DFL Everlasting Magazine - Issue 1

Everlasting

ISSUE 1 • SPRING 2022

+ inside UNL First-Gen Scholarship Convention 2021 Award Winners Catch Up LUC New DEI Chair Position

I AM MY ANCESTORS’ DREAMS

Wildest

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features 10

a one of a kind opportunity The University of Nebraska-Lincoln chapter sought to support first-generation students’ academic aspirations by creating a FirstGeneration scholarship

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dedicated female leaders® Catching up with award winners from the 2021 National Convention to see how winning has impacted them

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i am my ancestors’ wildest dreams ⊳ on the cover Explore how Victoria Huynh became a leader in advocating for Asian communities

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changing the game: redefining inclusion Seeing a need for more individualized education, the Loyola University Chicago chapter took action and established the first DEI Chair position among chapters

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#iamasororitywoman Delta Gamma Fraternity leads the charge to combat negative stereotypes surrounding Sorority women through a cross-organization social movement

in every issue 05

editor’s note

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rose garden Inbox, Sorority news, community news, free prizes, and much more

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last petal Participate in some fun trivia, get the member poll results, and learn about upcoming events

CONTENTS

trailblazer issue

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Everlasting

ISSUE 1 • SPRING 2022

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editorial staff

Andrea Newman • Interim Editor Aanisah Chowdhury • Creative Director Pamela Pedersen • Interim Copy Editor Maggie Yang • Interim Copy Editor about magazine Founded as The Jade Times Newsletter in 2009, the official publication of Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. has evolved into Everlasting Magazine with the first issue launched in 2022. The magazine was created to inform, educate and inspire our members on subjects relevant to our Sorority, our chapters, and the fraternal community.

Through this content, we encourage members to engage in meaningful dialogue, celebrate the accomplishments of our Sisters, and equip our Dedicated Female Leaders® to make a positive impact in their communities.

disclaimer Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. claims no responsibility for the opinions of its writers and contributors contained within this magazine.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without prior permission is strictly forbidden. Every care has been taken when compiling Everlasting Magazine to ensure that all content is correct without errors or omissions, but mistakes do happen. Contact member.engagement@deltaphilambda.org if you see an error within this magazine.

Unleash Your Inner Creativity!

We’re always accepting writers, designers, photographers, videographers, and copy editors. However you’d like to get involved, we have room for you! upcoming editorial calendar

Summer 2022 - Sisterhood Issue Submit Materials By: 6-1-22 Fall 2022 - Health & Wellness Issue Submit Materials By: 9-1-22

submission guidelines

• Read the full contributor submission guidelines.

• Submit articles, photos, graphics, illustrations, and news through the submission form.

• By submitting your work, you are providing permission for Delta Phi Lambda to use materials in any capacity the Sorority deems appropriate.

• The Editorial Staff reserves the right to edit any submissions to the magazine.

• References condoning hazing activities, alcohol or drug abuse, unrecognized family lineage with other fraternal groups, or any other inappropriate activities will not be printed.

Hello Butterflies!

As I celebrate 12 years as a member of Delta Phi Lambda, I take a moment to reflect on the experiences that have brought me to this place in my Sorority journey.

Dinner with my Psi Class Line Sisters in 2010

My first professional speaking opportunity at the DPhiL National Convention in 2018

As with life, you take the positive (see a couple of mine to the left) with the negative and use it as fuel to ignite your passion. I wouldn’t be here in this position today without the push to not only better myself, but to challenge others around me to transform their conversations into action.

I stand firm in my resolve that if I can impact only one person, I have made a difference. I have planted the seed and empowered them to live in their strength, to know they too can be a change maker and further transform our organization, Greek community, and world.

I challenge each of you to lean into what brought you into our organization and think “How can I improve this for the future generation?” Be a trailblazer in your actions and watch how the ripple effect grows.

Having my Big Sister and Little Sisters stand beside me at my wedding in 2020

Meeting my family lineage from other chapters in 2021

In Everlasting Sisterhood, Andrea Newman, UGA 10’ VP of Marketing | Interim Editor

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When they ask you why you’re doing so much, tell them it’s because you want so much more.

Dust settles. Queens don’t.

EDITOR'S NOTE

Editor's Note

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Rose Garden

SISTERHOOD PICTURE OF THE QUARTER: University of Kentucky Associate Chapter showing some love <3

Win it!

