Two New Members Join the National Board of Directors of Gamma Phi Omega Int’l Sorority, Inc.

Chicago, Ill., November 14, 2016 – Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. has appointed and transitioned two new members to the National Board of Directors (NBOD) last month. These two new members will serve as the Recording Secretary and National Historian. 

Joining the NBOD are Noemi Roman of DePaul University, Epsilon Chapter, and Flor Carabez of Northern Illinois University, Theta Chapter. “I am beyond thrilled to work with these ladies and welcome them to the NBOD. I am also excited to see our organization have a complete board for this fiscal year” states Irma Amparo Ortiz, National President.

Noemi Roman, the new Recording Secretary, received her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Latin American and Latino Studies. She currently works for a federally funded program called GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) at Roosevelt High School and Clemente High School. As Recording Secretary, her goal is to assist with communication protocols within the sorority.

Flor Carabez received her Bachelor’s Degree in Community Leadership and Civic Engagement, and currently works in the Student Financial Services department in Columbia College Chicago. As National Historian, she plans to unite sisters among innovative historical projects and create a platform to commemorate sisters’ triumphs in the organization.

Both Roman and Carabez’s leadership and motivation will add great value alongside the rest of the NBOD. With two new board members, the National Board of Directors is comprised of thirteen women.

The 2016 National Board of Directors is listed below:

Irma Amparo Ortiz, National President

Andrea Elizabeth Keller, 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

Tania Figueroa, Philanthropic Director

Cynthia Gonzalez, Marketing Director

Valerie Vargas, Membership Intake 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.


Western Illinois University Colony Achieves Official Chapter Status

Gamma Phi Omega Phi ChapterChicago, Ill. Sept. 16, 2016 – Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. (Gamma Phi Omega) has officially recognized Western Illinois University Colony (WIUC) as Phi Chapter, marking it as the 21st undergraduate chapter in the Midwest. The organization has undergraduate and alumnae entities across IL, IN, and TX.

The ladies who formed part of WIUC appeared before the National Board of Directors (NBOD) to present an overview of their past year’s campus events. All programming revolves around the organization’s four goals: academic excellence, community service, cultural awareness and sisterhood. “I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments these ladies have made on campus in their time as a colony and look forward to those they will achieve with chapter status,”  said Irma Ortiz, National President of the NBOD.

WIUC was established in March 2015 with 8 founding members and has now grown to 14 members. With strong contributions on and off campus, the ladies have shown their passion and commitment to Gamma Phi Omega and the Western Illinois University community. “Being recognized as Phi Chapter is a huge accomplishment for all of us. We feel that getting this recognition will motivate us to keep doing what we have been doing and to also push ourselves further in our goals as a sorority and as a newly established chapter,” Jenissa Niño, President of Phi Chapter. “Western Illinois University and Gamma Phi Omega can only expect phenomenal things from us.”

The ladies plan to make events such as the Bandana Project and co-partnering with Greek and Non-Greek organizations annual, as well as continue their efforts to raising awareness about the organization’s values of Sisterhood, Leadership and Success. To connect with Phi Chapter, email wiu@gammaphiomega.org or visit their Facebook Page.


Get to Know Our National Swan: Rebecca Schwartz

The National Swan Award is given to an undergraduate sister who has encompassed all four goals into her daily life – Academic Excellence, Community Service, Cultural Awareness and Sisterhood. The National Swan promotes each goal across all boundaries and communities, as well as being a leader within and outside of the sorority.

This year, Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. proudly recognizes Sigma Chapter sister Rebecca “OrIana” Schwartz as our National Swan. We asked her a few questions; get to know our National Swan! National Swan

When is your crossing date? 
December 1, 2014

What is your degree in and when did you graduate?
Elementary Education with middle level endorsements in music, language arts, general science, and social science. Graduated May 2016

Where did you grow up? Do you have any siblings?
I grew up in St. Charles IL and I have 2 younger sisters. Andrea will be a senior and Northern Illinois University in the fall and Nicole will be a freshmen at Eastern Illinois University.

