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Zeta Mu Chapter
Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
Throughout history, strong black women have always been on the forefront, catalysts for change and visionaries for the betterment of the Black community. Our founder, Lola Mercedes Parker was one such visionary. Coming off the heels of the Great Depression where tens of thousands of Black people migrated from the South to Northern parts of the United States, Black women working white-collar jobs in the business field were vastly being discriminated against. Soror Lola, a graduate of the Chicago Business College, had a vision – one that would enable Black women to achieve their highest level of proficiency in their chosen business profession and ensure a better quality of life.
On June 1, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, our catalyst, Soror Lola Mercedes Parker convened a meeting with her friends, Sorors Ethel T. Edwards, Mildred G. Hardin, Harriet M. Robinson, Ophelia Harrison, Burdette Trigg and Marjorie Tyndall to discuss her vision; one that would teach thousands of Black women new skills, improve upon their existing skills, encourage, nurture, and inspire them. It is on this day, these phenomenal women founded the first Black Greek lettered business and professional women’s organization, Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated.
Today, Soror Lola’s legacy continues. There are over one hundred chapters and nine thousand Sorors across the United states including the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. strives to:
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Enhance and improve the status of women in our complex, competitive business and professional world
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Promote increased interest in the broad field of business education among high school and college young women through planned programs and scholarships
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Encourage the development of personal goals and leadership potential
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Establish and promote civic and social service activities for youth and adults
For additional information regarding the illustrious Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated, please visit the National website and/or the Eastern Region website.
Chartering The Zeta Mu Chapter
The Strategic Plan
On July 18, 2021, Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated welcomed twenty fabulous women (a.k.a., The Strategic Plan) into the land of Emerald Green and White. Four visionaries (Sorors Judy Belton, Erica Belton, Alicia Belton and Karen Arey) desiring to serve and meet the needs of the Prince George’s County, Maryland community, along with the initiates and eight transfer sorors, chartered the new Zeta Mu Chapter of Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Ninety-seven sorors across all regions joined the virtual induction ceremony and ninety-two attended the post celebratory event!
The Intentiona1 Executor5
The Marvelous and Magnificent Zeta Mu Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated welcomed fifteen amazing women into Iotaland on Sunday, October 9, 2022. The ‘Intentiona1 Executor5’ pushed through to Iotaland to make their presence known, showing they are about their BUSINESS, moving with intention and conviction to spread their Friendship and Love in Prince George’s County, MD. Sixty-five sorors across all regions joined the virtual induction ceremony including our very own, Madam National President, Dorothy M. White. Welcome again Sorors.
The Pivotal P.E.A.R.L.S.
On November 11th, 2023, the Zeta Mu Chapter welcomed 18 groundbreaking women into Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Introducing The Pivotal Passionate, Efficient, Admirable, Radiant, Legendary, Sisters…aka The Pivotal P.E.A.R.L.S. They are an amazing and talented group of women who showed how they could pivot quickly during the initiation process to adjust to the ever-changing situations.
The Quin2e5sential Emeralds
On December 15, 2024, twenty-five exceptional women from diverse backgrounds (e.g., educators, human resources professionals, a nurse, a lawyer, communications experts, entrepreneurs and more), as well as recent college graduates, to those with years of outstanding government and private sector experience, joined our illustrious organization! We were not disappointed. These women embraced their commitment to the values and purpose of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. with grace and dignity. It was a powerful moment as we remembered the vision of our founder, Lola Mercedes Parker!