Foundation & History
On Saturday, November 3, 1990, the Eta Iota Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was officially chartered in Chevy Chase, Maryland, marking the beginning of a legacy of service, sisterhood, and leadership in the community. The chartering ceremony and reception, held at the New Embassy Suites Hotel at Chevy Chase Pavilion, brought together more than 125 attendees, including distinguished guests, community leaders, and members of the sorority.
The occasion featured the presentation of the chapter charter by Undergraduate Chapter Coordinator
Soror Paulette Davis, while the charter members were formally presented by Soror Shirley L. Smith, the 14th Northeastern Region Syntaktes. The ceremony was especially significant because it also included the organization of the Eta Iota Sigma Philo Club, with then National Philo President Annette F. Adams representing the Philos, making it a truly unique and memorable milestone in the chapter’s founding.
The chapter received its official charge from Soror Dr. Lorraine A. Williams, Past Grand Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Dr. Williams held the distinction of being the only soror to serve as Grand Basileus twice and, at that time, was the most recent Grand Basileus from the Northeastern Region.
This historic chartering laid the foundation for decades of service, sisterhood, leadership, and community impact for the chapter and the communities it serves.
Charter Members
The charter members’ vision, dedication, and commitment shaped the identity and direction of Eta Iota Sigma from its chartering in 1990. Their leadership and service continue to inspire the chapter as it advances the objectives of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Charter Members:
- Dr. Mynora Bryant, Basileus
- Doris Baker-Ortiz, Parliamentarian
- Shelita Casey
- Diana Dawkins, Anti-Grammateus
- Hervert Days, Chaplain
- Naomi A.Hamilton
- Barbara Johnson-Jones, Anti-Basileus
- Sophia Lawson, Grammateus
- Dr. Valerie Lawson
- Vergia Madison
- Nadeena Mason
- Lynn McClarrin-Volpel
- Judith Nester
- Mary A. Randle
- Jennifer Rayford-Johnson, Tamiochus
- Deborah I. Walsh
- Joyce Wando
- Victoria Dorsey-Williams
- Brenda Wiggins
Eta Iota Sigma, Where Excellence Is the Standard
Our Sorority
Steeped in sisterhood, scholarship, and service, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was founded on November 12, 1922, at Butler University by seven pioneering educators.
Today, it is an international organization that celebrates achievement and advances meaningful change through leadership and community engagement—cultivating women of purpose who lead with excellence and compassion.
Greater Service, Greater Progress
Our Chapter
Established on November 3, 1990, in Chevy Chase, Maryland, the Eta Iota Sigma Alumnae Chapter is anchored in the principles of sisterhood, scholarship, and service.
Today, those values continue to guide our commitment to leadership, meaningful service, and lifelong sisterhood.
Eta Iota Sigma, Where Excellence Is the Standard.