As a 4th generation native, The Pasadena SGRho (Tugené Davis) recognized the absence in local service and sisterhood for several years prior to 2016. After many months of work, on July 22, 2017, with Ahesha Catalano and Evita Iwtna, the work of growing the legacy of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated in the Pasadena area became official.
Tugené became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated at Howard University, Alpha Phi Chapter, in Spring, 1999. In addition to her service in Pasadena, her leadership also includes being a chapter reactivation member of Theta Pi Sigma Chapter as the Vice-President. She has served as a member of the International Music and Arts Committee and in 2025 became the Interim-President of Black Greek Letter Organizations in the National Panhellenic Council for Altadena-Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley. Learn more about her here.
We've always valued the uniqueness of being outside of the Los Angeles community in an authentic, historical town that has shown a need to prioritize family values. Rooted in generational contributions, we treasure our elders who have grown the Black Greek Letter Organization (BGLO) community through National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations in the Divine Nine (D9) since 1957 in Pasadena, Ca.
With more than 30 Black churches in Altadena and Pasadena, although we have a long road ahead to recover from the Eaton Fire, we keep the faith that our community will continue to grow strong and build toward 100 years of African-American contributions in Greek life.
Through COVID, the Eaton Fires and our extended work toward having a chapter in Pasadena, maintaining hope is a true mark of the sisterhood we share as Pasadena SGRho. We look forward to the reopening of the Central Library where, in the early years of our service, we began notifying the community of our work and contributions to the city and surrounding communities.
Our commitment is to the goals of our 7 Founders and their vision. At the heart of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated is love—the kind rooted in 1 Corinthians 13:13. It is our anchor, guiding how we lead, serve, and grow together in purpose and unity. From Rhosebuds to members, in Pasadena, we strive to honor the traditions of our city that have contributed to a rich legacy of Black history and excellence in Southern California.