Who doesn’t love FREE stuff! Complete the contest rules below to be entered to win FULL Reimbursement of your Convention Registration, members must: 1) Register for Convention on myDFL 2) Pay for Convention registration 3) Fill out a brief magazine survey

read about all DFL happenings on the myDFL Member Portal

26 Vacant positions in the National Headquarters. We are accepting applications until April 11, 2022.

All Alumnae Members in good standing are eligible to apply.

Apply here!

Interim Strategic Advisory Council (ISAC) Delta Phi Lambda established the ISAC in January 2022, including: • Jaleesa Reed, Ph.D., University of Georgia - Interim Chair • Mai Nguyen, University of Central Florida - Interim First Chair • May Ramos, University of Georgia - Interim Secretary The ISAC is a one-year appointed term (January - December 2022) setting up the foundation for the permanent Strategic Advisory Council (“SAC”) who will be the highest council and sovereign body of the organization.

Delta Phi Lambda’s Virtues were defined in February 2022 to support the organization’s vision and inspire our members to work toward the same goals.

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SORORITY NEWS

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National Convention is May 20-22, 2022 Join us for a 3-day in-person event in Orlando, FL where Sisters from around the U.S. unite together to share diverse cultural experiences and perspectives, gain leadership development, and empower one another to strengthen the bonds of Everlasting Sisterhood®️!

Our theme this year is encouraging Sisters to envision the future and prepare for “The Journey Ahead”.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee (DEIB Committee) Delta Phi Lambda continues our commitment to furthering DEIB initiatives through the establishment of the DEIB Committee in September 2021, including: • Yvonnette Lewis, University of Georgia - Chair • Alina Li, Emory University • Taylor Cox, University of Albany • Christine Ho, University of Georgia • Jackie Chu, University of Iowa The DEIB Committee will help advise, guide, and inform the organization’s efforts around fostering a greater sense of belonging amongst members, ensuring equitable membership experiences, and continuing the organization’s commitment to inclusivity.

Ringing in the New Year with New Brand Elements Delta Phi Lambda revealed the next evolution to our brand in January 2022. Recent updates included expanded color palette, new rose head accent, new pattern options, new chapter logos, updates to usage guidelines, and much more.

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NEWSWORTHTY

community news affecting our members

Physical Exercises for Osteoporosis The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) says that weight bearing and strength training exercises are the most effective for bone building.

Learn more about osteoporosis exercises

▲ Sesame Street Debuts First Asian American Puppet

Sesame Street welcomed its first ever Asian American muppet. Ji-Young is 7, Korean American and loves to rock out on her guitar. The hope is that she will be a positive force against a rise in anti-Asian hate.

Watch Ji-Young’s debut

▲ American Girl Unveiled its First Chinese American Dolls

American Girl unveiled its first Chinese American “Girl of the Year” doll, Corrine Tan, and a companion doll of her little sister Gwynn. Through her stories, Corinne must find her balance as she adjusts to her new blended family and the courage to speak up when faced with xenophobic comments. Companion books, “Corrine” and “Corrinne to the Rescue ‘’ were written by Wendy Wan-Long Shang and illustrated by Peijin Yang.

Learn more about why Corrine matters

▲ Learning to Love and Celebrate your Asian-Shaped Eyes

Companion Books “Eyes That Kiss in the Corners” and “Eyes that Speak to the Stars” is written by New York Times Bestseller Joanna Ho and illustrated by Dung Ho. The stories focus on learning to love and celebrate your Asian-shaped eyes.

Purchase books at amazon.com

ROSE GARDEN

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FLUTTER

some of our favorite butterfly sightings in 2021 1. Alyssa Lopez, UNCC; 2. UC Spring Recruitment; 3. UWF Face Mask Fundraiser; 4. UIowa Corgi Sticker Fundraiser; 5. UW Madison New Social Media Logo; 6. Clemson Fall Recruitment Tabling

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A ONE OF A KIND OPPORTUNITY F

or both families and individuals, being a first-generation college student is a major accomplishment. In many cases, parents did not attend college because they came from low-income families, had lack of knowledge of financial assistance resources, or their inability to physically attend. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Delta Phi Lambda chapter sought to support first-generation students’ academic aspirations by creating a First-Generation scholarship.