Where do you currently work or what is your ideal profession?
I  finished up my student teaching experience at one of the elementary schools in our St. Charles School District. I was offered and accepted a job as a summer school science teacher where I taught 2 sessions of science camp for students that will be entering 1st grade in the fall all the way up to students entering 6th grade. After a lot of hard work and patience, I have landed my dream job – I accepted a first grade teaching position at one of the elementary schools in St. Charles!

What positions did you serve on at Sigma Chapter?
While at Sigma Chapter I served as the Community Service Chair, I also am the proud Shadow of our Gamma Line!

What is your favorite GPhiO memory?
This is a hard one as I’ve had many amazing GPhiO memories. One that stands out would definitely be crossing because I knew that would be the start of something amazing. I will never forget that day because it was so special and I had reached a major goal. Another one of my favorite memories was being awarded National Swan. Since before becoming a member of Gamma Phi Omega I knew that my values and goals aligned with GPhiO. I’ve always tried my best to make a difference in not only my life but in the lives of others. It was so nice to be recognized for my hard work and dedication to the organization. I know how much previous National Swan recipients have inspired me in the past and I can only hope to do the same for my sisters.

What is your favorite GPhiO event?
I love National Conference! I think National Conference is so amazing because just when you think you know everything about the organization, you quickly learn that that’s not the case! I love learning new things about GPhiO, and I love connecting and reconnecting with sisters across various chapters.

Have any hobbies?
I’ve played the viola in orchestras for 13 years, getting invited to play at venues such at Disney World and touring the East Coast including the White House. I also love crafting (but what Swan doesn’t??). I learned to knit as part of my 5th grade curriculum, and have continued doing it ever since! I often donate my knitted items to nursing homes!

What activities/other organizations were you apart of at Illinois State University?
I was a part of the Symphony Orchestra and College Mentors for Kids while at ISU. I also worked several jobs including jobs with ISU housing services as well as teaching Violin and Viola lessons.

What has been your proudest moment in life so far?
My proudest moment was very recent. It was when I graduated from ISU on May 7, 2016 and ending my Spring Semester with a 4.0 GPA. I have worked so hard over the past 4 years to get my GPA back up after having a very rough transition to College. My goal was to increase my semester GPA every single semester, which I not only managed to do but I ended my last semester in College with a 4.0. Graduating college was a big moment for me because I have worked so hard to get there. Through the different struggles I have overcome, graduation wasn’t easy. My family has done so much for me to ensure that I can get the education I need to follow my dreams that I wanted to make them proud. I am the first in my family to graduate from a 4 year institution and I hope that I was able to pave the way for my 2 younger sisters.

Who is your Role Model?
I can’t just pick one role model because both of my parents are so important to me. Both my mom and dad are my role models because of everything they have ever done for me. They have both always put their family first and have given up numerous items and opportunities for their children. They have both always worked; my dad sometimes working 2 jobs in order to make sure my sisters and I had everything we needed and the education that we wanted. My dad has had numerous surgeries over the years but still manages to make sure his family is okay over himself; I believe we will be adding surgery number 14 to the list this summer. I would not be who I am without both of my parents, they have sacrificed so much for me and have done so much for me that I don’t even know how to repay them. I can only hope that one day I can follow in their footsteps and do the same for my family and my future children.

What are some of your favorites? Ex. food, tv show, movie, music, quote/motto you live by
Food: Italian food or tacos! TV Show: I love all the ‘Chicago’ shows; Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med. Also Greys Anatomy! Movie: I don’t have a favorite but I love comedies. Favorite Quote: “To the world you may be just a teacher, but to your students you are a hero”

What was your most memorable moment at ISU?
I’ve had a lot of great moments at ISU, but those memories I would have never had if I hadn’t chosen ISU at the college I wanted to attend. One of my most memorable moments at ISU was the first time I visited the campus before making the decision to attend. The moments I stepped onto the quad and began the tour I knew that ISU was the place for me. I will always remember the sense of home that I felt being there for the first time and how excited I got to attend.

