Since its establishment in 1913, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has clearly distinguished itself as a public service organization that boldly confronts the challenges of African Americans, with a special emphasis on youth. Seventy-five years ago, seven Deltas in Miami saw the need to establish a local chapter to continue their lifetime commitment to Delta Sigma Theta, Thus, Beta Sigma Zeta Chapter was chartered in 1941. Those Deltas provided leadership and visibility in Dade County's Black community over the years with outstanding programs* and projects. Beta Sigma Zeta later became Miami Alumnae Chapter when the national organization changed the naming structure for alumnae chapters. Throughout the years, Miami Alumnae has established new programs and projects while enhancing existing ones, all aimed at serving our community, especially its youth. Miami Alumnae Chapter members mentor girls from kindergarten to twelfth grade through its various mentoring programs. In the Delta Violets Program, girls from kindergarten through fifth grade are encouraged to love and respect themselves through esteem-building activities. In the Betty Shabazz Delta Academy, mentors expose girls in sixth through ninth grade to interesting and exciting ways of learning math and science while continuing to foster their self-worth and preparing them for careers in the twenty-first century. The Debutante Program, for girls in tenth through twelfth grade, has been in existence since 1950 and is continually evolving. The sub-debutante groups focus on college preparation, building positive relationships, and community service events as well as activities geared specifically to each grade. In the tenth grade, the sub-debutantes research and present their family tree and participate in various family bonding activities. In the eleventh grade the sub-debutantes participate in a Naming Ceremony in which their parents give them African names suited to their personalities and/or aspirations. This ceremony leads into the Orita Program during which the sub-debutantes are challenged to investigate and understand six Orita components. At the completion of the components, the sub-debutantes are presented in an Orita Ceremony, a rite-of-passage, symbolizing the transition from childhood to young adulthood. In the twelfth grade, the sub-debutantes are guided through the college and scholarship application process including writing the essays and preparing for interviews.

As a culminating event, the debutantes are presented to society in an elaborate and much anticipated cotillion. In addition to the mentoring programs, Miami Alumnae serves the community by sponsoring programs that are aligned with the national organization's five-point programmatic thrust-Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement. Every year, during the Debutante Cotillion, thousands of dollars in scholarships are awarded to the young ladies who are being presented. Three signature fundraising events are held annually to fund these scholarships. For the past 72 years, Jabberwock has afforded local talented youth the opportunity to showcase their talents. The Poinsettia Gala, an elegant dinner dance held every December since 1950, is a perfect way to usher in the holiday season. The Cooking Gents Affair, which began 20 years ago, gathers South Florida men of different backgrounds, from lawyers to firemen, to create a cornucopia of delicious treats for guests to savor. Each of these events brings out hundreds of guests to help raise scholarship funds. Miami Alumnae Chapter was awarded Delta Sigma Theta's 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 Chapter of the Year Award in the large category for its spectacular chapter programs. The award is presented annually to an outstanding chapter that has exhibited innovation and quality execution in the areas of internal development, programmatic delivery, community involvement, chapter management, and member involvement.