Zeta Phi Delta, founded in 2001, is a service-based sorority supporting breast cancer awareness. Members focus on upholding values of a sisterhood and giving back to the local community.
The organization’s core values are outlined in its mission statement, which can be found on its website, and is also required to be recited by all members during meetings. The statement is as follows:
Unique young women from diverse backgrounds, uniting together to achieve a shared vision, striving towards lifelong friendships, and a commitment to service, which provides the basis of our Sisterhood.
“Sisters implement and uphold these core values by participating and/or hosting social events to strengthen the bonds with one another,” explained President Gianna Borrelli. “Each sister also actively participates in service events both through Zeta and individually for the betterment of the community around us.”
Junior Dominique Ferraro, who serves as the sorority’s secretary, felt a personal calling in joining Zeta Phi Delta.
“Before committing to Marywood, my grandmother died. She died of stage four breast cancer. It was sudden and hard for the family. When I was looking further into the clubs at Marywood, I decided to look at the sororities. When I learned Zeta Phi Delta’s philanthropy was breast cancer, I knew it was meant for me to join in support of my grandmother and others who suffer from breast cancer,” explained Ferraro.
Over the years since its founding, Zeta has supported three different Breast Cancer organizations: Breast Friends, METAvivor, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Following this year’s Breast Cancer walk and run event, which was held this past October, all proceeds went towards the local chapter of Breast Friends.
Although October is the designated philanthropic month for breast cancer awareness, Zeta is following through with its mission throughout the entire year.
The “Pink Tea” event, hosted in collaboration with Breast Friends near the end of each spring semester, is a beloved tradition featuring guest speakers who share their journeys and experiences with breast cancer. Zeta members are encouraged to bring up to three women who serve as sources of inspiration for them everyday.
“Zeta members [also] actively contribute by assembling chemo baskets for patients undergoing treatment, aiming to provide comfort and support during their challenging journey,” said Borrelli.
“Some of my favorite memories from Zeta would have to be formal, big/little reveal and the Zeta talent show,” said Ferraro.
“Formal is always fun because we are able to dress up and be with the people we love. I also have loved both my big and my little, big/little reveal. My big chose one of my favorite movies, Star Wars and I chose one of my little’s favorite movies, Mamma Mia. The reveals were special and this was the start of lifelong friendships,” said Ferraro.
Although Zeta’s upcoming schedule of events has not yet been released, in years past, the sorority has hosted its initiation night in late March, and as mentioned, its Pink Tea in late April.
You can stay up to date with Zeta Phi Delta via its Instagram page.
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