Membership Matters by Zeta Phi Beta

FINER

FASHIONS

SERVICE

PROJECTS WE LOVE

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ZETAS

ON THE MOVE

INSIDE THIS GUIDE

CONTENTS 5

LIFE AS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

GET TO KNOW SOROR WYNONA KIDD

8 10 18 30

N AT I O N A L P U B L I C AT I O N S T E A M

Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson

National Publications Director

FINER FASHIONS AROUND THE WORLD

ZETAS ON THE MOVE

SERVICE PROJECTS WE LOVE

ELECTION TIME

TECH TEAM UPGRADES ZETA INFRASTRUCTURE Living

NATURAL LIVING AND NATURAL EATING

Cover (left to right): Erin Winrow, Basileus, Alpha Chapter, Eastern Region; Grand Val, International Centennial President; Josalyn Bryant, Basileus, Alpha Zeta Chapter, Atlantic Region

Earlene McMichael Cora Hamilton Kenya Womack Keesha Jones-Sutton Renee Lyles Teressa Stinson Kimberly Gamble Linda Amos Kiana Lawhorn Kaitlin West Chyna Hart Ironda Lynce Patricia Stanton Tyler Allen Ruthie Pickens Rachel Leonard Shantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;e Austin-Scott Nui Brown Kier Colon Dedeeh Massey

Want to be featured in the next issue? If you or your chapter would like to be featured in the next edition of Membership Matters, email us at zetapublicationsdirector@gmail.com.

Greetings FROM THE CENTENNIAL

I N T E R N AT I O N A L C E N T E N N I A L G R A N D B A S I L E U S

Life is a series of Greetings Sorors, and welcome to your inaugural edition of Membership Matters!

ups and downs

This bi-annual magazine is a fun snapshot of the tremendous accomplishments being

so be that kind of

made in our sisterhood. Sorors around the world have been making remarkable accomplishments, but we don’t always hear about them. We want to change that. We know that your hard work can often get lost in the flurry, but it is my hope that

leader who handles what comes her

this publication, in some small way, will show you that we see you. We appreciate

way with Grace,

you. And we are proud of you!

Style and Class.

Thank you to all of the chapters, national officers, and members who submitted articles and photos for this inaugural edition. While we were unable to fit everything into this publication, we were excited to read each article. I was especially happy to see representation from our undergraduate and international chapters. Congratulations to our sorors who were elected to political office, and to the chapters working hard to affect positive change in their communities. And kudos to the elected and appointed officers who are working hard behind the scenes to ensure that we improve our processes and make your membership experience better than ever. This is an awesome time to be a Zeta, and I couldn’t be prouder to be your International Grand Basileus. Being elected to lead this wonderful sisterhood has been one of my biggest honors, and it is my goal to help take Zeta into Centennial and beyond. Enjoy your inaugural edition of Membership Matters. The best is yet to come!

Yours in sisterhood,

Grand Val One Zeta…. Unified…… Mobilized……… ZetariZed

Greetings FROM THE

DEPUT Y EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dear Sorors of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, I am honored to greet you as Deputy Executive Director as we celebrate the launch of the new Membership Matters Magazine. As we countdown to our beloved Zeta’s Centennial Anniversary and revel in the excitement of this milestone publication, I would like to share a little about who I am and my role at International Headquarters. I was initiated into the sisterhood through Epsilon Rho Zeta Chapter (State of Delaware) on December 11, 2009. I have had the privilege of serving in a variety of capacities at the local and state level, including: Anti-Grammateus, Stork’s Nest Director, Youth Auxiliary CoDirector, State Tamias Grammateus, to name a few. Professionally, I am a former Educator and I also worked in the healthcare sector for seven years prior to joining the team at Headquarters. My role as Deputy Executive Director is designed to assist the National Executive Director in carrying out all operational and administrative functions to ensure effective and professional day-to-day operations of the Sorority’s International Headquarters. Additionally, I am responsible for providing oversight for the sorority’s Membership Services. This entails managing the workflow of departmental staff as it relates to the MIP process, shipment of new member materials, Amicae Auxiliary Affairs, vendor licensing, and new charter and reactivation matters. The National Executive Director and I work collaboratively to develop, implement, and maintain an effective internal and external communication system in order to monitor relations with chapters/members to address concerns in a timely fashion, as well as to share pertinent information with members and the community-at-large. Lastly, my role as Executive Director enables me to focus on building positive relationships with all stakeholders of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, including its members, campus professionals, and volunteers at all levels of the Sorority, to identify needs, requirements, and areas of improvement. I am delighted to be a part of the International Headquarters Team. As Deputy Executive Director, I look forward to serving with diligence, excellence, and integrity to maximize the impact of the sorority, while driving the vision of our International Grand Basileus. Yours in Sisterhood,

