Monrovia, Liberia – The Royal Hotel in Monrovia was abuzz with inspiration and sisterhood as Cllr. Moriah Yeakula-Korpor, in partnership with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. – Delta Iota Zeta Chapter, hosted the third annual The Fireside event—a dynamic gathering celebrating women’s leadership and honoring Liberia’s unsung heroines.
Under the theme “Celebrating Women’s Leadership and Our Unsung Sheroes,” the event brought together trailblazing women, emerging leaders, and young students for an evening of empowerment, storytelling, and recognition. Inspired by the traditional village fireside where women share wisdom and solidarity, the event served as both a tribute to International Women’s Day and the culmination of Finer Womanhood Month, a cornerstone of Zeta Phi Beta’s mission.
A Night of Recognition and Inspiration
This year’s honorees were celebrated for their groundbreaking yet often overlooked contributions:
Madam Sombo Izeta Wesley, the first female president of the Liberia Football Association and the only woman to lead a football association globally, Hon. Grace Minor, Liberia’s first female Senate Pro Tempore and a key advocate for establishing the Ministry of Gender in 1998 and Madam Viola Lavelah Smith, a dedicated midwife of over 30 years and founder of Ma-Vee Maternal Center, which has provided critical care to thousands of pregnant women.
In addition, the Delta Iota Zeta Chapter presented prestigious awards to outstanding women, including:
Hon. Sara Beysolow Nyanti (Minister of Foreign Affairs), Woman of Excellence 2025, Benita Urey, Young Woman of Excellence 2025, Mother Susana Lumei– Woman of Excellence 2024.
Fireside Chat: Stories of Resilience and Triumph
The event’s signature Fireside Chat featured powerful discussions with leading women in their fields, including: Brenda Brewer Moore (Non-profit Leadership), Lovetta Bailey Sendolo (Entrepreneurship) and Jodie Seton (Sports Management)
Their stories of overcoming challenges and breaking barriers resonated deeply with attendees, particularly the young women from high schools and universities who were specially invited to gain mentorship and inspiration.
A Legacy of Sisterhood and Service
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., founded in 1920 at Howard University, has long championed scholarship, service, and sisterhood. The Delta Iota Zeta Chapter, active in Liberia since 1948, continues this legacy by fostering women’s leadership and community impact.
“When women uplift women, we all shine brighter,” said Cllr. Yeakula-Korpor, emphasizing the event’s mission to create safe, intergenerational spaces for dialogue and growth. With a carefully curated guest list of 50, The Fireside ensures an intimate, empowering experience while amplifying the voices of women who shape Liberia’s future. As the night concluded, the message of “Liberia’s women are not just rising—they are lifting each other higher,” echoed clearly.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. is a global, community-conscious organization dedicated to scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. With a century-long legacy of advocacy and empowerment, Zeta Phi Beta continues to drive social change worldwide.
