MESSAGE FROM THE 35 CHAPTER PRESIDENT TH
Dear Honored Guests, Supporters, Scholars, & Sorors,
On behalf of the Washington, D.C. Chapter for Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated, Gamma & its recently reinstated Enrichment & Empowerment Fund 501(c )(3) public charity nonprofit, it is my ultimate pleasure to welcome you to our 2 edition of Gamma Emerald Enterprising Community nd Awards. Celebrating the great work accomplished in our communities with our community partners, youth, and sisterhood. I am excited to celebrate with you!
Over the past 2 years, we have advanced our mission in meaningful and measurable ways. We expanded our youth programming, re-energized our signature initiatives, and strengthened our community presence through partnerships, scholarship awards, and civic engagement. Together, we hosted impactful events including Power of SHE & Gamma TALKS!, championed economic empowerment, and amplified the voices and achievements of Black women in business
I am proud of the legacy we’ve strengthened and the foundation we've laid over the past two years for the future. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my two Gamma executive committees, past chapter presidents council, committee chairs, chapter members, our Eastern Regional Director, Soror Dr. Audrey Douglas Cooke & her Executive Committee, the other 14 chapter presidents of the Eastern Region, and our cherished community supporters, like you. Last but never least, appreciation is given to our youth, who took the courage and time to respond to the call for submissions and struck gold. We are very proud of you and all of the accomplishments to come. Now let’s celebrate!
2023-2025 Gamma Chapter President | 2025 Gamma Enrichment & Empowerment Fund President Past National Executive Director | 2015-2023
“OUR LEGACY IS WHAT WE LEAVE BEHIND TO OUR COMMUNITY & THE LONG LASTING IMPACT HAD ON THEM!”
Martin
Vonetta B. Martin
Welcome | Introduction
Music by Peaches Timeless Co. & Apple iPod
Prayer | Lunch
Awards Ceremony
Gamma Scholarships : Academic Innovator Award
Rising Academic Star
Future Leader Award
Emerald Scholar & Pathway to Success Award
Gamma 2024-2025 Community Partners:
Emerald Community Catalyst Award
Transformative Trailblazer Award
Outstanding Business Woman of the Year Award
Gamma Chapter
2025 President’s Awards:
President's Empowerment Award
Emerald Fiscal Stewards Award
Emerald Ready & Reliable Award
Engaged Excellence Award
Gamma Legacy Builder
Growth in Sisterhood Awards
Positivity in Action Award
Literary Luminary Award
Remarks
Good Health Wins
Announcements
SIDES
■ Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
■ Seasonal Local Farm Vegetables
DESSERT
■ Classic Tiramisu
■ Gamma Candy Station
MENU
■ Mixed Baby Lettuces
ENTREES
■ Grilled Branzino
■ Amish Roasted Chicken
DRINKS
■ Water/ Tea/ Soft Drinks
■ Adult Beverages available at cost by purchasing at the Divino Restaurant bar. Drink responsibly.
VISION & MISSION
IOTA PHI LAMBDA SORORITY, INC.
Founded in 1929 in Chicago, Illinois by Mrs Lola M Parker,along side six of her dearest friends: Ethell T E Mildred G Hardin, Harriett M Robinson, Ophelia Harris, B Trigg, & Marjorie Tyndell, is a national business and prof women’s sisterhood, which strives to:
Unite in sisterhood qualified business and professional in order to enhance and improve the status of wome highly complex, competitive business and professional Promote increased interest in the broad field of education among high school and college young through planned programs and scholarships; Encourage the development of personal goals and lea potential; and
Establish and p youth and adult
Professional Business Women Propelled by Ingenuity: Intentional Purpose"
#Designed1929 #Driven2023-2027 #Distinction2029
Mrs. Charlotte D. Berry 24th National President
Dr Audrey Douglas-Cooke serves as the 25th Eastern Regional Director of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. She alongside her Executive Committee manages 14 chapters in the Eastern Region
As the leader of the All so Efficient Eastern Region she welcomes professional women whose aims and aspirations reflect a willingness to collaborate with other females who represent a plethora of professional careers including business entrepreneurs. Our foundational principles are built on an interwoven platform of sisterhood, service, community, and cohesiveness
“To encourage young women to enter the Business Field by means of business training”. June 1, 1929
Since 1929 Iota Phi Lambda has grown over its 96 years . Currently the organization has 76 national chapters in the United States and the US Virgin Islands accounting for over 1300 business and professional women lead by our 24th National President Charlotte D Berry and her national executive board members & National Executive Director, Karen Arey, who serve and lead 5 regions, Central, Eastern, Far Western, Southern, and Southwestern. They also have an operational arm of executive board members covering financial, technology, and media needs for the organization Learn more today by visiting us online
"To unite in a sisterhood qualified business and professional women who will encourage, inspire, nurture, and assist persons engaged in business vocations"
Dr Audrey Douglas-Cooke 25th Eastern Regional Director
Mrs Lola Mercedes Parker Founder
IOTA PHI LAMBDA SORORITY, INC.
