La Mensajera 2020 Vol. 2

Vol.2

perspectives Winter 2020

Layout and editing for this issue was done by: Alexandra Limon, Shelly Criswell, And Ariel Gonzalez.

IG: @AYEEJAZZY PHOTO CREDIT: @MANIPURA.ART_ WEBSITE: MANIPURAART.COM

2

LA MENSAJERA

COVER MODEL: Jazmine Acevero Sigma Gamma Chapter

05 POINTS TO PONDER by Mary Peterson Mary Peterson reflects on 30 years of SLG — the past, the present, and our future.

06 GAMMA GONE RED! by Juliet Abdel Sister Juliet Abdel discusses the importance of heart health and shares her story.

08 WOMXN WHO: SERVE by Brisa Roman Learn about the lives of Sisters Lieutenant Colonel Vijay M. Gallardo and Colonel Ginette Ruth.

12 HOW TO TRANSITION INTO AN ACTIVE ALUMNA by Megan Sotelo Congrats, grad! Learn how to stay connected to SLG. 14 SXSTER SPOTLIGHTS by Angelys Torres Five sxsters discuss how their identities have impacted them as Womxn of Distinction.

19 BLACK LIVES MATTER by Angelys Torres Dismantling Anti-Blackness Within Sigma Lambda Gamma’s Membership 23 RESOURCES A list of resources where you can learn more about dismantling anti-blackness and BLM. 24 THANK YOU FROM THE EDUCATION FOUNDATION Thank you to all who donated to the Education Foundation in 2019.

LA MENSAJERA

3

Letter from the Editor

Hey Gammas, 2020 has not been a great year for many people and will be a year no one will forget.

This year has taught us many things; among them is to be kinder to ourselves and to learn from one another. Without a doubt, from the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank the La Mensajera Editorial Board. I feel like a proud momma because, although 2020 handed various obstacles to the team, we still did it! Not only have you published a second issue of LM, but you poured your hearts and souls into articles that truly mean something to you.You embraced the mission of the magazine: to encourage members’ lifetime involvement and to continue to empower women and membership by amplifying their voice.Your hard work will go down in history. So, thank you ‘19-’20 Editorial Board.

With much gratitude, we are excited to provide everyone with the second issue of a revitalization of La Mensajera! We hope the articles bring a sense of empowerment to your lives and bring a sense of connectivity throughout the sisterhood! Some articles include topics that may be emotionally challenging or triggering for some readers. We acknowledge some of the terms used in the direct quotes referenced in this issue are offensive, but the writers, editors, and Sigma Lambda Gamma leadership believe they are important to include in order to continue to grow and move forward as we head into the next 30 years of SLG. The editorial board and I are strong believers in keeping La Mensajera alive and reaching all corners of membership. In order to sustain this tradition, we will need your help.

Please support us in bringing La Mensajera to life by submitting ideas or any creative pieces to lamensajera@sigmalambdagamma.com.

Alexandra Lee Limon Director of Communication and Marketing

4

LA MENSAJERA

Points to Ponder...

Imagine if you had been with the founders, Esther, and I when we decided on our principles and talked about the future of our organization. Do you think you could have ever imagined that we would be this strong of an organization in our 30 years of sxsterhood? It goes to show that if you have a dream with purpose, it can happen. What would you like to start or develop? What causes would you support? Would you be a change agent? Who would you choose to be on your team to do that? As a sister of SLG you have the ability to dream big and develop new things, whether it be for-profit or non-profit. No doubt you come from a long line of powerful women who kept the dream alive in SLG!

Gamma Love,

Mary Peterson Interim Executive Director

LA MENSAJERA

5

Gamma Gone Red! By: Juliet Abdel At 29 years old, according to our society and most people’s standards, I should be having a divine time.

Whether it is embarking on a new chapter of my life that includes a husband and kids, or the only other option (again according to societal views), I have immersed myself in work so deeply that I only live and breathe it.

However, I was far from that. Having left a very toxic marital relationship, one that included severe gaslighting tendencies, I was worn down. Emotionally and physically. Shortly thereafter, I took my mother in after her traumatic car accident, which left her very dependent on me for weeks. I became her primary caretaker, and as most women do, added that onto my workload. There was no personal time, as the only time I had was split between my work and my mother. Metaphorically, I appeared to be holding a lot of bags and not letting any go.

