STATE DIRECTORS

CONNECTICUT & RHODE ISLAND

Dr. Jasmine Y. Hardy is the first elected State Director for Connecticut and Rhode Island in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.’s history. Serving as the 2nd State Director for CT/RI, she was elected on January 12, 2023. She was initiated into Pi Lambda Zeta chapter in New Haven, Connecticut in March 2015. As an active member since day one, Jasmine has served on every level of the sisterhood including her most recent service on the International Protocol and Amenities Committee; as the Atlantic Region Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Committee Co-Chair, State Representative to the Regional Elections Committee, State Protocol & Amenities Chair; and the 2019 Atlantic Regional Leadership Conference Co-Marshal.

A “Centennial” Zeta Organizational Leadership (ZOL) graduate, Jasmine is a career student, who enjoys learning and teaching. She is spiritually grounded in her faith and is optimistic in her efforts to curate experiences for herself and others within Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and her community.

MARYLAND

Lisa Simpson-Smith is the 13th Maryland State Director of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Lisa prides herself on engaging everyone around her by being authentic and sincere. In November 1998, she was initiated into Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated – Beta Delta Zeta Chapter and is certified via the Zeta Organizational Leadership Conference. A committed Life Member, she is an active member of Tau Delta Zeta Chapter in Laurel, MD.

Since her induction, she has served in many regional, state, and local positions, including Atlantic Region Demographics and Public Relations Coordinator, State of Maryland Anti-Grammateus, Tau Delta Zeta Chapter President, and Board Member of The Distinguished Pearls Foundation. She enjoys learning new hobbies, and spending time with her family, which in addition to her daughter Kendall includes her husband, Wendell Sr, and son Wendell Jr.

MASSACHUSETTS

Cherina D. Wright, Esq. was elected as the 4th Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Director in October 2022. She has the distinct honor of being the first elected state director for the Commonwealth in the Atlantic Region. Soror Wright is a native of Boston, Massachusetts and was initiated into the Rho Alpha chapter at Hampton University in 2010. She is currently an active member of Chi Eta Zeta chapter in Cambridge, MA. Soror Wright has served the sorority in a variety of capacities including her most recent service as the MA parliamentarian and a member of the Atlantic Region’s protocol and amenities committee.

In 2019, she was recognized as one of the 50 most influential attorneys of color in Boston by GetKonnected! Soror Wright is also the Founder and CEO of Diversitas Consultancy Firm, a diversity equity and inclusion consultancy providing strategic advice, coaching, and training to organizations and professionals across the country. Above all else, Soror Wright is a loving wife and the proud mother of two, including a Zeta Pearlette.

NEW JERSEY

Kimyatta M. Pitts, a dedicated leader and trailblazer, serves as the 16th New Jersey State Director of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Kimyatta's journey within Zeta Phi Beta Sorority began during her undergraduate years at Rutgers University - Camden Campus, where she played a pivotal role in the chartering of the Theta Omicron chapter on April 19, 1993. Upon earning her Bachelor's degrees in Social Work and African American Studies in May 1995, Kimyatta transitioned into the Gamma Nu Zeta Chapter in Camden, New Jersey, where she has been an active and influential member ever since. A Diamond Life Member, she has held numerous positions within the chapter. Kimyatta's leadership extends beyond the local chapter to the state, regional, and national levels of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. In her most recent role, she served as the Logistic Coordinator for the International First Vice President and as a committee appointee on the International Life Member Committee.

In her professional life, Kimyatta Pitts is a dedicated Probation Officer with the State of New Jersey, where she has served for 27 years. Kimyatta M. Pitts exemplifies leadership, service, and dedication, continually working to uplift and inspire those around her. Her legacy within Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and her professional career reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence and community service.

NEW YORK

Wilhelmine Herard James is the 16th and first elected New York State Director for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Initiated into Eta Kappa in 1987 at the State University of New York College at Old Westbury. She has 36 years of uninterrupted service to the Sorority and is a Diamond Life Member Soror Herard James serves Zeta through Delta Beta Zeta Chapter in Queens, New York, where she previously served as the President and in many other leadership roles. As a leader in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Soror Herard James has served as a New York State Strategic Planner, Geographic Coordinator, Chair of Geographic Coordinators, NYS Reclamation Co-Chair, and NYS Undergraduate Coordinator.​ ​

She is married to Paul W. James, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. Soror Herard James is employed with the New York City Department of Education as a Senior Director of Leadership Coaching and Professional Learning.​ ​​

PENNSYLVANIA

Soror Olivia B. Miller is the 12th Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Director and was elected on March 25, 2023. She was initiated into Theta Lambda Chapter at West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 2006 and is currently an active member of the Epsilon Omega Zeta Chapter which services Chester County in Pennsylvania. Olivia has served the Sorority as a Chapter President (graduate and undergraduate), Chapter 3rd Vice President, State Representative to the Atlantic Region Elections Committee, and Project Coordinator to the 10th Pennsylvania State Director.

Olivia holds a Bachelor and Master degree in Social Work and is currently employed by the City of Philadelphia as a Social Work Supervisor. She loves reading and is a member of L.E.G.S. (Ladies Empowered by Great Stories) book club. She also enjoys going to the beach, watching NBA games, and participating in service that involves children and youth.