Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc. (ΓΦΔ)was founded in February, 1943 at the Lewis Business College (Lewis College of Business) Detroit, Michigan by Mrs. Elizabeth Garner, an instructor at the College, assisted by her sister, Mrs. Violet Lewis, owner and President of the College. The founders, along with the other eleven members are known as the Sorority's 13 Original Pearls.

Membership includes women in all professions, business related positions and vocationally trained occupations; in addition, young women who are still pursuing their educational goals as undergraduates.

Chapters are organized in all areas of the United States, and may, under the corporate structure, extend to its territories. Gamma Phi Delta strives to improve the economic, social and political status of all women; to motivate the members to further their education/training and maintain a better relationship among women of all races and creeds and to be of greater service to the community, country and to each other. The commitment to the pursuit of Social, Cultural and Academic excellence for young people is evidenced through the sponsorship of youth auxiliaries and through encouragement and financial assistance, of educational endeavors.

Graduate members serve as mentors for four youth groups (Rosebuds, Phi-Teens, Junior Cavaliers and Cavaliers). Graduate members serve as role models and give instructional training in refinement and culture; conduct workshops on college preparation, college applications, choosing a career, job application, job interviews, availability of, and how to apply for grants and scholarships, vocational opportunities and motivational session on goal setting.

Each Chapter is required to provide a showcase for aspiring young artists through the sponsorship of an annual Artist of Tomorrow program. Many of these participants have achieved national and international fame. Educational and recreational programs are provided to keep young people involved in worthwhile pursuits. The National Headquarters in Detroit MI, provides the space for such activities in that area.

The National Membership Enrichment Program includes general presentations and workshops beneficial to the career woman and provides "Know How" to initiate, organize and carry out programs to enhance the communities we represent. Local chapters are encouraged to support charities and organizations whose objectives are parallel to those of Gamma Phi Delta in serving humanity. This support is accomplished through both financial and volunteer services. The members are particularly interested in working and cooperating with those program whose objectives are the elimination of economical, educational, vocational and social gaps the exist between the privileged and the underprivileged.

Volunteer services are an integral part membership responsibility and each member is encouraged to contribute their time and expertise in needed areas. A corp of adult affiliates was organized to assist in the pursuit of organizational goals. They are the Echoes (females) and the Senior Cavaliers (males). Gamma Phi Delta is affiliated with other National Organizations; life member of the NAACP with over five hundred individual life members; life member affiliate of the NCNW and member of AOIP.

Gamma Phi Delta is non-political; however, we research, study and explore issues that are relative to humanity and make presentations and recommendations to the members.

Gamma Phi Delta is non sectarian; however, a general recognition of a Supreme Being is a part of our creed.

We strive to make peace, patience, joy, kindness, wisdom, courtesy, justice, charity and faith our contribution to society as we endeavor to uplift those around us...

Membership

Gamma Phi Delta Sorority attracts business-women and professional women from many fields, and Chapters are located throughout the [United States].

Purpose

The purpose of the organization is:

1. To unite fraternally for charitable, educational and fraternal purposes, and to establish and maintain active chapters throughout the United States.
2. To foster the improvements of the educational and vocational status of young people with special emphasis on underprivileged youth.
3. To assist said youth through broadening their educational objectives by encouragement, dissemination of information and financial assistance, and to promote the beneficial use of acquired education and/or training to the best interest of the community. And finally;
4. To create a better understanding between women of all races and creeds; promoting higher education through encouragement and financial aid; and to promote cultural enrichment and to serve mankind.

Scholarships

On the National level, four (4) scholarships and two (2) Endowments are awarded annually. The Scholarships are: The Gamma Phi Delta Merit Scholarship; the Elizabeth Garner Memorial Scholarship; the Violet T. Lewis Memorial Scholarship and the Undergraduate Scholarship. And the Endowment Funds are; The Luthermae E. Adams Endowment Fund and The Ann McElwee Perpetual Endowment Fund. In addition, our member chapters award scholarships on the local level.

Youth groups

The most satisfying and rewarding experience is the four youth groups, Rosebuds, Phi-Teens, Junior Cavaliers and Cavaliers. Youth group programs promote the continual quest for knowledge and academic excellence and it epitomizes the Sorority's aim of striving for refinement and culture. Each group is challenged to achieve their worthwhile goals through association with Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc.

Charities

Gamma Phi Delta supports charities that are serving humanity and whose objectives are paralleled to its aims. Its chapter members with charities of their choice, contribute their time, expertise and finance. Gamma Phi Delta is non-political and non-sectarian. However, the sorority encourages members to participate in political actions of their choosing and welcome members of religious beliefs and a general recognition of a Supreme Being is a part of its CREED.