Stacy N. Burwell, MPA Deputy Executive Director

M E M B E R S H I P M AT T E R S

Life as the

Executive Director

By Soror Wanda A. Claiborne

This is an exciting time for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. For me, the excitement is met with a new perspective and appreciation for all that makes Zeta what it is. Becoming the Executive Director for our Sisterhood was a dream come true. Having the opportunity to establish climate, collaborate with staff, be a resource to members, and other key duties has been rewarding. Working with the staff at International Headquarters is a joy. There are several members of the team who have given their all to Zeta for decades. With the collective voices of both seasoned and new team members, we are committed to streamlining processes, being more responsive, and providing consistent and high quality work. From the chapter level to the international level, I have an opportunity to witness the inner workings of the sisterhood with somewhat of a bird’s eye view. I have a newfound respect for leadership as well as the countless Sorors who work behind the scenes to move Zeta forward. Daily, we receive phone calls and emails from Sorors who want to recommit and reconnect with the Sisterhood. Traveling to three regional conferences in the month of June, I was able to be a resource to many Sorors whom I had never had the wonderful opportunity to meet. I was also able to hear their concerns and opinions on how we can better meet Soror/chapter needs from an administrative level. Being open to constructive criticisms with the same openness of receiving accolades has become the order of the day. The pulse of the sorority is a very real “thing,” and I am truly grateful for being able to be close enough to feel it, hear it and be a part of it. Until I move closer, there are days that it takes two hours to get to 1734 New Hampshire Ave. NW. Yet, regardless of the drive or long days, I am genuinely happy to pull into the garage and open the door to the building we call our International Headquarters. I feel a great sense of satisfaction as I head to the 3rd floor, share a moment with the team, and enter my office where a picture of Zeta’s first Executive Director, Past Grand Basileus Lullelia W. Harrison, hangs prominently. It’s then that I begin my day, my work, my mission as the 11th Executive Director for this amazing sisterhood.

HONORARY MEMBER HIGHLIGHT

Young at Heart: Getting to Know SOROR WYNONA KIDD By Soror Nui Brown

Soror Wynona Kidd is the very vivacious 96 years young daughter of Triumphant Founder Viola Tyler Goings and the niece of Triumphant Founder Myrtle Tyler Faithful. Born April 5, 1923 in St. Clairsville, Ohio, Soror Kidd is the oldest of four children. She has one daughter who is a Zeta, and one niece also a Zeta. This is truly a family of finer women rich in legacy. Soror Kidd is also blessed with a granddaughter and a great granddaughter along with two other nieces. In my initial interaction with Soror Kidd, I couldn’t help but immediately ask myself, “Is she really 96 years old?” Her voice was so youthful and vibrant sounding and her mannerisms were just so full of life, I couldn’t help but be amazed and I had to do a double take. The more time I spent with Soror Kidd, the more I began to feel like I was talking with a woman half her age. I had the honor of getting an up close and personal snapshot of her life, as she graciously bestowed her kindness to me, like being wrapped in a soft blanket in the process. It didn’t take long before I could feel the warmth and genuine sincerity emanating from this exceptional woman. This effervescent, humble, humorous, smart and very young at heart Soror, openly shared her life events with me in great detail. It was her gentle spirit and clear account of her life experiences, that I then realized the journey that I was about to embark on and it was a very humbling experience.

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Soror Wynona Kidd and her family visits Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. International Headquarters.

I began my journey with a few questions for Soror Kidd. I asked her, “How do you stay so young?” Her response was immediate as she replied, “Young at heart, not young in the body!” Clearly, I was speaking with someone who is extremely humble because even at 96 years young Soror Kidd is an extremely independent woman. Soror Kidd stays young by doing all her own cooking, shopping, driving and whatever housework she says she chooses to do. She told me that she was very particular how she likes to keep her house, for she likes to keep it clean. She was very proud to tell me, “I do it all myself.” She even keeps a budget. And about her cooking? My question to her was, “Soror Kidd do you like to cook?” She exclaimed, “For me! I try to cook healthy food for myself being a diabetic. It is hard to cook sweets without sugar. I don’t think other people would be interested.” As we continued, I asked Soror Kidd, “do you exercise?” Soror Kidd said that she used to do the treadmill, but she now gets all her exercise keeping busy. She stated, “I don’t sit much. I am on my feet 8 hours a day”. This I believe is one of the keys to her youthfulness. She continued, “By the time I prepare my meals, have a bath and do my laundry my day is pretty much full, and I do not have too much time for anything else. When I get up for the day, I am ready to go!” Soror Kidd starts her day off rising at 8 a.m. and she retires for the evening between 10 to 11 p.m. And when Soror Kidd is not being active around the house, you can find her planting flowers in her yard when the weather is good. Soror Kidd’s favorite flowers are geraniums and her favorite color to plant is Blue. However, when Soror Kidd does sit, her favorite

pastime is to read over watching TV, and she likes to do puzzles. But, she does indulge in watching some television during the day. Soror Kidd does make time to watch the TV Show The View, for she enjoys watching Whoopi Goldberg. Keeping with the theme of being young at heart, I did explore with Soror Kidd if she likes to travel or do any volunteer work at this point in her life. Soror Kidd expressed that she does not do any volunteer work anymore but had done so for a few years with the YWCA and volunteered continually at her brother’s mortuary business for at least 25 years. In terms of travel, Soror Kidd does not travel much anymore. However, she did mention that she did attend her Zeta Installation in Nassau, Bahamas recently and had enjoyed it. I could have talked with Soror Kidd for hours, but I knew that all good things must come to an end. But before I closed out our little soiree, I had to ask her if she had a mantra or a favorite saying that she lived by and that she could share. In her own words she said, “Not anything stays the same” and “My life so far, so good.” And with those final words, I expressed my sincere appreciation for taking time out to speak with me. As I close, there was so much more that Soror Kidd shared with me about her childhood, early years in and around Zeta, her Mother and Aunt Viola and the list goes on. But, I think my biggest takeaway from Soror Kidd would be her vivacious personality, as she sweetly agreed with me, as truly being “young at heart.”

O N E Z E TA | U N I F I E D . M O B I L I Z E D . Z E TA R I Z E D .

SlaySoror

F I N E R

W O M A N H O O D

M E M B E R S H I P M AT T E R S

M O N T H

F A S H I O N S

A C R O S S

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O N E Z E TA | U N I F I E D . M O B I L I Z E D . Z E TA R I Z E D .

Zetas Move ON THE

Meet these sorors who are making huge strides in the communications industry!