During our last two service years (2023-2025) it was themed ‘Back to Basics for Continued Gamma Greatness’ and the then local mission in Washington, DC was to support youth, women, and families desiring to grow educationally, professionally, and in the realm of business or entrepreneurial development. Gamma alongside its nonprofit, the Gamma Enrichment & Empowerment Fund (GEEF) raised $12,000 and currently distributed $1500 We were able to achieve $2,000 nationally for our local award winner for the Alice P. Allen national scholarship to be distributed to American University We are so proud
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We continue to honor the mission and vision of our Charter Members Benetta Conway, E.C. Cuffey, Marguerite Harvey, Fannie Offut, Victoria Robinson, Florence K. Williamson, and Ruth Williams while propelling ourselves and community members forward through our partnerships, programming, and projects Gamma Chapter has established itself as a groundbreaking chapter It holds a national reputation for leading with a continuously progressive mindset to achieve success for us and our communities in the District of Columbia! The vision of our
"WHEN SISTERS STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER, WHO STANDS A CHANCE AGAINST US?"
Pam Brown
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The Vision |
A world where those in need in Washington, DC have a place to economically thrive by using education, professional, and business or entrepreneurial practices Gamma's E&E Fund aims to annually raise $5,000 towards scholarships and supporting the projects and programs of Gamma chapter to impact 5 youth, female and/or male, 5 college students, and 5 adult women seeking economic growth in Washington DC
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P R O G R A M S & P R O J E C T S
GAMMA CHAPTER PROGRAMS
ThePowerofSHEAwards - Biannualawardsprogramtohonorwomenwho havedemonstratedleadershipandaremakingchangesandimpactingourlocal communitieseveryday
HealthyBabiesProject - Ourlocalpartnerwhereweofferprogrammingfrom ourIotaMother'sAssistanceProgram, Toys "U" Can'tReturn, andTutorial programs
Gamma.TALKS! Onlineeducationalseriesaroundavarietyoftopicstohelpthe knowledgebaseofourvariousaudiences.
GraduateAdvisorChapter - supportingthrougheducation, mentorship, and sisterlyconnectionstoourDCbasedUndergraduatechapterDeltaPhiof HowardUniversity.
Back to Basics: Community Work |
The People We Serve : Relationship Building in DC
The business and professional women of Gamma chapter hit the streets of DC early in the service year at the National Headquarters for planning the year and then connected to our partner elementary school in Southeast. We covered areas of northwest while patronizing entrepreneurial and small businesses. We connected virtually, in person, in MD and Virginia . Below are activities that Gamma engaged in during 2024-2025.
EMERALD ENTERPRISING COMMUNITY AWARDS
Began under the leadership of the 20232024 administration of Gamma chapter to thank our youth, D C and metropolitan area community partners for helping Gamma to make its service year a success Gamma celebrates our community & members annually, typically on or near Founder’s day!
