By Lauren Poteat, Special to the AFRO
The Gamma Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, the first Black women’s business organization in America, uses its platform and 85 years of service to mentor, inspire, and increase awareness among young girls. Over the past three years, through signature programs such as “Toys U Can’t Return,” the “Iota Mother Assistance Program,” and the “Healthy Babies Project,” more than 60 young teen mothers have been mentored in career training and business leadership.
“We build people. When women take part in our organization they hit the ground running and go from babies to stars,” Maxine S. Washington, first vice president of the chapter, told the AFRO.
Last year, the sorority acquired $10,500 in grants to further their programs and worked with 20 teen mothers, providing workshops, one-on-one training, and gift baskets that include household and baby supplies, valued at over $1,000. In addition to gifts and leadership classes, the programs also provide relationship counseling for current and expectant mothers and their partners.
“Being around other hardworking women is so contagious and we want other young women to see that. We are so humbled to celebrate 85 years of service, but we are more humbled by our impact,” said Nicole L. Gray, the immediate past chapter president.
On par with the organization’s annual “Business Month,” which included a community forum on the judicial system April 9 in Largo, Maryland, the women of the sorority also attended a “The Power of She Awards” brunch on April 2. The event paid tribute to seven women who showed outstanding business leadership and community outreach, exemplifying the organizations overall mission to build and create qualified business proficient women. “To be an entrepreneur takes guts and our 85th anniversary epitomizes this along with growth, excellence, and scholarship,” Gray said.
The chapter was founded in 1931, and is the third oldest chapter of its national organization, which was founded in 1929, by Lola Mercedes Parker, during the height of the Great Depression. Parker wanted a platform to encourage, inspire, and nurture purposeful Black women in the field of business. “In the immediate future, we really want to focus more on programs for our youth,” Gray said. “If you want to make an impact and cultivate professional development, you have to serve and then be served.”