On February 20, 1954, under the leadership of Regional Director M. Lucia James and National President Dorothy I. Height, life was breathed into the 56th Chapter of the Southern Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated in Orlando, Florida. Nareda Hunt Coan was instrumental in providing much of the "leg-work," summoning ladies who were interested in becoming members of the Epsilon Gamma Sigma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. In keeping with the policy of Grand Chapter to designate non-campus based chapters by county, city, or area of chapter location, the name was changed to Orlando Alumnae Chapter in October, 1958.

The Charter officers were: Anne Mitchell Felder, President; Nareda W. H. Hunt, Vice President; Estelle Gordon Banks, Treasurer; and Ida Lorene C. Baker, Secretary. Charter members included Vivian C. Lee, Adrienne Harrison, Theresa Jenkins, Melva Jacquelyn Perkins, and Sallie T. Benson.

Orlando Alumnae Chapter Charter Members

(Row 1) -  Adrienne McKinnis Harrison, Theresa Noble Jenkins, Nareda Holloway Hunt
(Row 2) - Sallie Townsend Benson, Annie M. Border Felder, Melva Jacquelyn Howard Perkins
(Row 3) - Vivian C. Fuller Lee, Ida L. Carter Baker, Estelle Gorden Banks

Since 1954, the Orlando Alumnae Chapter has increased from nine charter members to over 160 members. The chapter continues to fulfill our Founders' dreams of achieving excellence, providing scholarships, and rendering public service to the community. Over the years, the chapter's major projects include voter registration drives, tutorial services, political awareness forums, and health fairs and seminars. The chapter yearly sponsors the Ebony Fashion Fair and the Minerva Awards (scholarship presentation). The chapter has adopted local area schools as partners in education, to mentor students and combating illiteracy.

The Orlando Alumnae Chapter has been recognized for its "commitment to serve" by many community organizations. Several awards, certificates, plaques, and trophies have been received throughout the years. Of those, the chapter received the Order of Hammer Award and Outstanding Public Service Award from the Walt Disney Company.