








On March 19, 2022, Sigma Iota Zeta presented their 19th Breakfast with the Artist program! This signature program within the Central Ohio community gathered local artists that showcased a range of talents. Those in attendance were blessed with cellists, steppers, praise dancers, and a poet. There was also displayed art from local talent that showcased their eye-catching skills. The audience was entertained and feasted on a delicious breakfast that fed the soul! The proceeds of the breakfast benefit the Bessie King Jackson Memorial Scholarship Fund. SIZ’s scholarship is given annually in remembrance of our beloved and triumphant charter member and past chapter president, Soror Bessie K. Jackson.
This year, Sigma Iota Zeta was able to reward three deserving, graduating high school seniors scholarships! The recipients were Dado Bah, Safia Bah, and Priscilla Afful.
On May 7, 2022, SIZ sorors joined an annual event hosted by Modcon Living, a non profit organization dedicated to sustaining homes and communities. They believe that everyone should have access to resources to live in a safe and healthy home. This annual event provided home repair services at no cost to residents within the Milo-Grogan neighborhood. Volunteers included contractors, plumbers and electricians from the local area. SIZ Sorors assisted with volunteer check in and provided water and snacks to the volunteers.
On March 26, 2022 and September 22, 2022, Sorors worked with Life Care Alliance, and supported with their Meals on Wheels Lunch Meal delivery to those in need in our local community. We delivered over 30 meals directly to their homes.
On November 19, 2022, SIZ sorors volunteered with the Hot Chocolate Run at the Columbus Convention Center. The Hot Chocolate Run 15k/5k supports the mission of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Funds raised from the participants of the race go to St. Jude's. The ladies of SIZ assisted at the Expo, which took place a day prior to the race. We volunteered in various places during the expo including registering the race participants, assisting at the runner store, and providing information to the race participants.
On November 19, 2023, the ladies of SIZ served at the annual Triedstone & OSU Turkey giveaway and Wellness Drive, an annual turkey meal giveaway hosted by Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church. This year, we assisted not only with handing out thanksgiving dinners, we also provided assistance during the wellness fair. We had a chance to meet community leaders Columbus City Councilmember Rob Dorans, Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein and Alicia McKoy, clinical cancer research at OSU. More than 500 meals were served at the event. Such a great community event, and it was our pleasure to support once again.
On August 13, 2022, SIZ sorors participated in the African American Male Wellness Walk. The annual 5k walk hosted by the African American Wellness Agency, whose mission is to increase the life expectancy of African American men in physical health, mental health, financial health, fatherhood and research.
On February 12, 2022, Sigma Iota Zeta took the time to provide a taco bar lunch for residents of National Children’s Hospital in Columbus and their families in partnership with the Ronald McDonald House. SIZ and volunteers were able to feed over 75 people in one afternoon. It was rewarding for SIZ knowing that that they were able to assist RMHC in feeding families that are tending to their hospitalized children.
The ladies of SIZ partnered with the Columbus Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) for their 11th Annual Diaper Drive. We donated over 4000 diapers and over 5000 wipes. Thank you to everyone who contributed. Your support is appreciated, and all of the donations will be provided to those in need. What a great day to serve!
Chapter members donated bottles, pet food, sports bras, body wash, animal toys, and Halloween candy for the
CHOICES Domestic Violence Shelter for Women in Franklin County. Sorors were also educated on LSS Choices, which was recognized as one of the only shelters where women can bring their pets from home, but that many community members did not know so they don those items.
This activity involved all chapter members as well as our Amicette and Pearlette auxillary groups. Our chapter and youth groups collected over $350 to secure over 65 meal kits of spaghetti dinners, fruit, and a dessert that were distributed to 6 of the blessing boxes around the city of Reynoldsburg. We were also joined by one of our top council women in Reynoldsburg who assisted in delivering the kits, which was very exciting. The purpose of this event was to build awareness within our community about the need to address food insecurities.
