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Byron Holly2026-09-20 15:39:102026-09-20 15:39:10DREF Welcomes New Director of Charitable EngagementLatest News & Events
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DREF recognizes World Alzheimer`s Day . The 2026 theme: "The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters" emphasizes the critical importance of recognizing early symptoms, seeking timely medical intervention, and reducing the stigma attached to dementia.
DREF`s partnership with Alzheimer`s Association, last year, included three webinars to increase awareness about Alzheimer`s and Dementia and share updates on research and treatment. In addition includes the importance of participation in clinical trials, and provide resources for caregivers. Visit https://deltafoundation.net/alzheimersassociation/ to learn more. #DREF, #DST1913, #WorldAlzheimersDay #AlzheimersAwareness #DementiaCare #CaregiverSupport #ClinicalTrials #AlzheimersAssociation
This Motivational Monday, DREF is pleased to announce our new Director of Charitable Engagement, Starlet Hunter, M.A., PMP.
Throughout her career, Starlet has worked at the intersection of philanthropy, business, and community, bringing a relationship-centered approach to identifying opportunities, cultivating alliances, and translating organizational priorities into meaningful community outcomes. Her extensive background spans grantmaking, fundraising, corporate philanthropy, stakeholder engagement, workforce development, government relations, donor engagement, and strategic leadership.
Starlet holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Urban Leadership. Notably, she is a graduate of Leadership Maryland’s Class of 2024, and holds professional certifications in Corporate Social Responsibility, Event Management, and Project Management. Dedicated to service, she is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Federal City Alumnae Chapter, and serves as Vice Chair of the Prince George’s County Advisory Board for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington. Visit www.deltafoundation.net for full bio. #DST1913, #DREF, AfricanAmericanWomenLeaders, #CommunityEngagement, #StrategicLeadership, #NonprofitLeadership
DREF recognizes National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, which raises awareness about the need for HIV prevention and treatment strategies for older adults and long-term survivors. The 2026 observance prioritizes the theme `Protect Our Aging Populations: Meeting New Challenges to Live Longer and Improve Lives!,` emphasizing the essential roles of research, prevention, and data collection in supporting older adults living with HIV. People with HIV are living longer, healthier lives with treatment.
More than half of all people living with diagnosed HIV in the United States are currently aged 50 or older, marking a significant demographic shift driven by advancements in medical care. Older adults living with HIV face a higher probability of developing age-related conditions—such as cardiovascular disease, neurocognitive decline, and frailty—often at an earlier stage than their peers without HIV. Visit this link to learn more: go.nih.gov/RZHMFSq Black Health Matters! #DST1913, #DREF, #AgingWithHIV #HealthyAging #EndHIV #HIVPrevention
As the Summer comes to an end, the DREF Sister Scholars Advisory Council’s National Reading Circle encourages all to check out the 2026 Summer Reading List. It`s curated for your education and pleasure. Take some time to access one or more of these great reads. Enjoy! Visit: https://deltafoundation.net/national-reading-circle/ to make your selection(s). Let us know which book you chose to read this year! Post in comments! #DST1913, #DREF, #DREFSisterScholars, #SummerReading2026, #HeatwaveReading, #BookLovers #NationalReadingCircle
September is recognized as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Awareness Month to honor the history, legacy, and impact of the nation`s more than 100 HBCUs, nationally. The month aims to encourage students to enroll in HBCUs, raise scholarship funds, and build employment pipelines into corporate America and other sectors.
DREF celebrates HBCU Awareness Month by honoring the institutions that cultivate excellence, empower generations, and uplift Black communities. Support an HBCU today! #DST1913, #DREF, #HBCUAwarenessMonth, #HBCUPride, #BlackExcellence,#EmpowerBlackStudents
Today, on #StandUpToCancerDay, DREF recognizes that while progress is being made—with significant declines in cancer mortality rates for Black men and women over the last few decades—the work is far from finished. We must continue to confront the persistent health disparities that affect our community:
Black people continue to have the highest overall cancer death rate compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Disparities in survival rates and treatment outcomes remain a critical challenge that requires our collective focus and advocacy.
On this day, we commit to prioritizing our health, supporting one another, and demanding equitable access to quality cancer care. Whether it’s scheduling your screening, encouraging a loved one to prioritize their health, or advocating for equitable research, your actions make a difference.
Let’s stand together to close the gap.
#DST1913, #DREF, #StandUpToCancer, #CancerDisparities, #HealthEquity, #BlackHealthMatters, #CancerAwareness, #AdvocacyInAction
“Research Matters: Creating Possibilities to Achieve Health and Wellness for All of Us” focuses on outreach and education to African Americans about the significant role biomedical research plays in addressing health disparities.
As we continue to explore health equity issues, DREF is proud to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association. The three planned webinars are designed to increase awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia.
DREF awards scholarships and internship opportunities to student applicants entering college or continuing their academic programs. Students must meet both academic and community service requirements.
The Delta Research and Educational Foundation (DREF) supports DST Chapters, Individuals and Families by providing a comprehensive Financial Health & Wellness Webinar Series.
Delta Research and Educational Foundation (DREF)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. established the Delta Research and Educational Foundation (DREF) as a public charity supporting scholastic achievement, public service programs, and research initiatives focused upon African American women.
VISION The DREF vision is to Create Possibilities and Improve Lives.
MISSION The Delta Research and Educational Foundation (DREF) identifies issues affecting Black women, their families, and communities of the African Diaspora globally, and creates solutions through research, programming, and funding in support of charitable and educational programs of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and other collaborative organizations.














