Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded on Jan. 13, 1913, with the Iota Mu chapter at Northwestern State University being established on May 21, 1972. The sorority has core values of scholarship, public service and sisterhood, and is one of the Divine Nine sororities at NSU.
Ja’Naya Woodard is a junior health and exercise major as well as the current president for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Being a part of the organization has helped her grow in many ways and has become a large part of her time at NSU. “I joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated because I found myself aligned with the principles and values that this sorority stands for. The Deltas have helped me tremendously throughout my college journey. I have always been a natural-born leader and Delta has only helped me further those skills,” Woodard said.
Nilah Pollard is a junior social work major and is the chaplain, record secretary and historian for Delta Sigma Theta. To Pollard, joining this sorority was always the right path for her as she came from a long line of Delta women and enjoyed what they did and stood for. “I joined for a couple reasons. I’m a legacy, which means that my mom and grandmother also were members of Delta Sigma Theta. Growing up and seeing all the paraphernalia everywhere, the way they carry themselves and their involvement in the organization made me so interested in it,” Pollard said.
“After doing my own research, I realized that there was no other organization I’d rather be involved in,” Pollard said. “I really enjoyed the sisterhood aspect of it and getting to gain 15 new wonderful sisters has made me love every minute of being a Delta.”
Pollard also believes that being in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. throughout her time at NSU has helped her build confidence in her position as secretary. “I have always been a very organized person, but holding the position of secretary helped me realize that I can do this,” Pollard said. “Having the weight of recording the minutes doesn’t seem like much, but you have to be organized and on top of things. Running for that position and being selected for it has helped me see how much I’ve grown and taught me that I can do things that may be challenging.”
The Deltas are also huge on community service outside of NSU’s campus. The sisters love offering support and help in community health affairs, domestic violence shelters, disaster relief and more. Sha’Mya Lorden is a senior, double majoring in psychology and addiction studies and was both the physical and mental health chair and step master. Lorden sees that being involved in community service has deepened her understanding of the importance in giving back and fostering positive change. “The sense of responsibility and connection to my community has motivated me to be more socially aware and engaged in the issues that matter most. The sorority has truly helped me grow both professionally and as an active member of the community,” Lorden said.
Lorden feels that not only was her bond with the community strengthened through the sorority, but also her own growth in professionalism and networking. “Being a part of the sorority has been invaluable for networking and professional development. It has provided me with access to a strong alumni network that spans various industries, allowing me to connect with people who can offer guidance, mentorship and even career opportunities,” Lorden said. “The connections I’ve made within my chapter and the broader sorority network have opened doors and helped me expand my professional circle, which is crucial in today’s job market.”
The sorority’s main goals for this year were to establish itself as both a sorority with many new members and to build better and more meaningful connections with the community of Natchitoches and NSU.