What was your most memorable community service event?
I am very passionate about doing community service, and there is not one community service event that I have done that I have not gotten satisfaction out of helping others and the rewarding feeling that comes with it. Although all of the community service that I do is memorable, I would have to say one that I will always remember happened while I was volunteering at a local homeless shelter. I have built relationships with some of the residents at the shelter and the most rewarding experience is seeing their faces when they find their own place to live and sending them off with some basic supplies they need to get started on their own. Seeing the smile on their face as they walk out the door and say goodbye for the last time is something that I remember forever.

Have you ever traveled outside the country? If so, where and when?
I have never traveled outside the country, however it is my dream to travel to Italy and experience more of my culture.

If you could trade places with anyone (past or present) who would it be and why?
I would trade places with my grandmother because I’ve always admired how strong of a person she is and how outgoing she is. Even today she is still constantly making new friends and is never afraid to make small talk or introduce herself. She is very confident as well as family oriented. I have heard so much about the rest of her family such as her parents and I wish I had the opportunity to meet them. She’s also a great cook and loves cooking traditional Italian food for her family!

What’s one thing most people probably don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that I have a black belt in Tae-Kwon-Do!


Meet Our Newest Honorary Member: Dr. Lilia Fernández

Born and raised in Chicago, Dr. Lilia Fernández was the first in her family to graduate from high school and attend college. She obtained a B.A. in Government from Harvard University, a Master’s degree in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Ethnic Studies from the University of California, San Diego.

Currently an Associate Professor in the Department of History in Ohio State University,  Fernández is also affiliated with the Latino/a Studies Program, the Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies Department, and the Comparative Studies Department.  

20160712_201225Dr. Fernández’s research interests include U.S. Latino history, immigration, race and identity, urban renewal and gentrification, women’s history, urban education and many others. She has published over two dozen articles and essays , and has given nearly 100 presentations on her work throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, including at the 25th Annual Chicago Humanities Festival, the Latino Midwest Symposium, the COMPAS Conference on Immigration, the Beyond the Barrio Symposium, the Urban History Association and many more.

At Ohio State University, Dr. Fernández serves as a graduate advisor and undergraduate mentor, and has also served on nearly twenty committees and working groups such as the Latino/a Studies Advisory Committee, the Diversity Committee, the Faculty of Color Caucus and the University Senate. “Dr. Lilia Fernandez is one of the most hardworking women I have ever known, both in the academic setting as well as the professional setting. At her core, Lilia represents all of the qualities that Gamma Phi Omega women symbolize,” states Lissette Flores, biological sister of Dr. Lilia Fernández and sister of Gamma Phi Omega.

Dr. Fernández’s groundbreaking book Brown in the Windy City: Mexicans and Puerto Ricans in Postwar Chicago was released in 2012 and is the first history to examine the migration of these two ethnic groups to Chicago. In her work, she discusses the social and economic changes that took place in the urban north in the mid-20th century, such as declining industrial employment, massive urban renewal projects and how Mexicans and Puerto Ricans navigated these dynamics to claim their own geographic and racial space in the city. In January 2013,  Dr. Fernández was featured on WTTW’s Chicago Tonight nightly news program. In a little over a year, the hardcover edition of Brown in the Windy City sold out, leading to its release in paperback in July 2014.

Dr. Fernandez is the recipient of a number of prestigious awards, including the Ford Foundation pre-doctoral, dissertation and postdoctoral fellowships as well as The Ohio State University’s 2011 Alumni Distinguished Teaching Award. In March of 2015, she was honored as one of Hispanic Lifestyle’s Latinas of Influence for her contributions to the Latino community.

“It is an honor to call Dr. Fernandez a sister of Gamma Phi Omega. Her accomplishments are remarkable and motivating to the rest of our members as well as others in the community we serve,” states Irma Amparo Ortiz, National President.

We are inspired by her accomplishments and her dedication to the advancement of the Latinx community. We welcome Dr. Lilia Fernández as an Honorary Member of Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc.


Three New Members Join the National Board of Directors of Gamma Phi Omega Int’l Sorority, Inc.

