DFL Everlasting Magazine - Issue 2

Everlasting

+ inside

Sisterhood, Everlasting?

Spring Brings Memories of Sisterhood

Keeping the Legacy Alive

Everlasting

ISSUE 2 • SPRING 2023

editorial staff

Aanisah Chowdhury • Editor

Andrea Newman • Copy Editor

contributors

Erica Alexander • Contributor

Jessica Xi • Contributor

Pamela Pederson • Contributor

Cherry Tran • Designer

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 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

Fall 2023 - Health & Wellness

Submit Materials By: 9/1/23

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.

Editor's Note

Hey Butterflies!

Can you believe it? Our Sorority is turning 25 this year! It’s super exciting to be part of a community that consistently strives to bring about positive changes and enhance the experience of our members. The commitment to excellence that drives our organization is truly admirable.

As we navigate through life and the challenges that come our way, it is important to remember the value of Sisterhood and the power of a supportive community. I really encourage you to stay connected with your Sisters and continue to foster those meaningful friendships that make our Sorority so special.

Looking back at my own experiences, I realized how challenging it can be to form meaningful and everlasting relationships as we get older, but it’s not impossible! It may take time and effort, but the rewards of forming these friendships are infinite. I am truly blessed to have picked up some great friendships along the way. Deep down, I knew these Sisters would be in my life for a long time because just being in their presence gives me a sense of comfort and belonging. They are my motivation to be a better version of myself.

Here’s to our Everlasting Sisterhood, and to the next 25 years of laughter and love!

With Love,

Aanisah Chowdhury, LUC 18’ VP of Marketing | Interim Editor

Took a quick picture at Icon Park with Sisters during my first in-person Convention in 2022

Got to be a bridesmaid for a Sister in 2022

Rose Garden

SISTERHOOD PICTURE OF THE QUARTER: Having a paddle paint party night with Sisters at Midyear Regional Retreat!

Win it!

Who doesn’t love FREE stuff! Complete the contest rules below to be entered to win a Bucket Hat and a Minimalistic Crewneck Sweater, members must:

1) Fill out a brief magazine survey

SORORITY NEWS

read about all DFL happenings on the myDFL Member Portal

New Starategic Advisory Council (SAC)

Delta Phi Lambda introduces a new initiative called Project Everlasting. This endeavor aims to better understand the needs of our Sisters and how we can position our organization to fulfill them, by leveraging the voices of our Sisters to identify opportunities for growth. Together, we strive to forge a brighter future, fueled by the collective wisdom and dedication of our sisterhood.

The National Sorority and the DFL Foundation have appointed our inaugural SAC this year. Let us welcome the following:

• Hannah Seoh, University of Cincinnati - Chair (20232025)

• Tracy Wang, University at Albany - Interim First Vice Chair (2023-2024)

As the highest council, the SAC shall provide visionary and strategic leadership for the Sorority and the Delta Phi Lambda Foundation, including advising on strategic planning and organizational performance.

⊳ National Convention - Celebrating 25 Years

Our National Convention will take place from June 2-4th in Washington, D.C. this year. This marks a remarkable milestone for Delta Phi Lambda as we are celebrating our silver anniversary. That’s 25 years of empowering Dedicated Female Leaders®, advocating for Asian Awareness, and building Everlasting Sisterhood®. This event will be an opportunity for Sisters across the country to come together to connect and reconnect, share new experiences, develop leadership, and empower one another.

Chapter Advisor Revamp

Delta Phi Lambda has implemented a thorough restructuring of the Chapter Advisor role to offer improved assistance and resources to our chapters. These upcoming changes are designed to advance the growth of our chapters and ensure a more enriching experience for our current and future members.

$15,000

Is Delta Phi Lambda’s new 5-year fundraising goal to contribute to our philanthropy partner, American Bone Health. Be a part of our success story and donate here!

NEWSWORTHY

community news affecting our members

Netflix & Shondaland’s Commitment to Boost Diversity and Representation

Netflix & Shondaland take on a new initiative called the DEIA Program Inclusion Study, aimed at measuring and improving the representation and inclusion of underrepresented groups in their content production.

