, MBA Soror Harrison is CFO, Software Quality Assurance Engineer Social Security Administration where she establishes and implements new initiatives in software process improvement. In 1993 she entered the Intern Program with the United States Department of Agriculture in Washington, DC. She later was offered a position as a Claims Rep for the Social Security Administration in Chicago, which led to her position as a Systems Analyst for the Social Security Administration's offices in Baltimore, MD.

Soror Henrie Treadwell, Ph.D Soror Treadwell is a program director at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Michigan. Her major responsibilities include program design, oversight and administration of strategic initiatives to improve access to health coverage and services. Current key activities include management of Community Voices, a major investment in community access to health services, management of multiple predoctoral and post doctoral programs that support development of a culturally diverse leadership cadre, and development of policy briefs that selectively informs policy and practice on the local, state, and national level. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc.

Soror LaVerne G. Davis, Ph.D. Soror Davis is Vice President-External Affairs for Verizon, is responsible for community relations and the Verizon Foundation. Davis is a founding member of the board of directors of the Los Angeles African American Women's Public Policy Institute, whose goal is to create a trained pool of individuals for leadership in community and public service at the local, state and national levels. She is a recipient of the Women Who Make a Difference award from the Long Beach Chapter of Soroptimist International. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc.

Soror K. Michelle Scott Soror Scott has previous entrepreneurial experience as president and owner of Inscriptions... for Lasting Impressions, an advertising specialty firm. As owner of The Communications Department Company, a multi-service communications consulting firm, Ms. Scott is dedicated to delivering high-quality, customer-driven solutions to meet the training, writing and research needs of her clients. Other affiliations include Urban League and NAACP.

Soror Traci B. Marquis , J.D. Soror Marquis earned her J.D. from the University of Texas and later a Master of laws from Columbia University School of Law in New York. She served six years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas. Marquis and Associates, Traci’s law firm, was opened in 1999, where she specializes in dot.coms, emerging growth companies, and domestic health Care, transactional and regulatory activities. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc. and Jack and Jill of America

Soror Sandra Trice Gray, CAE Soror Sandra Trice Gray is President of the Centerpoint for Leaders, an organization established to help leaders realize their potential, the potential of others with whom they are working, and the potential of an initiative or organization. As a former vice president of Independent Sector, she provided leadership, with 850 voluntary organizations, corporations and foundations that are national and international in scope, to establish policies that impacted these organizations. Ms. Gray served as co-chair of the Alliance for National Renewal and Sustainable Communities. It is significant to note that she directed the exploratory/organizing phases, established Secretariat of CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation and served as Interim Director. She has also served as a Commissioner for Intergovernmental, Interagency and Community Liaison — U.S. Office of Education; the Assistant and Policy Advisor to the Under Secretary of Education; and Fellow and Special Assistant to the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. She earlier had an extensive career as an educator and administrator on the state and local levels. Ms. Gray was the first black to teach in the desegregated public school system of Little Rock, Arkansas. Other Affiliations include The Links, Inc., National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.

Soror Audrey Boone Tillman, J.D. Soror Tillman is senior vice president and director of human resources for AFLAC and AFLAC Incorporated. She began her career with the company in 1996 in the Legal Department. Before joining AFLAC, Ms. Tillman completed a clerkship for a federal District Judge and later worked in private legal practice for several years. She also served as an assistant professor at North Carolina Central University School of Law. Mrs. Tillman is a past chair of the Corporate Law section of the National Bar Association and currently serves on the board of Wachovia of Georgia. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc.

Soror Juanita Powell Baranco, J.D. Soror Baranco is an active co-owner of Baranco Automotive Group where she serves as legal counsel and executive vice president. She merges experience in business and law with an orientation to serve her family, colleagues and community with energy and commitment. Currently, Juanita serves on the boards of Georgia Power where she serves as chair of the Diversity Committee, the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, and the Atlanta and DeKalb Chambers of Commerce and the Board of Trustees of Clark-Atlanta University.

