ROYAL REVIEW Fall 2015
A Kappa Iota Zeta Publication
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Kaptivating Kappa Iota Zeta 2015 has been such a phenomenal year for the sorors of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Kappa Iota Zeta chapter. Starting the sorority year with a chapter retreat has become a tradition that allows the chapter to bond and enjoy each other’s company. Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter is no stranger to #GettingEngaged in the pursuit of Zeta’s goals and objectives. From launching the “Light It Up Blue” Autism event to partnering with Zion Hill Community Development Center to bring a Stork’s Nest to the south Atlanta area, it’s no wonder Kappa Iota Zeta is one of the premiere chapters in Zeta.
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Under the leadership of President Shannon McGuire-Lee, Kappa Iota Zeta continues to reach new heights in serving the community and representing #BrandZeta.
In This Issue
2015-2016 Zeta Phi Beta Sorority- Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter
President’s Corner Stork’s Nest Partnership March of Dimes Autism Youth Gilgal, Inc. Military Spring & Fall New Members International Travel President’s Council
President’s Corner Greetings Sorors, As I reflect on the service of Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter (KIZ) thus far, I can honestly say we are truly living out the vision of our Founding Principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. KIZ, through humility, has channeled its spirit of service and is impacting the sorority and the greater community on a consistent basis.
Shannon B. McGuire-Lee
In support of the principle of Scholarship, we collected and donated hundreds of back to school items to our adopted school, Hamilton E. Holmes Elementary. The items, ranging from book bags, pencils, notebooks to folders have aided in providing many students with the much needed back to school supplies that they simply could not afford. This is just a small token of our support for the continued education of students as they commit to expanding their minds and broadening their horizons through educational opportunities.
It is through our recognition of the principle of Service that KIZ has the widest range of opportunities. We continue to strengthen our relationships with our community partners through Z-HOPE (Zetas Helping Other People Excel) activities. Youth: Serving as community volunteers, we assisted Hamilton E. Holmes Elementary, at their annual Fall Festival and we are in the midst of a winter coat drive to serve these students as well. Women: KIZ sponsored a day of pampering and support for the women of Gilgal, Inc. We assisted them with resume revisions and interviewing tips as they transition back into their respective communities.
Men: We are currently collecting suits for donation to the men of Gateway Ministries. These donated items will assist the multitude of men serviced by this organization with the ability to maintain the corporate image that is needed as they venture back into the work force. Seniors: A seminar titled “Are You Blue” was held for the residents of The Crosby Spears Highrise, focusing on the cause and effects of depression. Additionally, KIZ supported bringing a touch of excitement and celebration to the residents through sponsoring their annual Halloween Costume Party. Sisterhood has both internal and an external façade. Internally, as a means of bonding with current chapter members and those who were interested in reclaiming through KIZ, we participated in a destination bonding activity in Helen, GA. After the formal August chapter leadership retreat with motivational speakers, we forged our way to Anna Ruby Falls for an afternoon of hiking, conversation, and n i -town shopping. Continuing to support sisterhood bonding activities, we held our annual KIZ Kickback Christmas Party and are gearing up for the first Sisterhood Slumber Session. Externally, in support of the national organizations efforts to increase the membership of the organization, KIZ welcomed seven new chapter sorors. In conjunction with our chapter membership process, we were also able to re-activate our undergraduate chapter, Delta Xi on the campus of Devry University through initiating one new soror.