Chicago, Ill., June 22, 2016 – Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. has appointed three new members to the National Board of Directors (NBOD) this month. These three new members will serve as the Recording Secretary, Director of Alumnae Affairs, and Programming Director.

Joining the NBOD are Valerie Vargas of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Lambda Chapter, Jennifer Baquedano of Northern Illinois University, Theta Chapter and member of Phi Delta Alumnae Chapter, and Maria Amador of DePaul University, Epsilon Chapter and member of Phi Alpha Alumnae Chapter. “I am ecstatic for these ladies to join us for this fiscal year, I know they are going to contribute greatly and have already shared wonderful ideas” states Irma Amparo Ortiz, National President.

Valerie Vargas, the new Recording Secretary, served on the NBOD as the Membership Intake Director for the 2014-2016 term. As Recording Secretary, her goals include making pertinent information readily available to the body with our new website, as well as create systems to support absentee voting and national bylaw proposals.

Jennifer Baquedano is currently a Birth-Three Program Monitor for the State of Illinois at Erikson Institute, and also serves as Sisterhood Chair for Phi Delta Alumnae Chapter. As Director of Alumnae Affairs, she plans to support all existing entities in their development, as well as form networking events to allow connections between alumni and current undergraduates.

Maria Amador is currently an Assistant Principal at William H. Taft High School and served on the NBOD as Alumnae Director for the 2001-2002 term. As Programming Director, she anticipates to strengthen and improve the programs that we provide for undergraduate and alumnae sisters and work closely with National Event Chairwomen.

With three new board members, the National Board of Directors is now comprised of twelve women. The 2016 National Board of Directors is listed below:

Irma Amparo Ortiz, National President

Andrea Elizabeth Keller, Vice President

Laura Soria, Financial Director

Valerie Vargas, Recording Secretary

Cynthia Gonzalez, Marketing Director

Jennifer Baquedano, Director of Alumnae Affairs

Jeanette Bonilla, Membership Intake Director

Kathy Portillo, Academic Director

Maria Amador, Program Director

Tania Figueroa, Philanthropic Director

Priscilla Marrero, Expansion Director

Reina Salcedo, Director of Undergraduate Affairs

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.


Five New Members Join the National Board of Directors of Gamma Phi Omega Int’l Sorority, Inc.

Chicago, Ill., June 3, 2016 – Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. has officially elected five new members to the National Board of Directors (NBOD) at this past National Founders’ Conference in April and have begun their term June 1st. These five new members will serve as the National President, Financial Director, Membership Intake Director, Expansion Director, and Director of Undergraduate Affairs.

Joining the NBOD are Irma Amparo Ortiz of University of Illinois at Chicago, Beta Chapter, Laura Soria of University of Illinois at Chicago, Beta Chapter, Jeanette Bonilla of Northern Illinois University, Theta Chapter, Priscilla Marrero of Illinois State University, Sigma Chapter, and Reina Salcedo of Northeastern Illinois University, Nu Chapter. “These five ladies have already displayed qualities of leadership and the passion to advance the organization. I am looking forward to what this group of women will accomplish in the upcoming year,” states Gina Nunez, outgoing National President.

Irma Amparo Ortiz, the new National President, works for Northeastern Illinois University as a Program Manager for a federally funded program called GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) in partnership with Chicago Public Schools. She has served on NBOD from 2004-2010 as Academic, Expansion, Membership Intake, and Program Director, as well as National President. With an increase in membership and chapters, Irma hopes to revamp the organization’s systems and structures to adapt to both the growth and needs of the sorority.

Laura Soria is a Legal Support Team Specialist/Paralegal for a primarily IP law firm in Chicago, Husch Blackwell, LLP. She’s served on NBOD from 2001-2007 as Expansion Director, Financial Director, and National President. As Financial Director, Laura anticipates developing investment strategies and making sure the organization’s budgets align with the long term goals.

Jeanette Bonilla works at Champs Sports and is currently serving her first term on NBOD. As Membership Intake Director, she plans to work closely with the new Expansion Director in hopes of improving recruitment and communication.