The Emerald |
Symbolizes loyalty, new beginnings, peace, and security, making it not only a beautiful gem to wear, but also a meaningful gift to be treasured by the receiver we believe our community are precious emeralds weathering storms and shining at the right time with collective and collaborative support
Enterprising |
Means having or showing initiative and resourcefulness
Community |
stands for the collective gathering, partnership, and upliftment accomplished for the success of the mission and vision of the organization and those receiving our services
Awards |
Gamma realizes that it is imperative to take the time to relax and reflect on the hard work and celebrate those we have helped, and those that have helped us
2025 AWARDEES
Zora Acoff Essay Winner
Jamie Miltenberger
Grayson Bess Essay Winner Scholarship
NaZyia Lashley Scholarship
Tiffany Wallace
Dr.Joanne J. Frederick Daneviere Z. Battle
Keisha B. Nelson M.Ed Community Partner Community Partner Community Partner Community Partner
Jessica L. Brown Business Woman of the Year
1991-1995
1991-1995
Dorethea N. Hornbuckle
National President
Dorethea N Hornbuckle
National
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PRESIDENT,VONETTA B MARTIN
FIRSTVICE PRESIDENT
MELISSA RESIL
CORRESPONDING
JOURNALIST
LEONA NICHOLAS
SECRETARY
DENISE FILIEN
SECONDVICE PRESIDENT
GENESIS ZIMMERMON
FINANCIAL SECRETARY
DENISE JOHNSON
TREASURER
LAKESHIA HURLING
IMANI PANTON-BLAKE
EVELYN D. WILKEY NATIONAL ESSAY CONTEST
ACADEMIC INNOVATOR AWARD
Attends Spotsylvania High School, which is a public high school in Spotsylvania County, Virginia founded in 1940. Their educational theme states “Together, we prepare our students for their future.” Zora is highly interested in her academics and prides herself on a little bit of friendly educational competition As a Gamma Future Iota Leader, Zora had the courage to answer the call to participate in our essay contest and not only won locally with Gamma chapter but elevated to the Eastern Regional competition for the Evelyn D. Wilkey National Essay contest. This yielded her 2 place regionally. Zora loves playing the baritone saxophone, listening to music, and creative writing She is also an International Baccalaureate Student She is the awesome and outstanding daughter of her proud parents, Alisha Charleston-Acoff and Kenneth Acoff while being a big sister to Camille Acoff Gamma is proud of you, Zora and wishes you the best as you continue to soar in life!
RISING ACADEMIC STAR AWARD
Attends Calvert School, founded in 1897, is an independent, nonsectarian, co-educational lower and middle school located in Baltimore, Maryland Calvert School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools as well as the Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools
He is a very active youth with two supportive parents in Herlen & Arielle Bess. As of late he was Gamma chapter’s first place winner for our 2023-2024 Emerald Enterprising Community Awards for the Evelyn S. Wilkey Essay contest and at the same time was able to serve as the Deputy City Council President for April 2023 Grayson did a fabulous job holding his own during the Baltimore City Council working lunch, where he had the opportunity to meet guests U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, City Council members, and various City Hall staffers.
Grayson, a Boy Scout who accomplished a 40-Mile Hike from Under Armour’s Global Headquarters in Baltimore City to the U S Naval Academy in Annapolis in 11 hours and 15 minutes, received a citation commemorating his day of service from Baltimore's City Council President Nick Mosby for the opening of the City Council meeting in 2023. Gamma and many others see great things in the future for Grayson Bess and thank him for his continued engagement in his academics!
NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS & WINNERS
L O C A L G A M M A C H A P T E R
2 0 2 5
FUTURE LEADER AWARD
19 YEARS OLD UNIVERSITY (MD)
Attends the historically black college and university, Bowie State in Bowie, Maryland She is a graduate of Academy of Health Sciences at Prince George’s Community College in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Currently a resident of Prince George’s County, Jamie is the outstanding daughter of Michelle Contee Turner and Adrian Turner, both professional Educators. Jamie graduated with a 4 3 GPA from high school and set her eyes on college, where she stayed close to home, now attending Bowie State University, studying Biology
She is affiliated with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Tope Teens of America, Inc., and served as the 2023 Sergeant at Arms for her class. She has honors from the Bowie State University Honors Program, Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society at Prince George’s Community College, and National Honors Society at PGCC
Jamie has community service experiences with the Eta Chapter CHIPP Food Drive for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. , served as the 2 Vice President for Top Teens of America and oversaw their committee participation for NCNW, UNCF, March of Dimes to name a few, and she enjoys community beautification projects with her volunteer organizations She attributes her success in school to her mother because she encourages her to pursue higher levels of education Gamma is proud of you Jamie, continue rising ! n d
EMERALD SCHOLAR & PATHWAY TO SUCCESS AWARD
19 YEARS OLD UNIVERSITY (DC)
Na’Zyia Lashley is a Washington, DC resident and native She graduated from Dunbar High School in 2023 and now attends American University working towards her bachelors degree in Elementary Education. She is the daughter of Daryl Lashley, Social Worker, and Camisha Davis, a SPED Teacher, and both Washingtonian professionals. Na’Zyia became introduced to Gamma chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated through our longstanding partnership with Healthy Babies Project of DC lead by its fearless leader Regine Elie, Executive Director and former Power of SHE awardee Na’Zyia applied for two of our scholarships this year, showing her tenacity to excel and rise higher in her academic career through scholarships. One of those two scholarships, the Alice P. Allen Scholarship she won as our 2025 National Scholarship recipient.