The scholarship stemmed from the establishment of the chapter’s local philanthropy in Fall 2021, First-Generation Students, which was coupled by their dedication and passion for the Sorority’s virtue, Academic Excellence.

“Many of our chapter’s Sisters and MGC community members are first-generation students themselves who resonate with this philanthropy’s mission,” says Ann Pham, Fall 2021 Philanthropy Co-Chair.

After the scholarship logistics were established by President Selena Nguyen, Fall 2021 Philanthropy Chairs Tiana Le and Ann Pham organized the initial details for the “First Gen Celebration Week” to raise funds for the scholarship. In Spring 2022, Philanthropy Chairs Kimberly Nguyen and Alena Le, and EVP Jermaine Kaw, marketed the event through their digital media accounts and direct email campaign to schools and educational programs around Lancaster county. Through fundraising efforts, they raised $500 to award a student the first scholarship.

“We were extremely grateful to have the support of our community to contribute in a way that offers financial aid to a deserving student,” says Jermaine Kaw, External Vice President. “We have received multiple submissions of our scholarship applicants from eligible students so far and look forward to continuing this on for years to come.”

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Want to create your own chapter scholarship?

You need to answer these questions first.

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What is the purpose? Do people care about this cause?

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What are the long-term goals of the scholarship?

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Who is eligible for your scholarship? Are the requirements inclusive?

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What fundraising events can you plan to raise funds for the scholarship?

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What is the marketing plan to target the scholarship best selection of applicants possible?

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DEDICATED FEMALE LEADERS Catching up with award winners from the 2021 National Convention to see how winning has impacted them

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elta Phi Lambda’s 21st annual National Convention is approaching on May 20-22, 2022. A new slate of members and chapters will be recognized for their outstanding achievements and leadership during the recognition banquet.

To honor this exciting time, we wanted to catch up with four award winners from last year’s Convention to chat about the impact winning the awards have had on them.

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2021 Collegiate Sister of the Year

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Summer “Emberlyn” Souvannaseng University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Spring 2020

About Award Won Collegiate Sister of the Year: Given to an active sister who has demonstrated exemplary dedication to our Sisterhood and has exhibited our seven virtues to the fullest.

How has winning affected you?

Winning has affected me in a positive light! This award motivated me to continue being myself and to work hard for the things I am passionate about. This does not only pertain to DPhiL, but also my life outside of the sorority. I feel like I want to continue doing big things as long as it positively impacts those around me. I want to continue making changes, so I can help as many people as I can.

How are you still making an impact in the Sorority, on campus, and in the community?

On campus, I am continuing to hold leadership positions within the chapter, and I am working with wonderful girls in order to help the UTK chapter grow and thrive on campus. I hope the work we do brings light to the UTK chapter. In the community, I have recently become an advocate for the Office of Diversity and Community Relations on campus. With this, I help bring resources to underrepresented students. I am using the values I have learned within DPhiL to help guide me to help those who need it!

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[She] exemplifies all seven Virtues through her dedication to the Sorority and actions to uplift and lead her chapter members.

Pactra “Σmpyrean” Chab Grand Valley State University, Spring 2017

About Award Won Alumnae Distinguished Award: Given to an alumna sister who has remained involved nationally (on National Board, Headquarters, adviser, etc.) after completing her undergraduate career with an associates or baccalaureate degree.

What were your first thoughts when your name was announced to take home the award?

I honestly wasn’t expecting for my name to be called. That year was overwhelming and tough for me as I had many tasks on my plate that tested my ability to balance life. I was filled with a bunch of emotions and had a rush of flashbacks of what I accomplished. It’s a surreal moment to be recognized for your hard work, and I think with everything going on nowadays, we need to show more love and appreciation to those who dedicate their time to help those around them, and the organization as a whole.

How has winning affected you?

Winning the award has made me reflect on the goals accomplished for that year, and what goals I wanted to manifest next. It additionally made me strive to help individuals achieve their own goals. One of my favorite sayings is: “My goal is to help womxn do what they THINK they can’t”. I want to be that pillar of belief to help those around me accomplish the goals they set their mind to, even when doubt arises. Mindset plays a huge role in success, and we need to challenge ourselves and feed positive thoughts into our mind to accomplish the “impossible”.

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After she graduated in the spring of 2018, she immediately joined our National Headquarters Staff...[and has] continued to be involved nationally as our Director of Expansion.