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Z E TAS O N T HE MOV E

Earlene McMichael RHO THETA ZETA, PORTAGE, MI Great Lakes Region Induction: April 16, 1983

What do you do? I’m a Journalist, Marketing Professional, and now Playwright with my first play staged in July. I began as a newspaper reporter and editor. I am now the morning show host and a news reporter at WMUK 102.1 FM, the National Public Radio (NPR) station at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Mich., where I won a broadcasting industry award for my onstage interview with Trayvon Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, in 2017. A strong believer in giving back, I am proud to have trained close to 100 high-school and college students in journalism through a writing program that I helped start at a local newspaper, which I ran for 12 consecutive summers. I also founded a girls leadership group that mentored the same youth from 5th through 12th grades. I serve as Zeta’s Publicity Chair/Epistoleus for the State of Michigan, Great Lakes Region Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator, and National Publications Team Member. I handle publicity as well for a community theater company as its Brand Marketing and Social Media Manager. What was your proudest professional moment? Interviewing game changers who put their lives on the line in the fight for social justice and equity: Soror Anita Hill, the late civil rights icon Julian Bond, Sybrina Fulton (Trayvon Martin’s mother), and women’s rights advocate Gloria Steinem. I also consider career highlights my interviews with April Reign, whose #OscarsSoWhite hashtag campaign led to improved diversity; and Bree Newsome, whose act of civil disobedience of ascending the flagpole outside South Carolina’s statehouse to lower the Confederate flag led to its ultimate removal. But I guess one of my biggest professional

achievements and most surreal moment was when I was handpicked to interview famed black female astronaut Mae Jemison, in 2017, before an auditorium of nearly 3,000 people! How long have you been doing this? 25-plus years. What is your goal? Get even better at what I do (for instance, I’m learning video editing) and find more opportunities to apply my skills. And write more plays! I want to leave this world on “empty,” fully walking out God’s plan for my life and utilizing all the talents and gifts He gave me to help the world before I close my eyes. What advice would you give a Soror who is trying to make her mark in your field? Today you must be a “multimedia” journalist. You’ll be more marketable if you can shoot/edit photos and videos, and know your way around a website, social media platforms and other new media, besides reporting. Keep getting training. That includes an internship. Finally, follow quality news. Educate yourself about government, history and the world to be a good interviewer and storyteller. To hear her radio interviews: http://bit.ly/earlene-stories

“Educate yourself about government, history and the world to be a good interviewer and storyteller.” O N E Z E TA | U N I F I E D . M O B I L I Z E D . Z E TA R I Z E D .

Z E TAS O N T HE MOV E

Marshanna Hester INDUCTION CHAPTER: OMEGA THETA, KANSAS MEMORIAL UNION, LAWRENCE, KANSAS Midwestern Region Induction: December 6, 2003

What do you do?

What is your goal?

Currently, I serve as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for Jackson County, Missouri in the Office of the County Executive. As PIO or spokesperson, I am responsible for preparing and distributing media correspondence, handling open records requests, conducting media interviews and coordinating press conferences for the County Executive as well as the multiple departments under the administration of the County Executive’s Office. Additionally, I am responsible for writing speeches, guest columns and other public communications on issues of importance. Prior to joining Jackson County, I worked for more than 11 years as a television news anchor and reporter in Topeka, Kan., Peoria, Il., and Milwaukee, Wisc. My career as a journalist is critical to the success of my role as an effective communicator for local government.

Government service is a new world for me, but it has given me an opportunity to learn more about policy issues and how those practices impact our community on a local level. I want to continue to soak up as much knowledge as I can to effectively educate the public. Who knows, perhaps this could be the start of a future career in politics!

What advice would you give a Soror who is trying to make her mark in your field? To make a mark in this field, you must have passion for everything you do. Not only will it carry you through the tough times, but it will also be the fuel to push you beyond your limits, allowing you to grow and achieve a level of success you never thought was possible.

What was your proudest professional moment? As a journalist, I have a passion for meeting people and listening to and telling their stories. I am most proud of the positive impact I have made in people’s lives, serving the communities in which I’ve lived and being an inspiration for young people as they strive to achieve their dreams. At the end of the day, there are poignant moments that make all the hard work worth it and put a big smile on everyone’s faces, which truly makes me proud about what I do.

How long have you been doing this? I have been a public information officer for two years. Previously, I worked as a television news anchor and reporter for more than 11 years.

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“To make a mark in this field, you must have passion for everything you do.”

Z E TAS O N T HE MOV E

Tara James Wallace CHI DELTA ZETA, LAWRENCE, KANSAS

Midwestern Region Induction: June 23, 2018

What do you do?

What is your goal?

Social worker, advocate, motivator, bestselling author

The current child welfare system is built on a platform that perpetuates dysfunction and trauma in the lives of African American families and then blames them for their lack of stability and healthy functioning. My goal is to raise awareness about the disproportionality and its root causes and then to change the trajectory for African American children and families in Kansas through education and partnerships.

What was your proudest professional moment? During the 2018-2019 Kansas Legislative Session, I was asked to speak before several news outlets and legislative committees about the disparities in the child welfare system. Specifically, the disproportionality of removals, placement moves, and length of stay for African American children in Kansas’ child welfare system is the issue. African Americans represent 6.8 percent of the total population in the state, but 19 percent of out-of-home placements. This disproportionality stems from a lack of cultural awareness, education and sensitivity to the needs of African American families. I was asked to serve on the Governor’s Child Welfare System Task Force’s Protective Services and Family Preservation Work Group, and to present the group’s recommendations to the full Child Welfare System Task Force. I was also asked to develop continuing education programs to educate mental/behavioral health professionals about their obligations towards children and families in Kansas, in response to the recommendations of the Child Welfare System Task Force Work Groups.

How long have you been doing this? Since 2014, when I became the President of the Kansas African American Foster Care/Adoption Coalition. My advocacy work began with KAAFCAC and has expanded to working with many organizations in the state fighting for the needs of children and families in Kansas.

What advice would you give a Soror who is trying to make her mark in your field? To make a mark in this field, you must find that thing that gives you pause. It’s that thing that makes you want to fight and be the voice for those who feel they have no voice, and run with it. Run hard and run fast. I promise you will find that you are not running by yourself. God will send people into your life from the most unexpected places who will champion you as you strive to champion for others.

“Run hard and run fast. I promise you will find that you are not running by yourself.”

O N E Z E TA | U N I F I E D . M O B I L I Z E D . Z E TA R I Z E D .

Z E TAS O N T HE MOV E

Tonya McKenzie, Gia Sneed & Syreeta Butler OMICRON RHO ZETA CHAPTER, INGLEWOOD, CA Pacific Region Induction Dates: 2/25/1995 - McKenzie, 7/24/1987 - Sneed, 3/20/2003 - Butler

What do you do? Soror Tonya McKenzie is an Author who last fall published her memoir titled, A Child’s Memories of Cartoons & Murder. She is a child advocate and staunch supporter of children’s rights and owner of a pr Firm for the last 15 years working with speakers, authors, and entrepreneurs. Soror Gia Sneed was recently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and has served in law enforcement for the past 28 years. Soror Sneed designs and sells her clothing fashion and jewelry creations under her business, The Mahogany Box. Soror Syreeta Butler, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has worked primarily in various capacities in mental health for the past 10 years. She has always been concerned with the inadequacies and inequality in mental health services as they are presented to and received by people of color. She currently is working on mental health in the hip hop community. All three of these women from diverse backgrounds make up the hosts of My Morning Coffee, a dynamic video web podcast talk show, with Gia Sneed as host leader. The show broadcasts live on Facebook. My Morning Coffee is conversation with my sisters on various topics and important issues, which includes matters in mental health that do not get addressed. This show touches people’s lives with the hope that the topics raised and discussed by three generations of women, representing women in their 30s, 40s and 50s, can help themselves and others move forward in their own lives or impact the lives of their community.

What was your proudest professional moment? The proudest professional moment of My Morning Coffee webcast per Host Gia Sneed, “has been the ability to provide a platform to 14

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elevate, empower and collaborate with other black entrepreneurs and small businesses that we were able to bring on the show.” Host Soror Tonya McKenzie added, “we have been able to help our guests increase and grow their businesses exponentially and to reach communities and populations that would have been harder for them to do on their own, for them to be successful. Even the studio we broadcast out of in Leimert Park, CA Morris Media Studio is a black-owned business and we are very excited about giving back and helping our own as well as ourselves.”

How long have you been doing this? My Morning Coffee webcast has been going on since January 2019. This show was inspired and created by Gia Sneed after Jada PinkettSmith encouraged women to start their own Red Table show in their communities. My Morning Coffee does more than casual conversation. Like that hot first sip, this show awakens the viewer by offering a new, bold flavor of conversation; robust and real. It empowers men and women to believe that they can be successful and do anything.

What is your goal? The goal of My Morning Coffee podcast is to increase entrepreneurship by supporting, uplifting and encouraging people in the community, while empowering and collaborating with others in business, and to bring awareness to contentious issues in our community.

What advice would you give a Soror who is trying to make their mark I your field? Do your homework! Find a studio that best fits your needs or construct your own studio in your own space. Be prepared to have quality guests not just your friends for content matters. Be prepared and committed to work hard, stay focused, have integrity and maintain your sense of identity. Lastly, step out of your comfort zone to do something that you are passionate about whatever it may be. https://www.facebook.com/MyMorningCoffeePodcast/

Z E TAS O N T HE MOV E

Dr. Syleecia Thompson DELTA KAPPA CHAPTER, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY AT EDWARDSVILLE Induction: Fall 1991

What do you do? I am a Full-time Professor, Entertainment Agent, Brand Strategist, Author and Entrepreneur! What was your proudest professional moment? My proudest professional moment was selling my first film, Couples Therapy to Aspire TV, creating and launching tours and helping other people build their brands. I can’t just name one! How long have you been doing this?

What advice would you give a Soror who is trying to make her mark in your field? I have so many things to say here! First, know business and know the business you are in. Study your MARKET. Education is the key to success. Invest in yourself and your business. Second, build and cultivate a strong brand. Third, focus on health and wellness as a part of your business strategy. Fourth, know your value and worth. Ask for what you want. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Get a mentor or life coach. For more information, go to www.DrSyleecia.com

18 years What is your goal? My vision is to transform lives through education, empowerment, entertainment and entrepreneurship.

“Study your MARKET. Education is the key to success. Invest in yourself and your business.”

O N E Z E TA | U N I F I E D . M O B I L I Z E D . Z E TA R I Z E D .

Z E TAS O N T HE MOV E

Tiffany Maxfield CHAPTER: : ALPHA EPSILON CHAPTER, TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-COMMERCE Midwestern Region Induction: April 8, 2007

What do you do? I am stylesByTiffTheZeta, I am a wardrobe stylist, a personal shopper, a set director, and shoot coordinator. I specialize in men’s fashion. My trademark is customized accessories I.e lapels, ties, bow ties, hats, and anything else that will make you stand apart. I am blessed to have business partnerships with amazing visionaries and designers to bring “custom” to life for each client, which is what sets TiffTheZeta apart.

What was your proudest professional moment? Working with Nike on several major projects, and styling Emmitt Smith.

no to something I’ve spent time developing, learning prints, patterns, being unafraid, and daring, and here I am.

What is your goal? To make an impact on my peers and non-believers by actively modeling my dreams.

What advice would you give a Soror who is trying to make her mark in your field? Believe Strive Succeed! STAY COMMITTED AND STUDY YOUR PASSION DAILY!!!