She is the mother of 5 year old Za’Mir Lashley while still attending American University She is proud and hardworking young adult, but as a teen mother she learned a lot of core lessons that allowed her to grow into the wonderful woman, student, advocate that she is today.
Currently she enjoys social media, selfies, her family time, and of course supporting her son She has honors and academic awards related to her advocacy work in DC with healthy babies speaking at hearings on the impact of being a teen and youth parent She also serves as a Healthy Babies Project participant and mentee supporting new mothers of the program. Lastly,now 19 & is so proud of how far she has come. She has earned leadership roles, including being selected as a Teen Parent Advocate for the DC NEXT team Gamma is proud of you, Na’Zyia Keep rising!
EMERALD COMMUNITY CATALYST AWARDS
CONNECTED SCHOOL MANAGER
DC PUBLIC SCHOOLS
L O C A L G A M M A C H A P T E R
2 0 2 5
DANEVIERE Z. BATTLE
is a North Carolina native and has lived in DMV area for 24 years. She received her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Elizabeth City State University and Master's Degree in Human Resource Development from Bowie State University Prior to being at Turner Elementary School in Southeast, DC, she was the Employer Outreach Coordinator with University of District of Columbia Workforce Development Division for 7 years, where she networked with employers and bought employment resources and opportunities to the students.
TIFFANY M. WALLACE, MBA | PUBLIC SPEAKER & TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADER
Is a transformational people leader with a focus on driving results through developing a high performing team She is a performance and development driven professional with 15 years of combined expertise in Organizational Leadership including Human Resources management, recruiting, corporate and employment laws Strategy architect in the development of innovative HR initiatives to streamline processes and capitalize on organizational growth opportunities. A creative thinker, problem solver and decision maker who effectively balances the needs of employees with the mission of the organization. Strong communication, interpersonal relations, mentoring, negotiation and organizational skills
Professionally, Tiffany has served as a Sr Regional HR Business Partner at Under Armour, Human Resource Partner for Walgreens, as well as a Multi District HR Manager. She is a mother, wife, and sister to many as she is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated as well as Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated, Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc, and the Links, Incorporated. This past year she took time to support Gamma chapter as a speaker for 2025 Black History Month through our Gamma TALKS!
EMERALD COMMUNITY CATALYST AWARDS
KEISHA B. NELSON | WHUT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Is a committed, driven and passionate educator and media arts specialist whose professional experience includes teaching, student advocacy, community engagement, content creation and entrepreneur -ship Her passion for education and community engagement drives her to develop strategy, build strong partnerships and serve her community
Keisha is champion for justice and leads with a lens of equity and inclusion. Her commitment to change drives her strategic, results-driven work ethic. Her professional career has lead her on a world wind journey of exciting opportunities through PBS/ Howard University’s public television network of WHUT, Black Broadway Performing Arts Company, Cherry Hill High School West, Latin American Youth Center, and Philadelphia Freedom Schools She holds a bachelor of science in Education from Howard University, a Master’s degree from University of Pennsylvania in reading, writing, and literacy while being affiliated with the African American Association for Graduate Students of Education, and a certificate in women’s entrepreneurship from Cornell University
Recently, this past May Mrs. Nelson held an intentional and purpose -filled networking session where Gamma chapter was able to participate in a volunteerism capacity while receiving information, which was transformative As she celebrates her anniversary today, we thank her!
TRANSFORMATIVE TRAILBLAZER AWARD
DR. JOANNE FREDERICK
Dr Joanne Frederick is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the District of Columbia, and the states of Maryland and Virginia. As a National Certified Counselor, she specializes in treating people with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, terminal illnesses, and learning disabilities. She is the Author of “Copeology” the book which helps people deal with topics such as loss and grief, managing survivors’ guilt, and the power of prayer, to name a few, from a spiritual combined with a psychological perspective.
She has been in the field of counseling for 29 years as a University Professor, a counselor in private practice, and the Co-founder/Executive Director of a non-profit that offers free to low-cost counseling services within a Baptist Church She holds a Doctorate Degree in Education from the George Washington University in Rehabilitation Counseling, a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Baltimore and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Morgan State University.
