Chapter History

The local chapter was organized on December 17, 1927 as “Rho”, an undergraduate chapter. The charter members were: Sorors Irma Bowser Thompson, Blanch Davis Jones, Essie Gordon Ferebee, Geraldine Reid Elliott, Hilda Selden Johnson and Marguritee Mosely Dark. The Rho Chapter was re-organized as a graduate chapter on November 30, 1944. The chapter name was then changed to Beta Theta Zeta.

Since its beginning, Beta Theta Zeta members have provided sponsorship to two collegiate chapters: Zeta Gamma (Norfolk State University) chartered on December 1, 1962 and Rho Nu (Old Dominion University) chartered on November 15, 1987.  The chapter has also sponsored four auxiliaries: the Norfolk Amicae (1957), the Norfolk Zeta Archonettes (1995), the Norfolk Zeta Amicettes (1996/2005) and the Norfolk Zeta Pearlettes (2005/2015).

Chapter members consist of women from various career fields including education, health care, legal and military. Our very own Triumphant Soror, the Honorable Yvonne Miller, was a member of the Virginia State Senate.

The Chapter is proud of having sorors who have served at the National, Regional, and State levels.  Sorors Velma Coppage Bunche, Edna Powell, Algeania Freeman, Stevalynn Adams and Melissa Barnes have all served as State Directors for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Soror Bunche served as a National Secretary (1937), National First Vice-President (1952-1955) and Eastern Regional Director (1948-1952). Soror Melissa Barnes served as the past 15th Eastern Regional Director (2002-2008). Soror Misti Goodson has served as the Eastern Regional Secretary (2013-2015); and Soror Katherine Pereras served as the Regional Assistant Secretary (2019-2020). Soror Michelle McIntosh is currently serving as the State Secretary (2013-2017, 2017-present).

The Beta Theta Zeta Chapter continues to propel the legacy upon which this sisterhood was founded through its regular coordination of, participation in and support of community programs.


Beta Theta Zeta Mission

To positively impact communities in the Norfolk, Virginia area by upholding our commitment to the principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood.

Beta Theta Zeta Vision

ENGAGE Each Other to IMPACT the Another for a FINER FUTURE

Beta Theta Zeta Strategic Goals

GOAL #1: MEMBERSHIP GROWTH OF 15%

We will grow the Chapter Membership by 15% annually (year-over-year) by actively doing the 3 Rs: Recruit, Retain, Reclaim.

GOAL #2: ENGAGE THE SISTERHOOD

We will engage the chapter members because we believe that our members are the most important component of our sisterhood, and their level of involvement directly impacts the success of our initiatives.

GOAL #3: SIGNATURE SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITIES

We will expand and improve upon the SIGNATURE SERVICE that we provide in the Norfolk, Virginia area with a focus on Five (5) Areas: Women, Youth, Seniors, Military, and Sorority’s Initiatives

GOAL #4: EXECUTE NEXT STEPS FOR THE 501c3 FOUNDATION

The Sapphire and Pearls Foundation was established in 2021. We will continue to operationalize and grow this 501c3 arm of the Beta Theta Zeta Chapter.