June_2025_Iota_Bulletin

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National Newsletter Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.

IOTA PHI LAMBDA SORORITY, INC. 2025 FOUNDER’S DAY MESSAGE

ne1,1929,Chicago,IllinoisthefirstmeetingforIotaPhiLambdaSorority,Incorporated was ld Founder’sDaywasadoptedin1937bytheNationalExecutiveBoardmeetingheldin ashington,D.C.ThedatewassignificantbecausetheinauguralmeetingwasheldonJune1, withAlphaChapterthefirstchapterofIotaPhiLambdaSorority,Inc Thememberspresentin thatfirstmeetingwereLolaMercedesParker,theConveningFounder,alongwithsixother progressivelike-mindedwomen,EthelT Edwards,MildredG Hardin,HarrietM Robinson, OpheliaHarrison,BirdetteTrigg,andMarjorieTyndall.TheStateofIllinois,grantedon September30,1930thecharterforIotaPhiLambdaSorority,Inc June1,2025,IotaPhiLambdaSorority’smemberscelebrate96yearsofcontinuedservices throughourNationalProgramsandProjects Thecommunitycollaborationsandpartnerships establishedineachofthefiveregionsinover70pluschaptersthroughouttheUnitedStates includingtheDistrictofColumbiaandtheU S VirginIslands,aredoingproactiveworkwith intentionalresultsintheirrespectivecommunitieswherewearelocated Onthisday,wetaketimeouttoreflectonourpast,whilecelebratingourbelovedsisterhood, committingtolookingforwardtothefuturewithpurposedrivenfortitudeforaworldchanging everyday WemustbeasthefirstBlackBusinessandProfessionalSororityestablished,the changewewanttoseeforourcommunities,familiesandotherscomingbehindusforprogress ThereweretwoparticularquotesImentionedineachregionduringthis2025Conferenceseason thatIwouldliketoshareagain;

1)IotaPhiLambda,History,Volume1–foundedin1929–Depressionsaresocial problems Sincesocialproblemsaretheproductofsocialliving,thebestapproachtothe understandingandsolutionoftheseproblemsliesinsocialconsiderationsandsocial action.(excerpted)

2)CarryOn-ReflectionsforaNewGeneration,published2021,byJohnLewis–“TheCall ofHistoryisSoundingAgain”–Theremaybeatimewhenhistorycallsuponyou Do notgetlostinaseaofdespair Behopeful,beoptimistic

Founder’sDayMessageJune1,2025

Weareresilientpeople,wehavebeenherebefore Ourfoundationalknowledgeofhistoryis crucialforbothourpersonalandsocietalgrowth ThecommitmentandworkofIotaPhiLambda Sorority,isasimportantandnecessarytodayasitwasin1929,toupliftandservecommunities, celebratebusinessentrepreneurship,andprovidefinancialandeducationalscholarshipsthat supportwomenandyouth Todaytheworldseemstobechangingatwarpspeedinareasthatwill takeyearstorebuildandrestore Itisuptoustobeoursister’skeepers,andnotforgetthe strugglesofourpastancestors,andtoleavethedoorsandspacesopenforothers,whilereaching downtopullsomeoneup.

“Everywoman’ssuccessshouldbeaninspirationtoanother We’restrongestwhenwecheereachotheron”

SerenaWilliams

IotaPhiLambdaSorority,aswecelebrateourfounding96yearsagotodayJune1,2025,letus alwaysrememberwhoweare,ourfoundation,andwhatwedo,forthebettermentofsocietyby servingwithpurposeandintentionalityasourFounder,LolaMercedesParkerdesignedand imaginedalmost100yearsago SororswewillcommittoservewithLoyalty,Courtesy, Honesty,Kindness,Generosity,GoodCheer,andSisterlyFriendship “WhereGodGuides,HeProvides” Isaiah58:11

Asthe24thNationalPresident,itisanawesomeprivilegetoserveaspresidentofourillustrious organization TheNationalExecutiveBoardandIareworkingtowelcomeeachofyoutothe 96thNationalAnniversaryConvention,July29,throughAugust3,intheDC metropolitanarea Weareworkingfortoday,whilesteppingintotomorrowwithIotaPhiLambdaSorority’s continuedgrowth,financialsustainability,operationalconsistency,andwitharecognized brandingmodelfortheorganizationleadinginto100years!HappyFounder’sDay!

