CMAC’s Economic Development thrust is rooted in the belief that economic empowerment is essential to the stability and progress of our communities. Our chapter is committed to providing access to resources, financial education, and opportunities that promote generational wealth and business sustainability.

Signature initiatives include:

• CMAC Black Business Week – A weeklong spotlight and support campaign celebrating and promoting Black-owned businesses across Chicago, encouraging community investment and economic circulation within our neighborhoods.
  

• Estate Planning Across the Decades – An intergenerational forum that educates community members on the importance of financial planning, wills, and trusts to protect their assets and ensure their legacy—while avoiding the costly and stressful process of probate court.
  

• Career Fair in partnership with our Collegiate Connection Committee – A collaborative effort hosted at Olive-Harvey College, connecting college students and surrounding community members with career readiness tools, job opportunities, and direct access to local employers. See our media coverage, on Fox 32 Chicago, here.
  

Through these programs and others, CMAC continues to equip our community with tools for economic success and long-term financial security.

A cornerstone of our service, Educational Development is where CMAC’s commitment to uplifting the next generation shines brightest. We proudly mentor and support youth across Chicago through Delta Sigma Theta’s signature educational programs, designed to foster academic excellence, personal growth, and leadership skills.

• Delta Academy – Empowering girls ages 11–14 through academic enrichment, leadership development, and character building, Delta Academy provides a safe and supportive space for early adolescents to explore their potential and prepare for future success.
  

• Delta GEMS (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully) – Guiding young women ages 14–18 with a focus on college and career readiness, goal setting, self-esteem, and community involvement.
  

• EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) – Engaging young men ages 11–18 in mentorship, life skills training, and leadership development to promote academic achievement and positive life choices.
  

In addition to our year-round youth programming, CMAC hosts an annual scholarship banquet, Young, Black, and Gifted, where we celebrate student excellence and award scholarships to college-bound students. Since our chartering in 2020, we have awarded over $50,000 in scholarships, directly investing in the futures of Chicago’s youth and reinforcing our commitment to education as a pathway to empowerment.

CMAC’s Physical and Mental Health thrust is committed to advancing health equity and fostering wellness in every aspect of life—especially for Black women, children, and families. We curate meaningful programs that address mental health, combat medical disparities, and uplift holistic healing practices rooted in community care.

Highlighted initiatives include:

• Fireside Chat Series – A safe and powerful space centered on mental health and emotional well-being, focusing on the unique challenges Black women face and the importance of protecting their peace and prioritizing self-care.
  

• World Prematurity Day and The Silent Crisis: Maternal and Infant Health – These interconnected programs raise awareness of the disproportionately high rates of maternal and infant mortality among Black women. As part of this effort, we produced “The Coleman Love Story” , a compelling documentary that explores the life and legacy of Delta Sigma Theta Founder Edna Brown Coleman and Omega Psi Phi Founder Frank Coleman. Directed and produced by our own Soror, Courtney Giles, the film brings visibility to the tragic loss of Edna’s life during childbirth. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that, over a century later, Black women are still facing the same life-threatening disparities in maternal care that existed in the 1920’s—underscoring the urgent need for reform and advocacy.
  

• Energize & Thrive 365 – A wellness-centered event promoting physical vitality and natural healing. The program featured John James (Mr. Fungatarian) educating attendees on the benefits of mushrooms, Soror Mia Gassi sharing insights on natural supplements, and Erin Barnett leading a joyful dance session to inspire movement and connection.
  

Through these initiatives and more, CMAC remains steadfast in our mission to create healthier, longer, and more empowered lives within the communities we serve.

From our very first public act as an organization, marching for women's voting rights in the Women's Suffrage March on March 3, 1913, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is committed to continued social activism through public education on policy; voter registration; education; and mobilization.

CMAC’s Political Awareness and Involvement thrust empowers our community to be informed, engaged, and active participants in the democratic process. Through our Social Action Committee, we create impactful civic education and voter engagement initiatives that uplift voices and mobilize action—especially in historically underserved communities.

Our efforts include:

• High School Voter Registration Drives – We regularly visit Chicago high schools to register eligible students, ensuring they leave prepared to participate in the electoral process as informed voters.
  

• Project 2025 and Beyond – A critical community discussion exploring the far-reaching implications of the Project 2025 policy objectives, helping community members understand how national policies affect local realities.
  

• Midwest Impact Day of Service 2024 – Stroll to the Polls – Our chapter led early voting events across Chicago’s South and West Sides, helping to get nearly 1,000 voters to cast their ballots early. These events were not only about voting—they were cultural, high-energy experiences that celebrated civic engagement. Review our local media coverage ABC 7 here, WGN 9 here

• Divine 9 Civil Rights Immersive Experience – An interactive educational installation highlighting the pivotal roles members of historically Black Greek letter organizations played in the Civil Rights Movement, connecting past struggles to today’s fight for justice and equity.
  

Through these and other initiatives, CMAC remains a driving force in promoting civic responsibility, protecting voting rights, and advancing policies that support the well-being of our communities.

CMAC’s International Awareness and Involvement thrust connects our local commitment to service with the global fight for justice, equity, and empowerment—particularly for women and girls of African descent. Through culturally relevant programming and social justice advocacy, we aim to raise awareness of international issues while inspiring global citizenship and solidarity.

Highlighted initiatives include:

• Beyond the Chains of Silence: Sex Trafficking Awareness – A powerful program designed to educate our community on the global crisis of human trafficking, with a specific focus on the exploitation of women and girls of color.
  

• Afrobeats Dance Class – A joyful celebration of African culture and movement that promotes physical wellness while connecting participants to the rich traditions of the African diaspora.

• Her Justice, Her Voice: KEMBA – A documentary screening and open dialogue on the true story of Kemba Smith Pradia, exploring the intersections of mass incarceration, systemic injustice, and the lived experiences of Black women. This program served as both a local call to action and a connection to the global fight for criminal justice reform.
  

Through these efforts, CMAC strives to build global awareness, amplify marginalized voices, and foster a deeper understanding of the interconnected struggles for justice across the world.