International Alumnae of Delta Epsilon Sorority (IADES) was established in July 1957 as the National Alumnae of Delta Epsilon Sorority (NADES). In 1989, recognizing that members resided in the countries ouside of the United States, the alumnae voted to adopt the name International Alumnae of Delta Epsilon Sorority.

IADES strives to perpetuate the bonds of sisterhood developed during college years with the Delta Epsilon Sorority, the first Greek Sorority established at Gallaudet University.

IADES promotes benevolent, charitable acts, bestows upon deserving alumnae and non-DE women cash awards to further their doctoral studies, and honors with recognition awards those exceptional alumnae and non-DE women who have unselfishly served the greater deaf community on local, national, or international levels.

In the fall of 1993, IADES dissolved the fifteen-year-old IADES Charitable Fund and established a co-operative relationship with Gallaudet University's Office of Development. Gallaudet administers the IADES Fellowship Award Fund and the Dorothy S. Miles Cultural Award Fund, with IADES officers managing the affairs of both funds, following established guidelines.

IADES's business affairs are governed by sisters elected by the membership to serve on the Executive Council. Each officer serves a three-year term. Meetings are held several times yearly. The official organ, The Lamplighter, is issued to dues-paying members.