On September 17 2022, SIZ helped serve the community at Faith Ministries Church by distributing food and clothes to over 100 families. Faith provides this service monthly to help families in need through donations from Mid-Ohio Food bank and community donations.
The ladies of SIZ kicked off the new Sorority year with a fun and engaging chapter retreat. We spent the time with sisterly bonding activities, learning more about one another, reviewing our chapter committees, and discussing what SIZterly Love looks like amongst different people. We ended by strolling to some of our favorite tunes! Looking forward to another great sorority year full of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood!
The Ladies of Sigma Iota Zeta chapter, significant others, and friends gathered for our annual holiday party at fellow SIZ Soror, Ashley Grayson event space. It was a great time for sisterhood and fellowship with one other. Music, food and games is sure way to get any party going!
On Saturday September 24th, seven Sorors from SIZ gathered to fellowship and watch the movie the "Women King" starring Viola Davis. Several of the Sorors invited their family and friends to join us during our outing.
During our Breakfast With the Artist program on March 19, 2022, Sigma Iota Zeta gives out the Marian Hann Distinguished Zeta named for Triumphant SIZ charter member and Breakfast With the Artist chair Marian Hann. In her loving memory, we give this award to a Zeta, who like Soror Marian D. Hann exemplifies the highest aspirations of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. This year SIZ Basileus Natasha Smith awarded this honor to Amicette coadvisor (and former SIZ Archonette), Soror Ciara Stevens for exemplifying the characteristics of Soror Hann and for her continuous efforts to uplift Zeta and extending sisterly love to all that she come in contact with.
A Finer woman shares what she knows with others so for the end of Finer Womanhood Month 2023, SIZ sorors will share tips around their A Finer Woman is a Whole Woman campaign. Tips throughout the week will focus on Wellness, Helpfulness, Optimism, Love and Education.
The ladies of SIZ along with our brothers of Rho Chi Sigma Chapter supported the March for Babies Virtual Walk on May 14, 2022 by completing a 5K walk, and continuing to raise funds to support March of Dimes in their efforts to raise prematurity awareness in our communities. The event took place at Three
On November 27, 2022, Sigma Iota Zeta held our Prematurity Awareness program Triedstone Baptist Church during their morning church service. First Lady Tammie Tucker shared a message on behalf of our chapter about the impact of premature births in our communities. Thank you Pastor Dale D. Tucker, Sr. and First Lady Tammie Tucker for allowing us to fellowship with you today. We had a great time in worship and service. having us!
When SIZ sorors gathered for their first hybrid meeting of 2022 on April 11, 2022, sorors also collected feminine hygiene products for our adopted school, Independence High School.
On February 11, 2023, the sorors of SIZ brought some joy and more competitive spirit to the Woodlands by partaking in Bingo with the residents living at the Woodlands of Columbus. We also brought prizes, cookies, and cards for the residents.
On December 10, 2022, The Sorors of SIZ spread some holiday/Christmas cheer with the residents of the Woodlands of Columbus. We sang Christmas carols, brought Bingo prizes, brought cookies, and helped to decorate for Christmas by putting up the tree.
On November 5, 2022, SIZ sorors volunteered at the 3rd Annual Caring for the Caregiver Expo at the Boat House at Confluence. The aim of the program To provide resources and support for those who take care of other people whom are elderly or otherwise need permanent assistance. In addition, caretakers enjoyed a day of pampering. Sorors assisted in registering and checking in more than 100 individuals for this amazing event. We also assisted with handing out bags once people were registered, providing information about where certain events were taking place, and answered any questions that attendees might have had. This was our second time volunteering at this event.
On October 8, 2022, SIZ Sorors spread some Halloween cheer at the Woodlands of the Columbus by putting up Halloween decorations in the Bingo room and entryway with the residents. We also decorated some of the doors of the residents with Halloween decorations.
On April 9, 2022, SIZ Sorors honored the Mothers and women of the Woodlands of Columbus by dropping off scarves, cards, cookies, and bingo prizes.
