Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc., Announces Alpha Gamma Chapter

Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. (Gamma Phi Omega) has officially recognized the Indiana State University Prospective Chapter as Alpha Gamma Chapter, marking it as the 27th undergraduate chapter nationally, and ISU’s first Latina-oriented sorority. The members who formed part of Indiana State University’s Prospective Chapter recently appeared before the National Board of Directors (NBOD) to present an overview of their accomplishments as a prospective chapter. All programming revolved around the organization’s four goals: Academic Excellence, Community Service, Cultural Awareness and Sisterhood.

Members from Alpha Gamma Chapter were proud to share their involvement on campus hosting events and supporting their community. They received recognition from their university for the community they are helping to build on campus and for their involvement in the Fraternity and Sorority life community thus far. Alpha Gamma Chapter has been involved not only on their campus, but they have worked on building relationships with members of other chapters.

Alpha Gamma Chapter continued to push forward despite the obstacles they faced due to the pandemic. They used this time to reflect on the lessons learned throughout their time as a prospective chapter and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all members feel valued. Now as a chapter, Alpha Gamma Chapter members plan to continue building a legacy of respect, strength, and courage on their campus and beyond.


Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc., Announces Alpha Delta Chapter

Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. (Gamma Phi Omega) has officially recognized University of Dayton Prospective Chapter as Alpha Delta Chapter, marking it as the 26th undergraduate chapter nationally, first chapter in the state of Ohio, and University of Dayton’s first Latina-oriented sorority. The members who formed part of the University of Dayton’s Prospective Chapter appeared before the National Board of Directors (NBOD) to present an overview of their accomplishments as a prospective chapter. All programming revolved around the organization’s four goals: Academic Excellence, Community Service, Cultural Awareness and Sisterhood. 

Members from Alpha Delta Chapter were proud to share their involvement on campus hosting events and supporting their community. Alpha Delta Chapter has been involved not only on their campus, but they have worked on building relationships with members of other chapters. 

Alpha Delta Chapter continued to push forward despite the obstacles they faced. They used this time to reflect on the lessons learned throughout their time as a prospective chapter and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all members feel valued. Now as a chapter, members of Alpha Delta plan to continue building a legacy of respect, strength, and courage on their campus and beyond.


Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc., Announces Alpha Alpha Chapter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Contact: Nancy Salvador, Vice President of Membership Services
Email: vpmemberservices@gammaphiomega.org

Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority Announces Newest Chapter

Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. (Gamma Phi Omega) has officially recognized Washburn University Prospective Chapter as Alpha Alpha Chapter, marking it as the 24th undergraduate chapter in the Midwest. Washburn University is our first chapter in Kansas, making it the fourth state Gamma Phi Omega has expanded to. The ladies who formed part of Washburn University Prospective Chapter appeared before the National Board of Directors (NBOD) to present an overview of their past years’ events and accomplishments. All
programming revolved around the organization’s four goals: Academic Excellence, Community Service, Cultural Awareness and Sisterhood.

Sisters from Alpha Alpha Chapter were proud to share their involvement on campus hosting events and supporting their community. With great impact on their campus, the ladies are viewed positively on campus and do their best to co-sponsor and support events put on by different student organizations. The ladies have been involved not only on their campus but they have worked on building relationships with members of other chapters. They have been recognized for having the highest Greek organization GPA.

Alpha Alpha Chapter is proud to be the first Latina-oriented organization on their campus and were the founding organization of the Multicultural Greek Council. The ladies have continued to push forward despite the obstacles they faced due to the pandemic and have adapted to the changes. As a chapter the ladies plan to do more quality programming that engages their campus and continue to build on the foundation they have created.

About Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc.
Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. (Gamma Phi Omega) is a Latina-oriented organization founded on the campus of Indiana University April 17, 1991. Gamma Phi Omega strives to unite sisters in the principles of achieving academic excellence, serving the communities in which we live and learn, preserving the sacred bond of sisterhood among women, and uplifting and advancing a cultural awareness among Latinos and those in our global communities. Gamma Phi Omega is committed to the values of diversity and inclusion in order to attain and maintain excellence within our sisterhood providing women an equal opportunity without regard to race, age, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status or disability. Gamma Phi Omega is a proud member of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations.


Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. Welcomes Elected Members to the National Board of Directors, to Serve through May 31, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2020
Contact: Kyra Marcano, Vice President of Community Engagement
Email: vpcommunity@gammaphiomega.org

Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. Welcomes Elected Members to the National Board of Directors, to Serve through May 31, 2022

Chicago, IL – Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. completed elections for one new and four open positions on the National Board of Directors (NBOD) on July 11th and August 22nd respectively. Through these elections, the roles of National President, Vice President of Community Engagement, Vice President of Standards and Compliance, Director of Member Operations, and Director of Social Policy and Education have been filled.

Joining the NBOD are Karina Garduño of Alpha Chapter at Indiana University, Kyra Marcano of Zeta Chapter at Loyola University Chicago, Valeria Vargas of Lambda Chapter at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Mercedes Alvear of Tau Chapter at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and Amanda Bonilla of Xi Chapter at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Outgoing National President, Irma Amparo Ortiz states, “I look forward to the leadership of the newly elected board. The ideas, vision and experience they have shared so far will undoubtedly contribute greatly to the future and progress of the sorority.”

Karina Garduño, is the Assistant for Multicultural Programming in the Multicultural Center and the DACA Primary Contact at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. In her roles she oversees multicultural programmatic efforts, outreach for diverse student populations, and serves on various committees to review legislative changes affecting DACA students. As National President, Karina has identified updating national policies, improving communication with the body, and social justice education development and implementation as priority areas. Karina has a strong track record of leadership within the organization at the chapter, regional, and national level, including Vice President of Membership Services, and most recently Regional Director of the Indiana Region. This is Karina’s second full term on the NBOD.

Kyra Marcano is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Brilliant Light LLC, where she enhances organizations’ strategic planning capacity, designs and implements leadership development programs, and has partnered with school districts and global corporations to launch major initiatives at scale. As Vice President of Community Engagement, Kyra aims to leverage alignment of organizational goals to communication strategies as a means of improving member engagement. She has held the positions of Vice President and President at her undergraduate chapter, and has maintained active membership in the sorority, most recently through Phi Alpha alumnae chapter. This is Kyra’s first term on the NBOD.

Valeria Vargas is the ELL Coordinator & Educator at Instituto Justice and Leadership Academy, where she has created liberatory curricula and engaged in continued development of trauma-informed restorative and instructional practices. As Vice President of Standards and Compliance, she plans to work closely with the newly elected board to make the sorority a more trauma-informed, restorative space, with policies to protect its legacy. Valeria has served the organization in multiple capacities, most recently as Membership Intake Director. This is Valeria’s third term on the NBOD.

Mercedes Alvear is the Success Bound Coach with the Lefkofsky Family Foundation, where she provides professional development to school leaders, administrators, and district networks in support of middle grades academic success and transition to high school. Her goal as Director of Member Operations to use her professional experience and organization skills to contribute to a positive and impactful trajectory for the sorority, its sisterhood, and organizational growth. Mercedes is a noble founder of Gamma Phi Omega’s Tau Chapter, and has maintained active membership in the sorority, most recently through Phi Alpha alumnae chapter. This is Mercedes’ first term on the NBOD.

Amanda Bonilla is the Executive Director for Student Diversity, Equity and Belonging for the Ivy Tech Community College System in Indiana. She was recently selected as one of twelve participants for the Indiana Latino Institute Leadership Circle. Amanda is a noble founder of Gamma Phi Omega’s Xi Chapter, and has remained steadfast in her leadership within the organization, most recently serving as president of the Phi Beta alumnae chapter. As Director of Social Policy and Education, Amanda aims to contribute to creating a culture of inclusion within the organization, and will collaborate with the Vice President of Community Engagement to roll out the organization’s first-ever Committee for Social Action (CSA). This is Amanda’s first term on the NBOD.