How long have you been doing this? Professionally three years and counting. To be honest, fashion and style have always been me. I’ve been seen as trendsetter as long as I can remember. When I attended skyline I finally decided to do more with it by joining the fashion cluster. I focused so much on developing my own fashion and what really I stood for in the industry. Once my father saw I was going further he allowed me to start styling him! Never thinking I would be a stylist, I was in awe when celebrities started reaching out. I declined at first, then realized how could I say

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“STAY COMMITTED AND STUDY YOUR PASSION DAILY!!!”

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Service Projects We Love! 18

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EASTERN REG ION

GADZ: ‘BLUEtiful’ Faces of Service Standing in line at her local grocery store, Soror Suzette Thomas, president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Gamma Alpha Delta Zeta of Franklin/Southampton counties in Virginia, gets a tap on her back. It’s a woman she doesn’t know. “You’re one of those blue and white ladies?” she asks. Thomas smiles.

Carla Marrow and Suzette Thomas. They say they have found their quality outweighs their quantity!

“Yes, Ma’am, I am a Zeta!”

GADZ participated in about 27 events its first year, from March of Dimes to collecting socks and gloves for those in need, participating in Relay for Life, donating to St. Jude’s to collecting food, clothing and toiletries for a local shelter. Currently, the chapter participates or hosts two to three events per month. It has hosted wellness events such as blood pressure and diabetes screenings, served with area churches and sponsored youth events.

“I know! I see ya’ll a lot out here.” “Yes, ma’am, we’re out doing community service,” Thomas says. The lady proceeds to tell Thomas that she had been at several events the chapter participated in, and one it hosted. She ends saying it is doing a good job and she hopes to see even more. “Thank you!” the woman says. Since chartering in October 2017, that’s the reaction the ladies of Gamma Alpha Delta Zeta Chapter have been getting from the community. They say it’s been a wonderful feeling considering having faced many obstacles to get here. They are a small chapter of five beautiful, loyal and dedicated Zetas: Marchelle Williams, Tennielle Brown, Yamika Bennett,

Additionally, Sorors have donated over 60 pounds of bird seed to a senior citizens’ center and rehabilitation home, and puzzles, word search books, lotions and cleaning supplies to any and all those that have a need. They have adopted local schools as well, held Donuts for Dads and Muffins for Moms programs, planted pinwheel gardens for Child Abuse Month, and volunteered at golf tournaments to raise funds for child abuse.

O N E Z E TA | U N I F I E D . M O B I L I Z E D . Z E TA R I Z E D .

AT L A NT IC REGION

NPZ Members Make Strides in Suffolk County On Sept. 10, 2019, it became 32 years that Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Nu Phi Zeta Chapter has provided programming to Suffolk County, N.Y., a community where minorities are traditionally underrepresented.

During Black History Month in February 2019, Nu Phi Zeta hosted its annual, family-style “Black History Bingo,” where all ages can learn something new.

A sign of its success is that the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Nassau/Suffolk County recently recognized two Sorors from the chapter -- Patrice L. Ward and Tamara N. Weathers -- for their dedication to community service and to Zeta.

Also that month, the chapter held its second annual book drive and donated more than 700 books for The Book Faires, a nonprofit organization that collects reading materials for people in need throughout Metropolitan New York. The reading materials foster literacy and academic success, provide a respite from personal struggles and nurture a love of reading across age groups.

This growing chapter has created multiple events that not only engage but educate the community on important issues. In November 2018, the chapter hosted “Cupcakez and Conversation,” a discussion about self-care and sisterhood. It also addressed the importance of Prematurity Awareness Month and local resources for expectant mothers.

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Other influential programs hosted by the chapter include the annual Finer Womanhood Weekend and, begun last year, a Juneteenth Celebration and book discussion. The Juneteenth Celebration is believed to be the first annual event of its kind in the Suffolk County community and ignites an enthralling conversation about the role of race in our modern society. Last year’s discussion was of the novel, “Barracoon: The Story of the ‘Last Black Cargo,’” by Triumphant Soror Zora Neale Hurston.

PAC IFIC REGION

Okinawa Zetas Promote Sisterhood, Service Despite being thousands of miles away from the United States, Omega Theta Zeta Chapter of Okinawa, Japan, has remained engaged in many of Zeta’s National Programs throughout its seven-year history. It has implemented Z-HOPE, ZPAP, Adopt a School, Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Women Veterans Rock and Zetas Have Heart programs, earning state and regional level awards for stellar service.

said. “As an international chapter, we have unique challenges. However, we overcome them with grace and class, always representing our beautiful sorority in a Finer manner and honoring our five Founders.”

Omega Theta Zeta’s reclamation and membership efforts have been praised as well. Since chartering on March 16, 2012, it has seen membership triple through the reclaiming of three Sorors and the inducting of 20 new members.

“A Finer Blessing Bag Project” – collect toiletries to donate to a Japanese women’s shelter

Fostering sisterhood is also a high priority. The chapter set a goal of conducting 12 events that strengthen sisterhood. It held 13! In 2018, for instance, members took a trip to Taipei, Taiwan, starting a chapter tradition of traveling to another country for bonding. “Our chapter is one of the best because it embodies everything that Zeta Phi Beta Sorority represents,” Soror Gromyko Scott

Sorors have sponsored and participated in several service projects to aid Japanese locals and Americans living aboard, including:

“Shop and Drop for the USO” - solicit donations for the local USOs in Okinawa “A Walk to Remember” - fundraising for Alzheimer’s and dementia “Finer Prom Project” - provide high school seniors and juniors with the prom of their dreams through sponsors within the local community “Finer Family Feast” - cook and serve meals for a Japanese women’s shelter and

provide tutoring for a Japanese Language Discussion Group The chapter also sponsors annual fundraisers like the Royal Blue Scholarship Gala and Silent Auction to fund scholarships for graduating high school seniors. In March, members celebrated Finer Womanhood with a rededication ceremony, church service, sisterhood social, community service projects, and scholarship gala. In total, more than $15,000 in scholarships have been awarded to 14 students over the years. The chapter hopes to charter both youth and Amicae auxiliary groups during the 2019/2020 sorority year. “Okinawa Zetas truly believe in Helping Others Excel,” said Soror Jilleane BeardArchie, president of Omega Theta Zeta Chapter. “We have a passion for serving both Japanese locals and military service members and their families. We are truly blessed to be able to serve internationally.”