Learn more about the initiative here

▲ First Asian Woman to Win the Oscars Best Actress Award

A beacon of hope and possibilities for Asians everywhere, Michelle Yeoh makes history as the first Asian woman to take home the Oscars Best Actress Award for her role as Evelyn Wang in the film “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once”.

▲ 106-Year-Old Filipina Woman Becomes Vogue’s Oldest Cover Model

Vogue Magazine’s April issue features its oldest and remarkable cover model: Apo Whang-Od, also known as Maria Oggay. At 106 years old, she is breaking barriers and preserving ancient traditions as a Filipina tattoo artist in Buscalan, Kalinga. Known as the first and only female mambabatok of her time, Whang-Od has gained worldwide recognition for her exquisite handtapped tattoos, passed down through generations of her indigenous Kalinga community.

Read more about Whang-Od’s journey & legacy

⊳ New York Times Best Seller, Crying in H Mart, Officially to be Adapted into a Film

Michelle Zauner, a singer and guitarist of the band Japanese Breakfast, takes readers on an emotional journey as she navigates the loss of her beloved mother while also coming of age as a half-Korean American. She works through grief by learning how to cook Korean food and reconnect with her Korean heritage.

Purchase the memoir here

Watch Michelle’s acceptance speech

FLUTTER

some of our favorite butterfly sightings from Spring 2023

1. UW-Madison Triple S Show; 2. Mariah Sampsel & Meili Van Dyke, LUC; 3. Melissa Olarte, UNCC; 4. Whitney Newton, ISU; 5. Savannah Fisher, UKY; 6. Harman Hayer, UC

EMPOWERING WOMEN

EMPOWERING WOMEN TOGETHER

Taking a moment to honor and celebrate the outstanding Fall 2022 members and their invaluable contributions towards Everlasting Sisterhood®.

Delta Phi Lambda begins a new tradition of National Awards & Recognition in honor of celebrating it’s silver anniversary. These awards honor the dedication and commitment demonstrated by these chapters in upholding the values and mission of our Sorority.

The recognition not only serves as a source of accomplishment for the chapters but also inspires and motivates them to continue making a positive and lasting impact within their communities and beyond.

EXCELLENCE IN PHILANTHROPY

This recognition is given to the Collegiate Chapter(s) that has demonstrated significant effort in services and/or philanthropic activities, especially in advancing our National Philanthropy, Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention.

+ Most Number of Philanthropy Events Hosted - University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Associate Chapter (7 events)

+ Most Amount of Donations Made - Georgia Institute of Technology, Zeta Chapter ($233 to American Bone Health)

+ Most Volunteer Hours Submitted - University at Albany, Mu Chapter (222.5 hours)

EXCELLENCE IN MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

This recognition is given to the Collegiate Chapter(s) that promotes a positive image of the Sorority and exhibits high content performance through creative marketing communication approaches.

+ University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Associate Chapter (499% engagement rate)

+ Iowa State University, Nu Chapter (433% engagement rate)

+ University of Connecticut, Rho Chapter (354% engagement rate)

EXCELLENCE IN PROGRAMMING

This recognition is given to the Collegiate Chapter(s) that has conducted a variety of programs that reflects the Sorority’s mission and core values.

+ Loyola University Chicago, Kappa Chapter (190 points)

+ Purdue University, Lambda Chapter & University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Associate Chapter (160 points)

+ Emory University, Theta Chapter (159 points)

+ Georgia State University, Gamma Chapter (158 points)

EXCELLENCE IN ACADEMICS

This recognition is given to the Collegiate Chapter(s) that has exhibited high academic achievement and/or has fostered a positive learning environment within the Sisterhood.

