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About

Founded in 1948, Beta Chapter has upheld the mission of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. — fostering sisterhood, scholarship, and service. As proud members of the Eastern Region, we are part of a national network of professional women dedicated to education, civic responsibility, and leadership development. Our chapter continues to strengthen the Greater Hartford community while contributing to the broader mission of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.


Learn more about our organization at www.iota1929.org and the Eastern Region at www.iotaeasternregion.org.

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ΙΦΛ

Symbols & Meaning

As a professional sorority, our emblematic colors emerald green and white underscore ideals of renewal, purity, and hope.
 
The official flower of Iota Phi Lambda is the white rose, complemented by the elegant green fern—together they symbolize purity, friendship, and enduring growth.
 
Our mascot, the turtle, represents steady progress, resilience, and longevity—qualities we strive to embody as sisters moving “Upward and Onward in Efficient Service.”
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Pearls in the greek system symbolize wisdom, purity, and dignity—qualities that grow and mature over time. The pearl stands for the cultivation of inner character, integrity, and refined elegance.
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The Greek letters ΙΦΛ (Iota Phi Lambda) reflect our foundational ideals: Friendship and Love.
 
These symbols join together to tell the story of a sisterhood committed to growth, support, and shared purpose across generations.
Meet the women leading Beta Chapter with dedication, vision, and a passion for service.

Meet Our Team

Dr. Geraldine McHugh-Williams

Dr. Geraldine McHugh-Williams

President

As President of Beta Chapter, Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., Geraldine McHugh-Williams leads with dedication and vision, shaping chapter programs and mentoring members to ensure the organization's values of sisterhood, scholarship, and service thrive. She has been a cornerstone of the chapter's leadership, providing guidance and continuity across its many initiatives. Professionally, Dr. McHugh-Williams has dedicated her career to education and advocacy. With a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, she has served as a school social worker and spent over two decades as a special education teacher. Her work emphasizes mental health, housing stability, food security, and breast cancer awareness, reflecting her deep commitment to community well-being. Outside her professional and sorority roles, Geraldine enjoys reading, farming, crafting, walking, crochet, and scrapbooking. Active in her church, she serves as a vestry member, youth leader, usher, and Sunday School teacher, continuing her lifelong devotion to faith and service.
Bonita Brandon

Bonita Brandon

1st Vice President

Bonita Brandon has been a member of Beta Chapter for over 20 years, serving as Secretary, Treasurer, Dean of Intake, and now First Vice President. In this role, she supports the Chapter President, facilitates meetings, and fosters growth and innovation while strengthening the chapter's legacy. Academically, she earned a Bachelor's degree in Human Services from Springfield College and a Master of Education from Cambridge College in Massachusetts. Professionally, Bonita is a Supervising Addiction Counselor with the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, with over 30 years of experience in human services and behavioral health. Beyond work and sorority life, Bonita serves as an usher in her church and participates in her agency's Quality of Work Life committee, demonstrating her ongoing dedication to service, wellness, and community advocacy.
Andrea Grant

Andrea Grant

2nd Vice President

Andrea M. Grant, Second Vice President of Beta Chapter, leads initiatives to strengthen the chapter's presence and impact in the Greater Hartford area. Through collaboration with sister chapters and community groups, she ensures the chapter remains a dynamic force for service and sisterhood. A licensed clinical social worker with the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Andrea brings over a decade of experience in public service and private counseling, having run her own part-time counseling practice since 2012. Outside of her professional and sorority roles, Andrea enjoys singing and is pursuing music literacy, blending personal growth with her passion for community engagement.

Our Founder

Lola Mercedes Parker

Lola Mercedes Parker, the founder of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc, was born in Little Rock, Arkansas.  In 1919, she became a resident of Chicago, Illinois, where she began her post-secondary education, culminating with graduation from Chicago Business College. 
 

In 1929, while employed as secretary to Rev. L. K. Williams, then president of the National Baptist Convention, she founded Iota Phi Lambda Sorority.  Its aim: “To encourage young women to enter the Business Field by means of business training”.  Mrs. Parker served as the sorority’s National President from 1929 to 1946 and President-Emeritus until her death in 1987.

 

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Eastern Region

National Organization

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Professional Business Women Propelled by Ingenuity: Intentional Purpose

#Designed1929 #Driven2023-2027 #Distinction2029

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The Efficient Eastern Region

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