Work has always been my creative outlet; I am passionate about what I do. For me, each day is a chance to help aspiring, existing, and prospective business owners. What’s not to love about that? Entrepreneurs that grow and blossom into success stories, who then provide for their respective families.

It was after two weeks of sunny California, where temperatures were just above 70 degrees that things shifted for me. Floating on cloud nine from having received a “40 under 40” award by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, I was ready to implement some new and exciting things. I walked into my office eager to get going. This is when it all hit — a massive migraine out of nowhere. Determined, I took Advil to be able to push through.

"Floating on cloud nine from having received a '40 under 40’ Award by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, I was ready to implement some new and exciting things."

Days later my intern noticed that I still had a severe migraine and was working through it as best I could. My daily humorous jabs had diminished and here I was taking more pills with no success. Two doctors and three prescription medications later, I was rushed to the emergency room. Picture a black hole where opening your eyes hurts too much, any light, sound, noise – it all exasperated it. Then add to the mix a whiplash feeling in your neck. Uncomfortable is putting it mildly. After four hours in the hospital and comprehensive imaging, I was told I suffered an aneurysm – a vertebral artery dissection (sVAD). Are you just as shocked as I was? Believe me WebMD gave me no peace of mind.

The remedy moving forward was to take it very, very easy…no stretching, no elevating my heart rate, no caffeine – all these restrictions coupled with a few scripts that totaled about 18 pills a day for the next few months. As you can imagine, I was incredibly depressed – when you’re feeling awful the first thing that follows is your mental health. And as most of you can predict I was not immune to that. I quickly began to reflect on my life or lack of certain elements of my life. For the first time in a long time, I felt alone, and I was upset at God for not giving me a chance to experience those things.

6

LA MENSAJERA

Somewhere between extended hours of sleep and medications, I had a revelation. God did not do anything to harm me, in fact, He was here to guide me through this while encouraging me to change my behaviors – to stop acting like I was dead, realize that I am alive, and while here I should live to leave something better behind.

The saying that we all have a unique fingerprint to leave behind holds true. I decided to go out on a quest to define my legacy and locate a megaphone. My personal mission is to inspire and empower women to lead healthier lives.

And I was selected to represent Miss North Metro for America 2020 at the state Miss Colorado competition in May 2020. I have partnered with the American Heart Association as a Healthy For Life, Go Red for Women and EmPOWERED to Serve Ambassador.

These roles directly overlap with my interest areas. Healthy For Life feeds into the healthy lifestyle I now lead, Go Red for Women is to empower women to take back their health and EmPOWERED to Serve touches me deeply as minority populations are impacted far more by heart health. Today, I have healed fully -- along the way I have shed over 20% body fat and kicked bad habits to the curb. I encourage each of you to learn the big 5 factors that affect your health: blood pressure, total cholesterol, highdensity lipoprotein (HDL), good cholesterol, blood sugar, and body mass index.

I would be remiss if I did not thank and acknowledge the support of my block sisters in Colorado who have all come together to form an Alumnae Association, my brothers of Sigma Lambda Beta and sisters from Sigma Lambda Gamma chapters nationwide that have listened to me and supported my effort. It takes a village to get to where you want to go and I am blessed to be part of something beyond myself.

Thank you to Sigma Lambda Gamma for forever being in my heart, convening so many sisters together, and for recently partnering on the #GammasGoRed social movement. Cardiovascular disease and stroke are the number 1 and 2 killers in the nation with 1 in 3 women being affected, killing three times as many women as breast cancer and is the leading cause of death more than any other form of cancer combined. Let’s change those statistics!

FOR QUESTIONS ON MY #SIMPLYBEAUTIFUL EFFORT EMAIL JULIETABDEL@OUTLOOK.COM OR CALL ME AT 405.762.0374.

In Sisterhood,

Juliet Abdel Miss North Metro for America 2020

LA MENSAJERA

7

SE 8

LA MENSAJERA

RVE

By: Brisa Roman LA MENSAJERA

9

EMPOWERED GAMMAS LEADING THE WORLD She is a US Army Foreign Area Officer and a UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter Aviator.

Sister Ltc. Vijay M. Gallardo AT Her pinning-on Ceremony

Colonel Ginette Ruth is currently the AMEDD Personnel Policy Integrator, the Directorate of the Officer Personnel Management Directorate, HQ Department of the Army, G-1 at the Pentagon, Washington, DC. COL. Ruth and LTC. Gallardo are happily married to their spouses, and are mothers of two children.

