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Business Wire
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Trailblazers in Arts, Politics, Business, and Advocacy Inducted as Honorary Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, during its 57th National Convention, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. proudly announced the induction of eight Honorary Members. These distinguished women represent a broad spectrum of professional endeavors—spanning arts and entertainment, business, education, politics, sports, and advocacy—and embody the highest levels of achievement and impact on both national and global stages. 'This year's class of Honorary Members represents a powerhouse group of barrier-breaking women across politics, entertainment, business, sports, and social impact,' said Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. International President Elsie Cooke-Holmes. Share The 2025 Honorary Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. include Donna Brazile, Danielle Brooks, Dana Owens (Queen Latifah), Fawn Weaver, Janice Bryant Howroyd, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Swintayla 'Swin' Cash, and Toni Townes-Whitley. Honorary Membership is one of the Sorority's highest recognitions, reserved for women who are trailblazers in their fields and who have made extraordinary contributions to society. These inductees exemplify the Sorority's Cardinal Principles of Sisterhood, Scholarship, Service, and Social Action. Their impactful work aligns with the mission and values of Delta's Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement. 'This year's class of Honorary Members represents a powerhouse group of barrier-breaking women across politics, entertainment, business, sports, and social impact,' said Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. International President Elsie Cooke-Holmes. 'From a trailblazing political strategist to an acclaimed actress and vocalist, a legendary Olympic athlete to a pioneering tech executive, these women embody excellence, service, and the unwavering pursuit of justice and equity. Their collective influence spans boardrooms, stages, and grassroots movements — each one a force in her field and a reflection of Delta's enduring mission.' Learn more about this distinguished 2025 Honorary Member Class below: Donna Brazile Donna Brazile is a veteran political strategist, New York Times bestselling author, and an Emmy- and Peabody-winning media contributor. She currently serves as a Senior Advisor at Purple Strategies. Brazile made history as the first African American woman to manage a major party presidential campaign, leading Al Gore's 2000 bid. She has served twice as interim Chair of the Democratic National Committee, and remains active on its Rules and Bylaws Committee. Brazile is the author of Cooking with Grease and Hacks, co-author of the NAACP Image Award-winning For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics, and a contributor to 400 Souls. She is a dedicated educator, having taught at Georgetown and Howard Universities and held fellowships at Harvard's Institute of Politics. She holds over 10 honorary doctorates and is a recipient of Harvard's W.E.B. Du Bois Medal. Danielle Brooks Danielle Brooks is an Academy Award-nominated actress, celebrated for her powerful portrayal of 'Sofia' in The Color Purple, which earned nominations from the Oscars, Golden Globes, SAG, Critics Choice, BAFTA, and NAACP Image Awards. She rose to prominence as 'Taystee' in Netflix's Orange Is the New Black, receiving two NAACP Image Award nominations. She won the Critics Choice Award and earned an Emmy nomination as Co-Executive Producer for her portrayal of gospel icon Mahalia Jackson in Mahalia. On stage, Brooks earned a Tony nomination for The Color Purple and starred in The Piano Lesson alongside Samuel L. Jackson. Her performance in Much Ado About Nothing at Shakespeare in the Park earned her a Drama League nomination. She also hosted Netflix's Instant Dream Home, and received a Daytime Emmy nomination. A Juilliard graduate from South Carolina, Brooks is also a passionate advocate. She co-founded Black Women on Broadway, launched the Annie Edge Scholarship in honor of her godmother, and volunteers with the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Swintayla 'Swin' Cash Swintayla 'Swin' Cash is a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, and Founder & CEO of She's Got Time, a lifestyle and media company creating the first holistic ecosystem for women in sports. A trailblazer in sports leadership, she most recently served as Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations & Team Development for the New Orleans Pelicans. One of the most decorated athletes in women's basketball, Cash is a three-time WNBA champion, four-time All-Star, two-time All-Star MVP, and two-time Olympic gold medalist. She was also named one of the WNBA's Top 20 Most Influential Players. Beyond the court, Cash has made her mark in sports media and philanthropy. She founded Cash for Kids, a nonprofit supporting youth through fitness, education, and culture, and has served as an NBA Global Ambassador advocating for social responsibility and civil rights. Among her many achievements, her most treasured roles are wife to Steve Canal and mother to their two sons, Saint and Syer Cash-Canal. Janice Bryant Howroyd Janice Bryant Howroyd, affectionately known as JBH, is the Founder & CEO of the ActOne Group, a multi-billion-dollar global workforce and technology enterprise operating in over 43 countries. As the first African American woman to build and lead a billion-dollar company, she is a trailblazing entrepreneur, educator, and mentor. Under her leadership, ActOne delivers innovative HR and procurement solutions in more than 52 languages. A North Carolina native and one of 11 children, JBH credits her parents for the values behind her success. JBH chairs the Women's Leadership Board at Harvard's Kennedy School and supports education through major philanthropic gifts, including to her alma mater, North Carolina A&T. A Presidential appointee and global influencer, she's been honored with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and named Black Enterprise's Woman of the Year. JBH is the best-selling author of Acting Up and The Art of Work, and a sought-after speaker known for her guiding principle: 'Never compromise who you are personally to become who you wish to be professionally.' Jackie