Salute to Business Sororities
In honor of National Black Business Month 2015, Gamma Xi Phi is proud to share with you six organizations who are not only leaders in the community, but our peers in the realm of professional fraternities and sororities. These sororities represent thousands of professional women and 452 combined years of service to the world and the business community. All of the sororities below are affiliates of the National Council of Negro Women.
Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., was founded in 1929 in Chicago, Illinois. It is the oldest sorority for black business women. Their mission is “to unite in a sisterhood qualified business and professional women who will encourage, inspire, nurture, and assist persons engaged in business vocations.” There are over 100 Iota chapters in the United States and the US Virgin Islands, where they just had their national convention last month. Finance expert Cheryl D. Broussard is an honorary member of Iota Phi Lambda.
Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority, Inc., was established in New York City in 1937. It is the only professional sorority of its kind established on the East Coast. The ideals of the sorority are sisterhood, achievement, scholarship, and service. The mission is “to provide community service and support, encourage scholarly pursuits, and empower its members to address societal issues.”
Tau Gamma Delta Sorority, Inc., was first organized as Phi Gamma Delta Sorority at the Lewis College of Business in 1942. It later changed its name to Tau Gamma Delta in 1951. The sorority considers itself a service organization first, and was founded “to aid worthy-students in education, promote reputable standards for growth and harmony, and to further community and civic activities.”
Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., was also established at the Lewis College of Business in 1942. Their purpose is “to promote and develop closer fellowship between business and professional women and to work for their welfare; to obtain for women the opportunity for the highest standards in all business fields; to aid high school graduates by awarding scholarships to further their education in business and professional fields; and to contribute financially to local and national charities and to promote and assist in programs designated for improving the well-being of developmentally disabled citizens.”
Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc., was founded at the Lewis College of Business in 1943 by an instructor at the college and her sister, who happened to be the college president. The purpose of the sorority, in part, is “to create a better understanding between women of all races and creeds; promoting higher education through encouragement and financial aid; and to promote cultural enrichment and to serve mankind.” Dominique Dawes, Dorothy Height, and A’lelia Bundles are all honorary members.
Beta Pi Sigma Sorority, Inc., was established in 1945 in Los Angeles, California, the only sorority in this group to be established on the West Coast. The purpose of the sorority is “to stimulate civic, educational and cultural interest in its members by promoting tangible projects for the betterment of the community or communities wherein this corporation exist.”
