Zeta Tau Omega Chapter began in 1953 as a small group of committed women and has grown into a leading organization promoting scholarship, leadership, and community service in Palm Beach County.

A group of trailblazing, community-minded women came together with the shared goal of establishing an Alpha Kappa Alpha presence and bringing a “Legacy of Service to all Mankind” to West Palm Beach. Their efforts came to fruition on December 10, 1955, and Zeta Tau Omega became the first graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha in Palm Beach County. Under the direction of South Atlantic Regional Director A. Catherine Johnson, Zeta Tau Omega was officially chartered at the Plantation Restaurant. The charter was presented to the first president and charter member, Juanita Orr. The other charter members present were Geneva Boynton, Vernice Butler, Clayton Coleman, Bernadine Cousins Murray, Naomi Daniels Cole, Lillian Hearst, Doris Matthews, Novik Mitchell Stubbs, Louise Murray, Ardis Orr, Marian Orr, Delores Robinson Powdrill, E. Bernadine Lazier, and Evangeline Wilburn.

Myrtis E. Burke also worked alongside the founding members to help establish the chapter. On January 23, 1956, she became the first member to transfer into Zeta Tau Omega and started a notable lifetime of dedicated service.

Determined to make an impact, Zeta Tau Omega raised funds by selling dinners every Saturday to support community programs and offer scholarships. In 1957, Gwendolyn Ferguson became the first recipient of Zeta Tau Omega’s scholarship.

By 1958, the Chapter was building its legacy with its first line of initiates, Ruby Bullock, Katie Kirksey, Hattie Ruth Pompey, and Hattye Singletary with a banquet at the Plantation Restaurant. That year the chapter introduced Miss Fashionetta, which became a signature Zeta Tau Omega fundraising tradition. In 1959, the chapter hosted the 2nd Annual Miss Fashionetta at Roosevelt Auditorium, featuring New York fashion expert Lois Bell and her balloon inspired styles.