On June 18, 2022, The ladies of SIZ provided neck ties, cards and cookies to the seniors at the Woodlands of Columbus as a part of their Father’s Day festivities.
On October 8, 2022, SIZ Sorors spread some Halloween cheer at the Woodlands of the Columbus by putting up Halloween decorations in the Bingo room and entryway with the residents. We also decorated some of the doors of the residents with Halloween decorations.
SIZ Sorors did their civic duty by engaging in the political process on Election Day. Sorors participated in local early voting activities. SIZ sorors are trying to be the change we want to see!
On October 8. 2022, SIZ sorors presented What You Should Know and Why. The purpose of this activity was to engage the community with communication about upcoming positions being filled in the local House of Representatives, our state’s judicial system, and ballot issues. Our panel featured Ohio House Rep. (District 25) Dontavius L. Jarrells, Ohio Supreme Court Justice Jennifer Brunner and Organizing Director Tristina Allen of Ohio Democrats. The conversation focused on how elections operate and some notable issues that we should be keeping on our radar.
As the Mid-Term Elections grew close, SIZ helped bring Souls to the Polls, by attending “We Won’t Black Down”, Bus Tour on November 7, 2022, a Voter Education event organized by Black Voter Matters at New Covenant Believers’ Church. Black Voter Matters is an organization which mobilizes Black Voters, policy makers and faith-based leaders to exercise their voting power. The event included speeches by local politicians, faith leaders, musicians and was attended by other members of the Divine Nine.
SIZ’s Social Action Committee Got Engaged by creating many opportunities to register new and prospective voters. On Sep 20, 2023, SIZ, in partnership with the NAACP, acknowledged National Voter Registration Day, by asking Sorors to post the importance of registering to vote and to check their voting status on their social media platforms. This was an initiative to create broad awareness of voter registration opportunities to reach those who may not be registered to vote. In addition, SIZ, in partnership with their Adopt-A-School, Independence High School held Voter Registration Events during two home football games. Sorors discussed the importance of registering to vote, checking their voter status, important issues coming up on the ballot and guided prospective voters through the registering process.
GET ENGAGED: Franklin County Candidates Night Non-Partisan Forum
On October 18, 2023, Social Action Co-Chair, Kim Johnson attended the Franklin County Candidates Night Non-Partisan Forum at New Birth Christian Ministries. Candidates running for State and County Offices were in attendance and discussed their platforms and why they should be elected. Attendees were able to meet and greet each candidate and ask questions during a question and answer session.
GET ENGAGED: Police, Pastors and the People
SIZ Sorors attended “Police, Pastors and the People: A Community Conversation in Response to the Memphis Tragedy. This was a collaboration between the City of Hope Grace Church, the City of Columbus and Hope City of Prayer. Community Leaders, parent groups and law enforcement gathered to have an open discussion on how to better the relationship between the community and law enforcement. Attendees included Andrew Ginter, Mayor of Columbus, various city officials and newly appointed Police Chief Elaine Bryant, who shared Police Department programming to immerse themselves more in the Columbus community
On May 28, 2022 members of SIZ joined forces with the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Greater Columbus and planted flags at Mamie Moore Park by the King Arts Complex and walked in a 2 mile parade in honor of those who served. In addition, our chapter’s very own Army Veteran, Soror Jovanda Curry, was recognized for her service by receiving a recognition plaque.
On January 7, 2023 SIZ donated over 100 toiletry items to the men of the Volunteers of America Shelter. The shelter houses men that have stood at the forefront of our Armed Forces and we stand together with Veterans who have sacrificed so much. By providing a hand up our generosity of helping the shelter helps make a huge difference in the well-being of those who are victims of unexpected disasters.
On December 17, 2022, in honor of remembering and honoring veterans, SIZ participated in laying over 200 remembrance wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes with the act of saying the name of each veteran aloud at Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus, Ohio.
On October, 23, 2022, SIZ Sorors wore denim, pink and pearls today in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. We all know a woman who has been or is affected by breast cancer and we all must do our part to help in this fight.