As a Trinidadian-American, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Frederick takes pride in advocating for mental health throughout all communities as she provides tips and coping mechanisms free-of-charge through her social media platforms such as “The Ask Doctor Joanne” show on YouTube.
Known for her humor, storytelling, and her ability to transform tough conversations into healing, her work is featured in media outlets such as ABC channel 7, Allure beauty magazine, Forbes health, Today.com, Black News Channel, and The Grio, to name a few.
A mother of 3, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. -Zeta Mu chapter, Her motto is “Let’s Talk”. Gamma thanks Dr. Frederick with her work on presenting tools and techniques for managing our mental health in these days and times.
IOTA PHI LAMBDA SORORITY, INCORPORATED EASTERN REGION & GAMMA (DC) CHAPTER
2025 OUTSTANDING BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Jessica L Brown
Founder of College Gurl & President of The College Gurl Foundation
Jessica L. Brown is a nationally recognized financial aid expert. As Founder of College Gurl, President of The College Gurl Foundation, Author of How to Pay for College When You’re Broke and the children’s book College Girl’s First College Tour, Jessica educates students and families on how to make the best-informed decisions around financing a college education. Named the Financial Aid Fairy Godmother, her mission is to ensure students have access to an affordable and quality education Additionally, she mentors and exposes Washington Metropolitan area high school students to college through her nonprofit, The College Gurl Foundation
Jessica speaks all over the U S at a host of schools, universities, organizations, and news networks Additionally, AT&T, Dark & Lovely, Diversity Inc , Truist Foundation, The Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation and many more have sponsored her efforts. She has recently been featured on Good Morning America, MSNBC, The Tamron Hall Show, BET News, FOX Business Network, Essence Magazine, and several other news outlets. Also, she is a graduate of Howard University, Strayer University, and is currently seeking her PhD in Higher Education Administration. Moreover, Jessica is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and AT&T’s Consumer Advisory Panel. Her philanthropic efforts have awarded her the 2023 White House Fellows Regional Candidate, 2023 Brown Sugar of the Year Award, 2022 LoudMouth award from Al Sharpton, 2020 Mayor Bowser DC HOPE Award, 2020 HBCU Buzz Top 30 Under 30, 2020 WHUR-96 3 & McDonalds DMV Black Excellence Award, 2019 Outstanding Community Service Award of Excellence from Odyssey International, 2018 Dreamer Award from Dream4It Foundation, and 2018 Power of She Award from Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc
ENTERPRISING COMMUNITY AWARDEES
EMERALD FISCAL STEWARDS AWARD
SOROR PEACHES HASSELL
SOROR LAKESHIA HURLING
EMERALD READY & RELIABLE AWARD
SOROR MAXINE SAMMS WASHINGTON
1 ANNUAL GAMMA ON THE GREEN ST GOLF CLASSIC TOURNAMENT
SOROR TANGILA BROGDEN 2025 POWER OF SHE CHAIRWOMAN
SOROR CRYSTAL JONES CO-CHAIRWOMAN
GAMMA LEGACY BUILDER AWARD
SOROR NICOLE FORD
SOROR TERESA GONZALEZ
2 0 2 5
GROWTH IN HOOD AWARDS
SOROR IMANI PATON BLAKE DEAN OF INTAKE
SOROR TANGILA BROGDEN UNDERGRAD AFFAIRS HOWARD UNIVERSITY
SOROR DENISE FILIEN ASSISTANT DEAN OF INTAKE POSITIVITY IN ACTION AWARD
SOROR ZARIA HUGGINS UNDERGRAD AFFAIRS HOWARD UNIVERSITY
SOROR JASMINE FRAZIER 35 & UNDER
CHAPTER VISIBILITY GROWTH AWARDS
SOROR ANGELA N. HOMER JOURNALIST
SOROR LEONA OGBEJESI GRAPHIC DESIGNER PAST CHAPTER JOURNALIST
GAMMA NEWCOMERS ON THE RISE
SOROR CHERWANA HARRIS ENGAGED EXCELLENCE AWARD
SOROR LAKIESHA WILSON GAMMA BOOK CLUB LITERARY LUMINARY AWARD
SOROR DENISE JOHNSON ENGAGED EXCELLENCE AWARD
SOROR TIELA GONZALEZ POSITIVITY IN ACTION AWARD
CELEBRATING GAMMA SUCCESSES IN 2025
UPWARD & ONWARD IN EFFICIENT