+ Highest Chapter GPA

- Emory University, Theta Chapter (3.74)

+ Most Study Hours Submitted

- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Associate Chapter (524.5 hours)

+ Most Academic Events Hosted

- Georgia State University, Gamma Chapter (9 events)

YEARS OF EVERLASTING SISTERHOOD

by: pamela pedersen, university of north carolina at charlotte designed by: cherry tran, iowa state university

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Delta Phi Lambda, we wanted to explore the Everlasting Sisterhood® experience of our organization through the scope of 5 Sisters from 5 different generations and 5 different chapters. We wanted to get a sense of what Everlasting Sisterhood experience meant to sisters across multiple generations and chapters and were surprised to find so many similarities among the different members.

Joining a Sorority is an exciting opportunity for any college student looking for relationships built on trust, respect, and mutual support. Sisterhood is more than just a term or a concept; it is a way of life that encompasses a shared set of values and experiences. Sorority Sisters are there for each other through thick and thin, offering encouragement, guidance, and a shoulder to lean on. Sisterhood also involves a sense of accountability, where members hold each other responsible for upholding the principal values and standards of the Sorority.

“Everlasting Sisterhood” refers to the lifelong connections formed through the shared experiences, values, and traditions of the Sorority. The term “everlasting” suggests that

this bond is not just a temporary or fleeting one, but rather something that lasts beyond graduation and into adulthood. Having 2,500+ Sisters initiated in our Sorority across 25 Chapters, over 25 years, means that Delta Phi Lambda has a plethora of members from different walks of life who Sisters can connect and grow a bond with.

While there are plenty of Sororities to join, we are always plagued with the question of how a Sorority differs from another. While each Greek organization has different philanthropies and perhaps different values that they stand for, what really makes a Sorority unique and different from another are its members. There is no Sorority like Delta Phi Lambda, because no other Sorority has the same members we have.

what does everlasting sisterhood mean to you?

Everlasting sisterhood means a lifelong commitment to my Sorors. Every major milestone in my life has included my sisters. They were a part of my wedding party, served as god mothers to my children, and helped me when I needed them the most. For example, my line sister helped me with my uncle’s funeral even though we had not been in touch for 15 plus years. — Anh Ngoc Nguyen (Founder, UGA, 1998)

Everlasting sisterhood is love within boundaries. When you fully understand why a Sister ticks the way she does, you come to respect her boundaries and lift her in times of struggle and celebrate her in times of success. Cindy Lee (Charter, GVSU, 2009)

Each sisterhood connection is unique, and it is up to each individual to define and shape their own understanding of the experience. — Tracy Wang (Charter, UAlbany, 2012)

Everlasting Sisterhood to me means an open door. No matter where you are in your life, Sisters will be there to support you. Sisters can always take a step back in involvement and come back when they feel ready! — Kaitlyn McCarthy (Charter, UConn, 2016)

Everlasting sisterhood to me is a community, a long lasting group of friends, and a family. Joining this sisterhood has helped me understand myself more as a person and understand myself more as someone’s friend and sister. Not only can I call this sisterhood a group of close friends, but I can also call them my rock when I’m at a low point in life. — Ada Eng (Active, OSU, 2021)

what are great ways to keep sisterhood alive?

AN: My tips for keeping the sisterhood alive is to be accessible. Often, sisters will contact me for various reasons. I usually say yes when there is an ask 95% of the time. Also, I try to attend events periodically. This gives all of us an opportunity to catch up and remain relevant in each other’s lives.

CL: Keeping a sisterhood alive starts with ourselves. Sometimes all it takes is a leap of faith to share a story of vulnerability to let someone into our lives in a meaningful way. If we can’t show our true selves… then we can’t expect others to do the same.

TW: Always remember why you joined this sorority in the first place. Having a sense of belonging is important, and so is the approval and acceptance to a group; however, always remember to love yourself and be true to yourself. Learn and grow from your time as an undergraduate Sister. Know that everyone is going to make mistakes, and it is all about learning from them and knowing how to apply them to your personal growth as a sister and as a person. No matter how disengaged you feel from the sorority, understand that you always have a support system to go to for advice or just to vent.

KM: I think there’s so many ways to keep Sisterhood thriving. From simple hangouts and get togethers to volunteering with the Sorority, to giving back to your chapter or Sorority as a whole, Sisterhood is the backbone of what is shared.

