Issue 3 | Vol. 4
JULY 2017
CHAPTER SPOTLIGHT Collegiate Chapter Spotlight for this issue is the Classy Chi Chapter at the University of Wisconsin Madison.
NC 2018
OUR FEATURE STORY IN THIS ISSUE IS THE LONG ANTICIPATED 2018 NATIONAL CONVENTION!
GAMMA GRADUATES
Congratulations to our sisters who have completed their collegiate career and will embark on alumnae adventures and membership.
THE ROSE VINE
MISSION The Rose Vine of Gamma Alpha Omega shall connect members to the Sorority by providing an official forum of communication to inform and educate on Sorority, Greek, cultural, and women’s issues. It shall promote leadership and scholarship and acknowledge the accomplishments of individuals, groups, and the Sorority. It shall renew, sustain and nurture loyalty and interest by celebrating and validating sisterhood. It shall further serve as a permanent record and archive, documenting the Sorority.
SUBMISSIONS Articles are invited for publication in this magazine. Manuscripts should be submitted to the Editor for consideration. Acceptances are on contributing basis only an are subject to the editorial review. All copes and photos become property of Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority rosevine@gammaalphaomega.org
COMMITTEE Stephanie Palmer Rifeta Badic Lorena Galindo Nizhoni Smocks
THE ROSE VINE OF GAMMA ALPHA OMEGA IS DIGITALLY PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY GAMMA ALPHA OMEGA SORORITY, INC.
LETTER FROM THE
president
“A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” – James Keller Summer is here! It is the season to relax, have some fun and reflect on a very productive spring. Congratulations to those who have graduated, we are so proud you! The Sorority has welcomed the newest National Executive Board members and National Administration Directors. We are also gearing up for Gamma Alpha Omega’s 25th anniversary in January and 2018 National Convention in Milwaukee. FACT – The world is changing, so we must adapt. Many of us are finding ourselves in new jobs, new cities, new relationships and new opportunities every day. Transition is necessary in life, it can be overwhelming yet exciting. No matter what, we must all face our challenges head on and celebrate the small victories. If you are struggling to meet or set your goals, ask yourself these questions: “Can I? Do I want to? Then what?” Since implementing that advice, from a dear friend and career coach, I achieved a stronger work/life balance. In this issue, you will discover leadership opportunities within the National Office, upcoming events and inspiration for the remaining summer days. Also, check out our growing Alumnae chapter network, your journey has just begun. I thank those who have gracefully dedicated their time and energy to our Sisterhood since its Founding. I am honored to serve you, my sisters, and look forward to what the future holds. In Sisterhood, Nizhoni Smocks, M.Ed. National President 2017-2020
CONTENTS Letter from the President Sorority News
National Executive Board 2017-2020 National Leadership Opportunities National Convention 2018
Vendor Spotlight
Gamma Boutique
Collegiate Chapter News
Gamma Graduates Collegiate Chapter Spotlight: Chi
Alumnae Chapter News Alumnae Chapter Spotlight: Greater Milwaukee Global Gammas Felicidades Hermana Spotlight
Gamma Gear Teaching with HEART Always Dreaming
The Rose Vine Submissions
ANNOUNCING National Convention 2017, pg. 2
iii
SORORITY NEWS
S R RITY
NEWS
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW NEB Please join us in congratulating our newly elected National Executive Board Members. Nizhoni Smocks - President Street - Vice President Lupe Davalos - VP of Communication Brianna Salinas - VP of Collegiate Affairs Rifeta Badic - VP of Programming Also join us in thanking the exiting members of the National Executive Board for their hard work and dedication to this organization. Thank you again ladies!