What made you choose this career?

Had you dreamt of it in your youth?

Historically, the military is one of the most diverse institutions in the U.S. relative to the active duty enlisted corps. However, in the officer corps, and especially at the senior leadership level, racial and ethnic minorities are the least represented. A 2017 report by CNA, a research organization in Arlington, Virginia, finds that racial and ethnic minority women make up about 18% of the officer corps and account for less than 7% of the highest leadership position.

Sister Vijay M. Gallardo and & Ginette Ruth, otherwise known as Lieutenant Colonel Vijay Gallardo and Colonel Ginette Ruth, are among a rare group of Latinas who have made it into the highest leadership ranks in the military. In an interview with HQ,Vijay and Ruth speak about their careers and what their achievements have meant to them.

Sisters Vijay M. Gallardo is an alumna of the Mu Beta Chapter at the United States Military Academy, where she was initiated in Spring 2001. She currently is an active alumna with the District of Columbia Metro Area Alumnae Association. Gallardo has also remained active with SLG by assisting in various volunteer roles over the years.

Sister Colonel Ginette Ruth is one of the founders of the Mu Chapter, University of South Florida, Spring 1995.

Lieutenant Colonel Vijay M. Gallardo is a Politico-Military Affairs Officer on The Joint Staff as part of the J-5 (Strategy, Plans, and Policy), Western Hemisphere Division. Helicopter Aviator.

10

LA MENSAJERA

COL. Ginnette Ruth (GR): I never dreamt of being in the military. My father advised that if I ever did, to go to school and get my education first.

Once I was in college, I participated in the ROTC events and witnessed the comradery and the values the Army stood for. I wanted to be part of that— something greater than me.

LTC.Vijay Navarro (VN): It wasn’t something I planned for as a youth.

It started coming together as I was researching colleges and preparing to apply during junior & senior years in high school. My father’s friend, a West Point graduate, recommended I look into West Point. I discovered that it made so much sense as a match. The mix of academic, physical, and leadership focus was so unique and appealing. It seemed like the right challenge to embark on. The full scholarship meant a great deal, in practical terms as well. I had to compete for a nomination from the Congressional representative from the area I lived in, and things went from there.

How do you define your career?

GR: I defined my career as successful. I have achieved and accomplished more than I have ever thought possible. I feel very proud achieving success into the senior ranks in my field and specialty.

Reaching this far as a Latina woman—an honor.

VN: I define my career by the people I’ve worked with: the soldiers I’ve led through some of our most important life experiences, the soldiers who taught me what a leader is, the women and men of many walks of life who supported me and have allowed me the honor to support them in the path toward their goals, the cadets I taught and worked with as a faculty member who are now on their own leadership journeys. These are the most impactful aspects of this career.

What things excite you most about your job?

VN: The hardest thing was actually health-related when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune illness. It requires being strong in ways I still don’t entirely know how to be. It changed my life drastically and made me feel great loss. I’m thankful for the support and compassion of others.

And my husband and I are due to have a baby in August and it’s so exciting! So, figuring out the big chapter of family life will be a journey full of goals and surprises, too!

In terms of the big picture, what goals do you hope to accomplish for yourself over the next five years, and how do you hope to achieve them?

GR: To find a mentor. Ask the difficult questions and listen. I would continue to learn from every situation and take the positive from each. Let situations make you stronger and wiser. Most of all, do not let anyone define who you are by their negative feelings and opinions of you.

GR: In the next five years I plan and hope to continue to serve honorably.

VN: I’d like to continue the work on advancing the diplomatic-military relationships between the U.S. and other countries. I’d also like to continue to contribute to the community—through serving SLG, servicemembers, students, and developing leaders. This work balances the office work and provides a more purposeful life.

If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?

VN: Things don’t get easier necessarily, they get more complex and more people look to you to support them in their paths. Keep striving even when things seem impossible because you will get through it and be able to help others along the way. The people around you will help make it worth it.

GR: Taking care of soldiers and their families.

VN: It’s so different today than, say, 10 years ago. Back then, it was being with the soldiers and aircrews, getting up in the air on a mission, building the team for our tactical mission, and seeing remote parts of the world; the sense of accomplishment that our unit did something and succeeded together, whether in training or in a real-world mission. Today, in very much of an office job, it is about building international relationships between uniformed forces of partner countries, working on strategic-level challenges, and working to address some of the complex security challenges that exist in our world.

