Economic Development - Berkeley Bay Area Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc

HomeEconomic Development

FINANCIAL FORTITUDE

The Economic Development Committee advances the national priority of empowering women and girls economically by leading initiatives that promote financial literacy, wealth building, and long-term economic independence.

At the heart of our efforts is Financial Fortitude, a signature initiative designed to help individuals define and achieve their financial goals. The program guides participants through ten essential components of financial well-being:

Goal Setting
Financial Planning
Budgeting
Debt Management
Savings & Investments
Retirement Planning
Homeownership
Insurance
Estate Planning
Entrepreneurship

Through these areas, we provide the tools and strategies necessary for long-term financial independence.

Each year, the chapter hosts a public forum, Finding Financial Freedom, spotlighting key pillars of financial wellness. Our 2026 event, “Building Home. Building Wealth. Building Futures”, is centered on homeownership in the Black community as a generational wealth building tool.

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Beyond our annual forum, the committee works year-round to:

Address issues concerning financial planning, money management, consumer education, investments, and employment opportunities
Provide meaningful programs that empower chapter members and the wider community to embark on the journey toward financial security and economic advancement.

We hope you find this resource guide helpful as you pursue Financial Freedom in your life. We will continue to update so come back often.

Resources from Financial Fortitude

Finding Financial Freedom is a program of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Berkeley Bay Area Alumnae Chapter that helps promote the financial literacy of Black women and girls with the aim of eliminating poverty. Our Economic Development signature event is held annually, in April, during Financial Health Awareness Month. We are excited to collaborate this year to host our event at the newly opened Samuel Merritt University building, located in downtown Oakland.

This year’s theme is “Building Home. Building Wealth. Building Futures”, which will focus on homeownership as a pathway to generational wealth. Our event will feature an overview of the Open The House Delta Challenge, an initiative designed to support first-time homebuyers with tools, guidance, and resources to open the door to homeownership, followed by a panel discussion on how your home can become a powerful asset to create generational wealth.

Speakers:

Lynn Richardson, National Coordinator, Open the House Challenge, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Reva Tolbert, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Realty
Brenda Wyatt, Sr. Mortgage Advisor, LaSalle Mortgage

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