85R15882 JCD-D

By: Gervin-Hawkins H.R. No. 875

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Proud members of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., are gathering in San Antonio for the group's 70th Southwest Regional Conference, taking place March 24 to 28, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Founded in Chicago by Lola Mercedes Parker in 1929, Iota Phi Lambda Sorority is a national business and professional organization made up of more than 900 members who are dedicated to empowering women through an emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, education, and technology; the sorority's Southwestern Region encompasses 14 chapters across Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, In fulfilling its mission, the sorority has sponsored such initiatives as the Future Iota Leaders Program, which establishes mentorships for young men and women, and the Iota Mothers Assistance Program, which provides resources for disadvantaged individuals with children; in addition, the organization's Lola M. Parker Foundation focuses on the issues of professional development and economic advancement, helping youth and women to overcome barriers to success; Iota Phi Lambda also awards scholarships totaling more than $75,000 each year; and

WHEREAS, Throughout its history, Iota Phi Lambda has worked to foster a sisterhood of concerned citizens who devote themselves to the greater good, and its members may reflect with pride on their organization's noteworthy tradition of activism and achievement; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the Iota Phi Lambda Sorority's 70th Southwest Regional Conference and extend to all those in attendance sincere best wishes for a productive and memorable event; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the sorority as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.