On November 17, 2022, SIZ Sorors wore purple in recognition of World Prematurity Day. A healthy pregnancy and baby are a blessing. But some families have their hopes and dreams crushed when their baby arrives too soon, too small, and very sick. November is Prematurity Awareness Month®. It is when the March of Dimes focuses everyone’s attention on the serious problem of premature birth.
On February 3, 2023, SIZ Sorors went red with the American Heart Association as we raise awareness of the importance of having a healthy heart.
In recognition of Women’s Health month and Mental Health Awareness month, the ladies of SIZ got some exercise in, and hosted a line dancing class. Sorors Lakisha Bey and Dawn Williams served as presenters.
April is World Autism Month and April 2nd, is World Autism Awareness Day. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and the ladies of Sigma Iota Zeta wore blue and posted on our social media pages, supporting the “Light It Up Blue” initiative to increase understanding and acceptance of individuals who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) .
GLOBAL DAY OF SERVICE: #EMBRACETHESWELL
On April 3, 2022, SIZ hosted Life After Hgh School: The Journey to Adulthood. This program was designed to spread awareness of persons on the spectrum who have graduated high school and transitioned into adulthood. This allowed for community members to hear and engage with our panelists. A series of questions were asked and answered by the young adults, who shared their triumphs and challenges navigating graduation and entering into either their own business or jobs. SIZ also created an electronic resource notebook for attendees to use in regards to agencies and entities who could assist with resources and information on the autism community. Our webinar was viewed by over 206 people from our social media sites. The chapter and community met some very incredible young adults who were really successful in their life paths.
On October 9, 2022, SIZ sorors and youth attended the Autism Speaks Autism Walk at the Columbus Commons. The purpose of this event is to support awareness of those who are on the spectrum, and advocates who promote education, resources, and research to continue to support those persons on the spectrum. health, and shared advice and resources on how to seek help when needed, and how to maintenance your mental health to remain resilient during these challenges.
SIZ Sorors attended Boule' 2022. The conference began with an intense review and voting on our national constitution and bylaws. Sorors Sharina Armstrong, Gwen Bess, Keisha Flood and Deanne Payne served as SIZ delegates. SIZ also supported the national Boule Z-Hope Project and donated $300 to the Jefferson Hospital System NICU and Pediatric Center. The remaining days were spent handing the business of Zeta while acknowledging some milestones. 1st Vice President, Sharina Armstrong completed her ZOL certification, President, Soror Natasha Smith was inducted into Myrtle and Viola Tyler Legacy Club, Immediate Past President Isi Green and 2nd Immediate Past President LaVada Washington received their 25-year pins and certificates.
SIZ sorors represented at the 87th Great Lakes Regional Conference this past weekend in Cincinnati, Ohio! SIZ soror Shavonda Johnson co-facilitated a workshop on mental health and finances. SIZ sorors Sharina Armstrong, Danita Taylor, Kim Johnson, Shavonda Johnson served on the regional Scholarship, Z-HOPE, Scrapbook and Protocol committees respectively. SIZ President Natasha Smith served on the GLRC Tech Team. SIZ soror and Ohio State Director Isi Green served as the host state director, chaired the GLRC Tech Team, and received the award for Great Lakes Executive Board Member of the Year.
Sigma Iota Zeta hosted the 64th Ohio State Leadership Conference at the Quest Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio October 21, 2022 to October 22, 2022. It was a pleasure to serve the sorors, Amicae and Youth of Ohio as we gathered together in person for the first time since 2019. Chapter sorors Quiana Few, Sharina Armstrong and Danita Taylor served as the conference chairs for Scrapbook, Scholarship and ZHOPE, respectively. SIZ sorors Rochelle Mayo-Barrett, Brandi Burley and Ciara Stevens coordinated youth activities for the state conference. Soror Tequila Elmore served as the vendor chair. SIZ Soror Milan Thomas was elected to serve as the state PR chair. SIZ soror and Ohio State Director Isi Green on being ELECTED as the first elected Ohio State Director in the history of the state.
