Before the existence of Zeta Sigma Phi, our sorority's founders, Jessica del Mundo and Karen Zarsadiaz, had each rushed other Greek organizations at USC. One took the traditional path of the Panhellenic Council by rushing USC's Sorority Row, while the other explored her cultural interests by rushing a sorority from the Asian Greek Council. However, despite taking completely different paths, they both soon realized that these sororities didn't match their current goals, interests or values. Both felt limited by the experience, and knew there was so much more that college (and life in general) could offer. Fortunately for us today, and for our many Sisters who've come before us, the Founders of Zeta Sigma Phi had the courage and strength to join together to develop a completely new kind of sorority: one that encompassed all of the ideals that they held true. Today, we promote and live these values: Knowledge, Color, Beauty & Power in Zeta Sigma Phi Sorority.
Our Founders believed that an ideal sorority should encourage women to be well rounded, live their lives to the fullest, and to proudly celebrate their accomplishments. They believed in transforming the image of the stereotypical "sorority girl" into something beyond the surface and instead, into a dynamic image one could be proud of. They also wanted to empower women at USC to reach personal academic goals while enriching their social and philanthropic lives. These dreams, and much more, were fulfilled by the Founders and the Founding Class, a total of eight talented, intelligent, beautiful and inspirational women, when they established Zeta Sigma Phi at USC on September 16, 1994.