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S O UT H E AST ERN REGION

IOZ Chapter partners with Farm Share More than 300 people in western Palm Beach County recently received free grocery bags of fresh food thanks to a service project with which Iota Omicron Zeta Chapter in Belle Glade, Fla., volunteered.

this is helpful because I can use my money to pay for other necessities for my home because Farm Share has taken care of my vegetables.”

The chapter partnered with Florida State Sen. Kevin Radar, State Rep. Tina Polsky and Palm Beach County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay at a Farm Share event on Saturday, May 18, 2019.

Partnering with elected leaders on the Farm Share initiative was just one of the Z-HOPE projects that Iota Omicron Zeta participated in this year.

“I am so thankful to the Zetas for coming out and helping the community today,” Polsky said. “We could not have done it without you.”

“Our goal was to ensure that those that needed food assistance received it,” said IOZ Social Action Chairperson Soror Tammy Jackson-Moore. “Having relationships with elected leaders ensures that we have a seat at the table to discuss important issues and identify solutions and/or strategies to address those issues and concerns that occur in the community.”

Farm Share has been giving out healthy and nutritious food, at no charge, to families, children, seniors and individuals in need throughout Florida since 1991. Last year, the nonprofit organization fed more than 17 million households with over 55 million pounds of groceries, according to its website. Sorors reported to a local park at 7:30 a.m. to pack grocery bags with corn, rice, bread, cucumbers, plantains, tomatoes, okra and mangoes. At 10 a.m., they began registering people for the food-distribution program. Chapter members also assisted with passing out the grocery bags and crowd control, and some even served as a listening ear to some residents that just needed someone to talk to. By 1 p.m., all food items had been distributed. “It’s so good to be able to receive fresh vegetables for my family,” said Wanda Nelson, who was at the park. “Being on a fixed income,

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M I D W E ST ERN REGION

Iowa Zetas GRow in size, influence Great things are happening in Davenport, Iowa. There, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Xi Pi Zeta Chapter has almost doubled in size in less than five years, and now stands at 17 members. And that’s only for starters. The chapter is proud of its “Black Girls Who Rock!” program, which honors unsung sheroes for making a difference in education, religion, business and community service fields. Also recognized are high school seniors who display “real black girl magic” in every way. Another of Xi Pi Zeta’s signature initiatives is an annual “ZPhiB Trivia Night Challenge” to raise money for March of Dimes.

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G R EAT L A KES REG IO N

Tau Psi Zeta’s ZMN debuts health expo, scholarships Tau Psi Zeta Chapter’s 21-member Zeta Male Network, based in Alsip, Ill., offers a health expo and college scholarships. ZMN, along with the chapter’s Z-HOPE Committee, hosted its first Men’s Health Awareness Expo on Nov. 10, 2018 at Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Morgan Park in Chicago. The free event offered free flu shots, haircuts, HIV testing, blood pressure readings, valuable health educational information, and onsite health assessments. The expo was geared toward adult men ages 18 and older. However, women and seniors of both genders attended and received services as well. “We received an abundance of positive feedback for our first inaugural Men Health Awareness Expo,” said Bruce Brummel, a ZMN member. “We are in the planning stage for seeking additional vendors and supporters for 2019.” Sponsors included the American Cancer Society, Chicago Department of Public Health, Chiro One Wellness, DSFIT2RUN, Gift of Hope, Lasalle Law Group LLC, Leslie Buckner- Physical

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Therapy, National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, Nu Age Medical Solutions Group Inc., Oak Street Health, and Kimberly Williams, MSN, NP-C. Others were Office of the Illinois State Treasurer, Osco Pharmacy, Robin Moore-Dentistry, Senior Resource Group Inc., Show Time Blvd, South Suburban HIV & AIDS Regional Clinic, Latonya Craig-Speech Language Services, Jessica StallworthMental Health, Sunshine Livery, LLC., The Right Choice Home Care Inc., Total Life Changes, Inc. Baylou’s Cup, Vision Salon Eye Care Association, and WellCare. Additionally, the Zeta Male Network announced their first ever Zeta Male Network Scholarship recipients during Tau Psi Zeta’s 15th Annual Finer Womanhood Scholarship Luncheon on March 9, 2019 at the Tinley Park Convention Center in Tinley Park, Ill. The three winners were Myles Jenkins, Gregory Williams, and Christopher Collins, all of whom received $1,000 apiece for fall 2019 tuition & fees/books. Each will attend a four-year accredited university in the fall. “I am very excited and pleased about the work our Zeta Male Network is doing,” Tau Psi Zeta President Darcell Norwood-Baugh said. “These men are bringing so many ideas and tons of energy to the table. We can’t wait to see what they do next.”

