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:

●      Enhance and improve the status of women in our complex, competitive business and professional                 world

●      Promote increased interest in the broad field of business education among high school and college             young women through planned programs and scholarships

●      Encourage the development of personal goals and leadership potential

●      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.