HerSTORY IN SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC.

I have demonstrated a profound commitment to Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., through extensive service and leadership over the years. My journey began in Fall 1980 with my induction into the Epsilon Eta Chapter at Spelman College, where I served as both Anti-Basileus and Basileus. After prioritizing family and career above all else, in 2007, I transferred to the Eta Sigma Alumnae Chapter and played a pivotal role in reestablishing the Epsilon Eta Chapter and supporting the purchase of the Eta Sigma House. 

Throughout my tenure, I have supported various chapters, including serving as First Alumna Advisor for Epsilon Eta and Campus Advisor for Epsilon Theta at Tuskegee University. My contributions extend to national and regional volunteer work, where I’ve been involved in committees, presented workshops, and provided creative consulting, including  proposals to  launch key initiatives such as the Uniquely Sigma Image and Sisterhood Campaign in 2013 and the Building the Brand Campaign in 2023.

My legacy is also reflected in my family’s involvement in the sorority. I proudly welcomed four Sigma legacies—my three daughters and a niece—into the sorority. My eldest daughter, Shantori Palmer Hill, is a charter member of the Clayton State University Chapter. My middle daughter, Devon Hagos, joined as a solo at the University of Southern California, and my youngest daughter, Dr. Brandy Edmondson, joined me as a double legacy in Spelman's chapter. My niece, Selena Cox White, joined as an alumnae member in the Lambda Sigma Sigma Chapter.

My dedication has been recognized with several awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Epsilon Eta Chapter. While some may view Life Member 1033 as a provocateur,  I continue to influence the sorority’s growth and visibility through initiatives like the Great Minds for Change and Sigma Building The Brand Facebook groups. Additionally, fueled by a passion for upholding the legacy of Sigma Gamma Rho, I am working to update the sorority’s unofficial stroll song. I, along with many others, believe it does not reflect the values and virtues of the sorority's founders and high achievers. Our goal is to ensure the sorority remains a beacon of excellence and service. 

Fall 1980                    Inducted into Epsilon Eta (EH) Chapter at Spelman College (Ace)

1981-82                      Served as Anti-Basileus (Vice President) at Spelman College 

1982-83                     Served as Basileus (President) at Spelman College

Spr 2007 Transferred into Eta Sigma Alumnae Chapter

Fall 2007                  Welcomed 1st Sigma Legacy (Daughter)

Fall 2009                  Welcomed 2nd Sigma Legacy (Daughter)

2010 Led committee to establish the Eta Sigma Philo Affiliate Club

Jun 2011                    Elected 4th Anti-Basileus of Eta Sigma Alumnae Chapter

Fall 2011-Spr 2015     Served as First EH Chapter Alumna Advisor (Spelman College)

Jun 2011                    Created branding for EH programming and visibility

Jun 2011                     Primary author of the Uniquely Sigma Image and Sisterhood Campaign

Oct 2011                     Collaborated with Eta Sigma to serve the faculty at the Spelhouse Homecoming

Nov 2011                    Oversaw the Inauguration of the Exceptional Women Speaker Series at Spelman College

Jan 2012 Launched Great Minds 4Change Facebook Group

Spr 2012                    Firmly established the B.O.S.S. Poodles at Spelman College

2012-2013                  Coordinated the infrastructure for successful EH chapter programing at Spelman College

Jun 2013                    Unanimously Re-elected 4th Anti-Basileus of Eta Sigma Alumnae Chapter

Fall 2013                    Welcomed 3rd Sigma Legacy (Daughter)

Oct 2013                    Established the chapter and sorority presence at the Spelhouse Homecoming

2013-2014                  Served on the International Education and Music Committee

Nov 2014                   Oversaw the Inauguration of the Chapter Signature Event: A Night of Rhoyalty in MLK Chapel at Morehouse College

Nov 2014 Became Life Member 1033

Jun 2016 Became a Ruby Member (Officially recognized for 22 Years of Service)

Jun 2016-present Became a General Life Member

Apr 2018                  Recommended Makeba Reed-Johnson for honorary membership

Fall 2018 Serve as Campus Advisor to Epsilon Theta Chapter, Tuskegee University

Dec 2018 Appointed Marketing Chairperson of the G.O.L.D.E.N. Charitable Foundation

Nov 2020 Content and Creative Consulting on new international website

Nov 2020 Appointed to the Centennial Butler University Initiative

Fall 2021 Welcomed 4th Sigma Legacy (Niece)

Jul 2022   Recommended Zan Dubin-Scott for Centennial honorary membership

Jul 2022 Historical brick for Dr. VCE placed at Sigma Gamma Rho Founders Plaza at Butler University

Aug 2022 Undergraduate Leadership Development Program/Undergraduate Concerns Committee, Southeastern Region

May 2023 Launched Sigma Building The Brand Facebook Group

June 2023 Drafted Petition to Replace Shake That Monkey as the sorority’s unofficial stroll song

Regional and National Volunteer Work (not exhaustive): Membership Committee (SE Region), Education Committee (International), ULDP Workshop Presenter (SE Region), Workshop Presenter (Boule), Presenter at Officer Training Institute, Board of G.O.L.D.E.N. Charitable Foundation (Marketing), Content and Creative consulting on new international website.

Sorority Awards: Certificate of Appreciation for Service to UAB Undergraduate Chapter,  2004 and 2006; Big Sister of the Year for University of West Georgia Undergraduate Chapter, 2005; On Fire to Serve Award, Eta Sigma Alumnae Chapter, 2011; Lifetime Achievement Award Epsilon Eta Chapter, 2015