The North Jersey Alumnae Chapter (NJAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated—first established under the historic name Kappa Sigma Chapter—was founded through the vision, determination, and unwavering sisterhood of a distinguished group of Charter Members who recognized the need for a dynamic and service-driven Delta presence in northern New Jersey. Their efforts laid the foundation for what would become one of the region’s most impactful chapters, rooted firmly in the Sorority’s core values of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and social action.

Formed during a period of expanding opportunity and pressing community needs, the Charter Members of Kappa Sigma Chapter came together with a unified mission: to bring the transformative work of Delta Sigma Theta to the growing African American populations in Essex, Hudson, Bergen, Passaic, and surrounding counties. These women, many of whom were already leaders in education, business, public service, and civic engagement, recognized that northern New Jersey required a chapter capable of addressing local inequities while upholding the national organization’s commitment to purposeful and strategic community service.

The Charter Members embodied the spirit of Delta’s 22 Founders—forward-thinking, rooted in scholarship, and boldly committed to uplifting their communities. They carried themselves with the dignity and discipline befitting Delta women, and they approached the establishment of their chapter with both historical reverence and forward momentum. Through careful planning, intentional relationship-building, and deep commitment, these women successfully secured approval for the chapter and thereby created a lasting Delta presence that would grow exponentially in the decades to follow.

When formally chartered as Kappa Sigma Chapter, the chapter stood as a beacon for professional women seeking a meaningful platform for service. The Charter Members took seriously the responsibility of establishing the chapter’s identity and mission, ensuring that programs reflected Delta Sigma Theta’s National Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.
Their early initiatives focused on educational enrichment, youth mentoring, voter awareness, advocacy for social justice, and support services for underserved families—efforts that would become cornerstones of the chapter’s legacy.

As the chapter continued to evolve, the needs of the community—and the chapter’s growing membership—called for a new designation aligned with the national shift toward distinguishing alumnae chapters by geographic region rather than Greek-letter naming conventions. It was through this transition that Kappa Sigma Chapter became the North Jersey Alumnae Chapter, a shift that reflected both its expanding influence and its role as a vital anchor for Delta women across northern New Jersey. Despite the change in name, the essence of the chapter remained grounded in the vision of its Charter Members, whose dedication and leadership continue to resonate through every project, initiative, and sisterly bond formed in NJAC.

The Charter Members of the North Jersey Alumnae Chapter are remembered not only for their administrative foresight but also for their deep sense of purpose. They exemplified leadership at a critical moment, building a chapter that has since become known for excellence, innovation, and unwavering commitment to service. Their legacy lives through the chapter’s continued programs, community partnerships, political engagement, and the personal and professional achievements of its members.

Today, the North Jersey Alumnae Chapter stands as a vibrant and influential chapter within Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated—a testament to the courage, brilliance, and unity of the women who initially established Kappa Sigma Chapter. The Charter Members’ work created a foundation that has empowered generations of Delta women in northern New Jersey to lead, to serve, and to continue the fight for social justice. Their pioneering vision remains the heartbeat of NJAC, inspiring its members to honor the past, uplift the present, and transform the future.