Our History
The Founding of Iota Phi Lambda, Inc.
Iota Phi Lambda Inc. is the first African-American Greek-letter business sorority. The organization was established June 1, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois. On this day the founder Lola Mercedes Parker met with six women to discuss her plan to raise morale of businesswomen and increase the prestige of the group.
The Pioneers
The pioneers of Iota Phi Lambda, Inc were the founder Lola Mercedes Parker and six of her friends: Ethel T. Edwards, Mildred G. Hardin, Harriet M. Robinson, Ophelia Harrison, Burdette Trigg and Marjorie Tyndall. The group became the first chapter of the Sorority, Alpha Chapter on June 1, 1929.
Since its inception, Iota has embraced other professions; however, the main focus remains on the field of business. There are now more than 70 chapters in cities across the U.S. including, Washington DC and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