During the National Pan Hellenic Council of Columbus Greek Unity Week, NPHC President Charity Martin-King recognized chapters and individuals who contributed to the success of the council during the 2021-2022 year. SIZ soror Shavonda Johnson was recognized as Outstanding Member. SIZ soror Isi Green was recognized as Outstanding Committee Chair for her work with the youth skating activity. Sigma Iota Zeta was also recognized as one of the outstanding chapters serving the NPHC.
This past year been very rewarding for the ladies of Sigma Iota Zeta Chapter. During the 2022 Great Lakes Regional Conference, the chapter took home the first place for chapter report for graduate chapters of 26-50 members. In the same chapter size category, SIZ garnered the third place award in the Z-HOPE category. At our state conference in October 2022, SIZ soror Shavonda Johnson received an award for soror of the year and SIZ placed first for number of Z-HOPE points for chapters sized 26-50.
During this week SIZ Sorors Participated in Unity Week hosted by NPHC. During this week sorors attended: Unity Leadership and Awards Ceremony, Unity Game Night, Unity Mid-Week Worship Service, NPHC Stroll Competition, Unity Picnic and the Unity Youth Roll Bounce (Skating Party). Sorors supported initiatives that helped fund the NPHC Hope scholarship which awarded $25,000.00 In scholarships.
This event was in celebration of the historic unveiling of the NPHC Plaza at The Ohio State University. While all 9 organizations are represented on campus, there has not been a designated space to recognize them on campus. After years of work and advocacy, the office of Student Life collaborated with the OSU and NPH Council to produce the plaza. Madam State Director represented Zeta Phi Beta along with dignitaries of the other organizations. SIZ sorors also attend the Homecoming Parade and marched with the other organizations to celebrate homecoming and the plaza. SIZ also purchased a brick that is built into the plaza.
On November 18, 2022, members of SIZ attended the Achievement week hosted by the men of Omega Psi Phi Eta Nu Nu Chapter. The program is observed each November and designed to recognize people who have contributed to community uplift. On that evening, scholarships were awarded to Essay Contest winners and attendees were treated to the a performance by the extremely talented Talent Hunt winner from Urban Strings Columbus.
On November 20, 2022, the ladies of SIZ joined the men of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated, Alpha Eta
Omega chapter and the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Omicron Sigma chapter, in a collaborative effort with Central Community House, CareSource, NOBLE and the City of Columbus, serving preThanksgiving meals to families in need, as well as providing meal baskets for Thanksgiving day, and COVID testing kits. As a collective, we provided 50 food baskets and served 100 meals.
SIZ joined the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Iota Nu Sigma Chapter on November at their Centennial Sneakerball on November 12, 2022 as they celebrated 100 years of Greater Service, Greater Progress.
SIZ celebrated with the women of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Omicron Sigma chapter on October 30, 2022 at their Centennial Masquerade Ball where they honored women doing extraordinary things in the community.
SIZ President Natasha Smith attended the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Founders' Day Luncheon hosted by the Columbus (OH) Alumnae Chapter on February 11, 2023, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Past National President, Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn E. Boyd was the keynote speaker. The women of Delta Sigma Theta collected hygiene products, socks, gloves and hats for the students of East High School and raised more than $25,000 for scholarships.
On November 19, 2022, SIZ participated in the 2022 Thanksgiving Turkey Tour. Held at various recreation centers, This was hosted by the NPHC of Columbus. During this event, there were three consecutive days of giving of free turkeys and side items for the Thanksgiving holiday. SIZ Sorors helped give away free meals.
On January 28, 2023, SIZ sorors attended the member presentation and charter unveiling for Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated, Delta Theta Omega Chapter of Franklin County. This event welcomed the new chapter and new members of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Delta Theta Omega Chapter to the city of Columbus as well as the NPHC of Columbus.