CharlotteD Berry,MEd 24thNationalPresident NationalExecutiveBoardMembers IotaPhiLambdaSorority,Inc

“Whatyouleavebehindisnotwhatisengravedinstonemonuments, butwhatiswovenintothelivesofothers”

IOTA PHI LAMBDA SORORITY, INC.

iota1929.org

A LITANY FOR FOUNDER’S DAY

Dear Heavenly Father, we humbly pray to you as we join together to celebrate another Founder’s Day, we thank you and pray to you, Lord Jesus.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For those seven women, Lola, Ethel, Mildred, Harriet, Birdette, Marjorie and Ophelia, whose vision gave birth to this beautiful sisterhood, Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, we thank you and pray to you, Lord Jesus.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For those present here and for those who are celebrating in other places that they may always serve with love, honor and dedication, we pray to you, Lord Jesus.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who have passed over to Omega Chapter, from this world to a finer and better place, that they may have eternal rest, we pray to you, Lord Jesus.

Lord, hear our prayer

For our National President, other National and Regional Officers, past and present, National and Regional Committees, Chapter officers, all others in leadership positions, that they may lead by glorifying Iota Phi Lambda Sorority’s basic principles of intelligence, friendship, courage, honesty, loyalty, truth and work, we pray to you, Lord Jesus

Lord, hear our prayer

For our auxiliaries and all others who serve Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, we pray to you, Lord Jesus

Lord, hear our prayer

For the mission of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority and for the success of our projects and programs designed to fulfill our mission, we pray to you, Lord Jesus

For the future of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, our legacies, those destined to become members, that they may continue the vision and preserve the golden links of friendship and love, we pray to you, Lord Jesus

Lord, hear our prayer. Amen.

Jean P. East

June Issue Table of Contents

Happy Founder’s Day

As we celebrate Founder's Day, we honor the vision of our founder, Lola M. Parker, whose dedication established Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated. Her legacy of service, sisterhood, and empowerment continues to guide us.

As we approach our Centennial in 2029, we acknowledge the expansion of our organization with new chapters and diverse members. We aim to stay united in our goals, informed by our history, and dedicated to future development.

With Iota Love and Sisterly Pride, Karen Williams-Aguirre, National Newsletter, Committee Chair

Founder’s Day Page

Soror Dana Parrish

Our sorority stands on the values of sisterhood, service, integrity, and unity, guided by the enduring vision of our founder, Lola Mercedes Parker. As we uplift one another and serve our communities, we honor her legacy through our actions and commitment. Approaching our centennial in 2029, we embrace this moment as a time of rededication to the principles that have sustained us for nearly a century With pride in our past and purpose for the future, we recommit to the golden links of sisterhood that bind us together

Travel

Destination: D.C.

Soror Lisa Washington

Destination Spotlight: Discover the charm of Washington, D.C.

Local Tips: What to eat, where to stay, and how to get around

Photo Diary: A visual journey through the city’s colorful streets

Traveler’s Takeaway: Hyatt Regency Crystal City@Reagan National Airport

Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated

Travel Destination: D.C.

Airport Transportation

All hotel shuttle services will be conducted to/from the Ronald Reagan National Airport for both Metro transit and Airport transportation. We depart from the hotel front drive every 20 minutes from 4:20 a.m. to 12:40 a.m., seven days a week.