Although our Finer Womanhood is always on display, we truly were #Finer at our annual Sigma Zeta Foundation Gala. At this year’s event, we paid tribute to our own, Soror Tonya Cook, in acknowledgment of her tireless years of service to the community and in recognition of her many community achievements. Most definitely, KIZ was #Finer at the recent Southeastern Regional Conference held in Kissimmee, FL, where the chapter and several chapter members were acknowledged through awards for 1st place in Z-HOPE for our chapter size 41(+), top honors for March for Babies, Military Soror of the Year Award to Soror IrisEllena Calder, and four of the regional top ten Centennial Individual Visionary contributors were recognized as hailing from Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter. As we sojourn on this journey towards 100 years of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and our place as a Centennial Visionary Chapter in 2020, Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter will continue to be a community conscious, action oriented, service chapter! If not now, then when?When is the best time to let your Zeta Light shine? If not the Kaptavating Ladies of KIZ, then whom? Who is better to perpetuate and expand upon the legacy of our Illustrious Five Pearls? This is the time for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter! Thank you to every soror for your time and lending of your talents in continuing to enhance the impact of KIZ in the community. Without you the Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter train can’t move forward into a bountiful and prosperous 2016. Sisterly, Shannon B McGuire-Lee President #KeepItZeta
KIZ and Zion Hill Reps sign lease agreement
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter Partners With Zion Hill Community Development Corp Bringing A New Stork's Nest Program to the Metro Atlanta Area October 26, 2015 - Atlanta, GA: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter (KIZ), in partnership with the Zion Hill Community Development Corporation, has secured a location for the chapter's new Stork's Nest initiative. KIZ will work closely with community partners to bring educational classes about the importance of prenatal care to local expectant mothers. Upon completion of the curriculum, participants will be able to use a points system to shop for newborn items in the Stork’s Nest Store. “The time for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter to open up a Stork’s Nest in the East Point, Georgia community is now,” says Shannon McGuire-Lee, KIZ Chapter President. “Although progress has been made in terms of reducing the infant mortality rate, there is still work to be done.” “Zion Hill Community Development Corporation is excited to join Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and the March of Dimes Foundation,” explains Angela Brown, Executive Director of Zion Hill Community Development Corporation. “Our involvement with the Stork’s Nest Program will have a wonderful impact on the South Fulton community.” The KIZ Stork’s Nest project is led by Tara Lockett, Stork’s Nest Committee Chairperson. “Launching a Stork’s Nest program in metro Atlanta is special because it allows us to build upon the rich history started by Zeta Member Evelyn Brown, who was the originator of the program,” notes Ms. Lockett. “Also, we personally know Ms. Brown, so one of our goals is to have a Nest that will make her proud.” For more information or to donate to the KIZ Stork’s Nest Initiative, contact information@zphibkiz.org.
Storks Nest committee chair Tara Lockett (right) and committee member Tynisha Burnett (left) meeting with March of Dimes representative Julie Zaharatos (center) to complete the signing of the Stork’s Nest agreement.
The KIZ Walk Team posing with the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
March For Babies Every year in the United States, nearly half a million babies are born too soon. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated in partnership with the March of Dimes, works tirelessly to improve the health of babies and support families who experience premature births. The sisters of Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter in Atlanta, Georgia have a passion for prematurity awareness and have supported the March for Babies Walk for many years. The annual March For Babies Walk is usually a 3 to 5 mile walk held in various cities throughout the United States. Participating teams raise money via donations in support of their participation in the walk. Since 2010, Kappa Iota Zeta (KIZ) Chapter has raised over $43,388.00 for March for Babies. The chapter has been recognized for several consecutive years with awards from the local Atlanta Chapter of the March of Dimes as well as from Zeta Phi Beta’s national office. At Boule 2014 in Washington, D.C., Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter received the award for Top Fundraising Chapter and Soror Lois McKellar received recognition as the Top Individual Fundraiser. In 2015, the KIZ Walk Team, led by committee chair Soror Dana Scott, raised over $14,000.00. This very successful campaign led the Atlanta Chapter of the March of Dimes to award KIZ with the Chairman's Club Diamond Award, for raising more than $10,000; 1st Place among Atlanta Clubs, for raising the most funds of all registered fraternities, sororities and social clubs; and one of KIZ’s greatest accomplishments – recognition as a "TOP TEN" fundraising team among all the organizations participating in the walk. KIZ placed 8 th amongst several corporate giants such as AT&T, General Electric, and Southwest Airlines. When asked why she is so passionate about supporting March for Babies, Soror LaNise Thrasher shared, “I was born 3 months early weighing less than 2 pounds in New Haven, CT. Many doctors told my parents that I would not make it but I pulled through and I do not have any medical issues as a result. Since my dad was in the military, they took care of the medical costs associated with my birth and two month stay afterwards, but not everyone has that option. My motivation for raising so much money is to simply help a family in need and give money towards more research. I know how hard it is for a family to deal with this so I just want to help and give them hope.” Soror Lois McKellar, a former KIZ March For Babies Committee Chair and a top individual fundraiser had this to say, “I raise money because I know the importance of securing funds to decrease the infant mortality rate and ensure that mothers get the prenatal care that is needed. I also had a premature nephew who is now 26 and doing well. I used this to motivate chapter members. I tried to get them to make their fundraising personal as I made mine personal through my family member.”