AE: Never stop bettering your relationships between the sisters and the chapter. It’s important to continuously work towards creating a safe space and community for each other. We’re all here for the same reasons and for the same goals, so keeping that sisterhood alive creates bonds that not only improve/help you, but also can help the sisters and sorority.

(Left to Right) Xuan Ly (UGA Epsilon Class Fall 2000), Julie Luong (UGA Epsilon Class Fall 2000), Anh Ngoc Nguyen (Founder Fall 1998), and Jenny Young (UGA Zeta Class Fall 2001)

what are the benefits of joining an everlasting sisterhood?

AN: The benefits of joining an everlasting sisterhood is knowing you are never truly alone. We have such strong leaders that we can lean on for help and support when it comes to career or personal growth. We also have empathetic and giving sisters that provides us a shoulder to cry on or give constructive advice if needed.

CL: You watch crows feet grow on the corners of their beautiful eyes and see laugh lines you know you were part of. Growing older together is such a wonderful feeling even if it’s just seeing each other once a month at best.

TW: You will have access to a network of women that you will find and form lifetimes of new friendships and opportunities; personally, and professionally.

KM: Joining an Everlasting Sisterhood gives the person access to a network of Sisters with diverse experiences. It is not only beneficial for social interaction but also professional.

AE: You get lifelong friends! I transferred my junior year and crossed my junior year so my first group of friends at my school was the sorority and it has definitely made me become a better person and made me become more confident in myself. This sisterhood doesn’t only help you socially or mentally, it can also help you academically. This sisterhood definitely made me more focused and more goal-oriented in life.

UGA Alumnae Chapter Luncheon in December 2022

what are your personal examples of everlasting sisterhood?

AN: My personal examples of sisterhood is taking a call or meeting with a sister I’ve never met before because they asked me too. I want to be helpful and provide assistance or advice when I can. I hope my actions validate that our sisterhood is truly special and will inspire others to pay it forward to another Sister.

CL: Personal examples of sisterhood: Officiating my Sorority Sisters/roommates wedding, that was such an honor. Standing up for my line sisters wedding. Having sisters come over to help watch my newborn and help me recover from a c section by allowing me to rest and feeding me sushi when my family wasn’t present.

TW: Creating a unique bond with my 8 line sisters during our chartering days. We just recently celebrated our 11 years of charterversary on March 31. It was at that moment, I didn’t even realize that more than a decade has gone by, and each of us are in our own stage of life, and yet we never stopped trying to put in the effort to stay connected (wishing each other Happy Birthday, attending each other’s wedding, congratulating on transitioning into motherhood).

I volunteered to be on staff position and later joined the National Board and worked alongside many strong, professional, and talented female leaders. I felt honored that I had the opportunities to work with them and learn from them. I am who I am today in my professional career because of what I have learned during this unique experience.

Meeting different sisters from different chapters and building everlasting friendship with them. Thanks to DPhiL, some of these sisters are my closest friends today, where I can go to them about anything. This is what I called Unconditional Love, and where we accept each other’s flaws and always encourage and uplift each other.

KM: To this day I am close with many Sisters since I have crossed in Spring 2016. My line sisters and family tree still are in touch and hang out. I’m also still here to help other sisters and love to give back to the Sorority through volunteering.

AE: Some personal examples of everlasting sisterhood are creating bonds and memories that I can relate with my actual sister, who is a charter at my school. I’ve always heard stories of her and her experiences with the sorority but now that I’m a sister at our chapter, it’s refreshing to understand what she meant about finding the right crowd and community. Being with those who understand you and being with those who become your best friends.

(L) Founder Sleepy, Carmela de Guzman and (R) Jessica Kouch from UGA

(L) Christina Cabrera, GVSU Charter Wedding by Jackie Hoyle Photography

Sisterhood, Everlasting?

by: erica alexander, georgia state university

Admittedly, I use the phrase more than other Sisters because of my various roles working on HQ Staff over the past four years. It’s interesting to me, however, because even though I have been talking about this “Everlasting Sisterhood” for years now, I have often had a hard time conceptualizing the idea of an Everlasting Sisterhood in my own life and in my experiences.

