Leadership Highlight: Anneka Scott the Undergrad President of Zeta Phi Beta in Indianapolis

In an effort to highlight the young leaders who are leading undergraduate chapters across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to the sorors of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.’s Omicron Pi Chapter at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis and did an interview with Anneka Scott the president of the chapter.

The position of president of an undergraduate chapter of a Black sorority is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes. 21-year-old Anneka Scott has used the position to gain new leadership experience, improve the lives of other students on campus and help the community around her.

We interviewed the Communication Studies Major and two minors in Spanish and Religious Studies major and talked about her position, goals, future and what it means to hold a leadership on campus in the digital age.

Read the full interview below.

What does it mean to be a chapter president to you?

Looking into the history of women affiliated with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. you will come across women like Gwendolyn Brooks, Anita Hill, Anita Turpeau, and many more breathtaking women who have demonstrated the harvesting of a culture that is constantly underestimated. The brilliance, strength, power, and action these women put into recreating life, when life was set against them lead to them pushing boundaries, breaking glass ceilings, and altering history. As chapter president, I keep these women in mind to remind myself that I not only serve my self, but I serve my chapter, my community, and my organization at all times. I am investing in and leading my chapter to be an example for future generations to come.

What made you decide to attend the Indiana University- Purdue University Indianapolis for undergrad?

In my senior year of high school, we had a mandatory college day where seniors had to visit a college campus. I chose to visit IUPUI and while touring the university, I loved the vibe. The campus is modest yet lively and exciting. In the heart of downtown Indy, IUPUI has an atmosphere that is unlike any other college campus.

What specific initiatives is your chapter heading up this year and how do you think they will improve the campus/surrounding community?

My chapter has two major annual events that improve both the campus and the surrounding community. The first is a part of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Get Engaged Social Action Initiative in the form of our event “VoterZ Registration.” We do this event annually with our graduate chapter, Upsilon Omega Zeta. We table in the main campus center at IUPUI from 2pm-4pm and again from 6pm- 8pm on the same day. While tabling, we share information for upcoming elections, register students to vote, and check polling locations. Along with VoterZ Registration we have an annual Homeless Distribution where we pack lunches and walk downtown to distribute them to the hungry. Being on a campus in the heart of the city and being surrounded by low- income communities in a food desert, we make it a point to give to the hungry in the winter when others may not be donating. We have added an event this semester that we want to continue annually. We will be tabling on our campus to create positivity jars, letters, and notes for Veterans. All of these will have messages from the students on our campus and donated to Veterans in our community.

What made you want to pledge Zeta Phi Beta?

When I look at the women that were Zetas I see the woman I want to be. When I look at women who are Zetas, they are women I want to surround myself around. Women that I look up to and aspire to be like. The qualities of Zeta women are indescribable, but something you’d have to be around to experience. My chapter is also very close to our brother chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. so that is a unique experience in itself between the two organizations.

What is it about your specific chapter that makes it so unique?

We are the Indianapolis city-wide chapter including 5 Universities in our charter: Butler University, Marian University, Martin University, Indianapolis University- Purdue University Indianapolis, and University of Indianapolis.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think undergraduate chapters across all orgs need to do to represent themselves online in 2019?

Make sure that not only the chapters social media profiles are professional, but also the individual members as well. We all represent our organizations and we want to ensure that we make our organizations look good.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership is being an example for others to follow, but also knowing when to follow. Leadership is being transparent, listening, and being mindful of your presence and others. It is being strong and setting the pace while also respecting that others are behind you.

@monica.denise_

Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black greekdom?

Watch The Yard shows a side of Black greekdom that other media outlets fail to show. They provide a lens into the work that really happens behind the performances and strolling that are popular images in Black greekdom. Watch The Yard is the media coverage we need in Black greekdom.

What does sisterhood mean to you?

Sisterhood is an unbreakable bond full of love, forgiveness, laughs, and authenticity. It comes naturally and is beyond what words can tell. It is unconditional support no matter the circumstances. Sisterhood also goes beyond organizations and is strong in the Divine Nine across all the sorority organizations.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduating in May, I plan to enroll in graduate school to pursue a Masters in Higher Education and Multicultural Student Affairs. I want to be a resource for college students in my place right now. I want to provide programming and events for students of color or possibly take a role as an advisor for black students or NPHC organizations.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Anneka Scott for her work as the president of Omicron Pi Chapter which has a long legacy that spans back to April 25, 1998.

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