UPCOMING EVENTS July 25th Biannual Report Due July 29th International Tiger Day Sept. 4th Labor Day Sept 15-Oct 15 Hispanic Heritage Month Oct. 31st Halloween
INTERESTED IN SERVING ON NATIONAL BOARD? The National Executive Board is in need of directors for several areas including: Director of Marketing Director of New Chapters & Colonies Director of Philnathropy NW Regional Director Regional Directors for Alumnae Affairs If you are interested, please email nationalhq@gammaalphaomega.org 1
SORORITY NEWS
NATIONAL CONVENTION 2018 National convention is back next summer! This time it will take place in the Midwest North region and span from June 21st to 24th. Milwaukee, Wisconsin will be our hosting city and we look forward to the event. Please save the date, and we hope to see you there! Look for more information and details to come via email and social media. If you have any 2 questions, email programming@gammaalphaomega.com
VENDOR SPOTLIGHT
VENDOR SPOTLIGHT
Gamma BOUTIQUE The official store of Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority, Inc. Items include the official sorority pin, necklace, and membership certificate/card For more information about available products, please log in to the members only part of the Sorority website. For questions, please email nationalhq@gammaalphaomega.org
All personalized or engraved items (this includes badges and ertificates) will have a 5 week lead time and are not eligible for return. Please plan accordingly when placing orders and verify all information is accurate. No rush delivery or rush process will be accepted.
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COLLEGIATE CHAPTER NEWS
COLLEGIATE CHAPTER
NEWS
CHAPTER OF THE YEAR The Distinguished Delta Chapter of Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority, Inc. was awarded Chapter of the Year and Membership Advancement Award by the Center of Fraternity and Sorority Life this past Fall 2016 semester. During the Spring 2017 semester, Delta Chapter also received the highest GPA in all of the United Greek Council with a GPA of 3.117. We have completed more than 1000 hours of community service this past semester and graduated 12 sisters during 2016-2017 school year.
Summertime
IS THE PERFECT TIME TO
PREPARE FOR THE FALL Plan a chapter retreat. Reconnect with your alumnae and host a sisterhood. Plan your fall events. Review your chapter bylaws/constitution. Travel to another chapter. 4
COLLEGIATE CHAPTER SPOTLIGHT
YSSALC
Chi C H A P T E R University of Wisconsin - Madison CHAPTER TRADITIONS As a chapter we fundraise once a year, the money fundraised is given to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County. For National Founders Day, we usually go out to eat and celebrate our sisterhood. AWARDS & HONORS Our chapter has received several awards this past year. Our soror Alondra Vazquez received the Pillar Award at the MWN Regional Convention. Martha Pena-Mata received the Service Award from the Multicultural Greek Council at UWMadison. Lastly, two of our sorors Karina Rodriguez and Michelle Concepcion received a scholarship from the Madison Alumnae Chapter. LEADERSHIP We are setting example for the Greek community. The pillar that best describes Chi Chapter would be leadership, because we serve as the example or role model chapter to other organizations at UW-Madison. Many have asked us what our secret is to a functional chapter to implement it into their own organizations. Moreover, they noticed that we do a lot of service, so they have also begun to try and help the community. INTERESTING FACT: Most of us are from the same tree. 5
GAMMA GRADUATES
CONGRATULATIONS
Gamma GRADUATES
WELCOME TO ALUMNAE MEMBERSHIP! Alpha: Jessica Garcia Melissa Lopez Beta: Alexandra Gomez Destinee Ogas
"I recently graduated (May 20th) from Alverno College with my B.A. This summer I will embarking on an amazing journey shadowing two lawyers in the greater Milwaukee area gaining legal expertise and applying for early acceptance for law schools with the hopes of attending an Ivy League university. Applying at Columbia University, UW-Madison, and University of Chicago. Dreams: If accepted, I hope to assist with starting an undergraduate chapter on an Ivy League campus." - Teena Burnett, Mu Chapter.
Gamma: Ariel Medina Diana Guillen Melissa Centeno Jennifer Morales Victoria Garica Marbely Sanchez Delta: Jennifer Barajas Consuelo Vega Anita Mendoza Maria Mendoza Crystal Galvan Epsilon: Nicole O'hearn Eta: Marielena Vega
"It was tough 5 years but I wouldn't have been able to do it without the support of my family, friends and sisters. Thankfully I made it and graduated in May with my bachelors in Women Studies with an emphasis in education and a certificate in Drug and Alcohol studies. I will pursing my masters next Spring in Counseling in hopes of becoming an academic counselor." - Guadalupe Rodriguez, Alpha Beta Chapter
Theta: Dria
Mu: Teena Burnett Xi: Dulce Hernandez Crystal Reyes Pi: Valerie Rios Sigma: Janae Alvarez Estela Jimenez Janet Gonzalez Nancy Rebolledo Wendy Jimenez Cynthia Villalobos Adriana Pantoja Laura Orosco Deanna Lopez Phi: Reyna Buchroeder Mariah Vela Psi: Juana Delgado Evelyn Tzib Marisa Rosas Alpha Beta: Guadalupe Rodriguez
Iota: Stephanie Chavez April Rodriguez
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ALUMNAE CHAPTER NEWS
Our current alumnae chapters work hard to maintain an avid presence in their communities. Currently, Gamma Alpha Omega recognizes the following chapters: Greater Phoenix Alumnae Chapter Greater Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter Southeastern Wisconsin Alumnae Chapter Madison Alumnae Chapter Greater Houston Alumnae Chapter Windy City Chicago Alumnae Chapter Greater Seattle Alumnae Chapter DFW Gammas Alumnae Chapter For more information on alumnae chapters or how to start your own, please email alumnae_affairs@gammaalpha omega.com
WELCOMEÂ NEW ALUMNAE CHAPTERS Alumnae are getting more and more involved with the Sorority. We now have 8 alumnae chapters in each of the regions where there are currently collegiate chapters. Congratulations to the new chapters and thank you for all the work you have done and the work you will continue to do.
