Winona Cargile Alexander (June 21, 1893 – October 16, 1984) was a founder of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Incorporated at Howard University on January 13, 1913. It was the second sorority founded for and by African-American women and was influential in women's building civic institutions and charities. In 1915, she was the first African-American admitted to the New York School of Philanthropy (now Columbia University's School of Social Work), where she received a graduate fellowship for her studies. She was the first African-American hired as a social worker in New York. Early life and education Winona Cargile was born Winona Lucile Cargile in Columbus, Georgia on June 21st, 1893, as the second of four daughters to Sarah Frances (Fannie) Sloan Cargile and Rev. Charles H. Cargile. Her father being an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) minister and Howard University divinity school graduate, highly supported a thorough education for each of his daughters as well as a steadfast faith in Christianity. Winona's family moved from Columbus to Macon, Georgia by the start of her secondary school career. There she attended Ballard Normal High School, a private college preparatory school for African-American students. Cargile graduated as salutatorian from Ballard Normal in 1910. That fall, Cargile started at Howard University in Washington, DC, which was both her uncle and her father's alma mater. During her time there, Cargile became Vice President of her Class, joined clubs such as Social Science Club, Alpha Phi Literary Society, German Club, Classical Club, Yearbook Staff, and the YWCA Cabinet. Winona Co-Founded the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority during her penultimate year at Howard University. Cargile graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1914. Cargile was one of 22 founders of Delta Sigma Theta sorority in 1913. Career After graduation, Cargile was hired as a high school English teacher in Sedalia, Missouri. She received a graduate fellowship to the New York School of Philanthropy. In 1915 she was the first black person admitted to the graduate studies program, and earned a degree in social work in 1916. After graduation, Cargile was the first black social worker hired for New York City and New York County Charities. Cargile moved to Jacksonville, Florida when hired as a social worker the Duval County Welfare Board. In 1917 she married attorney Edward L. Alexander. They moved to Switzerland, Florida, where Edward had a law practice. Cargile had two sons,