Dr. Zakia is the new Chapter President of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated-Iota Zeta Zeta Chapter and we wanted to know, what made you want to pledge to Zeta?
“Growing up, I never thought about pledging. I’ve always been team “Me Phi Me!” This was because I wasn’t armed with knowledge about sororities and fraternities. During my world travels, I was introduced to sorority life, but from the lens of an adult. Specifically, I would interact with women, they would be VERY friendly, sisterly, helpful, and down to earth. Later, sometimes years later, I would find out these women were Zeta’s. I literally went from, “I couldn’t see myself pledging,” to “if I ever pledged, it would be Zeta!”
Every organization has a mission, what is your organization? With ease, Dr. Zakia responded, “Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, Finer Womanhood “With being said I need to hear Dr. Z talk about the way that the organization serves the community. Zeta Phi Beta serves the community in a multitude of ways: Scholarships at the local, state, regional and international levels are in place to help support young girls’ aspirations to attend college. The wellness of the community is of utmost importance as well! Z-Hope (Zeta’s Helping Other People), is one of our larger endeavors, whereby Zeta supports in fundraising, increasing awareness and conducting service activities for entities such as The March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, St. Jude’s, National Parks and Recreation, just to name a few. There is also a Domestic Violence initiative which is very near and dear to my heart. I am currently the Domestic Violence Coordinator for the State of Minnesota.
We had to ask Dr. Z for her motto and she has a great one, Genuine and Authentic. Dr. Z shared that that is part of the three top keys to success. Being authentic: Be genuine, kind and nice to others: ALWAYS!
Balance: in all things, you must be balanced and centered. Daily, set aside some time to meditate, do affirmations or some other activity that makes you feel centered and in control of yourself.
Create systems for your everyday tasks: systems are important because we all have a lot going on. Creating systems helps improve your ability to get things done, while being less stressed. Along with those three keys to success she always has her smile, her joy and her calendar!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zakia.kia.7