(BPRW) Sigma Gamma Rho Inducts 21 Honorary Members at the 61st Biennial Boule

(Black PR Wire) Tampa, FL: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated proudly announced the induction of twenty-one extraordinary women as Honorary Members during the 2026 Boule Honorary Membership Ceremony in Tampa, Florida. The Sinduction celebrated leaders whose achievements span sports, entertainment, education, public service, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and global humanitarian work, each exemplifying the Sorority’s mission of Greater Service, Greater Progress.

“The 2026 class embodies the spirit of service, the power of purpose, and the unwavering belief that women,” said Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. International President Marica T. Harris. “In every field, every community, and every corner of the world, hold the capacity to change what is possible.”

The Honorary Membership Class of 2026 includes:

Femita Ayanbeku, three-time U.S. Paralympian (2016, 2020, 2024) in Track & Field and World Championships bronze medalist. Founder of Limb-it-less Creations, recognized for her advocacy within the amputee and adaptive sports community. First American amputee woman featured in a Victoria’s Secret campaign. Board member for Born to Run Foundation & Adaptive Sports New England.

Malorie Bailey, nationally recognized media personality from The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Actress, author, and national leader in uterine fibroid awareness whose advocacy has amplified health education for women of color. Entrepreneur and founder of Mal’s Custom Jewelry.

Adrienne Bennett, the first and only African American woman to earn a master plumber’s license in the U.S. and globally, celebrated for her four decades of leadership in skilled trades, environmental sustainability, and workforce diversity. First African female plumbing inspector and certified medical gas inspector / installer. CEO of Benkari, LLC, leading major civic and sustainability projects.

Charita Carter, the first African American woman Executive Creative Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, honored for her creative leadership behind Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland & Magic Kingdom and her contributions to inclusive storytelling. Oversaw teams awarded more than 20 Disney patents.

Michelle Carter: three-time U. S. Olympian and the first American woman to win Olympic gold in shot put. Founder of You Throw Girl! Sports Confidence Camp, which is recognized for youth empowerment. Motivational speaker and advocate for confidence, body positivity, and youth empowerment.

Dr. Ann-Marie Dillard, global humanitarian and trauma-informed therapist whose 30+ years of service across Senegal, Ghana, Togo, and The Gambia have advanced emotional restoration and community resilience. Founder of Project Safety Nets, a 501(c)(3) global humanitarian nonprofit, with a focus on building community infrastructure, and mobilizing volunteers across the U.S. and West Africa.

Natasha Grey-Brookes, distinguished attorney and the first woman in St. Kitts & Nevis to lead a major political party (PAM – People’s Action Movement), dedicated to national development and democratic governance. She has been recognized by the bar in both England and Wales, and St. Kitts and Nevis. Honored for her cross-jurisdictional advocacy, youth development, and literacy initiatives.

Sharon “MC Sha-Rock” Jackson, internationally recognized as the first female MC in hip-hop history – Mother of the Mic-, foundational architect and celebrated for her cultural preservation work and academic leadership in Hip-Hop Studies. Member of the legendary group The Funky 4 + 1, MC Sha-Rock helped make history when the group became the first hip-hop act to perform on national television (appearing on Saturday Night Live in 1981). Will be inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in October 2026.

Jennifer Jones, the first African American Rockette (1987), honored for her groundbreaking role at Radio City Music Hall, which had existed for more than six decades. Author of a memoir and children’s book, both of which center on empowerment, perseverance, and representation for young people. Cancer survivor and advocate for awareness and early detection.

Adrien “Vonyetta” Lake, pioneering radio broadcaster and first DJ at Power 98 in Charlotte, NC, where her presence helped shape the station’s cultural and community voice. Carries the mission of mother who turned unimaginable pain into purpose after the tragic loss of her son to gun violence as an innocent bystander. Founder of Ju’STice, recognized for her youth gun-violence prevention work and healing initiatives for grieving families.

Michele A. Newman-Lawrence is a visionary executive with JPMorgan Chase. She is a leader whose three decades of service in community uplift, youth development, and strategic innovation reflect the trailblazing spirit of our Seven Founders. She made history as the first Black woman to run for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 2nd District and continues to empower individuals and communities through her leadership, ministry, and advocacy.

