Deltas

Leadership Highlight: Taylor Belle the President of Delta Sigma Theta at Wilberforce University

In an effort to highlight the young leaders who are leading undergraduate chapters across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to the sorors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.’s Beta Chapter at Wilberforce University and did an interview with Taylor Belle the president of the chapter.

The position of president of an undergraduate chapter of a Black sorority is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes. 23-year-old Belle has used the position to gain new leadership experience, improve the lives of other students on campus and help the community around her.

We interviewed the Sociology and Social Work major and talked about her position, goals, future and what it means to hold a leadership on campus in the digital age.

Read the full interview below.

What does it mean to be a chapter president to you?

Being a chapter president is a great blessing and teacher. It eludes the idea that you were seen as worthy to be responsible and primary representation for your chapter, and you’re qualified to be trusted with the decision making. I believe it will bring you to new heights of humility as you have to listen to understand instead of respond and be able to work with people of all backgrounds with differing opinions in your chapter and at your school. You will acquire a new level of confidence because you have to stand strong in the decisions that are made to make people comfortable with trusting you. Being a chapter president definitely requires a lot of work and discipline, but it will stay with you for a life time.

What made you decide to attend the Wilberforce University for undergrad?

I actually transferred to a Wilberforce University in the summer of 2016 from my previous institution, which was a PWI. I received a full ride scholarship to attend there and was thoroughly involved, so I was content. Until I stepped foot on Wilberforce’s campus and fell in LOVE! The culture, the history, the family oriented atmosphere pulled me in and I knew this was home for me.

What specific initiatives is your chapter heading up this year and how do you think they will improve the campus/surrounding community?

This year we are focusing a lot on Mental Health. We are planning to initiate a “Red Table Talk” series focusing on various mental health issues that adversely affect students on college campuses. Also focusing on career readiness with a “Business is Business” series that would help young adults understand the basics of internships, the career search and life after college.

What made you want to pledge Delta Sigma Theta?

Women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. were a set of women who could have easily went with the what was presented to them at the time, but instead they decided to create their own organization based upon principles that they valued. They decided what would be the best for collegiate women at that time and acted on it with events and initiatives that would leave an impact on the world as they knew it. Fast forwarding to today, these still remain true. These women are in my community working and leaving a lasting example for the young ladies that were in the same shoes as mine. Seeing them accomplish their goals, do work in the community and look good doing it is the reason why I chose Delta Sigma Theta.

What is it about your specific chapter that makes it so unique?

Beta chapter is the second chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and was chartered in 1914. Beta Chapter was deemed “The Mother of the Midwest” as it has charted 10 chapters alone. Beta is home of the Beta Hymn written by one of our honorary members, Isabelle Askew. The women who have came through this chapter are all amazing, goal driven, beautiful women and It’s a blessing to have been initiated through this chapter.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think undergraduate chapters across all orgs need to do to represent themselves online in 2019?

Marketing! Making sure all of your events and anything that your chapter participates in is a big deal and publicized! Since everyone is social media driven it is easy to throw an amazing event but because it wasn’t properly advertised it didn’t have the effect on as many people as it could’ve.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership to me is the ability to be what I didn’t have and to do everything that I wished someone else would’ve did. I understand that everything I do in leadership isn’t for me and it’s for everyone that comes after me. It causes me to analyze myself much more to live up to the standards that I set for everyone else. It causes moments of self reflection for me so that I can be everything I said I wanted to be.

Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black greekdom?

Watch The Yard shows Black Greekdom in much more positive ways than others portray it. It shows more than Greeks in undergrad but follows members as they are achieving in their careers and out helping their respective communities.

What does brotherhood mean to you?

Sisterhood means loving one another through the good and the bad. Truly understanding your sisters even when they can’t communicate with you effectively. Being someone they can call on through tough times, even if they never tell you that anything is wrong. Sisterhood is holding each other accountable and helping each other down the right path.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation I plan to work towards my masters in public administration, then go on study for my law degree. I eventually plan to be a judge and wish to own my own non profit to assist boys and girls in the neighborhood that I grew up in, Jefferson Township. The non profit will provide mentorship, events to simulate their mind, and provide assistance to their parents if there’s things that they cannot afford such as supplies and uniforms.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Taylor Belle for her work as the president of Beta Chapter which has a long legacy that spans back to 1914.