On August 6, 2022, SIZ Sorors supported the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Iota Nu Sigma Chapter at their Brims & Pearls Wine Tasting Day party. The women of Zeta enjoyed the fellowship with our sister Greeks.
On February 24, 2023, SIZ joined our brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, along with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Omicron Sigma Chapter and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated, Delta Theta Omega Chapter as a community partner for Keys to A Prosperous Future: Learning How to Navigate Real Estate Investment. Our panel of experts responded to question from the audience on everything from purchasing your first property to managing those properties.
On August 24, 2022, Sigma Iota Zeta joined our brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, Beta Omicron Sigma chapter, the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Delta Omicron Sigma and Iota Nu Sigma chapters and the men of St. Mark’s Lodge and Alla Baba Temple for a very informative gun safety town hall where we heard from officials about the constitutional carry law that went into effect earlier this year. Panelists included Jeffrey S. Furbee, Police Legal Advisor for City of Columbus City Attorney's Office, Ohio State Senator Hearcel
F. Craig (D-15) and Ohio State Representatives Dontavius Jarrells (D-25) and Latyna Humphrey (D26) for coming out to share this pertinent information with the community.
On December 12, 2022, Sigma Iota Zeta sorors attended the Annual Mistletoe Holiday Party presented by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Alpha Rho Lambda chapter.
AMICETTES: NPHC YOUTH SUMMIT
SIZ Amicettes attended the NPHC Youth Summit at Champion Middle School. The theme is "LEADER-S.H.I.P.; Social Action, Human Rights, Initiative, and Perseverance. The event is restricted to youth and young adults who are members/mentees of D9 youth auxiliaries. Participants will engage in interactive workshops, discussion, team-building activities and more!
On September 17, 2022, SIZ inducted five Pearlettes bringing our total number to 11 girls. Service projects included donating personal items for Adopt A School and Military Awareness. In addition, they created cards for the residents at our Elder Care facility, Woodlands of Columbus. The Pearlettes also attended OSO Youth Conference and participated in the Autism walk.
AMICETTES
On September 17, 2022, SIZ nducted eight new Amicettes bringing our total to 16 this year. To support the efforts of the women of SIZ, Amicettes collected tolietry items for the Adopta-School closet and Veterans' Tolietry Drive. SIZ Amicettes also attended the C.R.O.W.N. Act. This event is termed The C.R.O.W.N. Act or Creating a Respectful & Open World for Natural Hair. This event targeted young girls of color to raise their confidence in their hair and to grow to understand that natural hair is not only beautiful, but should be accepted in the workplace and within their community without being discriminated against.
On August 13, 2022, SIZ joined our sorors of Gamma Zeta Zeta chapter and our brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, Beta Omicron Sigma and Rho Chi Sigma chapters for an afternoon of fellowship and service. We gathered school supplies for local high schools.
On September 17, 2022, SIZ sorors supported our brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Rho Chi Sigma Chapter
Westerville, Ohio at their annual Good Trouble Food Drive. Donations benefited the food pantries at the Resurrection Baptist Church & Unity Baptist Church. The event honors the memory of Bro. John Lewis.
On December 17, 2022, Sigma Iota Zeta joined our sorors of Gamma Zeta Zeta chapter and our brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, Beta Omicron Sigma and Rho Chi Sigma chapters as we served the community through Sigma Santa. Through this collective, we were able to donate toys to 24 families.
SIZ sorors kicked off Founders' Day/MLK Day on January 16, 2023 by attending the 38th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast. The featured speaker was Dr. Lawrence Carter, Dean, Martin Luther King International Chapel at Morehouse College.
Sigma Iota Zeta chapter joined our sorors of Gamma Zeta Zeta and our brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, Beta Omicron Sigma and Rho Chi Sigma chapters for a joint Founder’s Day social honoring our constitutional bond. There was food, music and most of all, much-needed fellowship after not being able to gather for the event since COVID-19.
On January 16, 2023, SIZ closed out our MLK day of service, honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., by participating in the annual City of Columbus MLK Day March at the Lincoln Theater.