KIZ President Shannon McGuire-Lee (center) flanked by KIZ Treasurer Nicole Lowry (left) and KIZ Board Chair LaNise Thrasher (right) picking up awards from the Atlanta March of Dimes Chapter. KIZ was recognized as a "TOP TEN" fundraising team; a Chairman's Club Diamond Award (for raising $10,000+); and 1st Place among Atlanta Clubs.
Top 10 list of corporate fundraisers in the Atlanta area for the Atlanta March For Babies walk. KIZ ranked 8th.
Left to right: Co-Chair Soror Mildred McCoy, Soror LeQuandra Hale-Banks, Soror Jenelsia Belt, the presenter, Co-Chair Soror Jacqueline Ward-Williams, Soror Lena Harris, Chapter President Shannon-McGuire-Lee, Soror Candice Hickman and Soror Sandra Harris.
Calming The Storms of Autism Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships combined with rigid and repetitive behaviors. Statistically, Autism affects 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys. Unfortunately, African American children with autism are one to two years older than white children before they are even diagnosed. These statistics alone were inspirational to many members of the chapter; thus launching its own local autism initiative. The autism initiative was held on April 2, 2015. As well, this day also symbolizes World Autism Awareness Day and Light It Up Blue. This initiative was a collaborative effort with the Sigma Zeta Foundation, Incorporated located in East Point, Georgia. Light It Up Blue, a global autism awareness initiative started by Autism Speaks, is a day reserved for highlighting autism awareness. During this event, the Sigma Zeta Foundation, Incorporated’s building was illuminated with blue lights. Teachers and paraprofessionals of autistic students from local school districts were recognized; and a prominent keynote speaker within the autism community spoke on the challenges and importance of advocacy for individuals with autism. Furthermore, to add to the celebratory day, Georgia became the 41st state in the country to pass a reform that requires coverage for autism related medical services, better known as Ava’s Law. Because the chapter is made up of members who have personally been touched by this disability and teachers who educate students with autism on a daily basis, Kappa Iota Zeta chapter has organized its own Autism Awareness Initiative. The chapter has established specific goals for servicing African Americans and other people with autism by facilitating community workshops; participating in Autism Walks; and participating in Light It Up Blue annually. The chapter has already launched the first of a series of community workshops titled “What’s the Big Idea: Estate Planning for People with Autism.” The workshop was held on June 27, 2015 and featured an attorney from a local law office that focused on estate planning, fiduciary law and education law. Kappa Iota Zeta, a Southeastern Region chapter located in Atlanta, Georgia was chartered on September 15, 1980. The eleven charter members were Lacy Alford, Carolyn Austin, Leila Coleman, Haroldine Crowder, Thelma Duncan Lester, Cornelia Glass, Ola Hill, Marynette Lovejoy, Jacqueline Terry, Bettye Shelling and Gwendolyn Wyatt. It is home to many current and former national, regional, and state officers. Since the chapter’s inception in 1980, its members have been busy doing the work of Zeta while exemplifying the founding principles. The chapter’s well-known signature programs are: Hall of Fame Gala, Marynette B. Lovejoy Book Scholarship, Miss Blue Revue Pageant, Stork’s Nest Blitz, and Tea with Z. For more information or to donate to the KIZ Stork’s Nest Initiative, contact information@zphibkiz.org.
Soror LaQuandra Hale-Banks, Co-Chair Soror Mildred McCoy, Soror Alexis McCoy, Attorney Kristyne Seidenberg, Esq, Co-Chair Soror Jacqueline- Ward Williams, Soror Lena Harris, Soror Natascha Veal-Roy.
KIZ Loves our "Red, White, and Blue" Attention. Present ARMS. Salute. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. takes great pride in its Military Sorors. Grand Wright believes that military sorors sacrifice a great deal to do what they do for this country and still have time for Zeta and Kappa Iota Zeta (KIZ) Chapter agrees. We salute KIZ’s military sorors: Dr. Lynea Laws (Veteran), Regina McClaurin (Retired Veteran), Charone Smith (Veteran), and Marjorie Wilson (Veteran). We would also like to take a moment to recognize KIZ chapter member and recipient of the Southeastern Region Military Soror of the Year award, Soror IrisEllena Calder. Soror Calder is a retired Army Veteran who joined Zeta in 2006 and has held membership in Pi Eta Zeta Chapter, Seoul, Korea; Chi Pi Zeta Chapter, Hinesville, Georgia; and currently Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter, Atlanta, Georgia. Her military training has proved to be an asset to Zeta through her service as a former chapter Treasurer and currently as a member of the National Military Advisory Board, a Life Members and Zeta Doves Committee Chair, and as an escort to a Zeta Past International President. Through her work on the National Military Advisory Board, Soror Calder would like to see Zeta consider a discounted conference registration for overseas military sorors to help them save money on travel costs and encourage participation. However, she knows Military Zetas will make a way to keep Zeta thriving. After all, Military Zetas fully understand the concept of being dedicated to a mission. Zeta Phi Beta is leading the way in becoming a voice that engages, inspires and empowers women in military families to successfully transition from military service to civic and community leadership through our support of Women Veterans Rock and our Military Veteran’s week observances.