ALUMNAE CHAPTER
NEWS
MEASURING SUCCESS On June 2nd, the Greater Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter hosted their annual Alumnae Chapter meeting.An announcement was made for the elected positions for the 2017-2018 year, and also recognized sisters who held a position during the previous year. In conjunction with the annual business meeting, the alumnae chapter also hosted its first Alumnae Awards Ceremony, which will take place annually. To highlight and recognizes sisters for their hard work, the chapter planned this initiative and ensured that this tradition would continue for many more years. Four awards were announced at this event, the Alumnae Spirit Award, Alumnae Achievement Award, Alumnae Service Award, and Young Alumna Award. For more information on the Greater Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter, please email greater_milwaukee@gammaalphaomega.org
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ALUMNAE CHAPTER SPOTLIGHT
Alumnae Chapter Spotlight MADISONÂ ALUMNAE CHAPTER The Madison Alumnae Chapter is located in Madison, Wi. They work closely with the Chi Chapter at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Their members include graduate students at UW-Madison, working individuals, and strong leaders within the community. A Unique Fact About our Chapter Madison Alumnae is made up of sisters from Theta, Epsilon, Phi and Chi chapter. Our Chapter Tradition We hope to be joining Chi Chapter in their annual sisterhood retreat this fall where sisters from all over come back to reconnect and meet new sisters. We have a sister coming from Denmark and hopefully some from Texas! The Pillar that Describes us I would say leadership best describes Madison Alumnae Chapter because we are all in positions of leadership in varying fields. It's inspiration and empower to be surround by womyn in the professional world to serve as models as whom are also are your sisters.
Our Relationship with the Local Collegiate Chapter We just recently awarded a scholarship to two active Chi Chapter sisters for their contribution to the chapter. This scholarship was a collaboration of active sisters in the alumnae chapter as well as sisters who are just alumnae of Chi Chapter. In addition, we have had sisters be a part of Chi Chapters PA process as well as present at their Blooming. Street also threw an end of the year BBQ were alumnae and Chi Chapter active sisters attended.
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GLOBAL GAMMAS
GLOBAL
Gammas
"Back to where it all began." Jasmine Wright Phi Chapter
Paris, Pyramids, & Gammas Roxanne Mu Chapter
SISTERS ON FOOT ALL SISTERS ARE INVITED TO DENVER, CO SEPT 14TH-17TH! Sisters from all over the nation are planning to backpack a few segments of the Colorado Trail. For more information, please email Kelly Eger at keger79@gmail.com 9
Felicidades
FELICIDADES
CONGRATULATIONS
Courtney Luedke, Epsilon Chapter, is officially a homeowner!
Teresita Barrera, Epsilon Chapter, graduated with her masters degree in Counseling from Seattle University in Seattle Washington.
Alejandra Terrones-Schwarts , Phi Chapter, and her husband Cody welcomed a baby boy this month!
