The Golden Standard: Celebrating Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and Its Unmatched Legacy in the Divine Nine
- The Media Girls
- 5 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 47 minutes ago
Each November, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. celebrates its Founders’ Month, an annual reminder of the power, purpose, and progress that seven visionary educators sparked on November 12, 1922, at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. As the only sorority in the Divine Nine founded on a predominantly white campus, Sigma Gamma Rho emerged from a determination to uplift Black women during one of the nation’s most challenging eras. Today, the organization continues to stand as a beacon of resilience, leadership, and generational impact.
While the Divine Nine is home to several iconic organizations, Sigma Gamma Rho often stands in a quiet league of its own, consistently delivering profound, measurable change. With over 200,000+ members, global chapters, and initiatives that reach far beyond college campuses, the women of Sigma Gamma Rho have built a legacy that has impacted women worldwide.
A Legacy Rooted in Service, Strength, and Sisterhood
The seven founders; 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—built Sigma Gamma Rho on the cornerstone philosophy of Greater Service, Greater Progress. For 103 years, that motto has guided a mission centered on education, social action, community empowerment, and uplifting Black women across every stage of life.
From pioneering youth programs like Rhoers, to nationwide efforts addressing maternal health, education equality, and violence prevention, Sigma Gamma Rho has consistently positioned itself as a solutions-driven force within Black communities.
Impact That Goes Beyond the Letters
What truly sets Sigma Gamma Rho apart is its commitment to work over noise. The organization’s legacy isn’t built on popularity—it’s built on outcomes.
Sigma Gamma Rho has maintained a strong presence in education, politics, entertainment, and entrepreneurship, with a roster of notable members including:
Fantasia Barrino
Wendy Raquel Robinson
Nicci Gilbert
LaTavia Roberson
Kelly Price
MC Lyte
These women, along with hundreds of thousands of other sorors, exemplify excellence, leadership, and the pride of wearing royal blue and gold.
A Sorority That Continues to Rise
As the Divine Nine continues to evolve, Sigma Gamma Rho stands out as a powerful reminder that greatness is not measured by volume but by value. Sigma Gamma Rho’s work consistently reaches farther, impacts deeper, and uplifts wider.
Whether through national initiatives, global partnerships, or their unwavering dedication to scholarship and service, the organization continues to set a standard that is impossible to ignore.
Honoring Founders’ Month with Purpose
Founders’ Month isn’t just a time of celebration, it’s a call to action. It is a reminder of the seven educators who dared to create something greater than themselves and the generations of women who now carry that vision forward.
For Media Girls On Tour—an organization rooted in elevating women, storytelling, and representation, it is an honor to spotlight a sisterhood that embodies excellence in its purest form.
As Sigma Gamma Rho marks another year of Greater Service, Greater Progress, we salute the women who continue to blaze trails, break barriers, and shape the world—quietly, powerfully, and unmistakably.
Because when it comes to true impact, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. has always been the golden standard.
Let's Highlight Media Girls who are apart of this amazing organization.
Chapter: Mu Xi - Jacksonville State
Career: Actress, Host, DEI Educator, Trainer
With a robust foundation in higher education and a proven track record as a seasoned Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Educator, she is deeply committed to cultivating inclusive environments that empower individuals from all backgrounds. Her expertise spans the development and implementation of strategic DEI initiatives, curriculum design, and programming that supports equitable access, belonging, and institutional transformation.
A passionate advocate for equity, she brings extensive experience in delivering cultural competency training, conducting thorough assessments of organizational practices, and guiding stakeholders toward sustainable, positive change. Her work reflects an unyielding dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion both within higher education and across broader community spaces.
In addition to her leadership in DEI, she is also a multifaceted creative—an actress and host whose artistic talents continue to expand her impact. Her film projects include the 2023 production Call Me Zaddy, showcasing her versatility and presence on screen.
She remains actively engaged in opportunities to further the mission of equity, representation, and inclusive excellence in every space she serves.
Chapter: Xi Mu / Mu Xi - UAB & Jacksonville State
Career: Woman of God, Actress, Educator, Author, Motivational Speaker, Executive Assistant for PVIFF, Entpreneur
Katrina Henderson is a multifaceted leader whose work spans faith, education, the arts, and empowerment. A devoted woman of God, Katrina uses her gifts to inspire others and create meaningful impact in every space she enters.
As an educator, she is committed to guiding and uplifting the next generation, fostering growth through knowledge, compassion, and purpose. Her creativity also shines as an actress, where she brings stories to life with authenticity and heart.
Katrina is the author of You Are The Gift, a powerful work that encourages readers to recognize their God-given value. As a motivational speaker, she shares uplifting messages rooted in faith, resilience, and personal transformation.
In her professional service, Katrina excels as the Executive Assistant for PVIFF, supporting one of the leading film and arts festivals with excellence and dedication. She is also a driven small business owner, demonstrating her passion for entrepreneurship and community impact.
