Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd, president of Alabama State University in Montgomery, was the guest speaker at the Men and Women’s Day at Greater St. Paul A.M.E. church Sunday in Troy.

The theme for the occasion was “Equality for Women and Men in the Work of Ministry.” Ann Felton, president of the Troy Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, said Boyd was an outstanding choice for speaker for the occasion.

“Dr. Boyd is a nationally recognized champion of education and has spearheaded efforts across the nation and other countries to help broaden the scope of educational offerings,” Felton said.

In 2000, Boyd was elected to serve as the 22nd National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., an international organization of more than 250,000 members. Known as the “Technology President,” Boyd helped establish technology in all facets of the sorority’s activities and administration. She also led the sorority’s humanitarian and education advocacy efforts in various parts of Africa, including Swaziland, Lesotho and Soweto, South Africa.

In 2013, Boyd served as chair of the sorority’s Centennial Celebration, which involved organizing a yearlong series of events culminating in a Washington, D.C.-based convention that drew more than 40,000 participants from around the world.

In Jan. 2014, President Barack Obama appointed Boyd and 14 others to the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African-Americans. This Commission is charged with strengthening the nation by improving educational outcomes for African-Americans and ensuring that all African-Americans receive an education that prepares them for college, productive careers and satisfying lives.

The Troy Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, a graduate chapter, has 20 members who are all educators.

“As educators, we are committed to educational development and work with youth in the area and with local mental health facilities,” Felton said. “Our chapter participated in the Pike County Relay for Life campaign in May. We have outreach programs on political awareness and social action. We also conduct workshops in reference to preparing young people for future success. The workshops assist them with the writing of resumes, preparing for interviews and financial awareness.”

The sorority also works with Special Olympics and participates in Brown Bag events in Downtown Troy.

The Chapter was founded by 13 Sorors who lived in and around the City of Troy.  The charter Sorors were members of other chapters but saw a need for Delta service in the Troy community.  Acting upon this need, Sorors Erika Akings, Alison Allen, Joni Crenshaw, Wendy Ginyard, Cicely Baugh Hooten, Atoyia Johnson, Lula Larkin, Nikita Payne, Leneshia Pryor, Tracey Thomas, Charlesetta Townsend, Alicia Whatley and Bessie Williams chartered the Troy Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority on April 22, 2004.