Monrovia – Cllr. Moriah Yeakula-Korkpor, in collaboration with the distinguished ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. – Delta Iota Zeta Chapter, on Sunday, March 30, hosted the highly anticipated third annual The Fireside event at the Royal Hotel in Monrovia.
The Fireside is a dynamic platform that brings together women from all walks of life to celebrate their achievements, inspire one another, spark dialogue about the future of women in leadership, and honor unsung “sheroes.”
Conceived by Cllr. Yeakula-Korkpor, who also serves as the event’s Curator, The Fireside draws inspiration from the age-old tradition of women gathering around a fire to share wisdom, guidance, and support. This concept aligns seamlessly with the mission of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., which aims to uplift, empower, and encourage women to reach their fullest potential. The event also marked the closing celebration of International Women’s Day and Finer Womanhood Month—an important period dedicated to honoring the sorority’s values of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. is a community-conscious, action-oriented organization founded in 1920 at Howard University. The Delta Iota Zeta Chapter in Liberia, established in 1948, has remained a beacon of leadership, service, and sisterhood—continuing to celebrate and promote the leadership of women across the country.
This year’s Fireside brought together a diverse group of women to engage in meaningful dialogue, share experiences, network, and inspire one another. The exclusive, invitation-only event created a safe space where women could speak openly about their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. Young women from both public and private high schools and universities were also invited, offering them the rare opportunity to interact with trailblazing leaders and draw inspiration for their futures.
One of the highlights of the event was the recognition of several exceptional women whose service and impact have often gone unnoticed. This year’s Fireside Unsung Sheroes honorees included Madam Sombo Izeta Wesley – For her pioneering role in sports as the first female President of the Liberia Football Association and the only woman in the world to lead a national football association.
Hon. Grace Minor – The first female President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate, celebrated for her advocacy in establishing the Ministry of Gender in 1998.
Madam Viola Lavelah Smith – A midwife of over three decades and founder of Ma-Vee Maternal Center, providing maternal care to thousands of pregnant women in Liberia.
The Delta Iota Zeta Chapter also honored several trailblazing women with special awards, including:
Mother Susana Lumei – Woman of Excellence Award 2024, Hon. Sara Beysolow Nyanti – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Woman of Excellence Award 2025, Benita Urey – Young Woman of Excellence Award 2025, Alphia Kemokai – Young Woman of Excellence Award 2024 and Soror Freda Koomson – Finer Woman of the Year Award 2025.
These remarkable women were recognized for their outstanding contributions to their respective fields and their dedication to empowering others.
A signature component of the event, the Fireside Chat, featured an inspiring panel of women leaders who shared their personal stories of resilience and success. Panelists included Brenda Brewer Moore – “Our Woman in Nonprofit Organizations”, Lovetta Bailey Sendolo – “Woman in Entrepreneurship” and Jodie Seton – “Woman in Sports Management.”
They were joined by the recipients of the Women of Excellence Awards. Their compelling stories served as powerful reminders of what women can achieve when given the opportunity and support.
The Fireside is more than an event—it is a movement rooted in the belief that when women support one another, they all rise. By partnering with women-owned and women-led businesses, the event underscored the importance of collaboration and the creation of safe, thriving spaces for women.
The event remains intentionally intimate, limited to about 50 invitees each year to maintain its safe, reflective atmosphere. Each year, a different group of women and students will be selected to participate and benefit from this transformative experience.
About Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
Founded in 1920 at Howard University, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. is a community-conscious, action-oriented organization rooted in the ideals of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. With chapters worldwide, the sorority has spent over a century advancing social action and making meaningful contributions to communities across the globe.
