PACE, Please!

Celebrating 40 Years of Personal and Chapter Enrichment

As the Sorority prepares to commemorate its 150th anniversary this year, let's reflect on the transformative programs that have shaped our sisterhood over the decades. One such milestone is the evolution of the Personal and Chapter Enrichment (PACE) programs, a legacy that began in 1982 and continues to thrive today!

In the early '80s, Gamma Phi Beta recognized the need for comprehensive programming that went beyond the traditional academic sphere. Thus, in 1982, PACE was born. The new initiative aimed to provide collegians and alumnae with skills extending beyond the classroom curriculum. Through PACE, members gained insight about chapter programming and skills in public relations, career development and problemsolving. Fostering personal growth and leadership qualities was, and still is, the intention of PACE programs.

In 1983, a questionnaire at the Area Leadership Conference (now called REAL Leadership Conference) paved the way for a groundbreaking addition to PACE – the Gamma Phi Beta career network. An astounding 81% of conference attendees completed the questionnaire, expressing a desire for an international career network. This led to the establishment of SisterLink, a program designed to provide job information, career contacts and mentoring for both collegians and alumnae.

SisterLink quickly gained momentum, with articles in The Crescent expanding on job-seeking skills and resources. Convention 1984, held in Chicago, Illinois, marked a historic moment as the program and SisterLink received unanimous approval, both becoming an integral part of the Gamma Phi Beta experience.

As the years passed, SisterLink evolved into the SisterLink Global Resource Network, adapting to the changing times and needs of its members. Remarkably, this forward-thinking initiative paved the way for the Sorority's embrace of LinkedIn, the world's largest professional network. Gamma Phis are now seamlessly connected in the digital landscape, a testament to the foresight embedded in the SisterLink and PACE programs.

These SisterLink pages were recurring features in several issues of The Crescent throughout the '80s, '90s and '00s. This dedicated space served as a valuable resource, offering practical guidance and insights to help our members build up their career contacts.

As we celebrate 40 years of PACE, we honor the visionaries who propelled Gamma Phi Beta into a future where personal and professional enrichment are pillars of our sisterhood. Here's to the next 150 years of empowerment, growth and sisterly support!