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HERMANA SPOTLIGHT
Hermana
SPOTLIGHT
GAMMA GEAR
“With the new school year coming up, its time to update your Gamma gear collection with new and fun design! I am an account exec at Kotis Design, a custom apparel and merchandise company that works with Greek chapters across the country and an official Gamma licensee. We have our own amazing design team and access to tons of cute and stylish products so we can help create amazing designs to help rock our amazing letters! Our low 12 piece minimum make it super easy for smaller chapters and its also an great way to fundraise! Feel free to email me at kimberly.robles@kotisdesign.com if you have any questions or anything! MGLA!� - Kimberly Robles
TEACHING WITH HEART
My name is Nancy "La Capitana" Sandoval Izelo and I am from Beta chapter. This year I finished my first year of teaching at the elementary school that I attended. Due to this, I was recently featured in a video from my district (https://www.facebook.com/wesdschools/videos/1553642551337214/). As you can see from the video, this has always been my dream and now I am achieving it. I love being able to give back to my community and to a school that gave so much to me. Thank you, Nancy "La Capitana" Sandoval Izelo Beta Chapter, Fall 13 12
HERMANA SPOTLIGHT
ALWAYS DREAMING I came to the united states at the age of seven. On some level, I knew that I was coming in illegally. I had witnessed my parents try everything they could to get me approved for a visa. But it never happened, so I knew that I was missing something that said I could go into the united states. At the age of seven, I did not understand the difference between two countries. I understood that languages existed, but I did not speak anything other than Spanish. So, I entered the United States with my family and was immediately labeled as ‘illegal.’ Fast forward to my high school years, when my friends were planning trips around the world. I could not go. And when senior year came around, I found that I would not receive any financial help. Some schools would not even accept me because I was ‘undocumented.’ I saw myself at seven, being told no by an immigration official. That official decided my entire life. I am a DREAMER. Undocumented, unafraid, and unapologetic. I am a sister of Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority, Inc. I am a DACA recipient. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is an executive action signed by president Obama in 2012. It is not a law, it is not legal status. Those that qualify for DACA received a protection from deportation and a work permit valid for 2 years. Every two years renewal is necessary. During the week of May 31st through June 2nd, 2017 I attended a conference hosted by the Instituto de Mexicanos en el Exterior (IME), Mexican Consulate of New York, and City University of New York (CUNY). During those days, we attended workshops and lectures that informed DACA recipients of the many opportunities available to us in Mexico. I have lived in the United States since a very young age. My memories of Mexico are few and my connections in my home country even fewer. The thought of going back to Mexico as an adult is an overwhelming one. But it is a part of my reality. Benefitting from DACA does not guarantee my stay in this country. DACA is not a permanent solution. I could lose my DACA status and either be pushed back into the undocumented shadows or deported. Although Mexico is my start, where my roots are deeply imbedded, Mexico is not home. 12
HERMANA SPOTLIGHT
I am not shy about my status. Although I have on occasion been deemed less qualified or unworthy, even seen as a criminal, my status has not stopped my drive. Getting an education as a Latina woman is not an easy path, being undocumented has added an extra obstacle. I have had to take time off from school and put my education on hold because I could no longer afford the tuition. With DACA I was able to obtain a great job and pay my school debt. I could not afford tuition anymore. Before DACA I do not think I would be able to go back to school. I now hold a position in the field that I have studied for and will graduate and continue to further my education.
As a sister of Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority, Inc. I am a leader in my community. As a DACA recipient I am also a leader. Because DACA is not a law, but an executive action signed by President Obama, it can be taken away at any point by any sitting president. It is important for communities to unite and help bring change. It was the constant fight of community leaders and activists that brought DACA into being. The fight will continue. DACA recipients are young adults that have lived their entire lives in the United States, educated in the US, multilingual, and contributing to the US economy. DREAMERs are the American Dream! Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Requirements: • Under the age of 30 as of June 15th, 2012 • Arrived in the United States before his/her 16th birthday • Continuous residence in the United States from June 15th, 2007 until the present • Present in the United States on June 15th, 2012 and at the time of application • No lawful status as of June 15th, 2012 • Currently in high school, graduated or obtained a certificate of completion of high school (GED), or honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard or Armed Forces • Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanors, or three or more misdemeanors (and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety) 12
Articles are invited for publication in this magazine. Manuscripts should be submitted to the Editor for consideration. Acceptances are on contributing basis only an are subject to the editorial review. All copes and photos become property of Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority rosevine@gammaalphaomega.org
GAMMA ALPHA OMEGA | HEADQUARTERS | PO BOX 427 TEMPE, AZ. 85280 NATIONALHQ@GAMMAALPHAOMEGA.ORG | WWW.GAMMAALPHAOMEGA.ORG