Sister Colonel Ginnette Ruth during a ceremony at the Hall of Heroes WaShington. DC

What has been your biggest challenge thus far on your journey and why?

GR: Being away and missing special events. But we make them up by celebrating when possible.

LA MENSAJERA

11

You did it! You graduated! But now what? Like all graduates, you are probably contemplating the next steps in life, career, and Sigma Lambda Gamma...

12

LA MENSAJERA

You did it! You graduated! But now what? Like all graduates, you are probably contemplating the next steps in life, career, and Sigma Lambda Gamma. Once you graduate, it’s okay to feel hesitant to jump right into an alumnae association or a volunteer position.You should feel empowered to take some time to focus on yourself and your career before committing more time to the sorority. Some sxsters take time to start their career, build a family, travel the world, go to graduate school, or move to a new city. While we often push our undergraduate sxsters to be as involved as possible as an alumna, don’t feel guilty for taking some time to refresh and decide what your plans are.

Whenever you feel ready to come back to the sorority, consider how involved you want to be. Please keep in mind that to remain in good standing you must pay dues, whether they be paid at-large or through an alumnae association. An active alumnae is a due-paying member who is involved in their local Alumnae Association. Whereas, an alumna-at large member is a due-paying member who is not active in an association typically for two reasons: there is not an active association in the city or state they live in or the nearest association is not within a 30-mile radius. Both options are usually cheaper than undergraduate dues and only need to be paid once a year. At-large dues will be cheaper than paying through an alumnae association, and they allow you to receive headquarters’ updates and take on a volunteer position. It is also important to make sure you keep up to date on issues important to the sorority, which can be done by reading the memos, regularly visiting the social media pages, and joining GreekTrack, the new membership portal.

If you want to be involved, but don’t necessarily want to join an alumnae association, you can start by paying at-large dues and looking into volunteer positions for the sorority. There are typically advisor or committee positions open. Chapters have operations, intake, and academic advisors, so if you have strengths or interests that may make you a great fit for a specific position, see which local chapters need advisors.

Currently, sxsters can participate in many committees, such as the Mental Health Task Force, La Mensajera Editorial Board, etc. These committees are made up of sxsters from different chapters who are passionate about strategically supporting the sorority. These committees usually meet virtually, so they are good options for someone who wants to contribute to a specific cause but may need the flexibility to meet online.

If you’re looking for something more structured with inperson alumnae interaction, you may want to look into an alumnae association.

While it has an executive board and plans programming, similar to that of a chapter, participation is a lot more flexible than it would be in undergrad. Many alumnae sxsters have responsibilities such as families, graduate school, and fulltime jobs, so meeting several times a week is often out of the question. Alumnae associations understand how timeconsuming these can all be and ultimately work together to find times that work for everyone. This is a great chance to network with sxsters who are new to the area or from different chapters.

Another challenge alumnae may face is how to stay connected to their chapter. While it can be tempting to get swept up in the day-to-day operations of your chapter, it is important to let go and let the undergrads learn how to run things on their own. This doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye forever and let them fend for themselves. As an alumna, you are an important resource for your chapter. Make sure they know they can always come to you for advice or if they need to brainstorm. If you have notes, resources, or historical documents, make sure to pass them along so they have context for how to move the chapter forward. It is also important for you to educate them on important things that are happening on a regional or national level that they may not be aware of and to also offer them any tips you’ve learned as you further in both your personal journey and your career.You can also support them by attending events, doing community service with them, donating money or goods, and promoting their digital content.

Finally, don’t be afraid to create new things. If you had ideas for events or initiatives that you didn’t get to implement as an undergrad, see if you can propose your ideas now as a member of an alumnae association or committee or by contacting someone at headquarters who may be able to relay the information to the right person. It is also inevitable that you’ll generate new ideas or gain resources and partnerships as you step into new professional roles and join other organizations.

You can always share these to benefit the sorority and contribute to professional development.

Our sorority is constantly growing and evolving. We are only as strong as our membership. Do not be afraid to try new things, speak up when you see something isn’t right, and continue to shape our sorority for the better. As we all develop in our lives and careers, we are going to learn new things that we can use to help shape the new generations of sxsters that are following us. It is our responsibility to create a safe space where we can help them grow into leaders for the future. No matter where you go in life, you are an important asset to our organization.