Soror Benita Fitzgerald Mosley Since March of 2001, Benita Fitzgerald Mosley has served as President of Women in Cable & Telecommunications (WICT), a 4,500-member association for women in the rapidly converging telecommunications industries. In November 2001, Benita was ranked #50 on CableFax Magazine’s annual list of the top 100 most influential executives in the industry. WICT’s PAR Initiative is the organization’s latest groundbreaking study that will measure the cable industry in three areas that are key to women’s success: Pay Equity, Advancement Opportunities, and Resources for Work/Life Support. Benita won a gold medal in the 100-meter hurdles in the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, CA. Benita was a member of the 1980 and 1984 U. S. Olympic Teams and an Alternate on the 1988 U. S. Olympic Team. View WICT Website

Soror Karen Stamper Jackson Soror Jackson has been named Associate General Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (hud). In this position, she is responsible for overseeing internal operations for the Office of Administration. Mrs. Jackson was appointed to the Senior Executive Service as the Director of the Office of Administrative and Management Services, where she was responsible for overseeing the Administrative Operations of the Headquarters Building and providing policy oversight for HUD’s field offices.

Soror Marilyn H. West Soror West, Chairman & CEO of M. H. West & Co., Inc., which provides consulting and technical services to boost performance and productivity in private and public sector businesses as well as individuals throughout the United States and several foreign countries. has been leading the way by sharing her experience, knowledge and financial resources with organizations and individuals throughout her life. As a young adult in Pittsburgh, she tutored high schools students to help them improve their SAT scores. She also worked with children to improve their reading and math skills. She taught tennis to underprivileged children at a community health center. Marilyn West's company, a planning and consulting company, which she owns has given handsomely to many causes and organizations that serve the greater Richmond region. The firm gave a five year, $5000 scholarship in 1998 to Binford Middle Model School to help children raise their SOL scores. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc., Jack & Jill of America, Inc., and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. View the M.H. West website

Soror Nancy Hall Soror Hall is vice president and managing director of The Hollins Group Inc. in Atlanta. The Hollins Group Inc., one of the fastest growing, retained executive search firms in the United States, has offices in Atlanta, Chicago and New York. The firm is also the United States partner in a consortium of European and Asian executive search firms. The Hollins Group serves organizations across the United States and is exclusively focused upon identifying senior level leadership talent in a variety of disciplines. Hall serves as the firm's practice leader in academia. Additionally, she consults on and directs executive searches for senior level talent for Fortune 500 corporations, academic institutions and non-profit organizations. Hall possesses more than 15 years of experience as both a line and staff manager and executive in manufacturing and human resources. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc.

Soror Stacey H. Davis Stewart Soror Davis leads the country's largest foundation devoted to affordable housing and community development issues. Under her leadership, the Fannie Mae Foundation helps make homeownership a reality for millions of American families. To date, the Foundation's efforts have helped guide over 12 million people down the path to homeownership. The Fannie Mae Foundation's mission is to create affordable homeownership and housing opportunities through innovative partnerships and initiatives that build healthy, vibrant communities across the country. Davis became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fannie Mae Foundation in September 1999.

Soror Eunice W. Johnson Soror Johnson is a business leader and humanitarian, particularly concerned with the encouragement of Black youth. Mrs. Johnson is the producer and director of the world's largest traveling fashion show, EBONY FASHION FAIR, which has donated over $49 million to the United Negro College Fund and other African-American charities. Mrs. Johnson is also the secretary-treasurer of JOHNSON PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC., publishers of EBONY and JET magazines, and the largest Black-owned publishing company in the world. Mrs. Johnson is the wife of Mr. John H. Johnson, publisher and chairman of JOHNSON PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC., which he founded in 1942 with her love and support. Mrs. Johnson also named the company's flagship magazine, EBONY, which has remained the world's most popular Black oriented magazine every consecutive year since its founding in 1945. Mrs. Johnson was also involved in the creation of Fashion Fair Cosmetics. Both she and Mr. Johnson noticed the EBONY FASHION FAIR models struggling to find cosmetics in shades that matched their deeper skin tones. Fashion Fair was born in 1973 in answer to this problem and today it is the world leader in cosmetics and skin care for women of color. Other affiliations include The Links, Inc.

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