Testimonials

It is our distinct honor to give our full endorsement of Soror Terri Rivalte as a candidate for National Secretary.

For over 30 years, we’ve witnessed Terri’s unwavering commitment to our Sisterhood - from her collegiate roots to her impactful national leadership. Her service on the National Executive Board, as National Treasurer, Co-Chair of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, and Chair of the Internal Audit Committee, speaks volumes about the breadth of her experience and the depth of her knowledge of our governance and operations.

Terri is organized, thorough, and exceptionally skilled in both communication and administration. She consistently demonstrates integrity, accountability, and professionalism in everything she does. She brings clarity, precision, and efficiency to her work—and she does so with authenticity, warmth, and respect for others.

She is not only competent - she’s dependable, effective, and a true team player. Terri elevates every space she enters.

We are confident that she will serve as National Secretary with excellence, transparency, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of our beloved Sorority. We are proud to offer her our highest recommendation and strongest support.

Past South Atlantic Regional Directors

Dr. Trish R. Johnson, Juanita Massenburg, Andria Jeffries, Dr. Linda Wilson, Yvette Robinson, Mary Bennett Sutton, Nettie D. Faulcon, Sharon D. Reed, Thelma Pettis, and Dr. Norma Sermon-Boyd

It is with the utmost confidence and enthusiasm that I offer my full support for Soror Terri Rivalte as the next National Secretary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Soror Rivalte exemplifies outstanding leadership, organizational excellence, and a proven ability to execute with precision and integrity. Her Delta and professional credentials are undeniably impressive, but it is her results-driven mindset, tireless dedication, and unwavering commitment to service that truly set her apart. Soror Rivalte doesn’t just take on a task—
she masters it, always exceeding expectations and uplifting those around her in the process. She is, without question, the right choice for National Secretary.

Deborah Jones-Buggs

Past National Treasurer
Past Chair, National Finance Committee
Chicago Alumnae Chapter

Terri Rivalte is a highly motivated and dedicated individual with a deep passion for the mission of our beloved organization. Having served in numerous local, regional, and national roles, her experience clearly reflects her unwavering commitment and ability to serve as our National Secretary. Anyone who has had the opportunity to work with Terri knows that if no one else has the information, Terri certainly does. She is the absolute best choice for this role.

Katrina Young

Chapter President
Charlotte Alumnae Chapter

I have known Soror Rivalte since she was initiated in the Mu Alpha Chapter at VA Tech. Since initiation, she has been dedicated to serving our sisterhood - from a Collegiate Chapter Advisor to the National Treasurer! I fully support Soror Rivalte as our next National Secretary due to her innovativeness and creativity. She is a great communicator and will ensure members receive information in a timely manner. She is also very resourceful and keeps great records - all you have to do is ask, "do you have"; her response will be, "yes I do, let me send it to you!"

Joanell Lawson

National Protocol and Traditions Committee, Co-Chair (2023-current)
National Leadership Academy Committee, Co-Chair (2021-2023)
National Scholarship & Standards Committee, Southern Region Member (2014-2018)
South Florida State Coordinator (2011-2014)
Southern Region Secretary (1999-2002)
Tampa Alumnae Chapter

I consider Terri a friend, mentor and phenomenal soror who has always operated with integrity, class and great care. For as long as I have known her, she has consistently been seen as a wealth of knowledge and walking archive of historical events to both guide and inform. Terri is attentive to details and particular with the facts, yet also patient in her approach to coaching and developing the next generation. I have no doubt that she will bring this meticulous and steadfast spirit to the role of National Secretary. With her breadth of experiences across the sorority, she continues to deliver - yielding a positive impact for the greater good of EACH soror, chapter, and region, regardless of size.

Christa Newkirk

Farwest Region, Nominating Committee Member (2024-2026)
Delta P.E.A.R.L. Cohort 3
Sacramento Alumnae Chapter

I had the opportunity to work with Soror Terri Rivalte when I was chapter treasurer. She was amazing! At the beginning of my tenure she traveled to meet with the fiscal officers in person. Our meeting was warm and extremely informative. As my tenure progressed, no matter what my question (even those that were elementary), she answered thoroughly and in a way that was easily understood. She never got frustrated (even when my calls were way past business hours and late over in the night). She was patient, approachable, and never made me feel like I was bothering her. I feel like during those interactions, we formed a relationship and bond beyond just the numbers. Whenever I would see her at conferences or conventions, she always took a few minutes to hug and greet me. It is in these moments that the sisterhood shines through. Soror Rivalte’s record speaks for itself. She is more than qualified and I believe her experience and personality will make her an amazing National Secretary.