Remember, we are always hermanas por vida.

How to Transition into an Active Alumna.

By Megan Sotelo

LA MENSAJERA

13

SHARLOTTE

SARAH GABRIELA

RAQUEL

Sxster

JACKIE

Spotlights By: Angelys Torres

14

LA MENSAJERA

When asked about their most salient identities, sxsters from around the nation shared formative experiences that contributed to their growth as Womxn of Distinction.

SHARLOTTE “DAENERYS” O. GRAMAJO #141 Plains Region SPR ‘18 | Xi Beta Chapter “Hello sisters! My name is Sharlotte Omaira Gramajo, and I am originally from Van Nuys, California. I have lived and called Oklahoma home for some years now. I am the current president of the X-quisite Xi Beta chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma. I am a senior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Chemistry (Pre-Med) at the University of Oklahoma. I am one of two daughters from two amazing Guatemalan immigrants that created a home and mindset of never giving up. Throughout my upbringing, this was a lesson I was always taught—though in different ways during different times. My cultural heritage has instilled a passion in me to break barriers and the status quo in every space I am in. From a young age I knew my path would be very different compared to traditional white American children, students, and—more importantly—women. I have faced many challenges, but they have cultivated and lit the fire I have running through my veins. I am proud of every part of me that was put through the ringer because that holds me up today. From identity issues, financial hardships, life-impacting relationships (both good and bad) and having to prove myself in systems that were not meant for someone like me,

I remind myself that I am a strong, independent woman. Time after time after time I am committed to the success of myself, my future, my family, our community, our country, and the world! I love you all! Remember you aren’t alone.Your purpose is my purpose and together we will fight. Culture is Pride, Pride is Success.”

Instagram and Twitter: @its_sharrr Facebook: Sharlotte Gramajo SARAH “CANDELA” TAYLOR #94 Midwest Region SPR ‘01 Alumna | Eta Chapter “During these times of civil unrest, a health pandemic, and chaotic campaigning for the presidential election, Yo Soy Ella (YSE), as an organization, was met with unique challenges.YSE, based in Chicago, is a non-profit support group that provides free programs and services to meet the mental and emotional needs of women of color. The challenges we met were closely related to the lack of physical interaction and therapeutic support services which significantly incorporate connection, belonging, and healing. It was amongst these setbacks that our new innovative approaches were formed.

This moment of crisis allowed us to highlight a movement of compassion to our communities and towards our online presence, thereby extending our collective work of healing.

My name is Sarah Taylor and I am the Founder and Executive Director of YSE. Alongside 12 other committed YSE members, we extended our capacity to serve in the midst of a pandemic with two significant empowerment initiatives that demonstrate love and fearlessness against the unknown: 1) Compassion Above the Crisis and 2) Pa’Lante Sin Miedo (Go Forward without Fear). Both statements brand our purpose and calling during such unprecedented and uncertain times as this one. Crisis is known for its traumatic impact on the individual and familial unit. The lives of thousands within our local communities have been severely impacted, and as servants of the people we felt it was our calling to address the needs through courageous compassion. While administering Compassion, we provided several tiers of services which are part of our rapid-response to the COVID-19 crisis and economic disparity. Listed are the initiatives YSE birthed from a crisis through acts of compassion: 1) Diaper Drive serving 1000 families 2) Free mental health and emotional counseling 3) Cariño Kits (appreciation packages for janitors and custodians at community hospitals hit hardest with COVID-19 patients) 4) Free Pizza Dinner-on-Us 5) Compassion Wednesdays on Instagram to discuss relevant and current events 6) YSE Teen Program

Leading an organization for eight years exposes its challenges, but one thing remains the same—I lead without fear. Because Compassion was used as the new currency to be present for our community, we prevailed.

The Compassion and Pa’Lante Sin Miedo movements truly encapsulated the significance of resistance. This armored our team to build a culture of compassion and connection within our work directly and indirectly. A message that we stand behind is: Let all things be done in LOVE.

