Mission Statement

It is the mission of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. to enhance the quality of life for women and their families in the U.S. and globally through community service, civil, and social action. Our goal is to achieve greater progress in the areas of education, health awareness, and leadership development. Our members, affiliates, staff, and community partners work to create and support initiatives that align with our vision.

Vision Statement

We visualize a world in which all women and their families reach their full potential in all aspects of life and are able to create unlimited opportunities for future generations.

Foundation

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was founded in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 12, 1922 by seven young educators: Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Vivian Irene White Marbury, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, Hattie Mae  Annette Dulin Redford, Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin and Cubena McClure. The group became an incorporated national collegiate sorority on December 30, 1929, when a charter was granted to Alpha chapter at Butler University. Today there are over 100,000 members and 460 chapters.

Sisterhood

From seven young educators, Sigma Gamma Rho has become an international service organization comprised of women from every profession. Some characteristics that Sigma Gamma Rho women share are stability, responsibility, purpose, self-respect, and intelligent. Sigma Gamma Rho offers its members opportunities to develop their unique talents through leadership training and involvement in sorority activities. Sorority activities provide an atmosphere where friendships and professional contacts are developed which often lead to bonds that last a lifetime.

Scholarship

In a time when education for African Americans was difficult to attain, the founders of Sigma Gamma Rho became educators. They believed that the self-respect, knowledge and discipline gained through study would help individuals to recognize their duty and responsibility for their society. Thus, Sigma Gamma Rho was founded on the precept of education and continues to promote and encourage high scholastic attainment.

Service

Sigma Gamma Rho’s commitment to service is expressed in its slogan, “Greater Service, Greater Progress.” The sorority has a proud history of offering service wherever chapters exist, including OPERATION BigBookBag, a program designed to address the needs, challenges and issues that face school-aged children who are educationally at-risk in local homeless shelters and extended care hospitals. Other national projects include Wee Savers, Project Reassurance and Habitat for Humanity.

The service of Sigma Gamma Rho from a global perspective includes Project Africa and Project Mwanamugimu. Through active participation in programs and through networking with other organizations such as the National Council of Negro Women, Urban League and the NAACP, Sigma’s legacy of service to improve the quality of life for all mankind continues.

The Iota Zeta Sigma Alumnae Chapter consists of women who maintain the focus of the Illustrious Founders of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Chartered March 24, 2001 by twelve ladies, Iota Zeta Sigma members live out the motto of the sisterhood “Greater Service, Greater Progress” through community, social and civic events.

The Iota Zeta Sigma Alumnae chapter is committed to providing ongoing support to local and national programs through our partnerships with organizations like Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the March of Dimes. We are also steadfast in our efforts to increase community awareness through a variety educational events.   

ΙΖΣ Charter Members: Michelle Allen, Monica Copeland, Shundreka Givan, Yemargura Hall, Trina Ijemere, Angela C. Jackson, Dawn Jessie, Yvette Madeam Johnson, Stephanie Madison, Anitra Peten, Rayna Powell, Keisha Y. Simmons.