Corine Jordan Green was a trailblazing leader, dedicated to empowering Black communities, especially women of color. During her 30-year career at Rockwell International, she became the first African-American female Procurement Quality Assurance Manager, overseeing an $8 million budget.

A proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. since 1972, Ms. Green’s transformational leadership modernized the organization, introducing computerized systems, leadership training workshops, and international service initiatives such as Habitat for Humanity. She served as International Grand Basileus from 1992-1996, leading the Sorority into a new era of impact.

In 1993, she founded The SPEAR Foundation to help Sigma Gamma Rho chapters secure funding for community programs. By 1995, SPEAR became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, expanding its reach to community-based organizations (CBOs) nationwide. Under her leadership, SPEAR developed programs focused on financial education, self-advocacy, family support, and health awareness.

Her vision and legacy continue today, as SPEAR empowers communities, strengthens families, and drives meaningful change.

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In Loving Memory of Emeritus Director Arcola F. Stafford

Director Arcola F. Stafford was founding board member and immediate past Treasurer whose leadership, stewardship, and unwavering commitment helped shape the SPEAR Foundation, from its earliest beginnings in 1993 alongside Founding President & CEO and the 18th Grand Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc, Corine J. Green. For more than 30 years, she faithfully guided the Foundation’s financial leadership and sustainability with integrity, wisdom, and purpose, helping to build a lasting foundation for generations to come. She made her earthly transition on Monday, June 8, 2026.

Beyond her fiduciary leadership, Director Stafford was deeply committed to youth development and community empowerment. She was instrumental in implementing and leading one of the Foundation’s earliest leadership programs, the Leadership and Development Empowering Sisters (LADES) program — formerly known as Rites of Passage — serving young girls through Saturday out-of-school-time programming in the Las Vegas area. Her passion for nurturing and educating youth also extended throughout her distinguished career of more than three decades as an Elementary Music Teacher within the Clark County School District.

A proud Life Member and Cultured Pearl of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. since 1969 and an esteemed alumna of Philander-Smith College, Director Stafford leaves behind a legacy rooted in excellence, service, mentorship, and love for community. Her impact will forever live on through the lives she touched, the leaders she inspired, and the Foundation she helped build.

Our Community Impact Journey

The SPEAR Foundation has expanded its reach through strategic philanthropy, partnerships, leadership development, and community investment —supporting Sigma Gamma Rho chapters and affiliates, community-based organizations, and initiatives that create measurable impact for women, youth, and families. Our impact is manifested on the local and international level.

2026

• FY27 Mini-Grant Program – Expanded the Foundation's investment to 16 chapter and community-based organization projects, awarding $15,000 to strengthen education, health, service, and community initiatives.

• SPEAR International Shoe Drive Initiative – Mobilized chapters and affiliates to collect 568 pairs of shoes while generating more than $30,000 in combined community investment to support underserved youth and families.

• Corine J. Green Partnership Program (CJGPP) – Expanded charitable partnerships through sponsorships, fiscal support, and capacity-building opportunities for chapters and nonprofit organizations nationwide. Partnered with the Northern California Chapters of Sigma Gamma Sorority, Inc. on their Fashion Show Fundraiser to raise over $4,200 for St. Jude’s Hospital.

• Community Investment & Impact Reporting – Introduced the Foundation's first comprehensive Community Investment and Impact Report, strengthening transparency, accountability, and data-informed philanthropy.

2025

• Sigma Gamma Rho x Macy’s x Kasper – Continued serving as the Sorority's fiscal partner in administering a $250,000 corporate donation supporting mission-driven programming and community investment.

• FY26 Regional Mini-Grant Program – Awarded 10 regional mini-grants totaling $5,000, supporting innovative chapter-led community service initiatives across all five regions of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

• LADES Virtual Learning Series – Successfully launched three (3) virtual leadership and professional development sessions focused on leadership, wellness, and personal growth.

• SPEAR International Shoe Drive Initiative (SISD) – Coordinated a national service effort resulting in 348 shoe gift cards and more than $15,000 in community investment through chapter participation and Foundation support.

• Research & Impact Initiative – Began developing the Foundation's Integrated Impact Framework, annual Logic Model, and Performance & Impact Measures (PIM) to strengthen strategic planning and organizational accountability.

2024

• Sigma Gamma Rho x Macy’s x Kasper – SPEAR proudly celebrated a $250,000 donation supporting the Sorority’s Centennial programming and mission-driven initiatives.

• Corine J. Green Partnership Program – Expanded funding opportunities for Sigma Gamma Rho chapters and community organizations through sponsorships, charitable giving, and partnership support.

• Regional Community Investments – Supported mission-aligned initiatives throughout the Central, Northeastern, Southeastern, Southwestern, and Western Regions, investing in education, youth development, health, and community service.

• Organizational Growth – Strengthened Foundation governance through strategic planning, financial stewardship, and infrastructure improvements designed to expand long-term community impact.

• Strategic Partnerships – Increased collaboration with chapters, community organizations, and national partners to broaden the Foundation's charitable reach and visibility.

2023

• Sigma Gamma Rho x Macy’s x Kasper – SPEAR proudly celebrated a $335,000 donation supporting the Sorority’s Centennial programming and mission-driven initiatives.

• Nu Lambda Sigma (Ghana) – Sponsored the Menstrual Health Initiative, supporting women and girls in accessing hygiene resources.

• Epsilon Kappa Sigma – Received funding for their SWIM 1922 initiative, promoting water safety and drowning prevention.

2022

• Sigma Gamma Rho x Macy’s x Kasper – SPEAR proudly celebrated a $250,000 donation supporting the Sorority’s Centennial programming and mission-driven initiatives.

• Centers for Families and Children – Sponsored the LENA Starts Parent/Community Cohort, helping close opportunity gaps through early language development for children birth to age 3.

• Gamma Tau Sigma (Long Beach, CA) – Sponsored Operation Big Book Bag, providing backpacks and supplies to the Torrance Department of Children and Family Services.

• Delta Omicron Sigma (Columbus, OH) – Sponsored Babes, Boobs, and Bagels, a breast health awareness program, and supported their SWIM 1922 efforts.

2020

• Kappa Gamma Sigma Graduate Chapter – Sponsored multiple Operation Big Book Bag events, equipping students with vital school supplies.

2019

• Iota Beta Sigma – Sponsored a Breast Cancer Awareness Event, promoting education and early detection

• Kappa Gamma Sigma Graduate Chapter – Continued support for Operation Big Book Bag.

• Northeast Regional Conference – Undergraduate Luncheon sponsor

• Southeast Regional Conference – Undergraduate Lunch Keepsake sponsor

2018

• Kappa Gamma Sigma Graduate Chapter – Sponsored Operation Big Book Bag to support academic success for youth.

• Iota Beta Sigma – Sponsored the Gold Coast Weekend 5K Run/Walk, promoting health and wellness in the community.

From bookbags to breast cancer awareness, from water safety to women's health—SPEAR Foundation continues to empower chapters and communities through intentional giving, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment to service.