In 1920, five women from Howard University envisioned a sorority that would raise the consciousness of their people, encourage the highest standards of scholastic achievement, and foster a greater sense of unity among its members.

[2] Zeta Phi Beta is a non-profit 501(c)(7) organization that is divided into eight intercontinental regions and 800+ Chapters located in the US, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean.

[7] Later that year, in December 1920, the sorority held the first boule (convention) with members of Phi Beta Sigma at Howard University.

Zeta Phi Beta was first incorporated on March 30, 1923, in Washington, D.C. by sorority members Myrtle Tyler, Gladys Warrington, Joanna Houston, Josephine Johnson, and O. Goldia Smith.

Today, there are also chapters in U.S. Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Bahamas, Japan, Korea, Barbados, Haiti, Germany, Belgium, United Arab Emirates, Trinidad/Tobago and most recently Accra, Ghana.

The overarching goal of the ZOL program is to provide members of Zeta Phi Beta with essential leadership knowledge and skills.

[1] The objectives of the Foundation, as outlined in the Trust Agreement and By-Laws adopted by the Board of Managers, are:[21] The National Educational Foundation of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is a 501(c)3 trust organization created in 1975 and operated by Zeta Phi Beta to oversee the sorority's charitable and educational activities.

[22] The Foundation partnered with Xavier University of New Orleans, The Consumer Health Foundation, the MidAtlantic Cancer Genetics Network, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, and The Family Life Center of Shiloh Baptist Church and presented conferences on human genome research in Washington, D. C., Atlanta Georgia, New Orleans, Louisiana, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Chicago, Illinois.

[23][24] Since 1971, Zeta Phi Beta has enjoyed a partnership with the March of Dimes to encourage women to seek prenatal care within the first trimester of pregnancy, thereby increasing the prevention of birth defects and infant mortality.

[25] Known as the Stork's Nest Program, this collaboration encourages participation and healthy behaviors during the pregnancy through two components - incentives and education.

The Amicae group is composed of women who have not obtained a college degree but wish to assist Zeta Phi Beta members in local activities.

[26][27] The Archonettes are composed of young high school-aged ladies (ages 14 to 18) who demonstrate an interest in the goals and the ideals of scholarship, sisterly love, and community service.

[28] The Amicettes are composed of girls aged 9 to 13 who are willing to strive toward the high ideals of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and who demonstrate potential for leadership in service to the community.

[26] Following a February 5, 2006 news report by WJLA, an ABC-affiliated TV station based in D.C., the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Attorney opened an investigation into alleged financial irregularities occurring with the sorority's National President Barbara C. Moore.

[30][31] The purpose of the investigation was to determine if the president had obtained funds from the tax-exempt organization for personal gain which violated IRS codes.

[33] Entertainer Sheryl Underwood was elected as the 23rd International Grand Basileus (President), during the sorority's biennial business meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2008.

[34][35][36] In 2011, the chapter at the University of Maryland, College Park was placed under heavy scrutiny when a former pledge reported to authorities the serious abuse she endured from members of the organization.

[37] In 2012, a student at the University of California, Berkeley sued the sorority after experiencing hazing so disturbing and humiliating that she dropped out of school.