The Founding of
Delta Chapter
The Delta Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., was founded in June 1930 in Atlanta, Georgia, by Mrs. Odessa Parada Williams, a trailblazing educator and business leader. With a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in Business Administration, Mrs. Williams was dedicated to empowering African American women through education and entrepreneurship. As the chapter’s first president and the sorority’s first Southern Regional Director, she laid a strong foundation for growth and service.
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Chartered as a business sorority, Delta Chapter has a proud history of grooming women to become successful entrepreneurs and community leaders. Through comprehensive business training, mentorship, and local programs, the chapter has supported women in overcoming barriers in a male-dominated business world. Our members have actively contributed to both national and local initiatives aimed at personal development, youth empowerment, and community uplift.
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Under Mrs. Williams’s leadership, the sorority expanded its influence by establishing the first undergraduate chapters in 1935 at Florida A&M College and Morris Brown College, helping to nurture the next generation of women leaders. Today, Delta Chapter continues to uphold this legacy by fostering entrepreneurship, education, and sisterhood, while making a lasting impact on our community.
Impact on the Community
Delta Chapter has played a vital role in enriching the Metro Atlanta community through impactful initiatives and meaningful partnerships. Our signature efforts include the annual End of Summer BBQ & Back-to-School Drive, the Teachers and Turtles Appreciation Luncheon, the Youth Career Exploration Fair, and our Winter Clothes Drive. We are also proud to support causes such as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Additionally, our ongoing volunteer work with Golden Bridges Personal Care Home reflects our deep commitment to service and community uplift.
Looking Ahead
As Delta Chapter continues to grow and evolve, we remain steadfast in our commitment to nurturing leaders who are passionate about service and community engagement, reflecting the core mission of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Building on our rich legacy, we are dedicated to creating new opportunities for empowerment and impact, particularly by enhancing the status of women in the business and professional world. Through the enduring support of our members and the wider community, we aim to promote business education, encourage leadership potential, and engage in meaningful civic and social service activities, looking forward to a future marked by continued success and service.