S OUT H CENTRAL REG IO N

Madison’s Psi Alpha Zeta impacts lives of homeless For six years, helping the homeless has been a priority for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Psi Alpha Zeta Chapter of Madison, Ala. It partners with Dependable Hands, a nonprofit organization established in 2010 by Cornellius Osborne in Huntsville, Ala., to touch the lives of the homeless and individuals in need in Madison County, Limestone County and surrounding communities in North Alabama. The grassroots group provides meals, water, clothing and personal care items; operates a food pantry registered with the North Alabama Food Bank and the USDA; and assists with emergency needs like purchasing prescription medications and paying utility bills or rent. “I love my Zeta ladies,” Osbourne always says when he sees Sorors arrive to serve wearing royal blue and white. “I can ALWAYS count on the Zetas to bring more than enough volunteers, donations and beautiful smiles!” In 2013, Psi Alpha Zeta Chapter began

volunteering once a month with Dependable Hands to prepare and serve a hearty, nutritious meal in “Tent City,” a homeless camp near downtown Huntsville. The partnership has evolved to include supporting the group’s various community service and fundraising activities such as its weekly Sunday meal services, “Genesis 4:9” three-day weekend of shelter, food and personal care services for homeless veterans and individuals in need, and Spring Extravaganza fundraisers. Since partnering with Dependable Hands, Psi Alpha Zeta Chapter has served about 2,150 meals, donated more than $4,500, and provided countless clothing items, survival kits and toiletry bags. Currently, the chapter serves meals bimonthly in the Huntsville/Madison County Public Library, which maintains an office for the North Alabama Coalition for the Homeless. Every other month, Sorors collaborate with the Z-HOPE Committee to organize a

menu, shop for and prepare assigned items individually or in sister teams, and share in sisterly bonding during the Sunday afternoon meal service, which typically feeds 50 to 65 people. “Seeing all of the planning and teamwork come together on Sunday afternoons to make someone smile or feel good – and full – is worth every bit of time, money, and energy we all put in,” the chapter says. “Our partnership with Dependable Hands has been a benefit to both organizations, but more importantly, to our community. Hearing the testimonies and successes of some of the individuals we have served inspires us to continue the vital work we do in our community.”

“I can ALWAYS count on the Zetas to bring more than enough volunteers, donations and beautiful smiles!” O N E Z E TA | U N I F I E D . M O B I L I Z E D . Z E TA R I Z E D .

S O UT HERN REGION

LZ sets standard for large chapters Under the platform of “Forward With Distinction,” Lambda Zeta Chapter ushered in 2019 with a variety of activities. Lambda Zeta has 147 members, ranging in age from 22 to 97, with 20 of them Zeta Doves. The chapter has a full community service program, with nearly 30 functioning committees dedicated to both national and local programmatic thrusts. Because of the chapter diversity, LZ initiated a training program for new and reclaimed members during spring 2019, with additional training topics to be rolled out over the summer and into the fall of 2019.

To address risk management, each officer received a dedicated email address for sorority communications to preserve documentation. In addition, all Executive Board members were bonded. Finally, the chapter document retention and preservation initiative launched, allowing the chapter to electronically archive historical artifacts such as photos, programs, and awards. In May 2019, LZ unveiled a digital chapter Standard Operation Manual and initiated a chapter risk management and quality assurance manual.

The chapter revamped its fundraising protocol and streamlined chapter event management procedures. As a result, the two major fundraising events, Jazzy Blue: Decadez and the Evening of Brilliant Jewels brought in $11,000 in revenue. Their smaller scholarship fundraiser, Painting With a Twizt-Zeta Style, was also a sold-out event for the third time in four years, providing an additional $1,400 to the scholarship fund.

LZ is a founding member of the Houston Area Council of Zetas, and the chapter Basileus served as the 2018-2019 Council Chair. Under her leadership, almost 300 guests—representing the entire Blue and White Family—attended Founders’ Day Celebration, the highest attended Founders’ Day event in the last six years. The chapter observed Finer Womanhood with a series of weekly events and conducted a survey to gather perception data from the membership. With Basileus Faye Walker Dixon’s strong dedication to excellence and collective leadership, Lambda Zeta Chapter began 2019 with a bang!

Chapter management has been a focus for this administration, so LZ migrated membership management functions to MemberPlanet, allowing streamlined communications to both internal and external audiences. Members use MemberPlanet to update contact information, access important chapter and sorority documents, and add pertinent information, such as member status, trainings, and certifications. To prepare the chapter for this transition, Basileus Faye Walker Dixon orchestrated a series of face-to-face and virtual training sessions. Thus, the technology kept members cognizant of chapter events.

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“The chapter has a full community service program, with nearly 30 functioning committees dedicated to both national and local programmatic thrusts.”

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rvice IS WHAT WE DO!

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ELECTION TIME !

Tips on making a ZPACT on the upcoming election season Soror Jennifer Johnson ZPACT Director

Our participation in electoral politics is imperative to increasing political influence and educating voters on issues that are important to our communities. Each chapter is encouraged to engage in targeted efforts to help increase the number of voters in national and local elections. Here are a few recommendations for activities that will allow us to engage: ཞཞ Chapter-wide Volunteer Voter Registrar Certification. Partner with your county elections office to certify and deputize all of the members of your chapter. This will allow you all to hold voter registration drives at other community events or as a stand-alone activities. ཞཞ Hold voter registration drives at local high schools & churches. ཞཞ Host a Know Your Voting Rights social media campaign. ཞཞ Host a block party and invite all local and state candidates. ཞཞ Host voter protection training for the community at large. ཞཞ Partner with nonpartisan organizations to host town halls, voter registration drives, candidate meet and greets, or rideshare for voting. ཞཞ Attend your state convention (Republican State Convention, Democratic State Convention, Green Party State Convention, etc.) as a chapter in an effort to see what the platform is and how we can support efforts that have a positive impact on our community. For more information or to share ideas, feel free to email us at zphibzpact@gmail.com.