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2021 Alumnae Distinguished Award

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2021 Alumnae Outstanding Award

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Janet “Sybele” Zheng University of Connecticut, Spring 2016

About Award Won Alumnae Outstanding Award: Given to an alumna sister who has remained involved as a strong supportive system to her home or nearby DPhiL chapters after completing her undergraduate career with an associates or baccalaureate degree.

How has winning affected you?

Winning the award reinforced that all the hard work and effort I gave back was recognized and appreciated. Although I felt at times I could not fully give back to the Sorority, just a small acknowledgment such as the award was rewarding.

How are you still making an impact in the Sorority, on campus, and in the community?

Currently, I am still on HQ Staff as the Alumnae Chapter Manager, overseeing all the Alumnae Chapters. Also, as the Chapter Advisor of the UConn Rho Chapter, I provide guidance in Sorority operations and Sister relations. Alongside both positions within the Sorority, I am an organizer for the aapiNHV (aapi New Haven) organization. In the organization, I previously led the internal communications and engagement work stream and facilitated many of the monthly meetings.

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She has been integral to her chapters ability to remain resilient through the difficult transition to online programming and chapter operations.

University of Tennessee-Knoxville

About Awards Won Best Philanthropy Award: Given to the chapter that has come up with the most creative way to showcase our National Philanthropy of osteoporosis awareness and prevention.

Jade Award: Given to the chapter that has gone above and beyond to promote cultural awareness through educational programming.

What were your first thoughts when your name was announced to take home the award?

We were very surprised when we first heard our chapter being called for the award.

There are so many other chapters and we were shocked that we were chosen. We also felt very excited and proud of our accomplishments. It motivated us to want more awards!

It proved to us that hard work pays off like meeting deadlines with NB and submitting our CEP requirements!

How are you still making an impact in the Sorority, on campus, and in the community?

We are continuously striving to make an impact on our community. We do this by having open conversations with everyone. We strive to always seek growth and see what we can do to make others feel welcomed and heard. One thing about our chapter is that we love interacting with different organizations and getting to know them. We always seek to improve our relationship with everyone by talking with everyone. We also host many collaboration events with different organizations both non-Greek and Greek to learn more about each other. Another way we make an impact on our campus is through our Sisters.

We have so many Dedicated Female Leaders taking on leadership roles outside of the Sorority. They have impacted the community in numerous ways.

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Members of this chapter are highly motivated and passionate about raising awareness of Osteoporosis not only at a chapter level but strive to promote it in their daily lives.

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2021 Best Philanthropy Award and Jade Award

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COVER STORY

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by: andrea newman, interim editor

As a product of a Vietnamese Refugee family that fled Vietnam because of the war, Victoria Huynh, Alpha Chapter-University of Georgia, fueled her passion for community building, strategic planning, and policy work within the immigrant and refugee spaces.

Today, Victoria is the Chief Executive Office of External Affairs, Senior Vice President of the Center for Pan Asian Community Services (CPACS) and a newly appointed Commissioner of the Asian Americans, Hawaiian Native and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) Advisory Commission to President Biden.

Victoria’s career journey inspires future leaders in advocating for Asian communities.

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AM MY ANCESTOR’S Wildest DREAMS

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IDENTIFYING HER PASSION

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iving in a limited English proficient (LEP) Vietnamese Refugee household, Victoria inherited many heartbreaking stories of their culture shock, language barriers, trauma, and resilience.

“My parents and brother ended up in a Thai camp and were resettled in Illinois in the early 80s with no more than $20-40 dollars in their pockets, arriving in a home with a mattress, donated clothes, and dreams of building a life and supporting their families back in Vietnam,” said Victoria.

Like many newly arrived refugee families, her parents struggled to acclimate as they faced significant discrimination and felt they didn’t know where to turn to for assistance. To navigate through these challenges, at a young age Victoria became her parents’ and neighbors’ child interpreter, navigator, and an advocate at schools, government offices, doctor’s, hospital visits, etc.

She believes these moments helped guide her in the direction of serving Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI), immigrant, and refugee families and individuals.

TAKING THE REIGN ON HER CAREER In 2004, Victoria interned at the Center for Pan Asian Community Services (CPACS) which is the first, largest, and oldest organization in the Southeast to focus on issues and concerns of Asian Americans and immigrants, especially women, children and families with low incomes.

“I gravitated towards CPACS and many other organizations I serve because these were the type of organizations that helped families and preserved cultures that I identified with,” said Victoria.

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I thrive in environments where there is an emphasis on equity, culture, and belonging.

(L) 2020 Census Press Conference at GA C

While in college in 2005, she worked at the International Student Life Office (ISL) for 3 years and enjoyed working on projects serving and supporting the international and multicultural communities. During her time at the ISL office, she was able to attend the Georgia International Leadership Conference for College Students and the Women Leadership Conference.

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Capitol; (T) 2020 Black Lives Movement Rally; (M) 2014 CPACS TEA Walk Empowerment Event; (B) Hill Visit with Congressman Lewis in DC

In Spring 2005, Victoria joined Delta Phi Lambda’s Alpha Chapter at the University of Georgia and remained an active member even after graduation in 2009 with a dual Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Sociology.

“The Sorority was truly a home away from home.

My multi-year philanthropy role at the chapter and national level really was the foundation of my

advocacy career. Cultural preservation and belonging was definitely learned while I was an undergraduate and that helped provide a lot of confidence in which organizations and programs I wanted to be a part of as a professional in this space,” said Victoria. “I am grateful for the Sisterhood and the incredibly strong Sorors I still call on for advice and support until this day. In my nonprofit capacity, I still cross paths with many Undergraduate and Alumnae Sisters who often seek partnership or

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Feb 5, 2022

2022

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Sworn in to President Biden’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Hawaiian Native, and Pacific Islanders

Title Change at CPACS to Chief Executive Office of External Affairs, Senior Vice President

Promoted at CPACS to Senior Vice President CPACS Stop AAPI Hate Coalition Launch

VICTORIA’S CAREER JOURNEY 2004 Joined Center for Pan Asian Community Services, Inc. (CPACS) as an Intern

2005

2009

Joined Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.

Graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminal Justice

Worked at the International Student Life Office (ISL)

collaborations to support and uplift the AAPI / Immigrant communities.”

In 2009, she rejoined CPACS as the Program Coordinator, Domestic Violence Advocate. She recalls one particular case that solidified her journey in the non-profit space.

“I served as a legal and victims’ advocate for a Vietnamese domestic survivor and her young infant daughter. She suffered greatly at the hands of her husband. Our services at CPACS helped her find safety for her and her daughter, secure financial stability, and move into her first safe home. We helped celebrate her daughter’s first birthday,” said Victoria. “I was so honored to see her and her daughter thrive in their new journey and that experience still sits with me today.”

Promoted at CPACS to Program Coordinator, Domestic Violence Advocate

Since 2009, Victoria has advocated for equitable language access, encouraged civic engagement, protected immigrant rights, championed cultural competency, and developed vital social service programs and departments. She has worked her way through the organization to become the Chief Executive Office of External Affairs, Senior Vice President. “I thrive in environments where there is an emphasis on equity, culture and belonging,” she said.

Outside of CPACS, she has served as consultant, board member, and panelist in over 35+ volunteer positions influencing state and local funding, nominations, and programs that impact communities of color. Some notable organizations include the Georgia Immigrant Alliance for Civic Empowerment, the Asian Pacific American Council of Georgia, Vietnamese American Community of Georgia, Georgia Coalition of Refugee Stakeholders, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice.

She recently completed a three-year term with the U.S.

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2020

2019

2018

USPAAC_SE named her one of five outstanding AAPIs in the Southeast

US Northern District National Merit Selection Panel for Magistrate Court Judge, Federal Appointment by Former Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, NonAttorney Panel Member (2019-2021)

National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (CAPACD) Conference Speaker

Named a sHERO by the Center for Asian Pacific American Women and OCA at a 2020 National AAPI Womxn’s Conference

2015- 2017

2013 2012 Promoted at CPACS to Programs Director

Promoted at CPACS to Vice President 1st Capital Hill visit in DC

District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on the Magistrate Judge Merit Selection Panel.

In 2015, 2017, and 2021, the Georgia Asian Times recognized Huynh as an honoree of the 25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia. In 2020, the USPAAC_SE named her one of five outstanding AAPIs in the Southeast and was named a sHERO by the Center for Asian Pacific American Women and OCA at a 2020 National AAPI Womxn’s Conference.

On February 5, 2022, Victoria joined 24 other Asian community leaders to be sworn in to President Biden’s Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) Advisory Commission. The Advisory Commission advises the President on ways the public, private and non-profit sectors can work together to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities.

Regional Health Equity Council (RHEC) Region IV Appointment, Member National Aim for Equity Steering Committee, Advocacy Co-chair

NEW JOURNEY AHEAD Today, Victoria is tackling a new chapter in her journey – motherhood to a beautiful baby girl. “I have been incredibly grateful for the community village that has spoiled us with their love and care as I embrace motherhood as a working mom and community organizer, ‘’ said Victoria. “Being a working mom has its challenges, but it has been truly incredible to get the support from the CPACS CEO and team during this time of transition and maternity leave. I am also so grateful for the shared advice and wisdom from other moms from different Chapters in our Sorority.”

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CHANGING THE GAME

Redefining Inclusion

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Seeing a need for more individualized education, the Loyola University Chicago chapter took action and established the first DEI Chair position among chapters

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he growing force of the racial justice movement in the United States has pushed many Greek organizations to explore how they can address and promote the awareness of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Since Delta Phi Lambda’s initial statement in June 2020 declaring their commitment to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive Sisterhood, the organization continues to evaluate initiatives that would be reflective in their mission, strategies, and business practices. To identify long-term initiatives, the organization established a DEIB Committee in September 2021 composed of Alumnae Members with diverse demographic and professional backgrounds.

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As a Sorority that was created with the idea of being a home away from home, creating a safe space in our org and making sure that every voice is heard, welcomed, and respected is imperative.

Continued education on a local level For the Loyola University Chicago chapter of Delta Phi Lambda (LUC), they wanted to provide opportunities on a chapter-level to become more educated in social justice issues. Led by Chay Anderson, former chapter President, the DEI Chair position was established and took effect in Fall 2021. “This position was created to educate our Sisters on the importance of having a voice and supporting communities, including our own, that have been historically marginalized,” said Shalan Saji John, co-DEI Chair. “We realized that by establishing a DEI position, we are one step closer towards confronting racism and prejudice by taking what we learn beyond our organization through all of our future endeavors.”

After a challenging first semester maneuvering through the role expectations, the foundation of the position was developed. The DEI Chair would be responsible for providing equal access to opportunities and resources in order for members to thrive within the chapter. The Chair would also host several programs throughout the year to educate members, but also facilitate conversations around difficult topics.

Notable Accomplishments & Programs • Worked with the Loyola Chicago’s Student Government to write a letter in support of a legislation that would require the university to recognize Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Diwali.

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Held a Colorism Workshop to emphasized the importance of eliminating colorism in the Asian community and educated members on how to combat it.

Held a Bollywood movie night to watch “Gully Boy” to educate Sisters on the representation of different class struggles, a common factor in Asian communities.

Held a Black and Asian Coalition Workshop, in honor of Black History Month, to educate educated members on the importance of an alliance between Black and Asian communities and provided a forum to discuss how to continue contributing to this initiative.

Held an Indigenous Lands workshop to recognize how the land we currently live on is a product of colonization over Indigenous Americans.

Collaborated with the American Medical Women’s Association to discuss being a woman in STEM in honor of Women’s History Month.

Importance of creating a DEI position LUC encourages other chapters to follow their lead as creating safe spaces starts with ourselves. This includes identifying our own biases, acknowledging our own privileges, and having those tough conversations about how to keep ourselves and others accountable.

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▲ The workshop emphasized the importance of eliminating colorism in the Asian community and educated members on how to combat it. (November 2021)

LUC started their journey by holding an open forum for members to discuss ways they may have felt disadvantaged or discriminated against in the Sorority. Through this forum, the chapter worked together to identify restorative justice solutions for those members to feel safe again, but also transformative justice solutions so the chapter recognizes the role they played in the issue and ways the chapter can improve.

“As a Sorority that was created with the idea of being a home away from home, creating a safe space in our org and making sure that every voice is heard, welcomed, and respected is imperative,” said Pam Hamoay, co-DEI Chair. “Our actions need to go beyond our public statements, and it’s important to reflect and assess whether our events and policies reflect our goal…so members feel supported and are allowed to exist as who they are.”

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▲ The workshop educated members on the importance

of an alliance between Black and Asian communities and provided a forum to discuss how to continue contributing to this initiative. (February 2022)

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Being part of a Sorority is a rewarding experience as you become part of a community that shares similar beliefs, interests, and values.

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hile in college, you develop into a better version of yourself through enhanced social skills from networking with other Greek organizations, positively influencing the lives of others from community service opportunities, developing leadership skills from stepping into roles in your organization or Greek council, and of course connecting with lifelong friends. After graduation, you hone those skills learned in college and transition them into your professional careers and carry those relationships built through new and exciting life experiences. Yet, with all these amazing benefits Sorority membership is overshadowed by the negative stereotypes of the Greek community.

In 2013, Delta Gamma Fraternity began the I Am A Sorority Woman social media campaign to combat these negative stereotypes and highlight the value of Sororities and the unique, dynamic women who make up our organizations.

Intentionally launched during fall and spring recruitment, this cross-Sorority campaign reminds members and demonstrates to potential new members that each organization offers pride, friendship, and a welcoming Sisterhood.

How can Collegiate Members combat negative stereotypes of Sorority women on campus?

Along with joining the campaign each fall and spring, members are encouraged to showcase their individual accomplishments and highlight their organization’s values all year long.

“This movement doesn’t only need to be broadcast on social media; it needs to be lived in our everyday lives.

Whether that is through community service, professional

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#IAmASororityWoman A Social Movement Combating Negative Stereotypes Surrounding Sorority Women

development, or furthering your education, each Sorority woman has a unique story to tell,” said Caitlin Soltesz, Delta Gamma’s Assistant Director of Communications.

How can members leverage their Sorority experience when applying for professional careers? »

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Add your volunteer experience on your resume.

Quantifying achievements is important, so add bullets that include the different officer roles that you had, the number of people led, the number of dollars managed, the number of dollars fundraised, and the number of events planned or co-hosted.

Focus on philanthropic work and peer-to-peer mentorship. These are skills few young women experience in college, so take advantage of them.

Whether you held difficult conversations with your peers, advocated for members with campus officials, or managed a large budget - those are skill sets to share.

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Utilize the Alumni network you’ve built. While you connect with your peers, you also are able to connect with Alumni. These relationships can be used to find a mentor to gain key insights into a field you are interested in, find connections in new cities, or find new volunteer or job opportunities. Continue to build your Alumni network by joining an Alumnae Chapter or volunteering in National Headquarters – you never know when you may need connections.

Sorority women are strong leaders, involved community members, and passionate advocates. Join the movement by contributing your unique stories through the hashtag #IAmASororityWoman on your social media platforms.

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Click here to view Delta Gamma’s #IAmSorortiyWoman campaign video

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Join National Headquarters We are looking for dedicated Sisters that are willing to share your knowledge, expertise, and unique perspectives with the organization to continue building positive member experiences.

APPLY NOW!

DFL TRIVIA

test your knowledge about Delta Phi Lambda What year did Dedicated Female Leaders® become officially defined?

A. 1998

B. 2012

C. 2015

LAST PETAL

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DON’T MISS OUT! April 14, 2022 #SAAM webinar with Dr. Lori Bednarchik (virtual) May 14, 2022 NAA Annual Mental Health Webinar (virtual)

D. 2017

Answer is D. In 2017, Dedicated Female Leaders®, aka DFL, transitioned from a closed internal term to an open, public term.

Dedicated Female Leaders® are “trailblazers who extend beyond stereotypes and strive to positively impact their community through service, activism, and leadership for the next generation of women.”

May 20-22, 2022 National Convention (in-person) September 19-23, 2022 National Hazing Prevention Week (NHPW)

MEMBER POLL weighing in on hot topics

September 10, 2022 World Mental Health Day

What type of trailblazer are you?

October 20, 2022 World Osteoporosis Day

Members chose the phrase that best described them when a problem arises.

November 15, 2022 National Philanthropy Day Visionary

Unifier

6.3%

1.4%

“I have identified the problem!”

“I can recruit people who are passionate about the problem!”

Technician

Mentor

Commander

December 5, 2022 Founders Day

24% 18.3%

50%

“I can fix the problem!”

“I can guide people so they are knowledgeable about the problem” “I can keep everyone on track to solve the problem”

Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. 650 Ponce De Leon Ave Ste. 300 #1503 Atlanta, GA 30308 Connect With Us: @deltaphilambda

Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.

@DPhiL1998

@deltaphilambda

/delta-phi-lambda-sorority-inc.

digital.media@deltaphilambda.org