History

Lola Mercedes Parker, the esteemed founder of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Mr. and Mrs. John H. Smith around 1900. After completing her elementary education, she relocated with her family to Kansas City, Missouri, where she finished high school. In 1919, she moved to Chicago, Illinois, to pursue her post-secondary education, ultimately graduating from Chicago Business College. She married William S. Parker in 1922, and together they had two children, both of whom unfortunately passed away before their parents

In 1929, while serving as secretary to Reverend L. K. Williams, then president of the National Baptist Convention, Mrs. Parker established Iota Phi Lambda Sorority. Her vision was clear: “To encourage young women to enter the Business Field by means of business training.” She dedicated herself to the sorority, serving as its National President from 1929 to 1946, and later as President-Emeritus until her passing in 1987.

A Career of Notable Achievements

Beyond her foundational work with the sorority, Mrs. Parker held a variety of significant positions throughout her career. She served as Administrative Assistant to Congressman Arthur W. Mitchell and was the Director of Women’s Activities for the Chicago Negro Chamber of Commerce. Notably, she became the first Black Department Manager at R.H. Donnelley Corporation. Her professional experience also included roles as Secretary-Treasurer of the Business and Professional Association’s Credit Union and Business Manager of the South Parkway YWCA.

Advocating for Black Women and Community Progress

Mrs. Parker’s influence extended beyond her professional roles. In 1935, as the sorority’s National President, she played a pivotal role in Iota Phi Lambda Sorority’s presence at the historic inaugural meeting of the National Council of Negro Women. This significant gathering, convened by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune on December 5, 1935, in Harlem, included Iota Phi Lambda Sorority as one of only three sororities represented, alongside other national organizations

Her commitment to community and social progress was evident in her extensive involvement with numerous national and local organizations. She was an active member of Olivet Baptist Church, served as National Vice-President to the Women’s Army for National Defense, and co-organized the first Chicago Section of the National Council of Negro Women. A life member of the NAACP, she also dedicated her time to the People’s Welfare Organization and the YWCA, among many other civic endeavors aimed at advancing racial, educational, and economic progress.

A Vision Realized: The Birth of Alpha Chapter

On June 1, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, Lola Mercedes Parker gathered six of her close friends: Ethel T. Edwards, Mildred G. Hardin, Harriet M. Robinson, Ophelia Harrison, Bridgette Trigg, and Marjorie Tyndale, to share her vision of forming a new organization. Recognizing the potential and purpose behind her idea, these women quickly embraced the plan and committed to joining Mrs. Parker as its founding pioneers.

That historic meeting marked the establishment of Alpha Chapter, the very first chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority.

Lola Mercedes Parker envisioned an organization that would promote specialization in various fields of business, one that would stimulate ambition, inspire excellence, foster collaboration, and provide mutual support for individuals pursuing business careers.