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Z E TA S I N O F F I C E

SOROR KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON Philadelphia City Council-At-Large in Philadelphia, PA

SOROR AICHA DAVIS Texas State Board of Education Member, District 13, Dallas, TX

SOROR CHARLENE BATHELUS Elizabeth School Board in Elizabeth, NJ

PAST IGB BARBARA WEST CARPENTER Louisiana State Legislature in Baton Rouge, LA

SOROR CYDNY NEVILLE City Council in Dumfries, VA

SOROR JAMIA DINGLE Democratic Primary Winner, Colonial School Board

SOROR MONIQUE BAKER MCCORMICK Wayne County, MI Commissioner Dist. 6

SOROR LASHELLE SCOTT Precinct Chairwoman of 559, Houston, TX

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Tech Team Upgrades Zeta Infrastructure By Sorors Kim Sawyer and Nicole Lowry Zeta Technology Directors

As technology evolves, it becomes more streamlined, reliable, and easier to use. Faster, more powerful, and efficient products lead to getting more work done in less time, therefore, increasing productivity. International Grand Basileus Valerie Hollingsworth Baker appointed the National Technology Team to overhaul our technology infrastructure, including replacing the current Association Management System with a system that offers highly flexible, efficient, and robust organization management capabilities that support our critical business functions, such as: • Membership management and online portal community • e-learning with certification and transcript management • Subscription management for Zeta’s print and digital publications • Conference and event management • Fundraising and philanthropy management • e-store functionality • Reporting Through the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, the vendor Fonteva was selected. Fonteva offers a powerful association management platform built on Salesforce, designed to effectively and efficiently manage association operations. It also gives Zeta incredible flexibility in how we can serve our members. It is a true cloud solution that is built to scale as our needs and membership grow. The new system will be implemented in two phases: PHASE I - END OF 3RD QUARTER • Accounts (chapters, states and regions) & Contacts (members) • Accounting & Finance • Membership • Reporting & Dashboard • Communities (e.g., User self-serve profile) • Partner Communities (e.g., chapter portal) PHASE II - TBD • E-commerce • Events management • Education & Certification • Fundraising • Sponsorship management continued on next page...

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I NFR AST R UC T UR E U PGRADES

PHASE I EXPECTATIONS • Transition Headquarters staff in using the new application and platform. They will continue to assist with chapter and membership questions, online purchases, and provide reporting to our International Executive Board and accounting team. • Our International Grand Basileus, International First Anti-Basileus, Region and State Directors will have individual access to the latest membership reporting. • Chapters will have the ability to pay assessments online • Members will have access to a Members-only Community Portal that provides the ability to update their profile (name, address, phone number, birthdate, privacy settings, photo, etc…), view sorority documents, view chapter and member directories, purchase sorority merchandise, and pay their dues online. ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE • Complete data clean-up • Load the remaining data into the new system • Prepare test scenarios • Prepare staff and member training materials • Send staff to product training • Brief Regional and State Directors on the new chapter assessment process • Conduct webinars with Regional, State and Chapter financial officers • Start Phase II Discovery Sessions

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Soror Enhances Natural Lifestyle by Opening a Blueberry Farm By Soror Pamela Monk-Brown Queen Natural Farm

Blueberries are considered the King of Antioxidant foods, and I am the queen who grows them! Natural Living and Natural Eating is the motto of Queen Natural Farm. Back in 2018, I made a decision to be more cognizant of what I allow to enter my body. This could only be done by growing and consuming my own foods. I chose blueberries as my main crop because they it possess many health benefits. The most desirable benefit is that it is an antioxidant. What better way to retrieve those antioxidants than to grow it myself? This eliminates the manufacturer processing and transport of the blueberries coming from various locations that may contain harmful chemicals. Blueberries are naturally sweet, but are low in calories and contain tons of nutrients, so I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to feel guilty when I eat a ton of them! Although small in nature, blueberries are gigantic with health benefits. They contain fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Manganese, and other nutrients. Blueberries reduce levels of oxidized LDL (commonly known as high cholesterol), and are known to help prevent heart disease. They are also known to maintain brain function and improve memory. Additionally, they are known to contain anti-diabetes effects and flight urinary tract infections. I usually eat my blueberries straight from the vine, but I also make certain dishes with them. My favorite dish is my very own natural blueberry pie, which contains my freshly picked blueberries, flour, lemon juice, water and eggs. It is my desire that all sorors begin to grow and consume their own foods. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no greater feeling than to know the origin of what you eat.

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ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY, INCORPORATED 2019 WOMEN VETERANS ROCK FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

It’s that time again! Zeta Phi Sorority, Incorporated is raising funds again this year for the Women Veterans ROCK Organization, one of Zeta’s partners whose mission is to provide Women Veterans and Military Families with the tools they need to reintegrate and thrive in civilian life. OUR GOAL IS TO RAISE AT LEAST 25,000.00 again this year! We can do it! SPECIAL EVENT THIS YEAR!!!! This year, in honor of women veterans across the country, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated will have the honor of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Arlington National Cemetery) on November 10, 2019, at 1:15 p.m. This is an outside event and the general public is welcome to attend. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the event start time. Photo-ready Zeta business attire is encouraged. Do not be late or you will miss it!

2019 WOMEN VETERAN’S ROCK OFFICIAL FUNDRAISING We would like to encourage all members/chapters and auxiliaries to participate in this cause, by donating a CAMPAIGN minimum of $11.11 per member and/or $25 per chapter. Please continue to conduct Z-HOPE Activities during the week of Veterans Day: November 10-16, 2019 ( Military Veteran-related Z-HOPE packet has already been disseminated through protocol channels) Donate by mail or online: ONLINE: https://www.memberplanet.com/s/zphibhq/nationalmilitarypin BY MAIL: Mail to National Headquarters (check or money order) ATTN: Women Veterans Rock Fundraiser

DEADLINE TO RECEIVE CREDIT TOWARD THE WINNING REGION AND FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN IS 30 NOVEMBER 2019.

Contact your Region’s Military Advisory Board Representative for more details!

1734 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20009 Phone: (202) 387-3103 ZPHIB1920.ORG