With a calling to inspire and a commitment to serve, Katrina Henderson continues to lead with purpose, passion, and grace
Chapter: Mu Xi - Jacksonville State
Career: Actress, Content Creator, Brand Ambassador
Natalie Diane is a multifaceted creative whose work spans film, modeling, and digital content creation. She is best known for her standout performances in Jelly Bean, Three of a Kind (2025), and the 2023 film Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get, where she brings depth, emotion, and authenticity to every role. Her natural screen presence and versatility continue to establish her as a rising force in the entertainment industry.
Beyond acting, Natalie has built a dynamic portfolio as a model, working with emerging brands and creative teams to produce striking visual campaigns. Her ability to blend confidence, storytelling, and style has made her a sought-after face in both fashion and lifestyle spaces.
As a content creator, Natalie has cultivated an engaging digital presence, connecting with audiences through creative storytelling, behind-the-scenes moments, and lifestyle content that highlights her personality, creativity, and unique perspective.
With a growing body of work and an unwavering dedication to her craft, Natalie Diane continues to expand her influence across entertainment, fashion, and digital media—solidifying her place as a talent to watch.
Chapter: Alpha Pi Chapter / Eta Nu
Career: Actress, Director, Singer
Okema T. Moore started her career as a child singer/actor on Sesame Street, cultivating quite a life of experiences since then. Most recently she can be seen on Season 3 of Harlem on Amazon Prime, the holiday movie So Flyy Christmas starring Tichina Arnold and Tammy Roman, directed by Terri J. Vaughn on BET+, and Seasons 1 & 2 of Makeup x Breakup on allblk. Theatrically, Okema starred in a series of one-act and full-length plays of her own and several known shows such a Dreamgirls as lead character Lorrell and Wine in the Wilderness as lead character Tommy. She headlined at Pittsburgh's August Wilson Theatre in 2017 and did a 20-show run of the same play, You Wouldn't Expect, off Broadway in 2018. Okema can be seen as a hologram in Brian Stevenson's Equal Justice Museum in Alabama and before covid, starred in the US Equity tour of Henry Box Brown. Okema was nominated for Best Actress for her short Shh... in a series of film festivals and can also be seen in the Emmy nominated webseries Pillow Talk on BET+. Okema is a member of both SAG-AFTRA and AEA, as well as the PGA and a Board Member for both the Black TV & Film Collective and NY Women In Film & Television. Most recently Okema is set to direct a new film by KJ Smith Black and Skyh Black Launch Blackhouse Media, Set First Feature on Maternal Mental Health.
Chapter: Zeta Alpha Sigma
Career: Senior Public Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement Executive / Realtor
A seasoned Senior Public Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement Executive, she brings more than a decade of experience leading government relations, crisis communications, and strategic partnerships across major federal agencies, including FEMA. Her expertise includes coordinating large-scale disaster response, shaping policy outcomes, and cultivating high-impact alliances with local, state, and national stakeholders.
Driven by a passion for communication, collaboration, and public service, she is dedicated to advancing mission success, strengthening community resilience, and delivering measurable impact in every role she serves. Her work is rooted in developing inclusive engagement strategies that build public trust and support agency goals.
In addition to her leadership in public affairs, she is also a licensed realtor, leveraging her strong relationship-building skills, market awareness, and service-oriented approach to help clients navigate real estate with confidence. Her combined expertise in communication, strategy, and client engagement positions her as a trusted professional across both the public and private sectors.
With a commitment to excellence and a proven record of results, she continues to make meaningful contributions through policy influence, community outreach, and impactful real estate service.
Chapter:
Career: Radio/Media Personality / Program Director
The magnetic and multi-faceted media personality, Ashley Maclin, also known as ASHMAC, is notable for delivering highly engaging content on-air, on-camera, and in the community.
The media powerhouse is an HBCU graduate. She achieved her degree in Music Media emphasis in Communications at Norfolk State University where she also began he career in media to now, dominating the airwaves. From being a community staple throughout the Midwest Regions, Cincinnati, OH to Indianapolis, IN to St. Louis, MO, Ashmac knows how to reach people where they are at, locally. Which only contributes more to being a Nationally Syndicated personality. Ashmac has since been featured on global platforms such as BET, NAACP, ESSENCE, FOX SOUL, ABC, multiple National syndicated shows such as The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, The Morning Hustle, and Posted on The Corner with Incognito. Along with being a media correspondent for BOSSIP.COM, she has received multiple awards highlighting her work ethic and creativity in the media profession.
As she continues to shine effortlessly on-screen and on-air, ASHMAC diligently continues to be an impactful pillar in the community through support of charitable programs, campaigns, and organizations such as the Urban League, Indianapolis Black Alumni Council, Circle City Classic, Indiana Black Expo, Feed the City Campaign, and now she takes on a new role…
As Assistant Program Director, for Radio One Philadelphia (WRNB-FM) Known for delivering highly engaging content on-air, on-camera, and in the community, this media powerhouse is ready to take on the Tristate area.
Follow her @ashmacgetsit – IG/Twitter/TikTok
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