Perri Shakes-Drayton Inducted as Honorary Member of Zeta Phi Beta

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, has announced the induction of 15 prominent women as Honorary Members into its Alpha Omega Chapter during its Grand Boule in Indianapolis.

Among those honored is Perri Shakes-Drayton, a retired British track and field athlete renowned for her achievements on the international stage. Shakes-Drayton, who has secured her place in athletics history with a 2013 European Indoor Championship title in the 400 meters and a gold medal in the 4 x 400 meters relay at the 2012 World Indoor Championships, brings a distinguished athletic career to her new role.

In addition to her impressive track record, Shakes-Drayton has contributed significantly to charitable causes. As a prominent fundraiser for Tommy’s The Baby Charity—an organization dedicated to researching the causes and treatments of baby loss—she has supported vital work in pregnancy and baby loss care. Her engagement with the GLL Sport Foundation (GSF), the UK’s largest independent athlete support program, further underscores her commitment to fostering support and opportunity for athletes.

Shakes-Drayton will leverage her experience and passion to support the sorority’s initiatives related to the March of Dimes and Zetas Helping Other People Excel (Z-HOPE™). Her dedication to these causes aligns with Zeta Phi Beta’s mission to uplift and support communities through impactful programs.

International First Vice President for Membership Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq., noted, “I am honored to oversee all of Zeta Phi Beta’s membership categories and am thrilled that Zeta Phi Beta continues to attract fascinating, fierce, and finer women to carry out the vision of Zeta Phi Beta’s Founders. The newest class of Honorary Members will advance Zeta Phi Beta’s goals as Zeta Phi Beta women everywhere work together to support our communities.”

The formal induction of Shakes-Drayton and the other distinguished women took place on July 27, 2024, at the sorority’s international conference in Indianapolis.

Dr. Stacie NC Grant, International President and CEO, emphasized the alignment of the new Honorary Members’ work with the sorority’s values, stating, “The work of our 2024 Honorary Member Class is aligned with Zeta Phi Beta’s commitment to helping other people excel through mind, body, and spirit. As the number one women’s service organization established by five extraordinary Black women, we are proud to extend membership to this group of women, and I welcome them to the sisterhood on behalf of all Zeta Phi Beta members.”

Perri Shakes-Drayton’s induction as an Honorary Member of Zeta Phi Beta reflects her ongoing dedication to excellence in athletics and philanthropy, enhancing the sorority’s reach and impact.