LA MENSAJERA

15

There’s no other formula, foundation, universal message, groundings or unique ideals that can get through and liberate us without LOVE. With a mission centered on empowering women, centering our spirituality, and grounded with love, we will forever be able to go forward without fear.” www.yosoyella.org Instagram and Facebook: @YoSoyEllaInc RAQUEL “ADERAIYA” DELEON #22 Northwest Region Winter ‘12 Alumna | Mu Delta Chapter “My name is Raquel Luisa DeLeon and I am a first-generation Chicana at Texas Tech University (TTU). I am currently in my first year of the Rhetoric and Technical Communication PhD program and absolutely loving every moment. I graduated from Eastern Washington University (EWU) with my BA in Psychology and MA in English with an emphasis in Rhetoric and Technical Communication. EWU is where I was initiated as a member of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. as a freshman, and I am eternally grateful for the sisterhood I have been able to create. As a first-generation Chicana, I dedicate myself to higher education and empowering marginalized groups to find their voices and join the conversations that have impacts on our lives. I am currently collaborating with a professor at my university to write about the challenges Latinx individuals face in higher education, including various forms of oppression, and how Latinx individuals resist oppressive behaviors and actions

16

LA MENSAJERA

by building coalitions with like-minded individuals. I am also dedicated to contributing technical communications research that can help fill the gap among health communication when it comes to the Latinx community and accessing healthcare services, specifically mental health services.

When I don’t have my nose in the books, I like to go hiking, engage in HIIT exercises, CrossFit, partake in Spartan Races, watch horror movies, and bake. I also like to design documents and websites—I recently created a blogging website where I will be sharing my grief journey after the loss of my son, as well as raising awareness about Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs). It will be published in late October and is called heartmomchronicles.com. My son is a huge part of who I am. He was my child, my first son, and he unfortunately passed away from complications of a cardiac arrest he suffered at Aurora Children’s Hospital. He was diagnosed with Heterotaxy with multiple CHDs at 14 weeks gestation. My husband and I knew the risks we were taking having him, but he has, and always will be, the most amazing thing that has happened in my life because he made me a mom. He passed in June and then I began my PhD program in August—only two months later.

I owe a part of my academic success to my sisterhood. Although I come from the Mu Delta chapter at EWU, after the loss of my son, Dominic Gabriel DeLeon, in June 2020 to Congenital Heart Defects, I have received an immense amount of love and support from sisters all over the nation.

I have met sisters from all walks of life, who I had never met in person, but who have stayed in contact with me since his passing and check on my well-being.

And even other chapters who hosted fundraisers to go towards our medical expenses while we were with our son.

This sisterhood has also gifted me relationships with women who support my endeavors, challenge my ways of thinking, and inspire me to give back to my community.”

Instagram: @heartmomchronicles GABRIELA “ZORAIMA” PADILLAABARCA #72 Central Region SPR ‘17 Alumna | Chi Chapter “‘Tu puedes, mija.’ Those were my mother’s words throughout my upbringing. “You can do it, daughter.”

To this day she tells me whatever it is that I set my mind to, I can accomplish it. My mom is my biggest motivator and supporter. She is the strongest and most admirable person I know. She immigrated to this country all the way from La Ciudad de Mexico at the age of 13. She didn’t know a single word of English. She learned the language, succeeded in school, and was able to provide for her family. My father immigrated from Guanajuato, Mexico at the age of 17. He did so alone, with only the shirt on his back, and worked hard to get to the place he is now. He raised 4 kids and has put 3 of us through college, thus far. My biggest goal in life is to give back to my parents and thank them for everything they sacrificed for my siblings and me.

They are the hardest workers I know.

For them, I know I have to make it. My story is much like most first-generation Americans. Our parents, grandparents, and family members came to this country for a better life for future generations. Unfortunately, with the current social and political climate in this country, a “better life” isn’t looking all that promising. My people need a voice in order to create change.

Central Region FA ‘19 Active | Delta Zeta Chapter

for more than 20 years. Throughout her life, she encountered breast cancer three times, brain cancer twice, spine cancer, and blood cancer, which is what ultimately took her life. When I learned about Sigma Lambda Gamma’s philanthropy, I wanted to get involved.

Because breast cancer is very present in my family, I wanted to do whatever I could, no matter how big or small. I currently serve as our Campus Relations Chair which manages recruitment initiatives, public relations, community service, and philanthropy. When I plan philanthropy events, I like to think about those who are currently fighting (and surviving) breast cancer. How can I help them right here, right now? This October, I chose to create an event to show support to fighters and survivors. At the event, people wrote letters to those battling breast cancer to offer prayers, support, and kind words reminding them they are not alone in the fight. Our chapter will also go to Merrillville, IN to participate in the “Making Strides” march.

