Forty–four (44) years ago, a macroscopic visionary evolved in the person of May N. Richardson. First came her vision, then her leadership, followed by the task of launching a new chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated. 

Soror May N. Richardson invited twelve prospective members to a meeting. Most of them, though familiar with each other, sat nervously in anticipation of the reason for the mysterious meeting. Each one was, admittedly, unfamiliar with the term RUSH (Round Up Sorors in a Hurry). Nonetheless, all who had been invited responded to the invitation. That afternoon at the Charlotte Amalie High School they were given a very brief, skeletal description of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated. It was enough information to peak their curiosity and keep them interested.  Therefore, they quickly obliged when they were told they had one month to complete the application and show proof of their educational status before they could be considered eligible.

During the three-month pledge period, they met every Tuesday evening at the Christchurch Methodist Church’s Fellowship Hall to study, fraternize and ultimately bond as sisters. Their final exam revealed success for all of them. Thus, the Epsilon Zeta Chapter was officially chartered on March 22, 1980, at the Yacht Haven Hotel in the presence of family, and friends. What an experience! Present were several Big Sisters from the Eastern Region: then Eastern Regional Director Beatrice Crawford, Beta Omicron, Soror Evelyn Sears Peevy, Alpha Chi, Soror Louise Stewart, Beta Phi and Soror Beryl Richardson Allen, Omicron Chapter.

Charter members were: Maria Ayala, Joan S.P. Dawson, Claudette Glover, Judy M. Gomez, Lillian Gumbs, Mary L. Harley, Lilia Hendricks, Eva Ragster-Lans, May N. Richardson, Patricia Blake Simmonds and Ivy Brathwaite-Williams.

All eleven neophytes, along with May N. Richardson, who was Dean of Pledgees, chapter organizer and first President of Epsilon Zeta, hit the ground running. There was much to do in terms of fulfilling their National obligation as well as making sure the entire community knew