Shontay Lundy, founder of Black Girl Sunscreen, the first Black-owned sunscreen brand in major retailers. Celebrated for transforming the beauty industry and advancing dermatological health education in communities of color. National thought leader focused on educating, challenging misconceptions, advocating for systemic change in the beauty and healthcare industries for melanated communities.

Sonia Manzano, winner of fifteen Daytime Emmy Awards, actress and writer; best known as “Maria” on Sesame Street, honored for her 44-year legacy of educational storytelling and representation. First Latina in a regular role on national children’s television. Author of children’s books and memoirs advancing literacy, confidence and identity.

Tami Roman Youngblood, Actress, producer, reality TV and media pioneer, best known for The Real World (1993) and breakout star Basketball Wives (2010-2019). Transitioned to notable success into scripted television, where she also serves as executive producer. Has spoken on national platforms about living with body dysmorphic disorder, childhood trauma, and long-term mental health challenges – conversations that have contributed to greater public understanding and destigmatization of mental illness, particularly for black women.

Dame Lisa Simone, U.S. Air Force veteran, Grammy-nominated vocalist, and acclaimed internation performer. She is the only child of musician and civil rights activist, Nina Simone. Known for her work both on Broadway and off-Broadway, in Rent, The Lion King, and others. She is Emmy, Peabody, and Oscar-recognized as executive producer of the documentary What Happened, Miss Simone?. Honored for her global humanitarian work and cultural stewardship.

April Simpkins, New York Times bestselling author and National Ambassador for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), focused on breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness. Her advocacy is deeply rooted in lived experience, following the passing of her daughter, Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA 2019, who battled persistent depressive disorder. Also, a seasoned human resources executive and workforce strategist.

Elana Meyers Taylor, is an Olympic champion bobsledder and the most decorated Black athlete in Winter Olympic history. Competing for the United States since 2007, in February 2026 she earned her first Olympic Gold medal. She is also a four-time World Champion in bobsled competition. Informed by her lived experience as the mother of two sons who are hearing impaired and one has Down Syndrome, she uses her public platform to increase awareness of disability inclusion and access to support services.

Priscilla Till, educator and Founder of the Emmett Till Justice for Families Foundation, recognized for her civil rights advocacy and coalition-building for structural justice. She is the cousin of Emmett Till, whose murder in Mississippi in 1955 and it galvanized the modern civil rights movement. Her public record emphasizes bridge-building rather than single-issue advocacy.

Dr. Cassandra Wells, the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in Marketing from Georgia Tech, a barrier-breaking milestone that continues to inspire others today. She is also honored for her transformative academic leadership at Morehouse College as Associate Professor of Marketing and Sales, and later as Academic Program Director. She also built a distinguished career at IBM where she excelled in strategic marketing and leadership roles.

Venzella Joy Williams, world-renowned drummer, entrepreneur, and cultural influencer. Drummer for Beyonce’s Mrs. Carter World Tour, and the On The Run Tour with Beyonce and Jay-Z, performed at Super Bowl 50, and contributed to major televised performances including BET’s Black Girls Rock. Founder of “Glamour, Glitz, & Drumsticks”, a series of drum clinics designed to empower and train female musicians.

Lynette Woodard, pioneering figure in American and International basketball history, widely known for breaking barriers and expanding opportunities for women in sport. Olympic gold medalist and first female Harlem Globetrotter, honored for her barrier-breaking athletic career and youth mentorship through Power Forward, an initiative dedicated to empowering underrepresented youth through sport, mentorship, and leadership development.

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

The Honorary Membership Induction Ceremony underscores Sigma Gamma Rho’s commitment to uplifting women whose work strengthens families, advances equity, expands educational access, and transforms communities. Each inductee’s story reflects the Sorority’s founding principles and its enduring dedication to leadership, scholarship, and service.

About Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated

Founded on November 12, 1922, at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated has welcomed more than 100,000 collegiate and professional women from every profession. With more than 500 chapters across the U.S., Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Canada, Ghana, Germany, South Korea, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the United Arab Emirates, and Tokyo, Sigma Gamma Rho remains a global force for positive change.

Through signature programs, strategic partnerships, and affiliate groups like the Rhoer Club (for teenage girls) and Philo Affiliates (friends of the Sorority), Sigma Gamma Rho continues to fulfill its mission of uplifting communities and promoting education, leadership development, and service excellence.

Source: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.