Elise Neal Inducted as Honorary Member of Zeta Phi Beta

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has announced the induction of actress and producer Elise Neal as an Honorary Member. The induction took place on July 11, 2026, as part of a ceremony welcoming a distinguished class of women into the sorority’s ranks.

The Alpha Omega Chapter Class of 2026 was inducted during a special ceremony at Zeta Phi Beta’s International Grand Boulé in Nashville, Tennessee. According to the sorority, Honorary Membership is the highest recognition the sorority bestows upon non-members, reserved for women whose contributions have made a significant impact in their professions, communities, and society at large.

Elise Neal is an actress, producer, entrepreneur, and advocate whose career has spanned more than three decades in film and television. Best known for her roles in The Hughleys, Rosewood, Scream 2, and Hustle & Flow, she turned personal tragedy into purpose by championing breast cancer awareness after losing her mother to metastatic breast cancer. As a former board member of The Rose, she has become a voice for early detection, genetic testing, and women’s health education.

As an Honorary Member, Neal will support the sorority through Z-HOPE™, advancing health education and promoting wellness initiatives that improve the quality of life for women and families.

Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq., International First Vice President for Membership, spoke to the significance of the class, stating, “The Alpha Omega Chapter recognizes extraordinary women who exemplify Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood, and we are honored to welcome this exceptional class into the Zeta sisterhood.”

Dr. Stacie N.C. Grant, International President & CEO of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, emphasized the significance of this distinguished class and the impact of their collective contributions. “Their achievements have inspired countless lives, and we are honored to welcome them into our sisterhood as we continue creating lasting impact together.”

Neal joins a distinguished group of women inducted into the Class of 2026, including Tennessee State Representative Karen D. Camper, Pamela Champion, Sheila E., Aliya Crawford, Dr. Grisanthia “San” Franklin, Cheryl “Coko” Gamble, Danielle Green, Taral Hicks-Dawson, Sheri Jones-Moffett, Valerie “Chef Val” Knight, Dr. Milan Love McPherson, Niecy Nash-Betts, Patti Phillips, Councilwoman Nichole L. Rogers, U.S. Representative Lateefah Simon, Kellee Stewart, and Jenisha Watts.