WASHINGTON, July 27,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority,
Incorporated, one of the country's largest women's service
organizations established by five Black women, today announced the
induction of 15 distinguished women as Honorary Members into its
Alpha Omega Chapter. These accomplished women have demonstrated
outstanding commitment to civic engagement and the advancement of
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.'s principles of Scholarship, Service,
Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood.
International First Vice President for Membership Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq. said, "I am honored to
oversee all of Zeta Phi Beta's membership categories and am
thrilled that Zeta Phi Beta continues to attract fascinating,
fierce and finer women to carry out the vision of Zeta Phi Beta's
Founders. The newest class of Honorary Members will advance Zeta
Phi Beta's goals as Zeta Phi Beta women everywhere work together to
support our communities."
The induction ceremony occurred on July
27, 2024, at the sorority's international conference in
Indianapolis, where these women
were officially welcomed into Zeta Phi Beta Sorority,
Incorporated.
Dr. Stacie NC Grant, International President and CEO, shared,
"The work of our 2024 Honorary Member Class is aligned with Zeta
Phi Beta's commitment to helping other people excel through mind,
body and spirit. As the number one women's service organization
established by five extraordinary Black women, we are proud to
extend membership to this group of women and I welcome them to the
sisterhood on behalf of all Zeta Phi Beta members."
The new Honorary Members are:
Tatyana
Ali, an actress, singer, and activist, best known for
her iconic role as Ashley Banks on
the hit sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," continues to inspire
both on and off the screen with her impactful community service
work. Ali has dedicated significant efforts to advocating for
education and youth empowerment, collaborating with organizations
like the Millennium Momentum Foundation and Step Up Women's
Network. As a member, Ali will work alongside the sorority's
women's entrepreneurship initiative, Woman Who Win, and support and
mentor our Zeta Youth Affiliates.
Patrice
Banks, an engineer and entrepreneur, is the founder
of Girls Auto Clinic, where she empowers women through education
and service on their vehicles. Ms. Banks is the first Black woman
to open and operate an auto repair center staffed by all women, Ms.
Banks has authored "The Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide" and
provides a welcoming space for female car owners. Beyond her
entrepreneurial success, she actively participates in philanthropy,
offering free car care workshops to underprivileged communities and
supporting STEM initiatives for young girls. Ms. Banks will
champion causes and initiatives focused on entrepreneurship through
the Women Who Win initiative as well as the Zeta Organization
Leadership (ZOL) Program.
Jaspen "Jas" Boothe, is an Army
Veteran, Cancer Survivor, and Veteran Disability Advocate who
served over 17 years. She has been honored with numerous accolades,
including the Oprah Winfrey Standing Ovation award,
CNN Hero, and People Magazine Hero Among Us. Despite facing immense
personal challenges, including losing everything to Hurricane
Katrina and battling aggressive cancer, Jas focused on her
platoon's welfare and emerged as a resilient leader and advocate.
Featured in the documentary "Served Like a Girl," Jas continues to
inspire through her story of perseverance and dedication. Ms. Booth
will align her talents and passions to focus on supporting the
American Cancer Society, Military Appreciation Program, and Women
Veterans Rock!
Felicia
Brokaw, an Army General known for her distinguished
military service and leadership, has dedicated herself to
empowering veterans and their families. General Brokaw made history
as the first Black female Brigadier General in State of Indiana. In her tenure with the Army,
she has been recognized with a Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation
Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism
Service Medal, and many other awards. As a passionate advocate for
veteran welfare, she has been instrumental in organizing community
outreach programs and support initiatives through various veterans'
organizations. General Brokaw is proud to serve with programs
aligned with military support and appreciation via our Military
Appreciation Program and Women Veterans Rock!
Caretha
Coleman has distinguished herself as a vanguard in
the Silicon Valley tech scene, leveraging her extensive experience
to champion diversity and inclusion. As a seasoned advisor and
board member, her strategic insights have guided numerous startups
toward fostering more inclusive workplace cultures. Her leadership
in founding the Dignity Health Foundation and her role as
Chairperson have underscored her commitment to health and wellness,
further amplifying her impact beyond the tech industry. Coleman's
dedication to mentorship and advocacy for underrepresented
communities has solidified her legacy as a transformative force in
business and society. Ms. Coleman will continue to educate
communities by partnering with the sorority's Black health and
wellness initiatives with a focus on maternal health and youth as
well as the Woman Who Win entrepreneurship initiative.
Wanda
Durant is widely recognized for her motivational
speaking and advocacy and has made significant contributions to
various charitable causes. As the founder of the motivational
platform "Hope Dream Believe Achieve," she empowers individuals to
overcome adversity and reach their full potential. Additionally,
she also runs The Kevin Durant Charity Foundation and The Real MVP
Charity, Inc. Her philanthropic efforts include supporting
educational initiatives, youth development programs, and community
outreach projects. Ms. Durant is eager to serve on initiatives that
promote the sorority's partnerships with the American Cancer
Society, Zeta National Education Foundation (Z-NEF), Zetas Helping
Other People Excel (Z-HOPE™), and Zeta Youth Affiliates.
Andrea
Hunley is renowned for her impactful leadership and
community activism. She has dedicated her career to advocating for
social justice and educational equity. As an accomplished educator
and school principal, she has implemented numerous programs to
support underprivileged students and their families. In 2022 Hunley
was elected as the first Black state senator for Indiana Senate District 46. Hunley's
philanthropic efforts extend to her work with local nonprofits,
focusing on youth empowerment and community development
initiatives. Ms. Hunley is excited about participating in Zeta Phi
Beta's Social Action arm: Get Engaged and the Adopt-A-School
initiative.
