Est. 1920 · Howard University · NPHC
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Gamma Iota Zeta
Chapter
Scholarship · Service · Sisterhood · Finer Womanhood
Est. 1920 · Howard University · NPHC
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Scholarship · Service · Sisterhood · Finer Womanhood
A Message From Our President
On behalf of the women of Gamma Iota Zeta Chapter, I extend to you the warmest welcome. For over four decades, our chapter has stood as a pillar of service and scholarship in the greater Tampa Bay community — nurturing young scholars, advocating for mothers and infants, and celebrating the grace of Finer Womanhood in everything we do.
Whether you are discovering Zeta Phi Beta for the first time, considering membership, or returning home to your sisterhood, we are glad you are here. The legacy of our founders lives on in every program we run, every scholarship we award, and every life we touch. Come be part of something lasting.
Our Legacy
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded on January 16, 1920 at Howard University by five visionary women — Arizona Cleaver, Pearl Anna Neal, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Viola Tyler Goings, and Fannie Pettie Watts. From the very beginning, the founders envisioned a sorority grounded not merely in social fellowship, but in purposeful action: scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood as a way of living and leading.
Gamma Iota Zeta Chapter was chartered in Tampa, Florida in 1981 and has since grown into one of the most active graduate chapters in the Southeast. Our members — professionals, educators, mothers, and community leaders — carry forward the founders' call to "Lift as We Climb," investing every year in the young people and families of Hillsborough County.
"A greater Zeta means a better world."
National Programs & Initiatives
Zeta Phi Beta's national programs are the living expression of our founding principles — bringing scholarship, health, and empowerment directly to the communities we serve.
Zetas Helping Other People Excel (Z-HOPE) is our national community outreach initiative. Gamma Iota Zeta members participate in health fairs, free screening drives, and wellness workshops that bring care directly to underserved Hillsborough County residents.
Get Involved
In partnership with the March of Dimes, our chapter's Stork's Nest program supports expectant mothers in underserved communities — providing prenatal education, health supplies, and a reward system that incentivizes healthy prenatal care visits.
Learn More
From our Amicae and Archonettes auxiliary clubs to college mentoring for Zeta Phi Beta collegiate chapters, our chapter invests in the next generation — building confidence, academic discipline, and a lifelong commitment to service in young women across Tampa Bay.
Meet Our Youth
Zeta's Get Engaged program empowers members and community partners to participate fully in civic life — through voter registration drives, advocacy trainings, senior check-ins, and community forums that amplify the voices of those who need it most.
Take ActionOur Numbers
Since 1981, Gamma Iota Zeta Chapter has shown up — year after year — with purpose, presence, and results for the Tampa Bay community.
Mark Your Calendar
Join us in person. Every event is an opportunity to connect, serve, and celebrate the bonds of sisterhood.
Our signature celebration of sisterhood and scholarship. An elegant evening of awards, live music, and community recognition at the Tampa Convention Center. Black-tie optional.
Tampa Convention Center · Tampa, FL
Free screenings, health resources, and family activities for Hillsborough County residents. Partnering with St. Joseph's Hospital and local wellness providers. All are welcome.
Al Barnes Park · Tampa, FL
Our annual Finer Womanhood celebration doubles as our scholarship awards ceremony — honoring the outstanding young women of Tampa Bay with grants totaling over $20,000.
The Westin Tampa Bay · Tampa, FL
Membership
Gamma Iota Zeta Chapter welcomes collegians and graduate professionals who are ready to commit to a life of service, scholarship, and sisterhood. We accept applications from college-educated women who share our values and our desire to make a meaningful difference in the Tampa Bay community.
Our membership intake process is conducted through the national organization and follows all guidelines set by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority's International Headquarters. Prospective members are encouraged to attend our open interest meetings and chapter events to learn more.
Reclamation — Come Back Home
Are you a Zeta in good standing looking to reconnect with sisterhood? Our chapter welcomes reclaiming sorors with open arms. Update your financial membership and rejoin the work — your sisters are waiting.
Reclaim Your Membership
Scholarship & Philanthropy
Since 1995, our chapter has awarded scholarships to high-achieving women pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in Hillsborough County. The Gamma Iota Zeta Scholarship Fund is sustained entirely by community giving and our annual fundraising efforts. Your contribution — at any level — directly changes the trajectory of a young woman's life.
All donations are tax-deductible through our parent organization's 501(c)(3) charitable foundation.
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Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.