Let me be clear: I have always felt a sense of sisterhood, from the moment I joined until now. The sisterhood I experienced in my collegiate years was meaningful and essential to my overall college experience and personal development. I definitely felt a sense of camaraderie with Sisters and made close connections within my chapter and throughout the rest of Georgia. But here’s where the issue lies: what exactly does sisterhood even mean to me, especially when it’s “everlasting,” and how does it differ from a basic sense of closeness with friends, regardless of fraternal affiliation?

College “Me” thought of sisterhood as something you had with other college women due to distinct shared experiences and a joint dedication to similar goals and aspirations via organizational membership. Not going to lie, I felt a similar sense of camaraderie in other places of my life. I was the president of another organization on campus and

I have used the phrase

“Everlasting Sisterhood” a lot.

also had a very thriving social life outside of my sorority activities. I thought I had forged close and trusted relations on a somewhat similar level outside of my sorority life (although I don’t feel like this was the actual case, in retrospect). Sisterhood felt like it should have been important, but I didn’t know if it was in actuality for my circumstances. Then came my graduation.

Y’all, being an adult post-college is overrated. Like seriously, it was a culture shock. No longer were people available at all hours of the day in the dorms, and no longer did I interact with people my age with similar interests on a daily basis. My friends became busier with their new jobs, and I myself was busy preparing to go to Korea to teach English. Finding a time to meet up with others felt like an onerous task that would ultimately always leave someone out of the mix due to packed schedules and conflicting priorities. Once I graduated, I think it truly helped me separate what sisterhood is and just a regular friendship.

When I finally moved to Daejeon, South Korea, I had joined HQ Staff as Social Media Manager and worked on my sorority tasks during my free time. Before the pandemic, I did communicate with other Sisters on staff and my team to talk to them about our tasks and the like. We were very friendly with each other, but I did not think too much about relationship building with my fellow staff members as I was still trying to figure out what my role was in HQ and my place in the general Alumnae community since I was abroad. As for my non-sorority connections, many of the relationships I formed in college from the other organizations or social situations were drastically different. The memories I shared with these people were amazing, but there really was not much holding us together as a unit now past college. It is not to say that I don’t have any interactions with them, as I often keep up with them with infrequent phone calls or on social

media by sending them random memes. But that’s not the same as what we had in college.

As for my Chapter connections, at that time, I still kept up with my chapter Sisters (especially my Big, Little, and Line Sisters), so it was not like I was disconnected from them, I just thought that those relationships changed just like my non-sorority college relationships, and I was going to have to be okay with that. I was of the opinion that these relationships were meant to change and develop over time, but the change was going to most likely be an “I’ll see you next year at our Founders Day brunch” sort of situation where social contact only occurs for a special event. It’s interesting because I specifically joined the sorority for the “Everlasting Sisterhood” aspect, but I relegated the concept to a purely nominal one than a notion of true significance or importance. I think this lack of prioritization on lifelong sisterhood hindered my own ability to figure out what that actually looks like, and I became complacent about what I should expect from it.

Fast forward to me in the city of Daejeon, South Korea in early 2020 where I finally discovered what sisterhood could be like. During the initial parts of the pandemic, the country-wide lockdown kept me in my very small studio apartment for several months with very little human interaction outside of the Zoom meetings with my students and co-workers. Although it was a time when the Sorority was undergoing a variety of changes due to the unprecedented challenges because of the pandemic-stricken environment, it became a time of growth and reflection for me. I was constantly in learning mode so I could adapt to changes at work and with my position in HQ. Surprisingly, I was happier than I could ever expect to be in that situation. I was completely isolated

but felt connected to Sisters despite time zone differences and thousands of miles of distance through a plethora of texts and multiple calls during the week trying to get things done to keep the Sorority intact. It was a distinctly stressful time, but we all consistently proved our dedication to this organization by working diligently to make sure Sorority operations ran smoothly (or as smoothly as possible with a workforce of all unpaid volunteers).