Tiffany Johnson Cole

Past Chapter Treasurer

Past Alabama State Coordinator

Past Alabama Social Action Lead

Current Social Action Chair
Tuskegee Alumnae Chapter

Serving as National Second Vice President while Soror Rivalte served as National Treasurer, we worked closely on the executive committee for the efforts of the sorority. I witnessed thoughtful preparation, diligence and consideration in her thoughts and deliberations and am confident her character will similarly transcend in this space.

Brittani Blackwell

Midwest Regional Director

Past National Second Vice President
Southfield Alumnae Chapter

I am proud to offer my wholehearted support for my Soror and friend, Terri Rivalte, as she seeks the office of National Secretary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Terri is focused, and deeply committed to the mission and legacy of our Sisterhood. Having served as National Treasurer, she brings to this role a proven record of excellence in organizational governance, strategic oversight, and national-level leadership.

Her experience serving the Sorority in a host of elected and appointed positions on all levels of our sisterhood has equipped her with the precision, attention to detail, and high-level communication skills essential for the role of National Secretary.

Soror Rivalte’s no-nonsense leadership style is matched by her unwavering love for Delta and her belief in our collective power as women of purpose. I am confident that with Soror Rivalte as National Secretary, we will be well-positioned to preserve our records with excellence and honor our legacy with every word recorded.

Desiree Rew

Member, Farwest Region ELearning Committee
Past Chapter President - Charlotte Alumnae Chapter
Long Beach Alumnae Chapter

Soror Terri Rivalte embodies the truest spirit of our cherished Sorority. For over thirty years, I have personally witnessed her lifetime commitment to sisterhood, scholarship, service and social action. A dynamic and thoughtful servant leader, she brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to every aspect of her work. She anticipates the needs of others with a respectful insight that creates an environment of collaboration and trust. She values the opinions of others and is inclusive. Attention to detail and organizational effectiveness are at the forefront of her broad-based skills. At the end of the day, Terri Rivalte is truly a Soror’s Soror. It is an honor and blessing to support her candidacy for National Secretary.

Gayle Barge

Past National Committee Member
Strategic Planning
Heritage and Archives
Dallas Alumnae Chapter

I am pleased to offer my wholehearted support for Soror Terri Rivalte. I have had the honor of knowing Terri since my initiation through the Mu Alpha Chapter in 1995, and over the years, I have watched her serve our beloved sisterhood with distinction and dedication at the local, regional, and national levels.

Terri’s extensive experience across all levels of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a testament to her unwavering commitment, exceptional work ethic, and pursuit of excellence. Her steadfast devotion to every task she undertakes is both admirable and inspiring. Whether leading initiatives or supporting behind the scenes, Terri approaches every responsibility with integrity and purpose.

She possesses the skills, experience, and proven track record of success that make her exceptionally well qualified for the position of National Secretary. We entrusted her with the financial stewardship of our sorority when we elected her National Treasurer - and she served with excellence and accountability. That same trust and confidence should now be placed in her to manage and preserve our records with precision and care.

I am confident that Soror Terri Rivalte will continue to uphold the values and standards of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. with the same passion and excellence she has always demonstrated. I fully support her candidacy for National Secretary and encourage others to do the same.

Rhonda P. Carter

Eastern Region DID Coordinator
Past President, Fort Washington Alumnae Chapter

Throughout my tenure as Treasurer of the Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter, I had the privilege of working with Soror Terri, who was serving as National Treasurer at the time. In a moment when I required guidance on a financial matter, Terri demonstrated exceptional responsiveness, expertise, and approachability. She promptly addressed my inquiry, providing a thoughtful solution that not only resolved the issue but also reinforced her commitment to service and mentorship.

Terri’s leadership is defined by her knowledge, accessibility, and unwavering support for her sorors. Her ability to foster confidence and trust made it easy for me to seek her counsel, and from that moment forward, we developed a lasting bond as sister friends. I have watched her grow within the sorority, continually exemplifying excellence and dedication. As she reaches this next milestone, I celebrate her achievements and look forward to witnessing her continued success.

Kudos and much admiration to you, Soror Terri!

Jameece Pinckney

Regional Chair, SAR 101 Committee
Past President, Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter