Shaping a Better World for Women Since 1926
For nearly a century, the Zonta Club of Milwaukee has been a driving force in advancing the status of women locally and globally. As part of Zonta International, we work through service, advocacy, education, and fundraising to improve the lives of women and girls.
Our Local Strength
Our greatest strength lies in the diversity of our members. We bring together women across professions, ages, races, and cultures, creating a rich community of service and advocacy. Dinner meetings are typically held on the fourth Wednesday of the month from August through June. Guests interested in learning more about our work are always welcome to attend.
Club History: 100 Years of Impact
Founded in 1926, the Zonta Club of Milwaukee reflects the vision and commitment of local women in diverse businesses and professions. For almost a century, our members have worked to ensure that women, whether in their communities or across the globe, have the support needed to thrive—through education, mentoring, financial assistance, and safe environments free from violence.
The Club has provided leadership or collaborated over the years with like-minded organizations to improve the quality of life for women here in the greater Milwaukee community as well as in countries around the world.
Over the decades, the club has collaborated with like-minded organizations to improve quality of life in the Milwaukee area while also engaging in international efforts. Members have been civic leaders, pioneers in their professions, and active participants in the broader Zonta world—attending international conventions, serving on global and district committees, and helping organize district conferences, seminars, and area workshops.
As we prepare for our Centennial Celebration in 2026, we honor the generations of women who built this legacy and look ahead to strengthening our fundraising efforts to support women for the next 100 years.
Zonta International: A Global Movement
The Zonta story began in Buffalo, New York, in 1919, when five women leaders in business envisioned a new kind of service club—one led by women and committed to advancing women. By that same year, clubs were founded in Buffalo, Rochester, Binghamton, Elmira, and Syracuse, forming the Confederation of Zonta Clubs on November 8, 1919.
At first, the mission centered on education for girls and young women. By the 1930 convention in Seattle, Zonta adopted its name—derived from the Teton Sioux word meaning "honest" and "trustworthy"—and expanded beyond the United States to Canada. A year later, Zonta clubs reached Europe, cementing its international presence.
From these early beginnings, Zonta has grown into a truly global organization, with over 30,000 members in more than 1,200 clubs across 67 countries and geographic areas. Today, Zonta International holds consultative status with the United Nations, including UNICEF, UNIFEM, UNESCO, ILO, and ECOSOC.
Our Legacy of Empowerment
From its founding in Milwaukee to its role on the international stage, the Zonta Club of Milwaukee has never stopped working toward a better world for women and girls. Our 100-year anniversary in 2026 is more than a milestone—it is a call to action. We invite you to celebrate with us, support our fundraising efforts, and continue building a legacy of empowerment that will last for generations.