Priscilla Marrero is a Diverse Learner Instructor at Norman Bridge Elementary and is serving her first term on NBOD. Her goal as Expansion Director is to maintain and increase the sorority’s membership within existing and potential universities. Marrero’s knowledge from being a Cygnet and chapter founder allows her to put things in perspective of those who want to do the same.

Reina Salcedo works at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine as the Assistant Director of Student Development and is serving her first term on NBOD. As Director of Undergraduate Affairs, Salcedo plans to provide longitudinal personal and professional opportunities for undergraduate members and provide resources to Regional Directors and Chapter Mentors.

With five new board members, the National Board of Directors is now comprised of nine women. The 2016 National Board of Directors is listed below:

Irma Amparo Ortiz, National President

Andrea Elizabeth Keller, Vice President

Laura Soria, Financial Director

Cynthia Gonzalez, Marketing Director

Jeanette Bonilla, Membership Intake Director

Kathy Portillo, Academic Director

Tania Figueroa, Philanthropic Director

Priscilla Marrero, Expansion Director

Reina Salcedo, Director of Undergraduate Affairs

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 Announces Newest Colony

Sorority expands presence in the South at Texas A&M University


College Station, Texas—Since 1991, Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. has expanded within the Midwest to numerous colleges and universities. In its 23rd year of existence, the Sorority announces its newest colony outside the Midwest region. On April 26, 2014, Gamma Phi Omega welcomed Kassandra Peña, Dessiree Martinez, Elizabeth Castillo, Xochitl Colunga and Melissa Gutierrez into the organization and recognized them as Noble Founders of the Texas A&M University Colony.

The Sorority is committed to developing mature, supportive, professional women. “The National Board of Director’s congratulates the women and recognizes their determination, passion and strength for establishing Gamma Phi Omega. We are confident that they develop into an exceptional chapter,” said Socorro Garcia, national president of the National Board of Directors. “We would also like to acknowledge Nicole Thomas and Joanne Reyes, the leaders of the membership team, guiding the women as they sought membership into Gamma Phi Omega.” The most recent expansion contributes to the Sorority’s 17 undergraduate chapters, two alumnae chapters, four alumnae colonies and three undergraduate colonies.


Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. is a Latina-oriented organization founded on the campus of Indiana University April 17, 1991. Gamma Phi Omega promotes and fosters collegiate academic success, creates serving leaders within the community, raises cultural awareness, and unites women through the values of sisterhood. Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority Inc. 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. Visit our webpage at www.gammaphiomega.org, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GammaPhiOmega. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GPhiO1991


West Suburban Illinois Alumnae Colony Attains Chapter Standing

CHICAGO, Ill. Nov. 16, 2015 – Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority Inc. (Gamma Phi Omega) has officially recognized West Suburban Illinois Alumnae Colony (WSIAC) as Phi Delta Chapter, marking it as the 4th chapter serving its alumnae members. These entities grant women of the organization an opportunity to develop programming suitable for alumnae.

The alumnae members who form part of WSIAC appeared before the National Board of Directors (NBOD) Sunday morning to present an overview of their past year’s events and initiatives. All programming is led by the organization’s four goals: academic excellence, community service, cultural awareness, and sisterhood. “We are so very proud of our alumnae for continuing to build a strong foundation for future generations of alumnae,” said Gina Nuñez, National President of the NBOD. “Our graduate members and groups are integral to our organization’s development.”

WSIAC was established in September 2012 with 5 members and have now grown to 13 members. With hopes of engaging more alumnae and increasing their involvement with their chapter philanthropy, Mutual Ground, Phi Delta members are thrilled for their journey ahead. “We are very excited and thankful to have been granted chapter status. We have been committed to setting and achieving goals with hopes of receiving this great opportunity,” said Rosalinda Niño, Phi Delta President. “We look forward to continuing to give back to our communities, collaborating with other chapters, and representing our organization to the best of our abilities.”

The mission of alumnae and alumnae entities of Gamma Phi Omega is to promote education by empowering communities, leading social change and investing in philanthropic endeavors; to make a positive impact on the organization and society through innovation in professionalism, mentorship, diversity and kinship experiences.

