Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, inc.
Beta Psi Chapter
Shreveport, Louisiana
Mission Statement
To commit to our president’s 3
“D” motto: Desire, Dedication and Discipline. We at Beta Psi have the desire,
dedication and discipline to be loyal to the ideals of this sorority. To
continue giving our time to in our community by offering our services to the
needed programs in our city. To educate the public about the programs and
projects of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority,
So that we can continue to gain members to help chart the course to economic empowerment.
History
June 1, 1929, Mrs. Lola Mercedes Parker of Chicago, Illinois
founded Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, a national business and professional women’s
organization. The sorority was established to offset the results caused by the
great depression and to add prestige to career businesswomen and the field of
business.
Beta Psi was chartered March 14, 1953. Eight women sought to bring
into being an organization that would give encouragement and add prestige to
women in the field of business in the Shreveport area.
Mrs. Martha S. Robinson, a local business and professional woman
was the nucleus of this organization, serving as its first president. The seven
other chartered members were: Mrs. Flossie Carter Reeves, Mrs. Juanita Pierson,
Mrs. Mary Lela Smith, Mrs. Mamie Stewart Wallace, Mrs. Mable White Ford, Mrs.
Rachal Carr and Mrs. Janice Hill.
Beta Psi continues to grow in
membership and uphold the aims and purpose of our founder.
Presidents
were:
Mrs. Martha
S. Robinson
Mrs. Juanita
Pierson
Mrs. Iola
Brown
Mrs. Geneva
Aaron (2 terms)
Mrs. Virdell
Hall (2 terms) also served as Regional Dir., and Educational Director
Mrs. Mamie
Wallace (2 terms)
Ms. Mattie
Leviston and served as Regional Treasurer
Mrs. Willie
Myers
Mrs. Janie
Samuels (2 terms) served as Asst. Reg. Director
Mrs. Mary Liz
Clark (2 terms)
Pictured
below are Charter Members in the year 1953: Back row: (Left to Right) Flossie
Reeves, Rachael Carr, Juanita Pierson and Mary L. Simpson Stitch. Front row:
(Left to Right) Mable Robinson (First President), Alma I. Mackey (Regional
Director), Janice Jefferson Hill, Mamie Love Wallace and Mable Ford.