From Dulles or Baltimore Super Shuttle

Approximately $33 one-way shared ride and approximately $67 nonstop ride. Contact +1 800 258 3826

VISITTheMaryMcLeodBethuneCouncilHouse

MakeplanstovisittheMaryMcLeodBethuneCouncilHouse Dr Bethune achievedhergreatestrecognitionattheWashington,DC townhousethatisnow aNationalHistoricSite TheCouncilHousewasthefirstheadquartersofthe NationalCouncilofNegroWomen(NCNW)andwasherlasthomeinWashington, DC Fromhere,Dr BethuneandtheNCNWspearheadedstrategiesand developedprogramsthatadvancedtheinterestsofAfricanAmericanwomen

RangersguideinterpretivetoursofthehouseonThursdaysandFridaysatthe timeslistedbelow Tourswillbeofferedbeginningat9:45am andwillbegiven everythirtyminutes,andthelasttourwilloccurat4pm

ParkServiceNotes

Thesiteisnotphysicallyaccessible Thesecondfloorofthehomecanonlybe reachedbyclimbingthestairs

Visitorscannotjoinatourafterithasbegun Strollersandlargebagsarenotallowedinthehistorichouse. Eating,drinking,chewinggum,andsmokingarenotallowedinthehistoric house

Tomakereservationsforagrouplargerthan20visitors,pleaseemail BethuneNHS@npsgov Pleaseallowausacoupleofdaystorespondbackto you

Soror Lisa Washington Travel

GOLDENLINKSOF FRIENDSHIP

Friendshipisapreciousgift,abeautiful expressionoflovethatbindsusall togetherthroughgoldenlinksofshared experiencesandmutualrespect.Letus holdtheseconnectionsclosetoour hearts,fortheyarethetruetreasuresof ourlives ATTRIBUTES

Oursororityisbuiltontheenduringvaluesof sisterhood,service,integrity,andunity Theseattributesdefinenotonlyourshared purposebutalsoourdailyactions.Aswe reflectonthevisionofouresteemed founder,LolaMercedesParker,weare remindedthatasororityismorethanan organization itisalifelongbondrootedin mutualrespectandunwaveringsupport

REDEDICATION

Asweapproachourcentennialcelebrationin2029,we arecalledtoamomentofrededication,atimetorenew ourcommitmenttothevaluesthathavesustainedus fornearlyacentury Thismilestoneisnotonlya celebrationofourlegacybutalsoareaffirmationofour collectiveresponsibilitytocarrythetorchforward With prideinourpastandpurposeforthefuture,wehonor thegoldenlinksofsisterhoodthatbindustogetherand recommitourselvestothevisionthatLolaMercedes Parkersocourageouslysetinmotion

Soror Dana Parrish

Dear Sorors,

As June unfolds, we come together to celebrate Founder’s Day on June 1st and honor the extraordinary vision of our beloved founder, Lola M. Parker. For me, this day is a sacred reminder of who we are and why we serve. It’s a moment to reflect on the courage, resilience, and brilliance of the women who paved the way for us. And a celebration of how far we ’ ve come as a sisterhood committed to business excellence, education, and community uplift. Founder’s Day reminds me that being a part of Iota means standing on the shoulders of greatness while continuing to build a legacy worthy of those who will follow. Each year, I feel renewed in purpose, inspired by our shared mission, and proud to be among women who turn vision into action.

This edition of the newsletter holds special meaning for me, as it is my final message as your National Journalist in this newsletter. Serving in this role has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I’ve had the privilege of connecting with Sorors across the nation, amplifying your voices, and sharing the stories that reflect the strength, grace, and determination of our sisterhood.

Whether attending the FWR Regional Conference, working on the LMPF program, or receiving your inspiring chapter newsletters, every experience has deepened my admiration for the work we do and the sisterhood we share. Iota has taught me new skills, offered new perspectives, and surrounded me with a network of extraordinary women who lead with purpose and heart.

While I step away from this role, I do so with joy and anticipation for the next chapter. I’m launching Greene and Grace, a greeting card company born from the love, encouragement, and creative spirit I’ve witnessed among you. For every card, there’s a story and so many of those stories were inspired by my time with you.

Please continue to share your chapter highlights with me. Even from afar, I remain your sister and biggest cheerleader. Thank you for trusting me to help tell our story. Though my title changes, my commitment to Iota remains forever.

With love, gratitude, and sisterhood,

Michelle D. Greene National Journalist

Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.

Congratulation!

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