Download a copy of this press release here.


Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. is a Latina-oriented organization founded on the campus of Indiana University April 17, 1991. Gamma Phi Omega promotes and fosters collegiate academic success, creates serving leaders within the community, raises cultural awareness, and unites women through the values of sisterhood. Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority Inc. 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. Visit our webpage at www.gammaphiomega.org, or on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/GammaPhiOmega. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GPhiO1991


Western Illinois University Instates as Colony

Macomb, Ill., April 1, 2015—Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. (Gamma Phi Omega) has officially recognized Western Illinois University (WIU) as the sorority’s second undergraduate colony in the Midwest. A colony in the United States college Greek system is formed after a group of college students have met certain criteria on their college’s campus from a fraternity or sorority’s headquarters and the first step to official recognition from its headquarters. Gamma Phi Omega has chapters and colonies located throughout Illinois, Indiana and Texas.

The eight ladies at WIU recently celebrated their official colony standing on March 21, 2015. They have dedicated time and efforts to raising awareness to multicultural affairs and promote the values associated with Gamma Phi Omega. Sisterhood, leadership and success are core values instilled in the members of Gamma Phi Omega serve as a guiding force to the sorority’s goals: academic success, cultural awareness, community service and sisterhood. The ladies representing Gamma Phi Omega on WIU’s campus include:

  • Marleyna “Yaotlí” Carrillo
  • Josephlyn “MIRAGE” Mendoza
  • Luz “Nylania” Bernal
  • Vanessa “DunAmis” Rodriguez
  • Corinna “Arabella” Castanon
  • Sara “ELOiSa” Stampanato
  • Monserrat “pitBULL” Zepeda
  • Loren “CitAla” Lewis

The NBOD reviews criteria for interested groups to achieve colony-status including: a detailed listing of recruitment and academic efforts along with fundraising and social programming, a letter of support from university personnel and grades for all interested members.

“We are proud as an organization to promote diversity at campuses across the nation,” said Gina Sanchez, national president of the NBOD. “These ladies have established a great cultural platform providing incoming students with an additional outlet to explore multiculturalism and create bonds that transcend ethnicities.” WIU welcomes Gamma Phi Omega’s colony as the third multicultural Latina oriented sorority on campus and will be a part of the university’s United Greek Council.

The mix of junior and senior standing women share various professional and personal ambitions. Career paths for the ladies represent various sectors from the workforce including communication studies, education, law enforcement, park and tourism administration and youth development.

Download a copy of this press release here.


Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. is a Latina-oriented organization founded on the campus of Indiana University April 17, 1991. Gamma Phi Omega promotes and fosters collegiate academic success, creates serving leaders within the community, raises cultural awareness, and unites women through the values of sisterhood. Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority Inc. 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. Visit our webpage at www.gammaphiomega.org, or on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/GammaPhiOmega. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GPhiO1991


North Shore O’Hare Attains Chapter Standing

CHICAGO, Ill., Feb. 16, 2014—Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. has officially recognized North Shore O’Hare (NSO) as the sorority’s Phi Gamma Chapter marking it as the 3rd chapter serving the its alumnae members. The organization has graduate chapters located in Illinois and Indiana. These entities strive to develop programming that better suits the alumnae women of the sorority.
The alumnae members who form part of NSO appeared before the National Board of Directors (NBOD) to present an overview of their past year’s cultural and social events. All programming is spearheaded by the organization’s four goals: academic excellence, community service, cultural awareness and sisterhood. “Our graduate members and entities are important to our organization’s development and its future generations,” said Gina Sanchez, national president of the NBOD. “These ladies serve as a foundation to our younger members providing them with mentorship and sisterhood.”

Download a copy of this press release here.


Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. is a Latina-oriented organization founded on the campus of Indiana University April 17, 1991. Gamma Phi Omega promotes and fosters collegiate academic success, creates serving leaders within the community, raises cultural awareness, and unites women through the values of sisterhood. Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority Inc. 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. Visit our webpage at www.gammaphiomega.org, or on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/GammaPhiOmega. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GPhiO1991


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