On February 20, 1954, under the leadership of Regional Director M. Lucia James and National President Dorothy I. Height, life was breathed into the 56th Chapter of the Southern Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated in Orlando, Florida. Nareda Hunt Coan was instrumental in providing much of the "leg-work," summoning ladies who were interested in becoming members of the Epsilon Gamma Sigma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. In keeping with the policy of Grand Chapter to designate non-campus based chapters by county, city, or area of chapter location, the name was changed to Orlando Alumnae Chapter in October, 1958. Charter Officers were: Anne Mitchell Felder, President; Nareda W. Hunt, Vice President; Estelle Gordon Banks, Treasurer; and Ida Lorene C. Charter Members included Vivian C. Lee, Adrienne Harrison, Theresa Jenkins, Melva Jacquelyn Perkins, and Sallie T. Benson. The Orlando Alumnae Chapter has increased from nine charter members to over 260 members. The chapter continues to fulfill our Founders' dreams of achieving excellence, providing scholarships, and rendering public service to the community. Over the years, the chapter's major projects include voter registration drives, tutorial services, political awareness forums, and health fairs and seminars. The chapter yearly sponsors the Celebration of Women Brunch and the Minerva Awards, a scholarship presentation. The chapter has adopted local area schools as partners in education, to mentor students and combating illiteracy. A "commitment to serve" is what the Orlando Alumnae Chapter has been recognized for by many community organizations. Several awards, certificates, plaques, and trophies have been received throughout the years. Of those, the chapter received the Order of Hammer Award, National Large Chapter of the Year, and Outstanding Public Service Award from the Walt Disney Company.
