SHE SAID

VANESSA SALLEY ORTIZ

CHAPTER OF INITIATION

Theta Alpha–Louisiana State University

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO ATTEND ALPHA GAMMA DELTA’S INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR AND WHAT MADE THIS THE RIGHT TIME FOR YOU TO ATTEND?

A couple years ago, my chapter sisters and I had our 35th reunion in Baton Rouge—the first since we’d graduated! My sisters flew in from all over the country, which was totally amazing! It reminded me how important my sisters were to me and how much they meant to me during college and later years to come. When I got the email about the International Convention I thought, "Wow, this has been on my bucket list for years...let's do it!"

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION WHEN YOU ARRIVED AT THE CONVENTION?

I was nervous when I arrived at Convention because I knew I was the only attendee from my chapter AND the airline lost my luggage. I walked up to registration and told the IHQ Staff members my luggage horror story, and they immediately introduced me to Vanessa Lopez and a whole circle of sisters at the Alumnae Happy Hour. Everyone was so nice! I even got a couple texts the next morning checking in on me and my luggage. It made me realize how silly my nerves had been—the sisterhood started the moment I arrived!

WHAT STANDOUT MOMENTS OR ACTIVITIES MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU?

The Red Carpet Reception Dinner and Awards Presentation were some of my favorites! It was so grand and made everyone feel so special. I also really loved Feast of Roses and how it brought back so many beautiful memories of my own chapter experience. Even though I was the only one from my chapter there, my University of Kentucky sisters treated me like I was part of their chapter! It was so sweet to feel that sisterhood bond with sisters I had met only a few days before.

HOW DID THE EVENT MAKE YOU FEEL ABOUT THE ALPHA GAMMA DELTA SISTERHOOD ON A LARGER SCALE?

Of course, I knew there were chapters and sisters all across North America, but it’s hard to fathom until you see it for yourself. It was amazing to meet almost 700 women that I had an immediate connection with through our amazing sisterhood. I met so many new friends that I keep in touch with on a daily basis!

DO YOU THINK YOU’LL ATTEND FUTURE CONVENTIONS? IF SO, WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST NEXT TIME?

You better believe it! I got my bags packed for the next one! A few of my Alpha Gamma Delta Sisters from LSU saw all my photos and now they want to come to the next one. I can’t wait to reunite with my new sisters and meet more!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A FUTURE FIRST-TIME ATTENDEE?

My advice would be just do it! Everyone is totally welcoming, and it is a weekend you will never forget. Every Alpha Gam should add it to her bucket list!