It was a time of grief, sadness, and loneliness due to what was happening in the world, but this period did help me focus on relationship building and figuring out what I value in my life. I greatly attribute this intentionality to the Sisters who were with me on the then Records Branch marketing team and the rest of the HQ Staff. I know I probably tired them out sometimes with my chit-chat during meetings, but those occasions (and everything in between) were some of my happiest times during the worst parts of the pandemic. From the mental health check-ins and to the Among Us game nights through Discord, we made sure that we survived and thrived together. Most of

these Sisters I have never met in person, but they are still people that I talk to frequently. I can trust them with truly anything.

To be honest, I think my definition of sisterhood still stands true: sisterhood is something you share with others due to a distinct shared experience and a joint commitment to goals and aspirations as college women who are members of the same organization. However, this is not something that is temporary but a lifelong commitment that requires intentionality and effort long past our graduation days. Although we are no longer in college, this shared sense of connection endures and can pick right back up at any time. I have run into Sisters who I barely know in DC and talked to them about Sorority ongoings like we’ve known each other forever because we acknowledge each other as Sisters, and that’s our connection. This connection is like a string that each one of us is holding onto across the world, bonding us in a complex yet simple way through sisterhood. Sisterhood is effort. Sisterhood is inspiring. Sisterhood is dedication. Sisterhood is a commitment. And most importantly, it is everlasting. ∞

Alumnae gathering for 2021 Founders Day in Washington, D.C.

Sisterhood event with little Sister (L) Iselle Montiel

Spring Brings Memories of Sisterhood

by: jessica xi, loyola university chicago

Every spring since I can remember, it feels like the busiest time of the year. Of course, summer and fall and winter all feel like that too when it’s their turn, but spring has the transition from the sedate pace of winter to the sunny skies, and I get jealous of the birds and flowers who get to live outside their entire lives while I send emails and go to meetings and have no time for anything at all, or so it seems.

And yet every spring brings back good memories that keep me going instead of just laying down on the grass and becoming a mushroom. Those hectic college years were the best of times, but they often came at a cost. On top of schoolwork was work, other extracurricular, social life, sports, and Sorority stuff, to name a few things. One night, all those years ago, my Line Sisters and I were exhausted from the shrieking we did after discovering that we had spelled ‘Lambda’ wrong on a huge poster. We laid on the floor of an older Sister’s apartment and she went out, just leaving us there to be confused and lonely in our despair. It felt like eternity passed and also no time at all, however, when she made a triumphant return with a box of macarons, a sweet treat that I still to this day have no idea where or how she found so late at night. That Sister’s kindness of bringing us midnight macarons gave us motivation to remember that we weren’t alone and we were striving to be part of something greater, and we were able to gather our energy, overcome our obstacles, and keep going.

If I don’t go on Facebook, don’t check my social media, or my email, or text messages, don’t type a simple URL, and close my ears and eyes to the Sorority around me, it’s very easy to ignore this bond that I spent so much of myself forging, that I valued so much at the time. It’s easy to think I’m alone again, just mentally laying on a random floor on a random night after doing random work. But around me, if I open my eyes, I can realize that there’s a Sister’s floor to catch me, Sisters around me, a Sister to bring me macarons, and the goal of the Sorority to work towards everything I do. No matter the mistakes or the weariness, my Sisters and I did succeed, and together we can be Sisters for others as well. That’s Everlasting Sisterhood to me.

Keeping the Legacy Alive

by: pamela pedersen, university of north carolina at charlotte

Uncover the remarkable transformation of a DFL Collegiate Chapter and their evolution from facing immense challenges as a single member on campus to orchestrating a successful recruitment, fostering a thriving community, and solidifying the foundation of their Chapter.

