Deltas

Leadership Highlight: Ugochi Ejiogu the President of Delta Sigma Theta at The University at Buffalo

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 Gamma Kappa Chapter at The University at Buffalo and did an interview with Ugochi Ejiogu the president of the chapter.

The position of president of an undergraduate chapter of a Black sororityis a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes. 21-year-old Ugochi Ejiogu 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 Statistics 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 chapter president means making the decision to lead your chapter to greater heights and committing yourself to continuing a legacy of scholarship and service. The sky is not the limit when it comes to the wonderful initiatives being set forth for the betterment of your chapter members, campus community, and surrounding area.

What made you decide to attend the University at Buffalo for undergrad?

I chose to attend the University at Buffalo for undergrad because of the amazing opportunities it offers to all disciplines. UB is a premier research institution and is the No. 1 public university in New York State, according to the 2019 Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Ranking. As a statistics major and public health minor, I have participated in research within my department since my sophomore year. The city of Buffalo is an up and coming area with countless opportunities for both post-undergraduate and graduate students to pursue.

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

This year, Gamma Kappa is introducing a “For the Culture” series that will educate the community on a range of topics in Black culture from knowing your rights as an American citizen to learning how to take care of your hair type (to name a few). It will improve the campus community because it will give people of color AND non-people of color insight on information they may not have known before.

What made you want to pledge Delta Sigma Theta?

My initial introduction to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated came from my older sister who entered the fold Spring 2014 at Tufts University, Xi Tau chapter. I was determined to become a member of Delta Sigma Theta because women of Delta, like my sister, are all about action. While creating a sisterhood and bond with other women, they continue to fight social injustice and make a difference in African American communities everywhere. Quoting Will Rogers, “A [wo]man only learns in two ways: one by reading, and the other by association with smart people.” I knew becoming a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. would allow me to learn and practice more valuable leadership skills from other intelligent, strong-willed women.

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

What makes Gamma Kappa so unique is how we never let our size affect our ability to reach the masses. I often describe my chapter as “small, but mighty.” Serving at a predominantly white institution up north has never made us feel less empowered. There is always work that needs to be done for which Gamma Kappa shows up and shows out!

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?

Undergraduate chapters should understand that whether or not your letters are sprawled across your chest, they are always on. They should also use their platform in a positive way by shedding light on issues that matter. Our organizations were created for this very reason; to bring awareness to injustice and put in work towards fighting them.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership means understanding what is to come and not allowing it to dissuade you from showing your team the way to success. Success is not a straight path. Any leader is ready to face all obstacles with grace.

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

Watch The Yard is important to Black greekdom because it reminds us of all the outstanding accomplishments made daily by members of our organizations. The misconceptions of greek life made by the media can often lead future members to the wrong ideas. Watch The Yard does a great job of showcasing what it really means to be a dedicated, strong-willed Black greek.

What does sisterhood mean to you?

Sisterhood means unconditional love. Sisterhood should serve as the fuel behind any sorority’s chapter. It is never judgmental, never rude, and is always there to remind us we are not alone.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to take a gap year to work in healthcare operations. I want to apply my skills and knowledge of data analytics and public health to this field because of my passion for combating health disparities in low income, underrepresented communities. After my gap year, I plan to enroll in a dual degree program to earn a Masters in Public Health and a Masters in Business Administration.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Ugochi Ejiogu for her work as the president of Gamma Kappa Chapter which has a long legacy that spans back to 1942.