Lola Mercedes Parker, Founder of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
ABOUT IOTA
HISTORY
The turn of the 20th century was a tumultuous time for the United States. Within a few years of the start of World War I, there was the Great Migration of Blacks from the South to the Northern cities seeking greater opportunities and a more tolerant society.
These changes underscored the need for Blacks to learn new skills. These skills, in turn, would hopefully ensure a better way of life for tens of thousands of Blacks that had migrated northward.
Lola M. Parker, a graduate of Chicago Business College, was one of the great visionaries of this time. She realized that Black women who were discriminated against on the basis of both race and gender needed to not only improve their existing skills but also motivate and inspire other women to achieve the highest level of proficiency in their chosen professions.
Joining together with Ethel T. Edwards, Mildred G. Hardin, Harriet M. Robinson, Ophelia Harrison, Burdette Trigg and Marjorie Tyndall, Lola M. Parker founded Iota Phi Lambda Sorority on June 1, 1929 to carry out these objectives.
As the organization grew, Ms. Parker soon began to realize her dream of an organization that would encourage, nurture and promote the ideals of higher education, increased business acumen and a standard of professionalism for Black Women.
OUR MISSION
To unite in a sisterhood qualified business and professional women who will encourage, inspire, nurture, and assist persons engaged in business vocations.
Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., founded in 1929 in Chicago, Illinois, is a national business and professional women’s organization which strives to:
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Unite in sisterhood qualified business and professional women in order to enhance and improve the status of women in our highly complex, competitive business and professional world;
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Promote increased interest in the broad field of business education among high school and college young women through planned programs and scholarships;
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Encourage the development of personal goals and leadership potential; and
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Establish and promote civic and social service activities for youth and adults.
PURPOSE
Lola Mercedes Parker, Founder of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
Dr. Keisha Payton-Deanes
President
Fall 2018
Melissa F. Scott
First Vice President
Fall 2019
Veronica Manning-McNeil
Treasurer
Fall 2019
Desire'e Lewis-Nelson
Recording Secretary
Spring 2015
Crystal Benjamin
Membership Chair
Spring 2017
Christina James
Corresponding Secretary
Fall 2023
Dominique Lee
Journalist
Fall 2023
The Zeta Chi Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. is a part of the Efficient Eastern Region and services the New Kent County, Charles City, and Eastern Henrico areas of Virginia.
ZETA CHI
In March 2023, Dr. Keisha Payton Deanes and Melissa F. Scott envisioned a brighter future for Iota Phi Lambda in New Kent and its surroundings. Recognizing the need for expansion, they sought guidance from then Eastern Regional Director, Valerie Mills-Pullen. Following approval, five dedicated sorors united in July 2023. On September 9th, 2023, the first interest meeting marked the beginning of a transformative journey. Welcoming two more sorors, the Zeta Chi Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda, Sorority Inc., officially emerged, receiving its charter on December 9th, 2023. Their collective vision and determination now empower the community through the newly established chapter.
Empowering Dreams
CHARTERING