The National Board of Directors is composed of nine women who serve their terms in two-year increments. The 2020 National Board of Directors is as follows:

Karina Garduño, National President
Tiana Lugo, Vice President of Finance
Kyra Marcano, Vice President of Community Engagement
Nancy Salvador, Vice President of Membership Services
Valeria Vargas, Vice President of Standards and Compliance
Mercedes Alvear, Director of Member Operations
Carolina Gutierrez, Director of Intake
Alexandra Maciel, Director of Expansion
Cristina Rodriguez, Director of Marketing
Amanda Bonilla, Director of Social Policy and Education

About Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc.
Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. (Gamma Phi Omega) is a Latina-oriented organization founded on the campus of Indiana University April 17, 1991. Gamma Phi Omega strives to unite sisters in the principles of achieving academic excellence, serving the communities in which we live and learn, preserving the sacred bond of sisterhood among women, and uplifting and advancing a cultural awareness among Latinos and those in our global communities. Gamma Phi Omega is committed to the values of diversity and inclusion in order to attain and maintain excellence within our sisterhood providing women an equal opportunity without regard to race, age, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status or disability. Gamma Phi Omega is a proud member of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations.


Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc., Releases a Statement on Solidarity with Black Communities

May 28, 2020
Contact: Luisa Sosa, Vice President for Community Engagement
Email: vpcommunity@gammaphiomega.org

Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc., Releases a Statement on Solidarity with Black Communities

Chicago, IL — Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. is saddened and enraged over the historical and ongoing acts of violence against Black communities in the United States and most recently, the unconscionable murders of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd. We send our deepest condolences to their families and demand true justice.

As a Latina-oriented sorority, we acknowledge our foundation is rooted with the influence and support of Black Greek organizations and therefore, we cannot remain silent. As an organization that values diversity and embraces many cultures, we stand in solidarity with Black communities, including our Black sisters and recognize the importance and urgency of the #BlackLivesMatter movement.

There is a long history of police violence against Black communities, we encourage our membership to help disrupt these racial injustices by spreading awareness and taking action.

  • Contact Minneapolis District Attorney, Mike Freeman and demand justice for George Floyd. 612-348-5550 https://www.hennepinattorney.org/about/contact
  • Call Jacob Frey, 612-673-2100 and tell his office “I want justice for the murder of George Floyd. I demand the prosecution of the 4 officers involved.”
  • Donate to the Official George Floyd: https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd?fbclid=IwAR1RH12m-gP_0QYThbECTsUjyVuQTA4bEcJek1pokG-Yhhs1vg8XXfhz0R8
  • Check any impulses to call the police on someone you may perceive as suspicious, the police have a demonstrated record of violence and disregard for humanity.
  • Stop sharing videos of Black people being murdered.
  • Listen to, uplift and amplify Black voices and experiences.
  • Confront racial injustices you encounter in your professional and personal networks even when it is uncomfortable, especially among family and friends.

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Gamma Phi Omega Recognizes Texas Alumnae Chapter – Phi Epsilon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, May 31, 2019

Contact: Melina Angeles, Director of Member Operations
Email: operations@gammaphiomega.org

Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority Recognizes Texas Alumnae Chapter – Phi Epsilon

Chicago, IL — Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. (Gamma Phi Omega) is pleased to officially recognize the Texas Alumnae Prospective Chapter (TAPC) as Phi Epsilon Alumnae Chapter! This marks the fifth alumnae chapter for the organization and the first alumnae chapter in the state of Texas.

Representatives for TAPC appeared before the National Board of Directors (NBOD), on May 19, 2019, to present an overview of programming, accomplishments, and challenges since the formation of the group in 2011. TAPC has provided its members with a network of supportive peers and opportunities for continued service and leadership beyond the collegiate years through programming that fulfills Gamma Phi Omega’s goals. Additionally, members of TAPC have served in leadership positions across the organization, including: Regional Directors, Undergraduate Chapter Mentors, and Process Team members for undergraduate intake. Finally, TAPC has provided, and continues to provide, instrumental support to the undergraduate chapters in the state of Texas.

As Phi Epsilon Alumnae Chapter, future plans include continued support of undergraduate chapters, chapter growth through recruitment of recent graduates and the initiation of future Phi Epsilon members through the graduate intake process, and continued impact in the various communities where they interact.

The NBOD looks forward to the continued growth and successes of Phi Epsilon Alumnae Chapter!

About Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc.
Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc., is a Latina-oriented organization founded on the campus of Indiana University April 17, 1991. Gamma Phi Omega strives to unite sisters in the principles of achieving academic excellence, serving the communities in which we live and learn, preserving the sacred bond of sisterhood among women, and uplifting and advancing a cultural awareness among Latinos and those in our global communities. Gamma Phi Omega is committed to the values of diversity and inclusion in order to attain and maintain excellence within our sisterhood providing women an equal opportunity without regard to race, age, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status or disability. Gamma Phi Omega is a proud member of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations.


Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc., Denounces Trump Administration’s Cruel Use of Immigrant Children’s Lives; Calls Members to Action

Chicago, Illinois (June 21, 2018)—Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc., calls on the Trump administration to cease the cruel use of immigrant children’s lives as political pawns to further the White House’s agenda for tougher immigration laws and U.S.-Mexico border control.

Yesterday, an executive order was signed to halt separation of immigrant families merely days after declaring the White House had no way to stop this practice. While the executive order halts further separations, it is not a solution: a plan for reunification for nearly 2,300 children and their families has yet to be unveiled and now, changes the policy to arrest, process, and detain whole families in cells.

As a nation, we find ourselves in the midst of a largely moral and humanitarian crisis of what can only be imagined as a life-long traumatizing experience for these children and their families, where lives continue to be devalued, and likely constitutes an illegal act that goes against a 1997 court case limiting the government’s ability to detain children.

We strongly believe that a statement denouncing this matter is critical. And so, we join many other organizations that have taken a bold step in condemning these actions. But a statement without action does not effect change.

We call on our members—many of who can relate to the immigrant family experience—families, friends and allies, to participate in one of many ways to make their voices heard!

On June 30th, join “Families Belong Together” in rallies across the nation to protest the Trump administration’s efforts to systematically criminalize immigration and hold them accountable for the reunification of families. For more information, visit: www.familiesbelongtogether.org.

Sign the National Domestic Workers Alliance “Move On” petition to urge for a swift reunification process. For more information, visit: https://petitions.moveon.org/sign/familiestogether.

Donate to Action Network’s RAICES program to aid in the family reunification process. For more information, visit: https://actionnetwork.org/groups/raices-refugee-and-immigrant-center-for-education-and-legal-services.

Follow our social media for more ways to continue the fight to keep immigrant families together.

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Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. Announces Its Official Headquarters

Gamma Phi OmegaChicago, Ill., April 11, 2017 – Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. (Gamma Phi Omega) has officially obtained its national headquarters in Chicago – a historic moment in the organization’s history.

Gamma Phi Omega signed a lease at 1945 S. Halsted in Chicago’s East Pilsen neighborhood. The building is currently being renovated and modernized, and has kept its unique architecture with stain-glass windows and high ceilings.

“This is a major step towards our progress and development as a sorority. Aside from the headquarters, we are exploring the option to hire staff and they will need a work space so this is a win-win” states National President,  Irma Amparo Ortiz. “I am also excited that the space will be able to house our monthly board meetings and other national sorority activity.”

The location includes direct access off the highway, conference room space, kitchen and restroom facilities across the hall. The national headquarters will be used for meeting space, office work space for sisters/interns/employees, substitutes for storage space, and serves as shipping/receiving location for ordered items and postal address.

The National Board of Directors (NBOD) have moved into the space in March and it will be open to the public as needed for partnership meetings, but mostly be utilized by members. The grand opening will occur in Summer 2017.

“I am very excited that we have taken the critical step forward of establishing a national headquarters,” states National Vice President, Danette Surges. “This space will be invaluable with upcoming NBOD restructure efforts, as well as serve as a key central resource space for all members, universities, and interests.”

The national headquarters demonstrate signs of continued success, growth, and progress that will be made in the organization.


University of Illinois Springfield Colony Achieves Official Chapter Status

uisChicago, Ill. Feb. 3, 2017 – Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. (Gamma Phi Omega) has officially recognized University of Illinois Springfield Colony (UIS) as Chi Chapter, marking it as the 22nd undergraduate chapter in the Midwest. With undergraduate and alumnae entities across IL, IN, and TX, Chi Chapter’s 15 founding members are the largest founding line in Gamma Phi Omega history.

