Zeta Phi Beta’s Kayla Clark Asked 8 of the Sorority’s Top Leaders for Their Best Advice as She Closed Out Her Term as International Second Vice President

When Kayla Clark stepped into national leadership with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., she had four years ahead of her that would test her, stretch her, and shape her. As she closes out her term as International Second Vice President and NPHC Collegiate Council Chair, she is leaving the way she led: thinking about the sorors coming up behind her.

Clark’s journey began as International Undergraduate Member at Large before she rose to International Second Vice President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. “Being in this position has taught me so much and I have had so many ups and downs, and each experience has shaped me into the person I am today,” she said.

As Clark prepared to transition out of her role, Watch The Yard teamed up with her on an idea for one of her final acts in the position: before she stepped away, she would reach out to sorors serving in some of the highest leadership positions in Zeta Phi Beta and ask each of them a single question. Clark went soror to soror to ask what advice they would give young members stepping into leadership.

“My advice to any younger sorors looking to seek leadership is not to be afraid to take that risk and accept failure,” Clark said. “Your failures in life only make you grow and make you a stronger leader.”

Below is the wisdom eight of Zeta Phi Beta’s leaders shared for the sorors coming next.

Jamye Bridges Pass, 19th North Carolina State Director: “LEARN AT EVERY LEVEL. No one knows it all and there is knowledge to be gained no matter where you serve. LISTEN TO OTHERS. Their input can be valuable. Collaboration and communication is key to success. LIFT WHILE YOU CLIMB. Don’t forget to mentor and pull others up as you climb. People are watching and want to learn. Pour into them as you have been poured into! LEARN-LISTEN-LIFT.”

Janette Bishop, Director of Finer Woman Don’t Haze: “Embrace every opportunity to learn, serve, and grow. Take the time to understand our history, honor our principles, and build genuine relationships across all generations of our Sisterhood. Lead with humility, integrity, and a servant’s heart, remembering that your character will always speak louder than your title.”

Dr. Denisha Hendricks, Immediate Past International Chair, Board of Directors: “Stay involved, go to conferences, do not be afraid to ask questions, and trust yourself.”

Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq., Immediate Past International First Vice-President: “Serve simply because others need you. Not for the limelight. If it’s not about Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood, then it’s not about Zeta.”

Ivy K. Arnold, Past International Third Vice-President: “Remember this for your journey – keep your compass (God) close, your mind open and growing, your heart fervent yet light, your soul ever so bright, grace overflowing and your hands helping others. With this, you’ll truly be able to appreciate the progress and enjoy both the journey and destinations.”

Dr. Anjylla Foster, Executive Director & Chief Operating and Administrative Officer: “Be present and listen. If you have a question, read, ask a few people, and then read again.”

Dr. Jylla Moore-Tearte, 20th International Past-President: “Always use your voice to speak your truth! At a table… on a mic… to a listening ear… your voice matters.”

Dr. Stacie NC Grant, 26th International President & CEO: “Zeta is changing rapidly and we need guidance from all generations to be truly extraordinary. Find a Zeta mentor who believes in you and believes in Zeta. Also try to find a Zeta sponsor and advisor, and be the same for another soror. A mentor helps transform membership into a meaningful lifelong journey. It’s ideal to go from needing one to being one.”

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Kayla Clark for her four years of service to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and for working to lift the next generation of leaders. As she reminded her sorors, quoting a line she carries with her: “Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the lives you inspire and the leaders you help develop.”

Share this article with your network to congratulate Kayla Clark on a remarkable four years.