Joyner-Kersee Jackie Joyner-Kersee, hailed as the 'Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th Century,' is a six-time Olympic medalist whose 1988 world record in the heptathlon still stands. Dominating track and field for over two decades, she earned titles such as Sports Illustrated's Female Athlete of the Century and was named one of ESPN's 50 Greatest Athletes. A native of East St. Louis, Illinois, Joyner-Kersee attended UCLA on a basketball scholarship, achieving national honors in both basketball and track. Her commitment to education, equity, and opportunity has fueled her work beyond sports. In 1988, she founded the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation to empower youth and families through education, sports, and leadership. The Foundation's 41,000-square-foot center in East St. Louis has served thousands. She also co-founded Athletes for Hope to connect athletes with community service. Her leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award and the UCLA Professional Achievement Award. A Goodwill Ambassador for the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network, she remains a powerful voice for equity, education, and empowerment. Dana 'Queen Latifah' Owens Queen Latifah, born Dana Elaine Owens, is a groundbreaking American rapper, singer, actress, and producer. A trailblazer in entertainment, she has earned a Grammy Award, a Primetime Emmy, a Golden Globe, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, and an Academy Award nomination. In 2006, she became the first hip hop artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She rose to fame at age 19 with her debut album All Hail the Queen (1989), which featured the iconic track "Ladies First." Her third album, Black Reign (1993), was the first gold-certified solo album by a female rapper and included the Grammy-winning single "U.N.I.T.Y.', which was influential in raising awareness of violence against women and the objectification of Black female sexuality. Latifah starred in the hit sitcom Living Single and earned an Oscar nomination for her role in Chicago (2002). Her film credits include Set It Off, Bringing Down the House, Beauty Shop, Girls Trip, and voice work in the Ice Age series. She received critical acclaim and an Emmy for co-producing and starring in HBO's Bessie (2015). She also created The Queen Latifah Show and most recently led the CBS drama The Equalizer (2021–2025). A pioneering force across music, film, and television, Queen Latifah continues to redefine what it means to be a multi-hyphenate artist. Fawn Weaver Fawn Weaver is a serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience and the founder and CEO of Grant Sidney, Inc., where she manages a multimillion-dollar real estate and investment portfolio. A two-time New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she is also a popular TED speaker and media personality, featured on platforms such as The TODAY Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, CNBC, and in Forbes, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Her NPR How I Built This episode with Guy Raz gained widespread acclaim, as did her 2024 Forbes Self-Made Women profile. Weaver is one of only five African American women to found and lead a $1B+ company in U.S. history. She is the founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest, Inc., the fastest-growing American whiskey brand in U.S. history and the best-selling Black American-founded spirit brand of all time. Under her leadership, Uncle Nearest has won over 1,200 awards and was named 'World's Best' Bourbon two years in a row. The 458-acre Nearest Green Distillery is the seventh most visited in the world. Weaver is a Harvard Business School certified Corporate Director, a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Alabama, and holds an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Bluefield State University. She also serves on the board of Endeavor Group Holdings (NYSE: EDR). Toni Townes-Whitley Toni Townes-Whitley is CEO of SAIC, a $7.4 billion technology and engineering firm with 24,000 employees serving the defense, space, civilian, and intelligence sectors. She became CEO and joined the Board of Directors in October 2023. A veteran technology executive, Townes-Whitley previously led Microsoft's $16 billion U.S. regulated industries division, served as President of CGI Federal, and held senior roles at Unisys, where she drove 500% revenue growth in the federal sector. Townes-Whitley serves on the boards of Nasdaq, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the Partnership for Public Service, Catalyst, and the Princeton Faith & Work Initiative. She also serves as a guest lecturer at Stanford and Princeton on tech ethics and public-sector innovation. A Princeton graduate in public policy and economics, Townes-Whitley also holds executive certifications from Wharton, New York University, and the Performance Management Institute. Her accolades include 2024 USA Today Woman of the Year, the Women in Technology Lifetime Achievement Award, and Fortune's 'Most Powerful Women: One to Watch.' A former Peace Corps volunteer in Gabon and past president of Women in Technology, she is a passionate advocate for women's leadership, education, and social impact. ABOUT DELTA SIGMA THETA Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 13, 1913, on the campus of Howard University to promote academic excellence; to provide scholarships; to provide support to the underserved; educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy; and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communities. Since its founding, more than 350,000 women have joined the organization, making it one of the largest predominantly Black women's organizations in the country. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated has over 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters located in the United States, the Arabian Gulf, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Jamaica, Japan, the Republic of Korea, West Africa, the United Kingdom, and the Virgin Islands. The Sorority utilizes its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust of economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement to guide national programs, initiatives, and strategic partnerships. To learn more about Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, visit
Business Wire
07-07-2025
- General
- Business Wire
