Finer Womanhood is an official sorority observance which begins during the last week of February and continues through the month of March. The concept of choosing a Woman of the Year was introduced to the Kappa Zeta between the years of 1946 and 1948 Soror Marion Dillard, and then later, presented the idea to the Southern Region of the sorority. Today, Woman of the Year observances are included in most Finer Womanhood celebrations throughout all chapters of Zeta Phi Beta.
Kappa Zeta chapter is continuing its rich legacy and annually recognizes a woman who exemplifies the ideal of Finer Womanhood through her service in the community. Over the last 50 years, numerous women in the Dallas area have been honored as Kappa Zeta‛s Woman of the Year.
Kappa Zeta chapter is continuing its rich legacy and annually recognizes a woman who exemplifies the ideal of Finer Womanhood through her service in the community. Over the last 50 years, numerous women in the Dallas area have been honored as Kappa Zeta‛s Woman of the Year.
2024 Woman of the Year
Tanya L. Downing
Since 2002, Hope Clinic is the only 501 c(3) non-profit in Garland providing free medical services that include primary and urgent care, long term health management and education, behavioral health care, and case management. Hope Clinic stands out due to the wrap-around services that address patients' social determinants of health such as medication cost, transportation needs, food insecurity, assistance with referrals to specialty care, and more.
Tanya, a recent graduate from Leadership Garland - Class 42, has been serving as the Executive Director since 2022 and is a rising leader in the Garland community. Tanya has over 25 years of successful healthcare fundraising, non-profit management, and program development. She also has experience in relationship development and with addressing diversity and inclusion initiatives. Tanya worked as Development Director for the Emergency Medicine Foundation (EMF) and the philanthropic arm of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). Prior to joining EMF/ACEP, Tanya held leadership roles at the American Cancer Society and Texas Health Resources.
Since 1995, Tanya has been a member of The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). She served in the following positions: 2006-2017 AFP Greater Dallas Board of Directors, 2010 & 2017 National Philanthropy Day Chair, 2007-2009 Diversity Chair, 2007 Host & Planning Committee for AFP International Conference, 2008 Greater Dallas Chapter “Davis Scholarship” Recipient, 2008 AFP International Fundraising “Delegation to the Republic of China”, and 2007 AFP International Conference Steering Committee.
Tanya is the founder of “The Color of Money” (COM), which launched in the Fall of 2018. The COM is an essential network for fundraisers of color for all areas of fundraising and development.
Tanya was also a member of the Association of Health Professionals (AHP) from 2007-2012 where she held multiple positions, including 2009 Annual Fund Chair, 2008-2010 Board of Trustees, 2007 Educational Conference Co-chair, and Co-author of articles for AHP e-newsletter.
In February 2016, Tanya served as a co-chair for the Medical Society of Fundraisers (MSFRN) Winter Conference, where she helped fundraise from medical associations.
Tanya enjoys serving at her church, where she is a “Barista” on Sunday mornings and enjoys serving coffee to church members. She also loves being a part of the medical ministry team to help coordinate mission trips. According to her niece and nephew, she’s the “Best Auntie in the World” and has a passion for the arts and traveling the world.
Tanya, a recent graduate from Leadership Garland - Class 42, has been serving as the Executive Director since 2022 and is a rising leader in the Garland community. Tanya has over 25 years of successful healthcare fundraising, non-profit management, and program development. She also has experience in relationship development and with addressing diversity and inclusion initiatives. Tanya worked as Development Director for the Emergency Medicine Foundation (EMF) and the philanthropic arm of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). Prior to joining EMF/ACEP, Tanya held leadership roles at the American Cancer Society and Texas Health Resources.
Since 1995, Tanya has been a member of The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). She served in the following positions: 2006-2017 AFP Greater Dallas Board of Directors, 2010 & 2017 National Philanthropy Day Chair, 2007-2009 Diversity Chair, 2007 Host & Planning Committee for AFP International Conference, 2008 Greater Dallas Chapter “Davis Scholarship” Recipient, 2008 AFP International Fundraising “Delegation to the Republic of China”, and 2007 AFP International Conference Steering Committee.
Tanya is the founder of “The Color of Money” (COM), which launched in the Fall of 2018. The COM is an essential network for fundraisers of color for all areas of fundraising and development.
Tanya was also a member of the Association of Health Professionals (AHP) from 2007-2012 where she held multiple positions, including 2009 Annual Fund Chair, 2008-2010 Board of Trustees, 2007 Educational Conference Co-chair, and Co-author of articles for AHP e-newsletter.
In February 2016, Tanya served as a co-chair for the Medical Society of Fundraisers (MSFRN) Winter Conference, where she helped fundraise from medical associations.
Tanya enjoys serving at her church, where she is a “Barista” on Sunday mornings and enjoys serving coffee to church members. She also loves being a part of the medical ministry team to help coordinate mission trips. According to her niece and nephew, she’s the “Best Auntie in the World” and has a passion for the arts and traveling the world.
Finer Womanhood……A Legacy of Extraordinary Women
“Anybody can be a lady, gender will grant you that, but it takes a lady extraordinaire to be a woman, and an extraordinary woman to exemplify Finer Womanhood.” - Debra Vincent Sloan
“Anybody can be a lady, gender will grant you that, but it takes a lady extraordinaire to be a woman, and an extraordinary woman to exemplify Finer Womanhood.” - Debra Vincent Sloan