As Americans, living and working abroad can be challenging and sometimes isolating. However, members of Delta Sigma Theta, know that Deltas are everywhere. As an international organization, it doesn’t take long to find a Delta nearby. These ‘Desert Deltas’, found collegiality, fellowship and support in one another… while living thousands of miles away from their US homes. They affectionately called themselves the ‘Sandbox Sorors’.
After many years, a steering committee was formed and work began, to officially operate as a chapter in the GCC. The women forged a union across countries, with the goal of implementing Delta programming and the intent of having a positive impact on Americans and expatriates living in the GCC. Like our sorority’s Founders, these women overcame enormous obstacles and persevered through a world-wide pandemic to achieve their goal.
The Arabian Gulf Alumnae Chapter (AGAC), chapter #1058, was chartered on October 31, 2020 under the leadership of national president and CEO, Beverly E. Smith and Regional Director Rosie Allen-Herring. There were 83 bold and dynamic charter members, representing 6 countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including Bahrain, Kuwait, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Members represent a variety of private and government professions including military, education, civilian, medical, oil and gas, and many others. Members are committed to implementing Delta’s Five-point programmatic thrusts to support the needs of international communities. The programmatic thrusts include: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health and Political Awareness and Involvement.
Our charter officers are Veronica Griffin (President), Deidra White (1st Vice-President), Dr. Amy Walker (2nd Vice-President), Tiffany Lee-Griggs (Treasurer), Avraye Henry (Recording Secretary), Dionne Huffman (Corresponding Secretary) and Saint-Julia Vilnet (Financial Secretary).
Unfortunately, there were several steering committee members, that due to repatriation, were unable to see their passionate work come to fruition. Those charter application members include:
Adrienne Walton
Crystal Gordon
Deirdra Mitchell
Mekeyah McQueen
Reneta Sanders
Wlede Frankfort
The legacy of the Arabian Gulf Alumnae Chapter will forever hold these members in high regard.