The mission of PINK Ivy Foundation is to empower residents of the Portland metropolitan community through socio-economic development, health education and positive youth engagement. We accomplish this by partnering with the Zeta Sigma Omega Chapter and other community organizations to host community events, donate supplies and award scholarships.

Our Scholarships

Roberta Vann and LaVerne Bagley Brown, along with several other young women from the Portland area helped to charter Oregon's first chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® Zeta Sigma Omega Chapter has provided various services throughout the Portland community for over 65 years.

In the past 13 years, Zeta Sigma Omega and P.I.N.K. Ivy Foundation has provided over $10,000 in scholarships to young Black women attending colleges and universities across the country. Indvidual scholarship amounts vary.

LaVerne Bagley Brown

LaVerne Bagley Brown Scholarship

Requirements

  • Graduating high school senior
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
  • Must be attending a 4-year HBCU in Fall of the award year

Proof of enrollment will be required upon receipt of award.

Roberta Vann

Roberta Vann Scholarship

Requirements

  • Graduating high school senior or current college student
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
  • Must be attending a 4-year college or university in Fall of the award year

Proof of enrollment will be required upon receipt of award.

Tips for Success

At the P.I.N.K. Ivy Foundation, we are invested in your future and want to see your application shine. We know that applying for scholarships can feel overwhelming, so we’ve gathered our top professional tips and favorite external resources to help you put your best foot forward. Review these tips to ensure your unique story is heard loud and clear.

We require a number of artifacts to help us get to know you hollistically.

Personal Statement

The Requirement: A typed, double-spaced essay (250-word minimum) covering your leadership skills, career goals, and community involvement.

Success Tip: Think of this as your "voice." Instead of just listing achievements, explain the impact they had on you. If addressing financial need, be clear about how this scholarship bridges the gap to your future goals. Use tools like Grammarly to ensure clarity and structure.

Letters of Recommendation

The Requirement: Two letters focused on your community impact, character, and leadership skills.

Success Tip: Choose recommenders who have seen you "in action"—coaches, mentors, or teachers. Provide them with a "Brag Sheet" (a summary of your accomplishments) at least three weeks in advance so they can write a detailed, high-impact letter for you.

Their letters must be emailed from your recommenders directly to the foundation at zsoandpinkivyscholarships@gmail.com. They must be received by the application due date for you application to be considered complete.

Professional Headshot

The Requirement: A clear, high-quality photo of yourself.

Success Tip: First impressions matter! A professional-style photo demonstrates your readiness for the next stage of your journey.

The "DIY" Photoshoot
Grab a friend and a smartphone to capture a great shot in minutes: Stand facing a window or go outdoors in the shade. Natural, indirect light is the most flattering. Find a plain wall or a quiet outdoor spot. Keep it simple so you are the focus.
Use Portrait Mode on your phone to blur the background and give it a professional "depth." Wear solid colors and business-casual clothing (think: what you'd wear to an interview).

No professional photo? No problem. If you don't have a formal headshot, you can use AI applications like Gemini. Simply upload a clear photo of yourself and prompt the service to generate a professional headshot with a neutral background and business attire.

Recommended AI Headshot Prompt

Students can copy and paste this prompt after uploading their original photo:

"Please use the attached photo of me to generate a professional headshot. Keep my facial features and hair exactly as they appear, but place a neutral background (like a soft-focus stone wall or neutral studio background). Change my outfit to business professional attire (such as a blazer, suit jacket, or a button-down shirt). The lighting should be bright and even, similar to a studio portrait."

Donate Today

P.I.N.K. Ivy Foundation is dedicated to positive change through health education, youth engagement, and economic development. By partnering with the Zeta Sigma Omega Chapter and local organizations, we turn every dollar you donate into direct action—awarding scholarships and hosting vital community events.

Your donation makes this possible. Join us in building a legacy of nobility and knowledge today.