NATCHITOCHES, LA: A legacy built on service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to sisterhood continues to shine brightly through Yalaunda Toliver-Taylor, a Life Member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, who was recognized at the 96th Southern Regional Conference in Dallas, Texas (June 2025) for 35 years of dedicated service to the organization. A native of Natchitoches, Louisiana, and Past President of the Mu Omega Zeta Chapter, Toliver-Taylor’s decades-long devotion to Zeta has inspired countless sorority sisters, Zeta Amicae, and community members across multiple regions.
Honoring a Regional Powerhouse
Yalaunda Toliver-Taylor was not only recognized for her service tenure but was also celebrated as Mu Omega Zeta Chapter’s 2024 Zeta of the Year. Her leadership continues to evolve; she was re-elected as the Southern Regional Life Member Coordinator and Regional Representative to the International Life Member Committee, roles that position her to represent and advocate for Zeta Life Members in Louisiana and Texas.
She is a graduate of the inaugural Southern Regional Leadership Development Academy (SRLDA) Cohort 1, where she notably represented North Louisiana as the only participant from Area V, reinforcing her reputation as a trusted and dynamic leader.
ZOL-Certified and A National Presenter
Toliver-Taylor earned her Zeta Organizational Leadership (ZOL) Certification in 2011, adding another credential to her distinguished leadership résumé. In the fall of 2022, she was invited to serve as a presenter for several high-profile Zeta training initiatives, including ZOL Cohort 11 Training Sessions, the President’s Institute, the Zeta Amicae Institute and Zeta Amicae Retreat. She took the national stage at the ZOL 2023 Conference in Westminster, Colorado, solidifying her presence as an educator and mentor in the organization’s premier leadership training program.
A Family Legacy of Service
Yalaunda Toliver -Taylor is also a proud Zeta Legacy. Her daughter, Arionna Taylor, is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated; her granddaughter, Annoira Taylor Johnson, is a member of the Zeta Youth Affiliate, the Zeta Pearlettes, and her sister, LaTanya Toliver, currently serves as Vice President of the Zeta Amicae of Natchitoches, LA, a vital auxiliary to the sorority.
At the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated Conclave held in Tampa, FL (July 2025), Toliver-Taylor was pinned as part of the Taylor/Cleaver Legacy Club with her cousin, Rev. Vincent A. Parker, of the Delta Chi Sigma Chapter (Alexandria, LA), underscoring a family legacy committed to the Blue and White Family.
A Lasting Local and Regional Footprint
As President of Mu Omega Zeta Chapter from 2017–2021, Toliver-Taylor implemented a vision focused on membership growth, community engagement, and enhancing visibility through Z-HOPE initiatives and digital platforms. Her tenure saw the chapter recognized regionally for its membership growth via new member intake and reclamation. She established the chapter’s first Executive Board Retreat, Chapter Retreat, and Charter Day Program.
To honor her service and end her presidency, she created the Yalaunda Toliver Taylor Legacy Academic Award in 2021 — a book scholarship awarded annually to the children and grandchildren of financial members, continuing her commitment to education and generational impact.
She was also instrumental in founding the North Central Louisiana Consortium, a regional collaboration of Zeta chapters and Amicae auxiliaries. This initiative launched the Joint Founders’ Day Program and birthed the first Zeta of the Year and Amicae of the Year Awards in Natchitoches Parish.
National and Regional Recognition
Toliver-Taylor’s leadership impact spans beyond Louisiana. As Charter President of Chi Lambda Zeta Chapter in Bartlett, TN (2009–2014), she received multiple honors, including:
· South Central Regional President of the Year (2012)
· Arizona Cleaver Stemons Leadership Award (2009) – as the 6th recipient of this prestigious award at the Tennessee State Leadership Conference
· Oversaw the creation of Zeta Amicae of Bartlett, TN, and Zeta Youth Affiliates of Bartlett in 2010
· Guided the chapter to numerous membership growth awards and led community partnerships with the March of Dimes and other organizations
Her leadership was recognized on Memphis television for promoting the Annual Finer Womanhood Luncheon, a scholarship fundraiser, and for helping establish and oversee a Zeta Stork’s Nest program, aimed at combating infant mortality.
National Contributions and Historical Preservation
Toliver-Taylor was a proud Centennial Donor at the Charter and Lead Level for Zeta’s Centennial Celebration. She has contributed to every major capital campaign, including efforts to renovate the National Headquarters and support memorial markers for Zeta’s Five
Founders in their home states. Most recently, she contributed to the Alberta Odell Jones Memorial Marker in Louisville, KY.
In 2013, she was selected by Past International President Sheryl P. Underwood to represent her at Phi Beta Sigma’s Pre-Centennial Celebration in Memphis, TN — where she brought greetings and was featured in the fraternity’s Crescent Magazine, seated alongside their national officers.
Toliver-Taylor has also been inducted into the International Myrtle and Viola Tyler Legacy Club (2016), the South Central Regional Legacy Club (2011) as a charter member, and the Southern Regional Legacy Clubs in 2016.
A Lifelong Leader and Servant
Over the years, Toliver-Taylor has served Mu Omega Zeta Chapter in numerous leadership roles, including:
· President
· Financial Secretary
· Z-HOPE Coordinator
· Nominating Committee Chair
· Founders’ Day Chair
· Charter Day Chair
· Undergraduate Advisor
· Zeta Amicae Sponsor
· Zeta Youth Affiliate Advisor
· First Chair of the Executive Board
Most recently, she was elected Parliamentarian for the 2025–2027 Executive Board of Mu Omega Zeta Chapter and presented on the topic of Leadership at the chapter’s retreat, further demonstrating the trust her chapter continues to place in her parliamentary knowledge and leadership.
Beyond Zeta, Toliver-Taylor extends her leadership to neighboring communities. She serves as Worthy Matron of Mt. Ollie Chapter #58, Order of the Eastern Star in Leesville, LA, and is Co-Chair of Public Relations for the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Beta Alpha Chapter in Shreveport, LA.
Her career, defined by innovation, inclusion, and impact, continues to serve as a blueprint for leadership across sorority lines and generations.
A Living Legacy
Whether she is mentoring future leaders, creating new pathways for community impact, or preserving the rich history of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Yalaunda Toliver-Taylor is
a living example of excellence in action. She doesn’t just hold titles or wear letters; she paves the way for others to rise.
With each accolade and every initiative, Toliver-Taylor’s story remains one of inspiration and tireless devotion. She continues to leave an indelible mark on every space she touches—uplifting others and building leaders. From Natchitoches to the national stage, she continues to represent what it truly means to be a Zeta—a servant leader, a mentor, and a legacy builder. As a Zeta sister, a mother, a mentor, and a leader — her legacy is not only celebrated, but it is still being written in Legendary Louisiana and the “Mighty” Southern Region.
The Real News Louisiana 
Leave a comment