Founding or chartering a Chapter is no easy task but what happens once the initial spark dies down and you have to keep feeding the flame? What happens when the campus life changes, when demographics, location, and resources are all stacked against you? What happens when your Chapter is literally down to one member and you have to rebuild almost from the ground up again? This is the reality of what our Omicron Chapter at the University of West Florida had to face over the past year.

quality over quantity

Recruitment week is an often exciting but also nerve wracking time for any Collegiate Chapter. But in Fall 2022, it was down to Nayeli Perez, a junior and the sole active member at UWF, to carry out the difficult task of recruiting members on campus to grow the Chapter again and prevent extinction. The Chapter was chartered in 2010 by a class of seven and had initially grown

large by having two bigger classes but then fairly quickly initiated smaller classes consistently with spouts of no classes back to back. But those tides turned when the Chapter crossed a class of 5 in Fall 2022, their biggest class since 2011.

Nayeli really had to put herself out there to make those connections that ultimately grew into new members of our Everlasting Sisterhood. It was through striking up conversations in class, and genuinely trying to be friends with potential new members that Nayeli was making connections which convinced members such as Carmen Mayorga, the current Chapter President, to join the organization. “I never thought about joining a sorority, but once Nayeli invited me to support her for a recruitment event she was hosting and I was participating, I was surprised how comfortable and safe this little community is. So I started to ask more questions, met alumnae, and even though everyone comes from different spaces and you wouldn’t think we would have

things in common, I found that we are actually going through the same things. I felt that sisterhood bond which motivated me to join,” said Carmen.

staying involved as an alumnae

But it was not only Nayeli that contributed to the successful transformation of the Chapter, it was also the Alumnae that showed up when it was most needed. The Chapter celebrated their 13th anniversary recently, and the Chapter hosted a Charterversary brunch which Alumnae near and far traveled to attend. The newest class was also educated by their Charter Member, Jennifer Albesa, who has educated multiple affiliate classes since she joined the Sorority herself including charter classes.

“I don’t know of any communities currently catering to the APIA community on campus, so I like to continue to have that space for us,” said Jennifer. “And even though we are not Asian exclusive, I know that it was very empowering for me when I was an undergrad to have that space to be a leader and be involved and stay involved with the campus community. I found value in it and I still want that to be there for other people. That’s why I still show up to this day.”

what lies ahead

Though the Chapter just grew by five new members, the Chapter is staying level headed and not focusing too much on just recruiting members to grow numbers. “We do a lot of Sisterhood events. We’ve always been a really small chapter so it’s hard not to become close knit,” says UWF Chapter Advisor, Bethany Ryan. The Chapter enjoys being a small knit community and is working on providing a lasting impact on their campus and the Greek life community while also reestablishing their foundation and fostering their sisterhood. Now made up of almost all neophytes, says Nayeli, the Chapter decided not to intake this semester but instead focus on establishing their leadership positions, plan quality events, and grow their connections in the Greek community. It is evident that while the Chapter may have struggled to recruit members in the past, the sisterhood is very much alive and as strong as ever with a new generation of Sisters. ∞

The Gift to Give,

Last Petal

DFL TRIVIA

test your knowledge about Delta Phi Lambda

Where was the first National Convention held?

MEMBER POLL

weighing in on hot topics

Which value of Everlasting Sisterhood® do you resonate with the most?

Members choose the value that best describes their experience.

4.4% 15.6% 31.1% 35.6% 13.3%

Having faith in your Sisters’ abilities and intentions, and keeping their confidences.

DON’T MISS OUT!

June 2-4, 2023

National Convention (in-person)

September 10, 2023

World Mental Health Day

September 10-16, 2023

National Service Week

September 21-25, 2023

National Hazing Prevention Week (NHPW)

October 20, 2022

World Osteoporosis Day

November 15, 2022

National Philanthropy Day

December 5, 2023

Sorority Founders Day

December 10, 2023

DFL Foundation Anniversary

Embracing diversity and creating a welcoming and supportive environment for Sisters from all backgrounds and lifestyles

Being able to understand and share the feelings of your Sisters, and showing compassion towards them.

Encouraging each other to strive for personal and collective improvement, and celebrating each other’s achievements.

Staying committed and supportive to your Sisters, even during difficult times.

Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.

650 Ponce De Leon Ave Ste. 300 #1503 Atlanta, GA 30308

Connect With Us:

@deltaphilambda

@DPhiL1998

/delta-phi-lambda-sorority-inc.

Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.

@deltaphilambda

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