History of Zonta Club of Mid-Maryland

Creation of the Zonta Club of Mid-Maryland was the vision of Linda White Andrews, a current member of Zonta who believed that Prince George’s County, Maryland was in need of a second local Zonta club to serve the needs of the 900,000 people in the county and surrounding area. She envisioned a new club that would support the mission of Zonta International and have a strong focus on Zonta International service projects as well as on projects that empower women in the local community.

With her guidance and tireless determination, the potential club was given the status of Zonta Club of Mid-Maryland (in formation) on October 6, 2015. A SOM (sponsoring, organizing, and mentoring) committee was formed: the members were Linda White Andrews, Chair; Erma Barron; Donna Clark, Lt. Governor; Joanne Gallos, Area 3 Director; Jennifer Jones; Barbara Lippa; and Virginia Moore. In addition, an ad hoc committee comprised of Karen Fenner, Eunice Johnson, Stanita Scott, Tameka Taylor-Melvin, G. Jackie Thomas, and Cleopatra White provided invaluable support and monetary assistance to help form the club. It was decided that the membership and projects of this new club would not only encompass Prince George’s County but the surrounding counties.

A Zonta Information and Networking Gathering (ZING) was held on March 10, 2016 to introduce potential members to Zonta. Approximately 35 guests attended. Margo Sheridan, District Governor, Donna Clark, Lt. Governor and Joanne Gallos, Area 3 Director were guest speakers. They presented information regarding Zonta International (ZI) and Zonta International Foundation (ZIF), an overview of a Zonta Club, Service, being a Zonta Member, and the next steps to membership. Applications were handed out during the ZING and invitations were later extended to 50 women who are now the charter members of Zonta Club of Mid-Maryland.

The Zonta Club of Mid-Maryland was chartered on May 5, 2016. The charter ceremony was held on June 4, 2016.