Our Sorority

Key Facts & Notable Members

Discover key facts about Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and learn more about notable members whose impact continues to shape the Sorority’s legacy.

Key Facts

Established: November 12, 1922, at Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana Membership: 100,000+ members Conference: National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC - Divine 9) Division: Five Regions — Central, Northeastern, Southeastern, Southwestern, Western Service Channel: Over 500 chapters in the U.S., Bahamas, Bermuda, the Virgin Islands, Canada, Germany, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. Sorority Flower: The Yellow Tea Rose Sorority Mascot: The Poodle Sorority Colors: Royal Blue and Gold Sorority Slogan: Greater Service, Greater Progress Sorority Abbreviated Title: SGRho or Sigma Sorority Call: EE-yip! Sorority Magazine: The AURORA

Sigma Gamma Rho is the only:

  • member of the NPHC which started as a professional organization
  • NPHC sorority founded at a predominantly white institution
  • NPHC sorority not founded at Howard University
  • sorority founded at Butler University
  • sorority with a poodle as its mascot

Notable Members

 
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Soror Robin L. Kelly

U.S. Representative, Illinois (2nd Congressional  District)

Soror Robin Kelly, U.S. Congresswoman

Soror Robin Kelly is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Illinois’s 2nd Congressional District since 2013. She previously served in the Illinois House of Representatives and as Chief of Staff to the Illinois State Treasurer.

Soror Nina Hudson Turner

Former Ohio State Senator, Educator, and Political Commentator

Soror Nina Turner, Former Ohio State Senator

Soror Nina Hudson Turner is an American politician, educator, motivational speaker, and political commentator. A former Ohio State Senator and Cleveland City Council Member, she has been a prominent voice in public service and national political discourse.

Soror Audrey Jones

Two-Time Emmy Award-Winning Senior Producer of ABC’s The View

Soror Audrey Jones, Two-Time Emmy Award Winner

Soror Audrey Jones is a two-time Emmy Award-winning television producer and senior producer of ABC’s The View. Her distinguished career in broadcast television has earned her multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and nominations for Outstanding Talk Show Production.

Soror Hattie McDaniel

First African American to Win an Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress)

Soror Hattie McDaniel, First African American Oscar Winner

Soror Hattie McDaniel was an American actress, singer, songwriter, and comedian. In 1939, she became the first African American to win an Academy Award, earning Best Supporting Actress for her role as “Mammy” in Gone with the Wind.

Soror MC Lyte

Grammy-Nominated Rapper, DJ, Actress, Entrepreneur, and Hip-Hop Pioneer

Soror MC Lyte, Grammy-Nominated American Rapper, DJ, Actress, Entrepreneur

Soror Lana Michelle Moorer (MC Lyte) is a groundbreaking Grammy-nominated rapper, DJ, actress, and entrepreneur. One of the first commercially successful female hip-hop artists, she has been recognized among the 50 Most Influential Hip Hop Artists of All Time by About.com. Beyond her musical achievements, MC Lyte is also an accomplished voice-over artist and a prominent figure in entertainment.

Soror Kelly Price

Six-Time Grammy-Nominated R&B Singer and Songwriter

Soror Kelly Price, Six-Time Grammy Nominated R&B Singer & Songwriter

Soror Kelly Price is a six-time Grammy-nominated American R&B singer, songwriter, and television personality. Best known as a Def Soul artist, she has built a successful career working with R&B and hip-hop legends and later served as a judge on BET’s Sunday Best. She is also recognized for her advocacy in breast cancer awareness.

Soror Martha Reeves

Motown Singer and Former Detroit Councilwoman

Soror Martha Reeves, Motown Lead Singer of Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Former Politician

Soror Martha Reeves is an American singer and lead vocalist of the Motown group Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. Best known for the iconic hit “Dancing in the Street,” she helped define the Motown sound and its cultural impact during the civil rights era. Reeves later served as an elected councilwoman for the City of Detroit.

Soror Deshauna Barber

U.S. Army Reserve Captain, Former Miss USA, and Motivational Speaker

Soror Deshauna Barber, U.S. Army Reserve Captain, Former Miss USA, and Motivational Speaker

Soror Deshauna Barber is a United States Army Reserve Captain, former Miss USA, and motivational speaker. In 2016, she became the first active-duty soldier to win the Miss USA title. She went on to represent the United States at Miss Universe 2016 in Manila, where she placed among the top nine finalists.

Soror Donna Orender

Former WNBA President and Sports Executive

Soror Donna Orender, Former WNBA President

Soror Donna Geils Orender is a sports executive and former collegiate and professional basketball player. She previously served as President of the WNBA and is the CEO of Orender Unlimited. A recognized business leader, she has been influential in sports leadership, media, and executive management.

Soror Maritza McClendon

First African American Olympic Medalist in Swimming

Soror Maritza McClendon, Former Olympic Athlete and Medalist

Soror Maritza Correia McClendon is an Olympic swimmer and medalist. She became the first African American woman to make the U.S. Olympic swimming team, competing in 2004, and the first African American female swimmer to win an Olympic medal. A former member of the University of Georgia’s championship swim team, she was inducted into the Georgia Aquatics Hall of Fame in 2014.

Soror Carmelita Jeter

Three-Time Olympic Medalist and “Fastest Woman Alive”

Soror Carmelita Jeter, Three-Time Olympic Medalist, Dubbed

Soror Carmelita Jeter is a retired American sprinter who specialized in the 100 meters. Nicknamed the “Fastest Woman Alive,” she is a three-time Olympic medalist and the 2011 World Champion in the 100 meters. She also earned a World Championship bronze medal.

Soror Fantasia Barrino

Grammy Award-Winning Singer and American Idol Champion

Soror Fantasia, Grammy Award-Winning R&B Singer, American Idol Champion, Bestselling Author, and Acclaimed Broadway and Film Actress

Soror Fantasia Barrino is a Grammy Award-winning American R&B singer and songwriter. She rose to fame as the winner of American Idol Season 3 and has since built a successful career in music, earning critical acclaim for her powerful vocals and artistry. Barrino is also a bestselling author and acclaimed Broadway and film actress.

Soror Victoria Rowell

Acclaimed Actress, Bestselling Author, Producer, and Philanthropist

Soror Victoria Rowell, Acclaimed Actress, Bestselling Author, Producer, and Philanthropist

Soror Victoria Rowell is an acclaimed American actress, producer, author, and philanthropist. She is best known for her roles on The Young and the Restless and Diagnosis: Murder. Rowell is a NAACP Image Award–nominated actress and has built a distinguished career in television and film. Beyond entertainment, she is a dedicated advocate for foster youth and has led philanthropic efforts supporting children in foster care.

Greater Service, Greater Progress

Our Sorority