The ladies who formed part of UIS Colony appeared before the National Board of Directors (NBOD) to present an overview of their past years events and accomplishments. All programming revolves around the organization’s’ four goals: Academic Excellence, Community Service, Cultural Awareness and Sisterhood. “I am very impressed with the achievements of this group and look forward to the growth and future of this chapter,”  said Irma Ortiz, National President of the NBOD.   

Sisters from Chi Chapter were proud to announce to the NBOD that they completed 392.95 hours of volunteer work in their community and are involved in multiple organizations on campus including: Capitol Scholars Honors Program, Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society, and Organization of Latin American Students. With great impact on their campus, the ladies are viewed positively on campus and do their best to co-sponsor and support events put on by different student organizations.

As a chapter, the ladies plan to do more quality programming that engages their campus, hope to select their chapter philanthropy and want to find more ways to serve the American Diabetes Association. “It is still unreal for me – not that long ago I was a Cygnet and now I am a Chi Chapter Founder! I am so proud of my line sisters and myself for all the work we have put in to accomplish achieving chapter status, said Colleen McMahon, President of Chi Chapter. “All of our hard work has paid off and we achieved something bigger than all of us – expanding the most gorgeous, prestigious, and original Sorority!” To connect with Chi Chapter, email uis@gammaphiomega.org or visit their Facebook Page.

About Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc.

Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. (Gamma Phi Omega) is a Latina-oriented organization founded on the campus of Indiana University April 17, 1991. Gamma Phi Omega strives to unite sisters in the principles of achieving academic excellence, serving the communities in which we live and learn, preserving the sacred bond of sisterhood among women, and uplifting and advancing a cultural awareness among Latinos and those in our global communities. Gamma Phi Omega is committed to the values of diversity and inclusion in order to attain and maintain excellence within our sisterhood providing women an equal opportunity without regard to race, age, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status or disability. Gamma Phi Omega is a proud member of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations.


New Member Joins the National Board of Directors of Gamma Phi Omega Int’l Sorority, Inc.

Chicago, Ill., January 3, 2017 – Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. has appointed and transitioned a new member to the National Board of Directors (NBOD) this past month. The new member will serve as the National Vice President through the end of the fiscal year 2017.

Joining the NBOD is Danette Surges of DePaul University, Epsilon Chapter. As an undergraduate, Danette was Epsilon chapter’s NBOD undergrad representative, and after graduation immediately ran for the NBOD becoming Philanthropic Director in 2001-2002. Additionally, she served as the National Vice President and then National President in 2002-2004 respectively.

“I am grateful to Danette for her willingness to serve as National Vice President for the remainder of this fiscal year. She is eager to come back and support new initiatives and see them through while in office” states Irma Amparo Ortiz, National President.

Danette obtained her Bachelor’s degree in French Language and Literature with a minor in philosophy, and currently works at Perillo BMW in the Gold Coast as a Team Leader in the service department. As National Vice President, her goals include to renew/secure best possible insurance policy for our organization’s needs, work with the Risk Management Committee to revise our current risk management policy, and create new ways of educating our members on this policy and crisis management.

Danette’s leadership and experience on being part of the NBOD will add great value to the organization’s strategic goals and initiaves.

The 2016 – 2017 National Board of Directors is listed below:

Irma Amparo Ortiz, National President

Danette Surges, National Vice President

Laura Soria, Financial Director

Noemi Roman, Recording Secretary

Kathy Portillo, Academic Director

Jennifer Baquedano, Director of Alumnae Affairs

Reina Salcedo, Director of Undergraduate Affairs

Priscilla Marrero, Expansion Director

Cynthia Gonzalez, Marketing Director

Valerie Vargas, Membership Intake Director

Tania Figueroa, Philanthropic Director

Maria Amador, Program Director

Flor Carabez, Historian

About Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc.

Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. (Gamma Phi Omega) is a Latina-oriented organization founded on the campus of Indiana University April 17, 1991. Gamma Phi Omega strives to unite sisters in the principles of achieving academic excellence, serving the communities in which we live and learn, preserving the sacred bond of sisterhood among women, and uplifting and advancing a cultural awareness among Latinos and those in our global communities. Gamma Phi Omega is committed to the values of diversity and inclusion in order to attain and maintain excellence within our sisterhood providing women an equal opportunity without regard to race, age, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status or disability. Gamma Phi Omega is a proud member of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations.


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