Former first lady of New York State, Michelle Paterson and other local Community Leaders to be honored by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

The first annual scholarship brunch presented by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc - Sigma Nu Zeta Chapter and The Five Pearls Foundation will take place next month in Harlem, NY. Both organizations will be presenting scholarships to stellar college bound female students. In addition, former first lady of New York State, Michelle Paterson will be honored for her advocacy work in promoting a healthy holistic lifestyle. Other awardees include Landon Dais, President of the Uptown Democrats Club will receive the Community Leader H.O.P.E. Award. Dr. Lissa Francois will be recognized for her dedicated work to the Storks Nest program as well as Luz Pemberton and Ralph I. Davis.

Chantal Bonitto from the Sigma Nu Zeta chapter explained “we are recognizing Mrs. Michelle Paterson for her steadfast professional and personal work as an advocate for healthy lifestyles for youth and their families. We believe that health, and therefore healthy lifestyles, is one of the key cornerstones of poverty eradication in communities of color.”
Michelle Paterson has worked in the health care industry for a number of years. Currently, Mrs. Paterson is the Director of Integrative Wellness at Emblem Health where she helps promote healthy living, with a specialty in childhood obesity and stress-related ailments. When told she would be accorded for her advocacy efforts, Michelle Paterson explained: "It is an honor to be recognized by an organization whose mission I so deeply appreciate. I am privileged to accept the Finer Woman of the Year for Public Service Award."

Established at Howard University in 1920, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority promotes “education by encouraging the highest standards of scholarship through scientific, literary, cultural and educational programs; promoting charitable projects on college campuses and within the community.”

The Five Pearls Foundation is a community organization that helps educate and support the underserved public both locally and globally through different programs like the Stork’s Nest program for at-risk expecting mothers in Harlem and Books Across Africa, an educational resource in West Africa. Since 2002, the Foundation and the Sigma Nu Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority have contributed over $250,000 in scholarships and resources to service organizations like the American Diabetes Association, March of Dimes, and Women in Need.