Power in Action: Delta Sigma Theta Hosts 57th National Convention
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--More than a century of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action will take center stage as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated convenes its 57th National Convention, bringing together attendees from across the globe to celebrate its legacy and shape its path forward. 'It is my honor to welcome our dynamic sisterhood to the 57th National Convention of Delta Sigma Theta,' said International President Elsie Cooke-Holmes. 'During the coming days, we will be inspired by our legacy and energized by the possibilities ahead." Share At capacity, 20,000 members of the storied organization will convene July 8-13, 2025, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in the nation's capital, joined by an additional 13,000 tuning in virtually. From empowering communities to elevating its impact, the Sorority is moving forward with fortitude to meet this pivotal moment with purpose, power, and unity. 'It is my honor to welcome our dynamic sisterhood to the 57th National Convention of Delta Sigma Theta,' said International President Elsie Cooke-Holmes. 'Our Sorority was founded 112 years ago on the campus of Howard University by 22 young women. We honor our origin and our future through our theme 'Forward with Fortitude: A Homecoming of Strength and Purpose.' During the coming days, we will be inspired by our legacy and energized by the possibilities ahead, as we exchange ideas and information, hear from experts, and learn about best practices to actively engage our sisterhood, empower our communities, and elevate our impact.' The Sorority's tradition of activism on the frontlines dates back to just weeks after its inception, when its Founders boldly marched in the 1913 Women's Suffrage Parade—the only Black women's organization to do so. The power-packed 2025 convention week will feature a series of meaningful sessions and events that speak to our sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS SISTERHOOD Golf Tournament Tuesday, July 8, 2025 9:00 am University of Maryland Golf Course 3800 Golf Course Road, College Park, MD 20742 OPEN TO PRESS Helen Webb Harris, a pioneering educator, advocate, and sports leader, will be recognized at Deltas on the Fairway National Golf Tournament, which is the kickoff to the 57 th National Convention. This tribute celebrates Harris' profound contributions to education, community service, and golf. SCHOLARSHIP Award Presentation at Public Meeting Thursday, July 10, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Halls D&E OPEN TO PRESS The 2025 recipient of The Dr. Thelma T. Daley Distinguished Professor Endowed Chair will be announced at this meeting. Since 1977, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority's Distinguished Professor Endowed Chair Award—affectionately known as DPEC—has been awarded to a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to provide research support for a distinguished professor in residence. Now named in honor of Delta Sigma Theta's 16th National President, Dr. Thelma T. Daley, who established the award, DPEC has provided over $2 million to more than 20 institutions. The award supports the research agendas of African American faculty whose work enhances the quality of life for African American families and communities. SERVICE Impact Day Tuesday, July 8, 2025 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Room 150 AB OPEN TO PRESS To combat period poverty and promote menstrual equity worldwide, volunteers will pack menstrual hygiene supplies for donation as part of the Sorority's R.E.D. (Restoring Equity and Dignity) Circle of Compassion initiative. The Sorority has a history of giving back to the city in which its convention is held, as part of its global service initiatives. Nearly 3,000 items are being packed and donated to support Washington, D.C. nonprofits, including Covenant House Washington, Harriet Tubman Women's Shelter (Catholic Charities), and Dolls & Dreams. The initiative's global impact can be seen both through donations of supplies to Mombasa Relief in Kenya, as well as a financial contribution of $10,000 to support menstrual health and education programs at I Can Fly High School in Kenya and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Elementary School in Ch'erette, Haiti. This large-scale effort will make a direct and measurable difference, since millions of girls around the world are still forced to miss school or face shame simply because they lack access to basic menstrual supplies. Blood Drive Tuesday, July 8, 2025 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Floor 2, Room 208AB Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the American Red Cross are partnering to host a blood drive during the convention. One in three Black donors are a match for someone with sickle cell disease – an enduring and often invisible condition. The disease disproportionately affects individuals of African descent, many of whom rely on routine blood transfusions as an essential treatment to prevent life-threatening complications. Red Tank Pitch Competition Tuesday, July 8, 2025 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Room 144 ABC OPEN TO PRESS The third iteration of the Delta Red Tank Pitch Competition for aspiring and established 'Deltapreneurs' will culminate with a live grand finale during the 57th National Convention. Collegiate and alumnae members representing all seven regions have successfully advanced through two rounds of competition, vying for the opportunity to present their elevator pitch in person to a review panel. The six Red Tank finalists will receive mentoring, business guidance, and monetary awards ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 to support their business, products, or services. Under the National Program Planning and Development Committee's Economic Development Subcommittee, this initiative advances the Women's Small Business Entrepreneurship Program and supports the Sorority's Financial Fortitude initiative. Public Meeting Thursday, July 10, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Halls D&E OPEN TO PRESS As a signature event of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated's National Convention, the Public Meeting—led by the International President—welcomes community leaders, public officials, and convention guests for an evening of celebration and recognition. This