Epsilon Sigma Iota Sorority, Incorporated (ESI) was founded on November 4, 1920, at Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C. It was later incorporated on June 17, 1921.


Spring 2010 Membership


HISTORY

Epsilon Sigma Iota Sorority, Incorporated (ESI) was founded on November 4, 1920, at Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C. The sorority was founded by Pearl Beldon, Willie Hazel Blount, Ollie May Cooper, Margaret DuBose, May Corinne Martin, Bertha C. McNeil, Zephyr Abigail Moore, and Gladys Tignor Peterson. It was later incorporated on June 17, 1921.

The organization was chartered with a threefold purpose. First, the sorority was to serve as a tool to motivate women to become lawyers. Second, it was to serve as a conduit to placing female Howard Law graduates in meaningful legal careers. Finally, it was to create a useful network of female graduates.

MISSION

To encourage women to assume leadership positions in law school and throughout the legal community, to provide opportunities for networking and mentorship, and to promote the role of women as legal practitioners, academicians and scholars. The Sorority is to serve as a vehicle for achieving these goals, with an ultimate aim of facilitating the overall advancement of women, especially those of African descent, in the legal profession. While ESI’s mission continues to encompass the focus of networking and mentorship that was established by our founders, we have additionally committed ourselves to community outreach and economic development.

ESI seeks to empower women through programs that focus on academic, professional and personal development. Most importantly, we encourage women to assume leadership positions at the law school and in the greater legal community.

PURPOSE

Epsilon Sigma Iota, incorporated in 1921, was founded for social and educational purposes, and to induce other women to enter into the study of law. Today, our focus has expanded to include promoting the advancement of women in the legal profession, especially those of color and from disadvantaged backgrounds, for the ultimate purpose of achieving a better, more prosperous society.

CONTRIBUTIONS

Please feel free to help support the mission and purpose of Epsilon Sigma Iota Sorority Inc. by donating to our organization. If you are interested in contributing, please contact our Treasurer. Contributions contact information: cunegbu@gmail.com, or MDLovell@law.howard.edu

PROGRAMS

Mock Contracts Exam

Each year the Sorority hosts a Mock Contracts Exam which provides 1L students the opportunity, to participate in a mock Contracts exam to prepare for their 5 credit Contracts course’s midterm and final. After completion of the mock exam, members of the sorority from each section, who were successful in their respective Contracts courses review the exams and provide feedback to participating students. Professors who participate in this program are provided with copies of student exams and encouraged to review the mock exams with students during office hours.

Additional study tips (Academic Achievement Resources) are provided to participating students throughout the remainder of the academic year.

AFTERNOON TEA
The afternoon tea is a mix and mingle event usually held in the fall semester. The purpose of this event is to bring the women of the law school community together in fellowship.

Both students and teachers are invited. After a brief welcome, the professors provide the students with advice and encouragement.

Networking 101
Networking 101 generally takes place during ESI Week, where a panel of sorority alumnae discuss important “do’s and don’ts” of networking in various settings.

Attendees are given the opportunity to ask legal professionals specific questions about successful networking skills. The Program is followed by a networking reception.

PHOTO GALLERY

Please-Visit our Spring 2008 Photo Gallery

Please-Visit our Fall 2005 Photo Gallery

MEMBERSHIP

ESTABLISH A CHAPTER

If you are interested in establishing a law school chapter or Alumni chapter of Epsilon Sigma Iota Sorority, Incorporated, please contact the National Advisory Board at the following:

Epsilon Sigma Iota Sorority, Incorporated
Attention: National Advisory Board
2900 Van Ness Street, NW
410 Notre Dame Hall
Washington, DC 20008
Tel: (202) 806-8258
E-mail: Npgrant@law.Howard.edu.

CONTACT US

Epsilon Sigma Iota Sorority, Incorporated
Howard University School of Law
2900 Van Ness Street, NW
Room 410, Notre Dame Hall
Washington, DC 20008
Tel: (202) 806-8258
E-mail: esi@law.howard.edu

updated: October 10, 2012