Soror IrisEllena Calder
Gilgal, Inc. Kappa Iota Zeta chapter continues its partnership with Gilgal, Inc. into the 2015 – 2016 sorority year.
The Z-HOPE Women Committee organized some impactful activities with the woman of Gilgal. They held a workshop on resume writing, critiques, and interviewing skills that was particularly beneficial to the women in the program who were ready to apply for employment. The Committee held a “Tranquility Event” that allowed participants to experience a relaxing massage, which some of the ladies had never experienced before. In addition, the committee members and the ladies made scented sugar scrubs to use to pamper themselves whenever they feel the need. A “Girl’s Fun Night” that included pizza, popcorn and a screening of the movie “Black and White” was also organized. The women of Gilgal particularly enjoyed the movie because one of the subplots, coincidently, dealt with addiction and the effect it can have on families. On December 6th, the Committee hosted a holiday luncheon which featured a screening of the movie “Black Nativity” and a set of pearls given to each of the ladies as a holiday gift. The significance of pearls and how it applied to their lives was explained to the ladies as they received their gift from KIZ. The ladies and staff at Gilgal are appreciative of the time Kappa Iota Zeta spends with them and they look forward to what the future will bring for our two organizations. It’s truly a pleasure to fellowship with the women of Gilgal, Inc., and the Committee encourages every soror to take the opportunity to participate in a Z-HOPE Women activity.
Kappa Iota Zeta’s youth advisors, archonette, amicette and pearlette members volunteering with Making Strides against Breast Cancer event in Union City, Georgia on October 24th, 2015
Zeta Youth The Zeta Youth Affiliates Leadership Academy curriculum is designed to promote cultural awareness, social skills, provide educational enrichment, leadership development, and community services. The mission is to develop young leaders, raise consciousness in communities, and encourage creativity in education through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. These groups meet once a month in an informal meeting and they work on service projects, etiquette, scholarship and sisterhood. The Kappa Iota Zeta Pearlettes Auxiliary will participate in the Pen-Pal Program. This program promotes writing as a means of communication, enhancement of writing skills, development of speech and presentation skills, knowledge of different cultures, and development of friendships with other Pearlettes. So far this sororirty year, the Pearlettes have participated in the Breast Cancer 5k Walk - preparing healthy snacks at the event. They also had a chance to meet the Mayor and the City Manager of Union City. The Mayor wrote a letter thanking the Youth for their assistance in making the event a success. The Kappa Iota Zeta Amicette Auxiliary also participated in the Breast Cancer 5k Walk, working with their advisors to prepare healthy snacks at the event. They met the Mayor and the City Manager of Union City and were recognized in the letter from the Mayor thanking them for helping to make the event a success. In addition, the Amicette’s helped prepare food and organize the clothing closet for the homeless at the Macedonia AME Church. The Kappa Iota Zeta Archonette Auxiliary has been busy as well, having participated with the Amicettes and Pearlettes in the Breast Cancer 5k Walk and getting recognized by the Mayor and participating in the projects at Macedonia AME Church. This past November, the Archonettes set a goal to win the Youth Auxiliary of the Year award at the State Leadership Conference by participating in the Oratorical Contest, Dramatic Performance Contest, and Stem Essay Contest. All of the KIZ Youth Auxiliaries will collaborate in fundraising events throughout the year. Their upcoming fundraisers include selling World Finest Chocolate Bars and a Car Wash.
Spring 2015 New Members
Tynisha Burnett, Crystal Bell, Rasheda Foster, Brittany Taylor, Natascha Veal Roy (KIZ 1st Vice President), Shannon McGuire-Lee (KIZ President), Kayla Izzard, Erin McLean, Arnetta Lumzy, Erika Allen
Spring 2015 New Members were welcomed into Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated on May 3, 2015.
