On Sunday, June 1, 2014, the Kappa and Upsilon Epsilon chapters of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated gathered at the United House of Prayer for All People in Baltimore to commemorate the 85th Anniversary of the sorority’s founding.
Mindy Rae Ellison, president, Kappa Chapter and Crystal Collington, president, Epsilon Upsilon Chapter delivered the 85th Founders Day message from the 21st national president of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated, Phyllis H. Shumate during a closed ceremony. After the closed ceremony, the sorors, Men of Iota, their guests, family and friends enjoyed a catered meal at the church.
The Kappa Chapter Founder’s Day Committee consisted of Nona G. Diggs, chairman, Janet Brown, co-chairman, Marian Johnson, Angela Powell Hendricks, Sandra LaKay Biles, D’Nisa Joseph, Sinesta Brown and Susan Michelle Whitley.
Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Inc. (ΙΦΛ) is the first African American Greek-lettered business sorority established by African American businesswomen.
Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Incorporated, a business and professional sorority was founded in Chicago, Illinois June 1, 1929, by Mrs. Lola Mercedes Parker and six other business women. The organization would stimulate, inspire and give assistance to those persons engaged in business vocations. Since that time other professions have been embraced, however the major emphasis has remained in the business arena. There are now more than 100 chapters with membership numbering more than 9,000 in 85 cities, Washington D.C. and the US Virgin Islands.