Valerie “Chef Val” Knight Inducted as Honorary Member of Zeta Phi Beta

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has announced the induction of internationally recognized chef and humanitarian Valerie “Chef Val” Knight 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.

Valerie “Chef Val” Knight is an internationally recognized chef, entrepreneur, executive consultant, and humanitarian whose work spans wellness, technology, education, and social impact. An advocate for preserving Black culinary history, she uses food as a tool for storytelling, healing, education, and mentorship while supporting trauma survivors, underserved communities, and future culinary leaders through her humanitarian work and digital equity initiatives.

As an Honorary Member, Chef Val will support the sorority through ZOL and Z-HOPE™, developing leaders, expanding educational opportunities, and preserving cultural heritage through community outreach.

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.”

Chef Val 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, Dr. Milan Love McPherson, Niecy Nash-Betts, Elise Neal, Patti Phillips, Councilwoman Nichole L. Rogers, U.S. Representative Lateefah Simon, Kellee Stewart, and Jenisha Watts.