Philadelphia, PA – Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority and the Delta Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation unveiled the inaugural season of their Social Justice Engagement Program. A groundbreaking series of 10 events per year, each focused on a different theme or issue and featuring a notable keynote speaker. The Social Justice Engagement Program brings the entire sorority – collegiate and alumni – together virtually to learn about, explore, discuss and take action in support of important ideas.
“We are proud to launch our inaugural Social Justice Engagement Program, giving our membership special access to events and speakers who will share their knowledge and inspire us to debate and action,” said Nicole DeFeo, Delta Phi Epsilon’s CEO. “Justice is one of our pillars, and these events spark cross-generational engagement, excitement and a sense of purpose for our members. We are living our values, and we are exploring new ways of coming together to create virtual community around many different initiatives and ideas.”
In keeping with Delta Phi Epsilon’s Anti-Racist Policy, at least two events per year will be focused on education around fostering a more racially equitable organization and society. To kick this off, in October the sorority will host noted author Dr. Beverly Tatum for an evening of discussion about her book “Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together In The Cafeteria And Other Conversations About Race.”
In September, Delta Phi Epsilon will welcome Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America and author of “Dare To Speak”, who will share ideas about protecting free speech on college campuses and how to keep the First Amendment alive and well in a fractious society.
Other programs are scheduled throughout the school year and tentatively include an evening with award-winning Playwright, Filmwriter, Author and Director Theresa Rebeck, who will screen her new movie for the sorority membership and talk about breaking the glass ceiling in Hollywood; U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (Delta Phi Epsilon member) on public service; and actress Mariska Hargitay on the important work being done by her foundation, The Joyful Heart, with sexual assault victims and ensuring their evidence is processed swiftly and fully.
The program kicked off in August with a private screening of the documentary “Capturing the Flag” and a conversation about voter suppression and protecting voter rights with producers Laverne Berry and Elizabeth Hemmerdinger.
“Our Social Justice Engagement programming works holistically with so many of our goals – for the continued education of our membership, the active engagement of alumni and collegiate alike, fostering a sense of belonging among members, and living our values,” said Roxanne Donovan, International President.
“I’m so proud to work with our Educational Foundation and our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee to develop a robust, impactful calendar of special events with exclusive access to amazing resources and people who will inspire and raise us up,” expressed Social Justice Engagement Program Committee chair Lynna Do, Alpha Iota Chapter at the University of San Francisco.
Underwritten by the Educational Foundation, the Social Justice Engagement Program is available free of charge to all members. Organized on a virtual platform, each event will enable thousands of Delta Phi Epsilon sisters to share experiences and ideas with leading experts and each other.
“Raising the bar on conversations and broadening understanding on important topics is the key to equipping our membership with leadership skills they need to succeed, from the dorm rooms to the board rooms of the world,” said Gina Curtis, President of the Educational Foundation of Delta Phi Epsilon. “Funding the Social Justice Engagement Program through campaigns like #DPhiEUnited, it critical at this time. We cannot thank our
donors enough for having the vision to bring forth the resources needed to make this program a success.”
About Delta Phi Epsilon, Inc.
Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority was founded on March 17, 1917 at New York University Law School as a social organization for women. The mission is to provide a sisterhood experience rich with tradition, innovation and opportunities for growth. Learn more about Delta Phi Epsilon at www.dphie.org.