open-to-the-public gathering honors individuals and organizations for their outstanding service, leadership, and contributions to civic life, the arts, and the humanities. Dignitaries offering remarks often include national and local elected officials, corporate sponsors, and leaders of fellow Divine Nine organizations. This year's event will be hosted by WUSA 9's Lesli Foster. SOCIAL ACTION Social Action Luncheon Friday, July 11, 2025 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Halls A&B A cornerstone of the national convention, the Social Action Luncheon reflects Delta Sigma Theta's legacy of driving change, influencing policy, and empowering communities through sustained civic involvement. This year's keynote address will be delivered by U.S. Senator Cory Booker, whose presence affirms the power of civic participation and the urgency of collective action. His message will speak directly to the critical issues shaping our communities and the nation at large. ABOUT DELTA SIGMA THETA Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 13, 1913, on the campus of Howard University to promote academic excellence; to provide scholarships; to provide support to the underserved; educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy; and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communities. Since its founding, more than 350,000 women have joined the organization, making it one of the largest predominantly Black women's organizations in the country. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated has over 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters located in the United States, the Arabian Gulf, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Jamaica, Japan, the Republic of Korea, West Africa, the United Kingdom, and the Virgin Islands. The Sorority utilizes its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust of economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement to guide national programs, initiatives, and strategic partnerships. To learn more about Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, visit
Malaysian Reserve
19-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Honors Juneteenth by Celebrating Economic Justice Partners and a Legacy of Community Empowerment
WASHINGTON, June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In commemoration of Juneteenth, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated hosted a virtual Economic Justice Town Hall on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, honoring the trailblazing vision of its Five Founders and the enduring legacy of Dr. Opal Lee—known as the 'Grandmother of Juneteenth' and a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta. The Town Hall highlighted the Sorority's commitment to economic empowerment and featured a robust discussion on community-driven resources and opportunities made possible through Zeta's longstanding partnerships. 'Our Economic Justice Town Hall was both a tribute to Dr. Opal Lee's historic contributions and a call to action,' said Dr. Stacie NC Grant, International President and CEO of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. 'Juneteenth is more than a holiday. It's a reminder of the work still needed to dismantle systemic barriers to equity. Economic justice is essential to achieving the American Dream, and it will take all of us working together to eliminate disparities in areas like employment, housing, healthcare access, and financial literacy.' Throughout the event, Zeta leaders celebrated a range of strategic alliances that strengthen the Sorority's ability to deliver internal and community-based economic resources through the Sorority's Signature Initiative established in 2022, Women Who initiative supports small business owners in creating generational wealth through entrepreneurship. Honored partners included: Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Dfree Movement The BOSS Network National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) World of Money The Sorority's partnership with WBENC, a first of its kind within National PanHellenic Council organizations, advances opportunities for women entrepreneurs through business certification, mentorship, and scalable development programs. Zeta also showcased another first, with theirncollaboration with NAREB, aimed at equipping aspiring homeowners with tools and knowledge to navigate and access the real estate market. Leaders from The BOSS Network, Dfree Movement and World of Money emphasized the importance of financial education and how partnerships like these are critical to advancing economic equity in Black and Brown communities. The full Economic Justice Town Hall is available for viewing on Zeta Phi Beta Sorority's official YouTube channel: About Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated:Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded on January 16, 1920, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. The organization's principles, Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood, guide its members in uplifting communities and creating positive change. With a legacy of excellence, Zeta Phi Beta continues to impact lives through its diverse philanthropic efforts and dedication to empowering women worldwide.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dayton Sorority to host father-daughter dance on Saturday
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – A local Sorority chapter will host a Father-Daughter dinner dance on Saturday evening. The 'My Little Princess and Me' event will be on Saturday, March 22. It will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Louise Troy Elementary in Dayton. Hosted by the Montgomery County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the dance will be for girls from kindergarten to sixth grade. It will be an elegant space full of dancing, food, and fun to create memories with their fathers/guardians or father figures. Our 2 NEWS reporter Aaliyah Seabrooks will be co-hosting a pageant at the event. Tickets are $25 per father-daughter pair and $15 per additional guest at the door. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is a historically Black Sorority, it was established in 1913 at Howard University. Chapters assist and support community efforts alongside local programs. The Dayton chapter focuses on promoting education, economic development, and social action. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
