About Us

We are a dynamic, principled, passionately committed group of women from around the world who define ourselves not by our distinct differences, but by what we have in common. And that common bond is a firm belief that women of different religions, cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints working together can and do make a difference in our communities,and in the world, every day.

We are nearly 100 years old, and growing. Phi Sigma Sigma is internationally recognized as a progressive, successful women’s philanthropic and social organization with cutting-edge leadership programming for college students, active clubs and special events for alumnae from coast to coast, anew Headquarters, a strong Foundation, state-of-the-art technological capabilities, and a strategic focus on our future.

More than 60,000 members strong, our sisters are mothers, family and community leaders, professionals of the highest caliber, role models, wives,daughters and the closest of friends. All that is eternally good and strong and loyal and honest and powerful and beautiful in them is what Phi Sigma Sigma stands for.

Phi Sigma Sigma continues to be a proud, strong member of the Greek community because our Founders were leaders of their time, who developed a mission to perpetuate the advancement of womanhood.

They believed that women of different faiths could come together and work toward common goals. They established the ideals that endure today and are upheld by Phi Sigma Sigma collegians and alumnae bound by the strength of sisterhood. Our Founders charted the course for milestones that have enabled Phi Sigma Sigma to prosper. Membership in Phi Sigma Sigma remains a lifelong,meaningful experience for women with like values.

The early 1900s were turbulent times. Racial vindictiveness emerged as a result of earlier waves of emigration, and divisions developed along religious,ethnic, and economic lines. The city of New York was seen as a cauldron for social change.

In 1913, our Founders approached the Dean of Women at Hunter College in New York City with a vision. They wanted to start a sorority that would promote open membership to all women of character regardless of background; a sorority committed to sisterhood, excellence in scholarship, and selfless giving.

On November 26, 1913, Phi Sigma Sigma was born, unobtrusively, without the thought of expansion. It was the first nonsectarian sorority; the only one that was open to diverse membership from inception and the only one with a ritual that was not based in scripture. Under the leadership of Fay Chertkoff (our first chapter archon), Alpha Chapter was installed at Hunter College.

The Founders' first objective was to establish the twin ideals - “ The brotherhood of man and the alleviation of the world’s pain.” Each woman extended herself to her greatest capacity to live up to the standards the group chose. They attained high scholastic standing, developed intense bonds, and each served in philanthropic activities, donating to a variety of charities consistent with Phi Sigma Sigma's twin ideals and nonsectarian trait.

Three new members were accepted into Phi Sigma Sigma during the first year:Bert Markowitz Goldstein, Bell Heyman Hoffman, and Leontine Friedman. For five years, Alpha Chapter continued locally. When a friend of Rose Sher who attended Tufts College contacted her with interest in the sorority, expansion became a reality. In 1918, the Founders installed Beta Chapter at Tufts College in Boston, and Gamma Chapter at New York University.

1918 was also the year of our first National Convention held in New York City.Fay Chertkoff was elected Phi Sigma Sigma’s first grand archon. Representatives from Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Chapters met, promulgated the original Phi Sigma Sigma Constitution, and elected the first Supreme Council. This included Fay Chertkoff as grand archon, Ethel Gordon Kraus as grand vice archon, Shirley Cohen Laufer Goldstein as national tribune, and Estelle Melnick Cole as national bursar. This Supreme Council served from 1918-1920.

Today Phi Sigma Sigma maintains 107 healthy, active collegiate chapters throughout the United States and Canada.

Core Values Symbols Founders