Conversations with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated Alpha Epsilon Zeta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated Alpha Epsilon Zeta

Hi Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The chartering of the Alpha Epsilon Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was started in 1939. Over the decades, the Alpha Epsilon Zeta Chapter has made itself a key component of the service and social community of the Greater Kansas City area. The organization has embraced and excelled in the programmatic thrusts of various national platforms. The chapter has received numerous awards and recognitions from the local community level to the international level. The chapter’s charter was officially updated to reflect the service areas of Wyandotte County, Johnson County, Leavenworth County, and Linn County.
The chapter has held true to the founding principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood, as we sought to make an impact in the communities we serve.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As with anything of purpose and value there are challenges. Sometimes not having the resources to make the kind of impact we desired has been difficult but we persevered and saw that through continued commitment positive changes occurred.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Alpha Epsilon Zeta Chapter engages in our communities by raising awareness on key issues, promoting voter registration and mobilization, building relationships with elected officials, and encouraging qualified women and minorities to pursue community leadership positions. We understand that by integrating these activities into our daily civic engagement strategy, we can make a substantial impact.

We participate in the March of Dimes/Prematurity Awareness. The chapter has partnered with the March of Dimes for over 40 years to promote healthy babies. The chapter won the 2022 “Purple Reign” by the International Director of March of Dimes/Prematurity Awareness Christyl Hill Melvin, MBA PHR.

We offer scholarships through our Sunflower Pearlz Foundation of Kansas which we are dedicated to helping our youth fulfill our principle of education as they grow into adulthood. Sunflower Pearlz Foundation of Kansas is the 501 C 3 arm of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Alpha Epsilon Zeta Chapter. In 2020, SPFKS was formed to enrich the lives of underserved children and adults in Wyandotte, Johnson, Leavenworth, and Linn counties in Kansas. Alpha Epsilon Zeta chapter has several programs dedicated to support the goal of mentoring and inspiring lives. We work to guide and provide opportunities for young girls that promote education, social and civic awareness while providing learning opportunities. On the other end of the spectrum we seek to embrace our seasoned citizens through our Eldercare Program.

We participate in highway cleanup 3 times a year along K7 between mile markers 19 and 20. We take pride in making sure our community is clean.

We created a positive relationship with the National Wildlife Refuge partnering with the Marais de Cygnes Refuge in Linn County. We bring youth, members and friends together integrating STEM activities, nature walks and fun! Even through COVID19 our youth participated remotely with the Refuge. Our impact has been noted on both National and Regional levels by both the Sorority and the National Wildlife Refuge program

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
It doesn’t matter the size of your chapter to make a big impact in your community. Our principles are timeless and there is always going to be a need to give to your community. The saying that you always get back more than you give is a reality in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Alpha Epsilon Zeta chapter because it is so rewarding to hear and see the outcome in our counties. The other thing that is important is the sisterhood of our chapter.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zphibkck.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZPhiBkck