Congratulating Soror Johnnetta Betsch Cole and 16th National President Thelma T. Daley

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated joins the National Council of Negro Women in celebrating Soror Johnnetta Betsch Cole and 16th National President Thelma T. Daley.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated congratulates Soror Johnnetta Betsch Cole on a successful tenure as the 7th President and Chair of the Board of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). After a storied career as a noted anthropologist, educator, museum professional, author and international voice on diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion, Soror Cole has decided to step down from her position as NCNW’s President and Board Chair to focus on her personal life effective February 1, 2022.

Since being elected in November 2018, Soror Cole has brought her unique energy to the organization whose mission is to lead, advocate for and empower women of African descent, their families, and communities. Under her leadership, NCNW has heightened its engagement with social justice issues. Additionally, the organization has become more intergenerational, including an extensive tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for prospective students. She also presided over a critical pivot from in-person to virtual program delivery early in the pandemic. Using her vast network, Soror Cole helped to bolster the 86-year-old organizations’ profile, prestige, and philanthropic support during her tenure.

As a Golden Life Member of our sisterhood, Soror Cole also made significant contributions to Delta Sigma Theta over the years. She most recently served on the National Board of Directors from 2017-2019 as Co-Chair of the National Arts and Letters Commission and was instrumental in creating the Pride in Our Heritage initiative.

In accordance with NCNW’s policies, Dr. Thelma T. Daley will assume the role of President and Chair of the Board of NCNW until the organization’s bi-annual national elections occur later this year. Soror Daley, Delta’s 16th National President, currently serves as one of the Vice-Chairs of NCNW and has been an active member of the organization for many years.

The National Council of Negro Women is an organization that remains near to Delta Sigma Theta’s heart, having been founded by Honorary Member Mary McLeod Bethune in 1937. In 1957, Dorothy Height, 10th National President of Delta Sigma Theta, was selected as the President of NCNW – a position she held until 1997, when she became chair and President Emeritus. Today, Delta Sigma Theta is proud to be one of NCNW’s affiliate organizations where we partner on numerous programs, including the recently announced Good Health WINs initiative.

Congratulations to Soror Cole on your stellar service at NCNW and to Soror Daley as you assume the role of NCNW’s 8th President and Chair of the Board. We are so proud of all you have done through your work with the National Council of Negro Women. Your efforts have paid homage to the legacies of Soror Height and Soror McLeod Bethune.

To learn more about NCNW, visit ncnw.org.