Joy Shaw Creates Game that Energizes Chapters

MD Beta sisters hosted a party celebrating the birthday of Ambika Putri Perdani. Putri, who is studying for a master’s degree in Learning Design and Technology at Georgetown University, is one of the seven new International Teacher Education (ITE) scholars. She is from Indonesia.

The celebration, attended by 22 well-wishers representing six chapters, was organized by Beta sisters Kay Caviness, Terry Melo, Ellen Roderick and Mary Yeates. Terry Melo, MD Beta, and Lytle Brent, VA Beta Gamma are Putri's sponsors.

Arizona Psi Member Honored

Manuela Gilbride, member of AZ Psi, was one of the educators recognized by Lathism (Latinx and Hispanics in the Mathematical Sciences) during Hispanic Heritage Month in September as an outstanding Latinex/Hispanic professional.

Manuela started her educational journey in a small town in Mexico where education was not valued, especially for women. At home, she could only attend school after finishing chores; many days, she did not go. This situation was her life until second grade when she came to the US. Here, no one looked like her, spoke her language, or understood her lack of education, making the language and cultural differences overwhelming for her. Fortunately, she found a way to succeed for the first time through hands-on math activities with numbers that did not need translating. Manuela obtained her teaching credentials in Math and English Language Development (ELD). As a student teacher, she was blessed to be mentored by Gloria Suarez, who also brought her into AZ Psi. Manuela has taught for over 14 years and is working towards her master’s degree.

Professionally, Manuela has successfully received grants for Edison Robots coding materials, school gardening resources and school recycling programs. Tucson, AZ, Mayor Regina Romer has recognized Manuela for her work in these fields. Manuela is a Violet sister and has served her chapter as historian and treasurer.

Manuela stated, “I strongly believe that Hispanic Heritage Month is important to celebrate the culture of Hispanics in our nation. As a Latina born in Mexico, I am proud of my roots to know that I, now an American-Mexican citizen and an educator, can be a role model for other Latino Americans. Her Psi sisters are very proud of Manuela and her accomplishments as she shares and spreads the spirit of Alpha Delta Kappa with others.

Joy Shaw Creates Game that Energizes Chapters

Phyllis Robinette, Colorado President-Elect, and AΔK Membership & Marketing Specialist

Colorado needed a shake-up! Yes, we had made gains in membership and chartered a new chapter in October 2021, but we needed some unity. Like many states during the pandemic, Zoom provided the opportunity to network virtually, but we missed each other. Jump to April 2022 and the installation of our new president, Joy Shaw. Joy inspired us with the inspiration of her theme and logo. She charged us with finding and highlighting the “fun, love, and JOY” of membership, and with that, we would grow in membership. She inspired us to join the MOJO game to trek up the mountain to find our joy. This statewide game that she developed gives steps to chapters for our traditional A∆K activities but also motivates us to seek JOY in new creative ways. And boy, did Colorado respond. Chapters over the summer have taken hikes together, held altruistic garage sales, networked with other organizations, and even initiated new members. Joy shares each chapter’s progress in her monthly “Colorado Chatter” newsletter, which of course, leads to the competitive sides of our sisters. Each month, chapters are getting more and more creative with achieving (begging for) steps up the mountain. Chapters have enlarged the gameboard to share at each meeting. So, how can your state benefit and be inspired by this creative game? President Joy has shared the directions and gameboard on our state website. Please explore and join in Colorado’s fun. The game can be found at http://www.ColoradoADK.org/.