Spring 2015 New Members pose with their gifts.
Fall 2015 New Members
Brandie Bishop-Stacker, Dorothy A. Paige, Scarlet C. Larry, Natascha Veal Roy (KIZ 1st Vice President), Shannon McGuire-Lee (KIZ President), Kimberly H. Middleton, Galatia J. Everette, Garynne W. Parks, Jane C. Arukwe
Fall 2015 New Members for KIZ and Delta Xi Chapter pose with their chapter gifts. The ladies were welcomed into Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated on November 8, 2015.
Soror Ashley Herriott and the youth from AIM Mpaka Care point in Swaziland Africa.
International Travel “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room on earth.”-Shirley Chisholm. Zetas are committed to uplifting communities both domestic and abroad through service. Kappa Iota Zeta Soror Ashley Herriott is committed to spreading her love for service throughout the world. In 2015, Soror Herriott participated in 4 mission trips and service projects. Her first service project was with Chanita Foster’s foundation Beyond The Game. Traveling to Africa with Beyond the Game opened her to the love she has for Africa. Soror Herriott is a proud Diamond Member of the organization Jelani Woman, Inc. Through them, she was able to participate in her second mission trip to Trinidad. Jelani Woman, Inc. is a branch of Jelani Girls, Inc. and is an American nonprofit organization that helps young women re-imagine what it means to be GREAT through an international Cultural Enrichment Program. In September of 2015, Soror Herriott was able to travel once again with Jelani Woman to Roatan, Honduras for an additional service project and in the latter part of September, she ventured off on her own and successfully completed another mission trip to Swaziland, Africa. This was her second time visiting Swaziland - the first visit was via her own business, That Place Atlanta, LLC, with sponsors donations from members of the Atlanta Falcons for deserving youth. Traveling to Africa helped Soror Herriott realize that we take the simplest things, such as food and water, for granted. She wants to make a difference to those who are less fortunate. In 2016, Soror Herriott plans to launch R.A.C.E Africa with Jelani Woman and That Place Atlanta, LLC. Her goal is to continue to make a difference around the world through Reforming, Assisting, Contributing and Educating others.
Soror Ashley Herriott, members of Jelani Women Inc. at Majken Broby Childrens Home in Roatan, Honduras.
2015 Southeastern Regional Conference at a glance
Orlando, Florida
President’s Council "Once a task has begun, never leave it until it is done. Be the task big or small, do it well or not at all." -Soror Jacqueline Ward Williams
I remember my grandmother saying, "Never forget the bridge that brought you over." -Tecia McGruder McKay “Service is what life is all about.”- Marian Wright Edelman Vicki Pearson
“Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness.”- Martin Luther King, Jr Jenelsia Belt “It's the little things that we do that are important; we stumble over pebbles, not mountains.” KIZ Past Chapter Presidents (left to rightseated): Tecia McKay, Linda Isabel, Shannon McGuire-Lee (current), Jacqueline Ward-Williams (left to right - standing): Vicki Pearson, Thelma Lester, Candice Williams-Hickman, Jenelsia Belt
- Soror Thelma B. Lester
“Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.” – John Wesley Candice Hickman
Kappa Iota Zeta’s Upcoming Events
2016 Metro Atlanta Sigma & Zeta Founders’ Day Brunch Saturday, January 23, 2016 10 am to 1:00 pm Ticket: $40.00 The Holiday Inn Perimeter Dunwoody Hotel 4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 3034110
Finer Womanhood Rededication Ceremony Saturday, March 19, 2015 (immediately following chapter meeting). Finer Womanhood Joint Worship Service Sunday, March 20, 2015 Columbia Drive United Methodist Church 2067 Columbia Dr, Decatur, GA 30032 2016 Miss Blue Revue Pageant is “Royal Blue Babes in Toyland” April 30th, 2016 Sigma Zeta Foundation 2526 Delowe Dr, East Point, GA 30344 Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter P.O. Box 310812 Atlanta, GA 30331-0812 http://zphibkiz.org/home Facebook: The "Kaptivating" Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter of Z Phi B! Twitter: @KappaIotaZeta Instagram:@KappaIotaZeta For article suggestions: publicrelations@zphibkiz.org
Shannon B. Mc-Guire Lee, Chapter President Ashley N. Herriott, Editor
Erika Allen, Graphic Designer Vicki Pearson, Contributor
Special thanks to the Executive Board and Committee Chairs for your contributions to the Royal Review Newsletter.