Sister Scholars Advisory Council

Authorities on History, Culture, & Issues Relating to Women of the African Diaspora

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.

2026 DREF Sister Scholars Advisory Council

Tchicaya Ellis Robertson, Ph.D., Chair
Sharon Barnett-Starks, MSW
Laquita Blockson, Ph.D.
Debra Bond, Ph.D.
Brittny Bratcher-Rasmus, Ph.D., CHES
Diane Brinson-Days, Ed.D.
Marlena Brown, Ph.D.
Marilyn M. Brown, Ed.D.
Stacey Chavis, M.S.L.
Gena Yuvette Davis, Psy.D.
Crystal Edwards, Ed.D.
Deidre B. Flowers, Ph.D.
Kimberley D. Freeman, Dr.PH., MPH
Keonda Grant-Taylor, MBA, DBA(c)
Kamaria S. Hill
Mary Howard-Hamilton, Ed.D.
Lisa Brownlee Johnson, MSN, NP
Kia Monique Jones, Dr.P.H, MS, MPA
Shonda Lemons-Smith, Ph.D.
Carolyn Lewis, MBA
Marsha A. Lewis, Ed.D.
Tenesha J. Lewis, Dr.PH.,MPH
Crystal Y. Lumpkins, Ph.D., MA, FSBM
Melody Pannell, D.Min.,MSW,MACE
Erin Smith, MPS
Pamela Smith (National PPD)
Courtney Taylor (National 2nd Vice President)
Karen A. White, DSW, M.Ed., MSW, LMSW, SIFI
Antoinette M. Rogers, Ph.D., DREF Staff Liaison

For more information and inquiries please email: sisterscholars@deltafoundation.net

Donations & Support

The Delta Research and Education Foundation (DREF) is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization. Qualified donors are entitled to a Federal income tax deduction for every dollar invested in our charitable work.

Our promise to every donor is unqualified accountability and strict adherence to DREF’s mandate to change lives for the better. We value the trust you put in our hands, and manage contributions efficiently, directing them toward programs that open new doors of opportunity.

Workplace Giving Form

Donate with Blackbaud eTapestry

Donate with GiveSmart

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded on January 13, 1913, by 22 collegiate women at Howard University to promote academic excellence and provide assistance to those in need. The Founders of Delta Sigma Theta envisioned an organization committed to sisterhood, scholarship, service, and addressing the social issues of the time.

Since its founding, Delta Sigma Theta has become one of the preeminent service-based sororities, with more than 300,000 initiated members and over 1,000 chartered chapters worldwide.

Learn more about Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Tracking address: Tracking code JCarey-cgagaj@hvest.deltafoundation.net Tracking Team (do not email this address - tracking purposes only)