National economic trends, such as unstable employment, the threat to Social Security as we know it, and the widening gap between wealth and poverty are the basis for the development of Financial Fortitude, the current Economic Development program initiative of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Financial Fortitude is a process that will help program participants to set and define goals, develop a plan to achieve them, and to put the plan into action. The process serves as a blueprint to address all aspects of personal finances.

The Financial Fortitude initiative is comprised of ten components and provides a collaboration of information from major economic corporations and other well-known financial institutions. The ten components include: Goal Setting, Financial Planning, Budgeting, Debt Management, Savings & Investments, Retirement Planning, Home ownership, Insurance, Estate Planning, and Entrepreneurship.

The initiative helps members of the Sorority spread financial education throughout their local communities.

Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy

Created in 1996, the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy is a national signature program designed for young girls ages 11-14 to enrich and enhance their educational and cultural experiences, and to prepare each young girl for leadership in the 21st Century.

Our chapter’s Academy addresses the current issues and trends of middle school-aged girls and fosters an environment for building self-esteem, interpersonal skills development, and individual growth.

The Physical and Mental Health Committee strives to encourage wellness in our sorority and the community. The committee offers a variety of opportunities and events that promote healthy living for our members and people in our service area. The Physical and Mental Health Committee offers a myriad of creative programs designed to proactively raise awareness on major health and wellness concerns.  Check our social media pages for frequent health reminders.

A day dedicated to healing, hope, and healthy living.

The Stronger Than the Struggle Mental Health Symposium brought together licensed mental health professionals, healthcare experts, and community leaders for an informative and empowering day focused on mental wellness. Participants gained practical tools, evidence-based strategies, and valuable resources to support their own well-being and the well-being of those around them.

The symposium featured engaging presentations on:

• Trauma-Informed Care and creating safe spaces for healing
• Older Adult Mental Health, including caregiving, isolation, and cognitive wellness
• Burnout Prevention and strategies for managing stress while maintaining a healthy work-life balance
• Suicide Prevention & Crisis Intervention, including recognizing warning signs and supporting individuals in crisis

Attendees also enjoyed opportunities to connect with community resources, engage in meaningful discussions, ask questions of experienced professionals, and left inspired to prioritize mental health and wellness.

Move your body. Feed your mind. Refresh your spirit.

The members of the Lakeland Alumnae Chapter and the community celebrated National Walking Day with an Audiobook Walk—a unique wellness experience that combine physical activity with personal growth. Participants were invited to choose their favorite audiobook, grab their headphones, and enjoy a 45–60 minute walk around beautiful Lake Mirror while listening, learning, and connecting with fellow walkers.

Since its founding in 1913, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has championed social action, advocacy, and civic engagement. The Lakeland Alumnae Chapter continues this legacy by educating, empowering, and mobilizing our community through voter education, public policy awareness, and advocacy initiatives. Our programs promote informed civic participation, protect voting rights, and address issues that impact the well-being of our communities, ensuring every voice has the opportunity to be heard.

Our Social Action Committee develops programs that educate, train, and support the community in becoming more politically aware and socially conscious. Programs include voter registration,  education, and mobilization.

The Lakeland Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. proudly partnered with Equal Ground to host the 2026 On The Ground Legislative Session Debrief, a nonpartisan community forum designed to educate residents on the outcomes of Florida’s 2026 Legislative Session.

Participants received clear, accessible information about newly enacted legislation and its potential impact on voting rights, education, criminal justice, economic opportunity, and other issues affecting Florida communities. The event also provided an opportunity to engage with policy experts and community leaders while encouraging informed civic participation and continued engagement throughout the election cycle.

Through partnerships like this, the Lakeland Alumnae Chapter remains committed to empowering the community through education, advocacy, and civic engagement.

In celebration of National Voter Registration Day, the Lakeland Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. proudly hosted nonpartisan voter registration drives on the Winter Haven and Lakeland campuses of Polk State College. As part of a nationwide effort to strengthen civic engagement, chapter members provided students, faculty, staff, and community members with opportunities to register to vote, update their voter information, and learn about the importance of participating in the democratic process.

Through initiatives like National Voter Registration Day, the chapter remains committed to empowering citizens through voter education, civic engagement, and advocacy while encouraging every eligible voter to make their voice heard.