Dawn Morton-Rias Inducted as Honorary Member of Zeta Phi Beta

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

Among the newly inducted Honorary Members is Dawn Morton-Rias, a celebrated healthcare advocate renowned for her expertise and commitment to social justice. Morton-Rias, who serves as the first woman of color President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), has made significant contributions to the field of healthcare. Her distinguished career spans decades, during which she has championed efforts to improve community-based healthcare delivery and advance health professions education.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Morton-Rias is deeply involved in philanthropic endeavors that aim to empower marginalized communities. Her dedication to enhancing healthcare access and equity aligns seamlessly with the mission of Zeta Phi Beta.

As an Honorary Member, Morton-Rias will focus on advancing the sorority’s initiatives related to Healthcare Equity and the March of Dimes. Her alignment with these programs underscores her ongoing commitment to addressing health disparities and supporting community health.

International First Vice President for Membership Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq., remarked, “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 induction ceremony, held on July 27, 2024, at the sorority’s international conference in Indianapolis, officially welcomed Morton-Rias and the other distinguished women into Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

Dr. Stacie NC Grant, International President and CEO, highlighted the significance of the new Honorary Members, 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.”

Dawn Morton-Rias’s induction reflects her continued dedication to healthcare advocacy and social justice, further enriching the sorority’s mission and impact.