Leela
James is a singer whose debut album "A Change Is Gonna
Come" earned her Soul Train and NAACP Award nominations. With seven
LPs and multiple Top 20 R&B singles, including the
chart-topping "Complicated," James has solidified her place in the
music industry. Beyond her musical achievements, James empowers
young women through her GIRLS TALK Initiative, preparing them to
conquer life's challenges in love, career, health, and wellness.
She will align her passion with the sorority's Black health and
wellness with a focus on mental health and the Zeta Youth
Affiliates.
Maimah
Karmo, a respected author and motivational speaker, is
widely known for her relentless advocacy and philanthropy in the
fight against breast cancer. As the founder of the Tigerlily
Foundation, Karmo has dedicated herself to educating, empowering,
and advocating for young women affected by breast cancer. Her work
has provided vital support services, resources, and outreach
programs to thousands of women nationwide. Through her tireless
efforts, Karmo continues to inspire and effect positive change in
the lives of many. She will align her talents with initiatives with
Zeta National Education Foundation (Z-NEF), Zetas Helping Other
People Excel (Z-HOPE™), and Zeta Youth Affiliates.
Dawn
Morton-Rias, a healthcare advocate, is celebrated for
her expertise in healthcare and commitment to social justice. With
a distinguished career spanning decades, Morton-Rias serves as the
first woman of color, President and Chief Executive Officer for the
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants -
NCCPA. Beyond her professional achievements, Morton-Rias is
actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, supporting
initiatives aimed at promoting access to community-based healthcare
delivery and health professions education and empowering
marginalized communities. Morton-Rias will align her passions with
the sorority's initiatives of Healthcare Equity and the March of
Dimes.
Peirresha "Perri" Shakes-Drayton is
a British retired track and field athlete. She was the 2013
European Indoor Champion in the 400 meters and won a 2012 World
Indoor Championship gold medal in the 4 x 400 meters relay. Perri
has also won silver and bronze medals in the 4 × 400 m relay at the World Championships. The GLL
Sport Foundation (GSF), the UK's largest independent athlete
support program, has appointed her as a member of its board. Perri
is also a top fundraiser for Tommy's The Baby Charity (equivalent
to March for Babies), which does great work in researching causes
and treatments to save babies' lives and providing trusted
pregnancy and baby loss information and support. Ms.
Shakes-Drayton, will align her passions with the March of Dimes and
Zetas Helping Other People Excel (Z-HOPE™).
Ashley
Sharpton, a dedicated community organizer, has been
instrumental in leading grassroots movements for social change.
Known for her tireless advocacy work and commitment to civil rights
causes, Sharpton has become a prominent voice for marginalized
communities. She actively engages in philanthropy, supporting
organizations focused on education, healthcare access, and youth
empowerment. Ms. Sharpton will support the sorority's Zeta Youth
Affiliates and the Social Action initiative, Get Engaged.
Dominque
Sharpton has emerged as a prominent civil rights
activist advocating for equality and justice in communities across
the nation. Beyond her advocacy efforts, Sharpton is deeply
involved in philanthropy, supporting initiatives aimed at
addressing social inequalities and empowering marginalized
individuals and communities. Ms. Sharpton will align her talents
with the sorority's Social Action initiative, Get Engaged.
Angie
Stone is an American singer, songwriter, actress, record
producer, three-time Grammy Nominee, and two-time Soul Train Awards
winner. Renowned for her contributions to the R&B and neo-soul
genres, Stone's music has resonated with fans for decades. Stone is
a member of the F.A.C.E Diabetes (Fearless African-Americans
Connected and Empowered) program sponsored by Eli Lilly and
Company, which helps African Americans understand their risk for
the disease and how to control it. Ms. Stone will align her
passions and talents with the sorority's Elder Care initiatives and
Zetas Helping Other People Excel (Z-HOPE™).
Pennsylvania State Representative,
Regina Young, was elected to
represent the 185th Legislative District in November 2020, where she was the first Black
woman to serve in the role. She is a community organizer, former
educator, social service worker, and certified HIV and grief
counselor. Before running for office, she was a community schools
coordinator in the Philadelphia
Mayor's Office of Education. She founded and served as executive
director of Empowered Community Development Corporation, an
organization that helps establish community programs identified as
needed by community members.
As Honorary Members, these exceptional women will have the
opportunity to work closely with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. in
advancing its philanthropic initiatives and promoting social
welfare. Their influence and expertise will undoubtedly enhance the
organization's ability to positively impact the communities it
serves. Notable Honorary Members include: Annie Turnbo Malone, Maggie L. Walker, Esther
Rolle, Sarah Vaughn,
Julia Carson (former U.S. Rep.),
Donna Edwards (former U.S. Rep.),
Anita Hill, Esq., Elisabeth Omilami,
Rhona Bennett, Vivica A. Fox, Samia Nkrumah, Rashida Tlaib (U.S. Rep.), Ann Nesby, Jennie
Joseph, Chrisette Michele
Payne, Angel McCoughtry and
Roslyn Young-Daniels.
For more information about Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
and its latest Honorary Members, please
visit www.zphib1920.org.
About Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated:
Zeta Phi
Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded on January
16, 1920, on the campus of Howard
University in Washington,
D.C. The organization's principles, Scholarship, Service,
Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood, guide its members in uplifting
communities and creating positive change. With a legacy of
excellence, Zeta Phi Beta continues to impact lives through its
diverse philanthropic efforts and dedication to empowering women
worldwide.
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SOURCE Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.