The St. Croix Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. announces that local chapter member Mrs. Sana Joseph Smith has made history as the first Virgin Islander and “International” member of the organization elected to the sorority’s Eastern Region leadership team. Joseph Smith was elected to serve as an alumni member of the 2026 Regional Nominating Committee, which occurred during the 54th Eastern Regional Conference in Philadelphia, Penn., July 14-18.
The Eastern Region is the largest region of the national organization which has a membership of over 350,000 thousand members world-wide. Sana Joseph Smith delivered a rousing campaign speech to over 7,000 members in attendance who gave a standing ovation to signal their support. This was further undercut by the unanimous vote of confidence she received during the election of new officers; the only unanimous vote received in the category of nominating committee member. The Regional Nominating Committee is charged with the responsibility to solicit and receive nominations for all regional elected officers and positions, to create a slate of candidates. The organization encourages diverse leadership representation from all chapters, including members of the international chapters such as the Virgin Islands.
“Being elected is not just exciting for me, but it is awesome for the entire Virgin Islands. People are already asking how they can help bolster our community initiatives. We are a small community, and the extra resources and support are very much needed to help our local chapters continue to make a difference in the communities we serve,” said Joseph Smith, who is the immediate past president of the St. Croix Alumnae Chapter.
Her election to this position is reflective of much more than her individual qualifications and inspiring presentation. She serves as a beacon to people of the African diaspora who have long sought inclusion and a voice. She will serve as an advocate for the unique needs and concerns of international chapters.
“This is an historic and tremendous achievement, not only for St. Croix Alumnae but for all the international chapters of this dynamic organization. We salute Mrs. Joseph Smith for her courage and tenacity and have pledged our full support during her term.” stated Petra Victor, chapter president.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is a private, not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. The sorority currently has 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters located in the United States, Canada, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Jamaica, West Africa, Southern Africa, United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Korea. Chartered in 1975, St. Croix Alumnae Chapter has actively served the St. Croix community through initiatives and programs that benefit the underserved.
