By Dr. Sharon H. Porter | Thursday, November 9, 2023 | 6:00 AM ET
Today's Divine Nine Member Spotlight is sponsored by S.I.S. Events & Services LLC
Join Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine in celebrating the incredible influence of the members of the Divine Nine! Discover the rich legacy and vibrant impact of these exceptional members in our special Divine Nine Spotlight!
From Alpha to Omega, we're shining a spotlight on the trailblazers, scholars, leaders, and community advocates who make up the Divine Nine. Get ready to dive into the history, achievements, and empowering stories of the members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations that continue to shape our society.
Stay tuned for the exclusive interviews, captivating profiles, and extraordinary journeys of the Divine Nine members on the Vision & Purpose Podcast and upcoming print issues.
Join the conversation and share your thoughts on the incredible impact of these inspiring individuals. Stay tuned for an issue you don't want to miss!
Who or What inspired you to become a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.?
In 2020 I was really in a space mentally that was headed toward a downward spiral. I prayed and asked God for direction and support, His response was, "It's coming." A few days later, I met Dr. Tadzia Dennis. She was the Anti-Basileus (Vice President) of the Tucson Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. She was warm, welcoming, and shared her own relatable stories with me that made me comfortable and I felt at home. After, I met my now my line sisters and other members of the chapter who did not judge me for being LGBTQIA+, but were accepting and loved me from their core. These ladies did not even know me, but cried with me and held on to me. I knew I was where I needed to be.
Cierra Conerly-Sims is a seasoned business professional with a strong focus on fostering inclusive cultures and conscious leadership. Cierra's passion lies in human rights, particularly in the realms of domestic violence, human trafficking, and foster care advocacy. After her own battles with domestic violence throughout most of her 20s, Cierra took back her power by helping others who needed a way out.
Cierra worked with Beyond the Hurt Non-Profit Organization and was a board member for four years, helping to raise awareness for domestic violence and single mothers. Cierra has shared her story and her keynote, "How to M.O.V.E. from Damaged to Destiny™," on several platforms and has been featured in Shoutout Arizona Magazine, Voyage Phoenix Magazine, and Empowered Magazine as an honoree for the Top 20 Women to Watch in 2023. Cierra excels as a mentor, consultant, liaison, motivational speaker, and philanthropic partner.
Cierra is the Vice President of Rhoyal Legacy Foundation, Inc., and a Senior Board Member of Just Be Great Academy, both devoted to youth development personally, and professionally. Cierra is an active member of NPHC of Southern Arizona, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated, and Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., demonstrating her commitment to various causes and women empowerment. Cierra is the proud owner of S.I.S. Events & Services LLC, specializing in wedding and event planning, where a portion of the proceeds annually supports graduating seniors or charitable endeavors such as women's advocacy. As a community advocate and conscious leader, Cierra Conerly-Sims consistently forges impactful partnerships for positive change.
About Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was organized on November 12, 1922, in Indianapolis, Indiana, by seven young educators: Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Vivian Irene White Marbury, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, Hattie Mae Annette Dulin Redford, Bessie Mae Downey Rhoades Martin, and Cubena McClure. The group became an incorporated national collegiate sorority on December 30, 1929, when a charter was granted to the Alpha chapter at Butler University. Since its inception, the dynamic women of Sigma Gamma Rho have built and sustained a well-known and well-respected reputation for leading positive change to help uplift the community through sisterhood, leadership, and service.
About the Divine Nine
The Divine Nine, formally known as, the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is a collaborative umbrella council composed of nine historically African American fraternities and sororities, and also referred to as Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs). The NPHC was formed as a permanent organization on May 10, 1930, on the campus of Howard University, in Washington, D.C., with Matthew W. Bullock as the active Chairman and B. Beatrix Scott as Vice-Chairman. NPHC was incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois in 1937.
The council promotes interaction through forums, meetings, and other media for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions.
Each constituent member organization determines its own strategic direction and program agenda. Today, the primary purpose and focus of member organizations remains camaraderie and academic excellence for its members and service to the communities they serve. Each promotes community awareness and action through educational, economic, and cultural service activities.
Divine 9 Member Spotlight Sponsor
S. I. S. Events & Services LLC
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