Phi Sigma Sigma

Phi Sigma Sigma was founded at Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York in 1913, during formative period for women's higher education in America and at a unique urban location. Long Island University, a progressive institution serving diverse urban population including substantial immigrant communities, provided ideal environment for establishing women's fraternity dedicated to sisterhood and empowerment of women. The founders of Phi Sigma Sigma understood that women, particularly women from working and immigrant backgrounds, deserved fraternity community supporting their intellectual development, personal growth, and preparation for meaningful professional and civic contribution. They created organization with distinctive commitment to women's empowerment. Phi Sigma Sigma's founding in 1913 positioned it during critical period in women's higher education and women's rights movements. The early twentieth century witnessed expansion of educational opportunities for women, emergence of Progressive Era movements advocating for women's rights, and increasing attention to conditions affecting working women and families. Phi Sigma Sigma emerged within this context, understanding that fraternity could contribute to women's advancement and empowerment during transformative historical moment. Long Island University's urban location in Brooklyn, with its substantial populations of working-class families and immigrants, was particularly important to Phi Sigma Sigma's founding. Many early members were from immigrant backgrounds or modest economic circumstances—women determined to pursue education despite financial barriers. Phi Sigma Sigma created supportive community where these women could develop intellectually and personally while maintaining connection to their communities and advancing economically and socially. From its Long Island University foundation, Phi Sigma Sigma expanded strategically to establish chapters at universities across America. This expansion reflected recognition that women at diverse institutions shared commitment to sisterhood and personal growth. By mid-twentieth century, Phi Sigma Sigma had established chapters at universities nationwide. Phi Sigma Sigma's distinctive emphasis on friendship has been central to organizational identity. The organization understands sisterhood as grounded in genuine friendship—authentic connection, mutual support, and shared joy. Chapters create environments where women build real friendships based on knowing and caring for each other deeply, understanding that friendship is foundation for all other dimensions of sisterhood. The organization's commitment to women's empowerment reflects understanding that women's advancement benefits society broadly. Through supporting members' intellectual and professional development, advocating for educational opportunities, engaging in community service supporting women and families, and mentoring younger women, Phi Sigma Sigma has worked toward broader empowerment of women. This commitment has remained central across organizational history. Phi Sigma Sigma alumni have distinguished themselves as educators, professionals, business leaders, and community advocates across sectors. These accomplished women credit Phi Sigma Sigma with providing supportive community during their college years and with helping develop confidence and capabilities necessary for professional success and community contribution. In contemporary times, Phi Sigma Sigma continues to develop women through emphasis on sisterhood grounded in genuine friendship, commitment to personal and intellectual growth, and dedication to women's empowerment. Modern chapters maintain commitment to building authentic friendships among members, provide mentorship addressing intellectual and professional development, engage in community service supporting women and families, and create environments where women support each other's growth and advancement.