Sister Scholars Advisory Council
Authorities on History, Culture, & Issues Relating to Women of the African Diaspora
Calling Sister Scholars: Join Us for 2026–2027!The DREF Sister Scholars Advisory Council (SSAC) is gearing up for another productive year of research, publications, presentations, and scholarly engagement.
SSAC brings together established scholars from inside and outside of academia who lend their expertise to research and initiatives addressing critical issues affecting African American women and communities. Join a network of volunteer scholars, builders, and leaders who are members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., who are committed to using research, knowledge, and collective expertise to support the Black community.
This past year, Sister Scholars continued to turn research into action. The Council hosted the Empowering Health Equity Advocacy Webinar, in partnership with the Physical and Mental Health committee of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., which brought together experts and community members to examine health disparities and discuss strategies for advancing health equity. The webinar built upon SSAC’s healthcare research, including From Disparity to Equity: A Roadmap for Closing Black Healthcare Gaps, extending the research beyond publication and into education, dialogue, and advocacy.
SSAC also completed a new research report, No Margin for Error: How Thin Wealth Buffers Destabilize Black Communities, which was released at the 16th Annual Stephanie Tubbs Jones Social Justice Forum during Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital. And there is important work ahead. During the 2026–2027 year, Sister Scholars will be working on the next edition of PHILLIS: The Journal for Research on African American Women, DREF’s peer-reviewed scholarly journal. We are looking for scholars interested in supporting the development of the next journal, as well as contributing their expertise to the Council’s broader research, publication, and engagement activities. We invite returning and prospective Sister Scholars to join us for 2026–2027. Bring your expertise. Expand your scholarly and professional network. Collaborate across disciplines. And help develop research and knowledge that can strengthen Black women, families, and communities.
Our first meeting for returning and prospective members will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET | 7 p.m. CT | 6 p.m. MT | 5 p.m. PT.
Interested in joining us? Email sisterscholars@
The Sister Scholars Advisory Council (SSAC) provides information and recommendations regarding the program component and research projects of the Delta Research and Educational Foundation’s (DREF) Center for Research on African American Women.
The program components concentrate on the following areas of interest and concerns relating to the lives and well-being of African American women:
- Economics
- Education
- Health and Wellness
- International Affairs
- Public and Social Policy
The research projects address critical subjects and investigate matters as well as topical issues identified by the SSAC. The Council serves as the Editorial Review Panel for PHILLIS: The Journal for Research on African American Women. The Council also serves as the Selection Committee for the Vivian A. Ware Research Fellowship and provides mentoring to the Ware Fellow.
The SSAC is comprised of African American women scholars and professionals who are authorities on the history, culture, and issues relating to women of the African diaspora.
2025-2026 Sister Scholars Advisory Council
Tchicaya Ellis Robertson, Ph.D., Chair
Kamaria S. Hill, DREF Staff Liaison
Pamela Smith (National Chair, PP&D Committee)
Courtney Taylor (National 2nd Vice President)
Brittny Bratcher-Rasmus, Ph.D., CHES
Carolyn Lewis, MBA
Crystal Edwards, Ed.D.
Crystal Y. Lumpkins, Ph.D., MA, FSBM
Debra Bond, Ph.D.
Deidre B. Flowers, Ph.D.
Diane Brinson-Days, Ed.D.
Erin Smith, MPS
Gena Yuvette Davis, Psy.D.
Karen A. White, DSW, M.Ed., MSW, LMSW, SIFI
Keonda Grant-Taylor, MBA, DBA(c)
Kia Monique Jones, Dr.P.H, MS, MPA
Kimberley D. Freeman, Dr.PH., MPH
Laquita Blockson, Ph.D.
Lisa Brownlee Johnson, MSN, NP
Marilyn M. Brown, Ed.D.
Marlena Brown, Ph.D.
Marsha A. Lewis, Ed.D.
Mary Howard-Hamilton, Ed.D.
Melody Pannell, D.Min.,MSW,MACE
Sharon Barnett-Starks, MSW
Shonda Lemons-Smith, Ph.D.
Stacey Chavis, M.S.L.
Tenesha J. Lewis, Dr.PH.,MPH
For more information and inquiries please email: sisterscholars@deltafoundation.net