What does Zonta International do?
Zonta International seeks to:

• provide service at the global and local level;
• improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women;
• work for the advancement of understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of executives in business and the professions;
• promote justice and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms;
• be united internationally to foster high ethical standards, implement service programs, and provide mutual support and fellowship for members who serve their communities, their nations, and the universe.

How does Zonta International work to advance the status of women?
Zonta International works to advance the status of women by:

• leading advocacy efforts and acting to improve the lives of women
• promoting strategies to eradicate violence against women and children
• funding scholarships and awards for women of exceptional ability and talent through the Zonta International Foundation
• supporting programs aimed at improving women’s health, safety, and economic and political status through funding by the Zonta International Foundation
• encouraging mentorship, friendship and networking among the membership

Where is Zonta International located?
Zonta International is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Zonta Clubs are in 67 countries worldwide.

How is Zonta International structured?
An individual, a Zontian, is a member of a Zonta Club. Zonta Clubs are members of Zonta International. To ease administration, Zonta International is divided into Districts. Clubs are assigned to Districts, based on their geographical location.

Zonta International is governed on a biennial (two-year) basis. Democratically elected boards of directors lead the organization at the Club, District and International levels.

What is the origin of the word Zonta?
“Zonta” is from the Lakota Sioux Indian language. It was adopted in 1919 to symbolize the combined qualities of honesty and trust, inspiration and the ability to work together for service and world understanding.

What is the history of Zonta International’s Headquarters building?
The Zonta International Headquarters building was erected in 1855 by Henry Horner and served as his home and place of business, “Henry Horner & Co., Wholesale Grocers and Flour Dealers.” Located at 557 West Randolph in Chicago’s downtown West Loop neighborhood, the building is one of only two structures in the area to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Since then, it has served only one other business, the Pentecost Brothers fish purveyors.

In 1932, Zonta International moved its headquarters to Chicago. In 1986, the Zonta International Convention Body voted to purchase the building. During the 1987 renovation, construction workers discovered traces of a fresco on the third floor, suggesting that the area now serving as the International Board Room may have been a ballroom at one time. Zonta International dedicated the building on 12 October 1987 and discharged the mortgage in 1996.