Zonta International was founded in Buffalo, New York in 1919. Today Zonta clubs exist in 68 countries and geographical areas but the International headquarters are located In Oakbrook, Illinois, a stone's throw from Oak Park.
The Zonta Club of Oak Park was organized in February 1934 and received its charter on May 26 of that same year. The charter was presented by Cora E. McKenzie of Cambridge, MA, who was serving as the President of Zonta International. In 2009 we proudly celebrated our 75th anniversary.
In 2004 we created the Zonta Oak Park Foundation, Inc., our 501 c 3 "giving" entity. Over the years our club has made donations well over $250,000 to local organizations and to international projects that better the lives of women.
We're a member of District 6, formed by the states of Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana. The Zonta Club of Oak Park is one of 7 clubs in Area 1 and our club number designation is 0127.
Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.
Why the yellow rose?
The yellow rose has become the symbol flower for Zonta. If you explore other Zonta club websites you'll certainly find others.
At the 2008 International Convention in Rotterdam, a hybrid rose called the "Zonta+ Rose" was officially introduced and is now available to the floral trade.
A yellow rose is traditionally given to a new member at her induction ceremony.
