ΑΣΑ PALMS

ASA PALMS

THE WORD PALM MEANS TRIBUTE, HONOR OR PRAISE. ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA GIVES PALMS TO ALUMNAE AND

COLLEGIANS FOR THEIR SUCCESSES AND MILESTONES. CELEBRATING A PERSONAL, PROFESSIONAL OR VOLUNTEER

SUCCESS? TELL US ABOUT IT! SEND YOUR SUCCESS STORIES TO THE EDITOR AT ASA@ALPHASIGMAALPHA.ORG.

MONICA PATANKAR, Gamma Lambda

Monica Patankar, ΓΛ, recently received the 2019 City of Aurora Cultural Champion Award. Monica received the award in recognition for her community service efforts of promoting the different cultures represented in Illinois. Monica is also a spokeswoman for the Aurora Food Pantry and a strong advocate against hunger in the community.

JENNIFER MILLER GOBRECHT, Nu Nu

Jennifer Miller Gobrecht, NN , recently gave birth after successfully participating in a uterus transplant trial.

“When I was 17 years old I was diagnosed with Mayer-RokitanskyKüster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome and was told I would never be able to get pregnant due to an absence of a uterus. That was a very difficult thing to hear as a teenage girl who had dreams of being a loving mother. Those dreams disappeared, and I didn’t dare to revisit them. I found support from friends and family, but wasn’t able to fully begin to cope with my diagnosis until I joined Alpha Sigma Alpha two years later and had support and empowerment from my sisters.

This sisterhood helped me greatly when I was selected two years ago to partake in a uterus transplant trial at Penn Medicine. I matched with a donor, received a uterus transplant, had an embryo transfer, got pregnant, and gave birth to a healthy and beautiful son all while being the president of the Philly Metro Alumnae Chapter. The journey has not been easy, but every time I look at Benjamin’s face, I know it was worth it and I cannot thank my sisters enough for their support on this different path in life.

Benjamin is truly a miracle, and I feel beyond lucky to have him. When I signed up for this trial my hope was not only for myself to be able to start a family; my hope was that by participating in this study I could help other women with similar conditions to mine find their path to parenthood.”

JENNIFER SCHIMMEL STANLEY, Zeta Delta

Jennifer Schimmel Stanley, ZΔ, was recently announced as the Executive Director of Omega Phi Alpha National Service Sorority. Jennifer will coordinate activities for the operational leadership team and provide support to the organization.

CAITLYN KRAMER, Iota Eta

Caitlyn Kramer, IH , was recently crowned the 2019-20 National American Miss. Caitlyn has been competing in pageants since 2005 and was crowned National American Miss Arizona in 2018.

“It means a lot to me that I am the 2019-2020 National All-American Miss. I'm truly honored and thankful for this experience. I hope to use my time with the crown to make change through service. I have my own organization called Project Happiness Arizona, where I have collected 4,775 school supplies that have been donated to all the elementary schools, public library and domestic violence shelter in my hometown. I'm thankful for all the support and love from my ASA sisters from across the nation.”

DENICE TSINAJINIE, Iota Eta

Denice Tsinajinie, IH , was recently named Miss Native American University of Arizona. The Miss Native American UA Pageant is an event celebrating women ambassadors and Native American communities, serving as a platform to highlight indigenous culture, heritage and inclusion.

“Being Miss Native American University of Arizona 2019-20 is a true blessing. You, yourself, advocate for the community of many indigenous backgrounds to youth, adults and elders. You carry yourself as your mother, grandmother and ancestors raised and taught you to be. I, myself, stand in unity and solidarity with my brothers and sisters advocating for change, letting people know Native Americans still exist. We are here. We are proud to be indigenous with our language, culture, heritage and blessings ahéhéé (Thank You).”