# Iota Phi Lambda

Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Inc. (ΙΦΛ) is the first African American Greek-lettered business sorority established by African American business women. There are now more than 100 chapters with membership numbering more than 1,300 in 85 cities and the US Virgin Islands. Iota Phi Lambda is not a National Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC) sorority; dual membership within Iota Phi Lambda Sorority and NPHC sororities is allowed.

## History

The sorority was founded on June 1, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois by Lola Mercedes Parker. The founding of the sorority was important for African American women as after World War I there was the "Great Migration" of blacks from the South to the Northern cities, seeking greater opportunities and 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 who had migrated northward.

## Symbols

The motto of Iota Phi Lambda is "Upward and Onward in Efficient Service." Its colors are emerald green and white. Its flower is the White Tea Rose.

## Activities

* American Education Week – Members work in support of the National Education Association via its national theme to celebrate and embrace America's public schools.
* Black History Month – Programs are designed to encourage youth and adults to understand the issues facing and faced by African Americans, to share ideas, and reactions, and to recognize those African Americans who have historically impacted America.
* Business Month – Iota's capstone programs occur throughout April. Activities focus on efforts to stimulate interest in business education and to give recognition to those who have made outstanding achievements in the field of business.
* Lola M. Parker Award – Outstanding Woman of the Year
* Mahala S. Evans Award – Outstanding Soror of the Year
* Career exploration – Programs designed to help broaden youth awareness of and assist in preparing them for the world of work.
* Tutorial services – Members assist the educational system by providing remedial help for those with academic weaknesses, and work to eradicate illiteracy.
* Toys U Can't Return – A teen pregnancy prevention project designed to help educate communities about teenage pregnancy and develop effective action agendas for preventing children from having children.
* Iota Mothers Assistance Program – Program designed to provide outreach services to meet the needs of teen and disadvantaged mothers (ages 20–40)
* Future Iota Leaders are preteen and teenage girls and boys who are mentored by members of the Iota family. Programs provide socialization and development opportunities for youth leadership training and encourage them to realize their potentials to the fullest.
* Scholarships are awarded annually on the chapter, regional, and national levels.

## Notable members

* Mary Dee, radio personality

### Honorary

* Peggielene Bartels, Ghanaian chief
* Mary McLeod Bethune, educator and civil rights leader
* Pearl S. Buck, writer
* Donna Christensen, United States House of Representatives
* Marian Wright Edelman, activist for children's rights
* Ada Crogman Franklin, activist for children's rights and journalist
* Irene McCoy Gaines, social worker and civil rights activist
* Hazel Garland, journalist
* Lydia P. Jackson, Louisiana State Senate
* Carrie Meek, United States House of Representatives
* Rachel B. Noel, educator and politician
* Mai Padmore, Liberian politician
* Betty Smith Williams, nurse