In honor of Women’s History Month the local chapter Eta Upsilon Zeta of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. will host their sixth annual Women’s History Month Brunch. The event will take place on Saturday.
Chapter President Candace Connell-Jordan says the purpose of the event is to recognize local women that are impacting the community.
“This year the theme is: Nevertheless she persisted, women who fight all forms of discrimination against women. We have chosen five women within the community that we will honor,” said Connell-Jordan.
Those being honored this year include:
Patricia Turner, an alumnus of Indiana University and an alumnus if Leadership Fort Wayne. She has worked in the nonprofit arena as a program director for the past 35 years. She has ran programs that impacted the lives of women and children. She is currently the Tobacco Education Coordinator for Tobacco Free Allen County.
Tamyra L. Kelly, an alumnus of Indiana University. Her work experience include: Metropolitan Human Relations Commission, Investigator, Deputy Director and Executive Director, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, United Way of Allen County, and currently the Public Information Officer for East Allen County Schools. Kelly’s community involvement includes Fort Wayne United, Board Member, Co-chair of the Education Sub-committee, Fort Wayne United and Joshua LEADS Steering Committee member.
Maye L. Johnson, a Democratic Board Member for Allen County Voter Registration. She serves on the Allen County Democratic Party Central Committee and was elected Allen County Councilwoman, 1st District, 2006-2010. Johnson was appointed Synergy Coordinator for the City of Fort Wayne Renaissance Pointe Housing Development. Her extensive work history spans over 40 years, originating as a broadcast intern at WOWO Radio in 1968, and WANE-TV, where she co-produced “Stone Soul” Fort Wayne’s first minority public affairs program. Johnson has held many community service positions. She is currently a member of the Indiana Democratic African American Caucus (IDAAC).
Diana Jackson-Davis, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Parkview Health. Davis is an Adjunct Associate Professor of 18 years teaching Ethics, Philosophy, Sociology, Women’s studies and Diversity in the workplace for graduate students. She earned a Master’s degree in Liberal Arts from Indiana University, and her Doctoral degree, from Capella University. She has worked extensively with nonprofit organizations and serves on numerous boards and organizations.
Dr. Lynnice Hamilton, a Central High School graduate. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan University; Master’s in Christian Education from Cornerstone Christian Bible College and Associates from Indiana University in Early Childhood Education. She received California State University National Victims Assistance Academy Certification and South Bend Police Academy Certification on male victims and adolescent offenders of sexual assault. She was the Director and Victim Advocate for the Fort Wayne Police Department and Chief Deputy Trustee of Wayne Township. Dr. Hamilton retired from the Fort Wayne Police Department Victim Assistance Program after 28 years of service.
The event’s keynote speaker is Dr. Ruby Cain. She is an Assistant Professor and Director of Master Degrees and Graduate Certificates in Adult and Community Education at Ball State University. Dr. Cain is also the Director of It Is Well With My Soul, a program that focuses on racial healing.
Connell-Jordan says the local chapter of Eta Upsilon Zeta has been a part of the community since 1974.
“We have donated over $100,000 in scholarship funds to local seniors. Our focus is to help the community as well as providing scholarships,” said Connell-Jordan.
The brunch begins at 10 a.m. at Link’s Wonderland and Parkview Health will provide free health screenings an hour before the event. The cost to attend the event is $30.
More information: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated was founded in 1920 on the campus of Howard University. The organization was established for the purpose of promoting the cause of education by encouraging the highest standards of scholarship through scientific, literary, cultural and educational programs; promoting charitable projects on college campuses and within the community; fostering the spirit of sisterly love, and promoting the ideas of Finer Womanhood. Visit the website www.zphib1920.org to learn more about Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.