This march honors survivors, caregivers, and those we have lost. As someone who is at-risk of carrying the gene, I want to do everything I can to fund research so that one day we can find a cure and save many lives. I want to offer my love and support to those fighting day in and day out because I know that’s what my grandmother would want. Everything I do for Sigma Lambda Gamma will be in honor of my grandmother, Elsa Delgado (May 9, 1955 - September 2, 2020).”

On September 2, 2020, my grandmother died of organ failure after battling cancer

Instagram & Twitter: @jxpine Facebook: Jackie Pinedo

I am a proud Mexican American woman, first-generation college grad, and firstgeneration law school student. I recently graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Law and Society. Currently, I am a 1L at Chicago-Kent College of Law with interests in Criminal and Immigration Law. I am passionate about social justice and equal representation in underserved communities. I aspire to work for our federal government one day, not only to ensure that underserved people such as low-income communities, people of color, and people with disabilities are represented, but to change the laws that are in place today which oppress these people. It is imperative for this country to have not only women, but women of color, in the positions where laws are created. It is my goal and mission to make sure that happens.”

Instagram: @gabypadillaa Twitter: @gabyypadillaa JACKIE “AURELIA” PINEDO #27

LA MENSAJERA

17

On May 1st, 2020, Sigma Lambda Gamma publicly announced support for Black Lives Matter stating, “As a diverse organization that encompasses so many beautiful cultures, it is important for us to stand together. To acknowledge those who are marginalized and need our support.�

Over the past year, the images from across our nation have been difficult to comprehend. They have sparked a range of feelings and responses while bringing to the light the traumas and mistreatments of the Black community since the founding of our country. While we will engage with these emotions individually, and on our own timeline, one thing is clear—together we must act. Each of us must lead change within our individual and collective communities to actively disrupt interpersonal, systemic, and societal racism. Sigma Lambda Gamma strongly believes we have an active role to play in this change.

Our organization has survived by bringing awareness to these atrocities and encouraging our sorority members to become involved in the betterment of their community and the world. We acknowledge that throughout the years, under various leadership, that focus was lost. We want to remind our membership that Sigma Lambda Gamma was founded to create a safer space for women of color and ignite social change on our campuses and within our communities.

Our organization acknowledges that we still have much to do to support the Black community and our Black members. This is a continuous journey; however we are dedicated to this journey. We hope that you work alongside us to make our organization a safer and more supportive space.

Culture is Pride, Pride is Success 18

LA MENSAJERA

Blac Live Mat

Dismantlin Sigma Lamb Content warning:

This article includes topics that may terms used in the direct quotes refer ship believe they are important to in

ck es tter:

ng Anti-Blackness Within bda Gamma’s Membership

y be emotionally challenging or triggering for some readers.We acknowledge some of the renced in this article are offensive but the writer, editor, and Sigma Lambda Gamma leadernclude.

photo taken by: Misan Harriman

LA MENSAJERA

19

BLACK LIVES MATTER: Dismantling Anti-Blackness Within Sigma Lambda Gamma’s Membership

By Angelys Torres

On May 25, 2020, Amy Cooper, a white woman in Central Park, called 911 on Christian Cooper, a Black man, because she was “terrified” after he simply asked her to leash her dog. On the same day, George Floyd was murdered by a white police officer kneeling on his neck even though he, and bystanders, repeatedly wailed he could not breathe. Just a few weeks prior, video footage surfaced of the fatal February shooting of Ahmaud Arbery, who was doing nothing more than recreationally running in his own neighborhood. We are still waiting for the indictment of the officers that killed Breonna Taylor while she was sleeping in her own home.

These cases are not isolated incidents, nor are they uncommon. They are evidence of institutionalized and systemic oppression. They are evidence of a blatant disregard for human lives. They are evidence of a racist society built on the battered backs of Black and brown bodies. They are evidence of the ever-present white privilege. And they are evidence of a propensity for anti-blackness.

Photo Above. A Black Lives Matter sign from a protest in Chicago.

Jeremy Lindenfeld / The Chicago Maroon

Sigma Lambda Gamma members fundamentally believe in cultural awareness, social interaction, morals and ethics, community service, and academics. These core values bind us together as womxn of distinction and make this organization a beautifully diverse sxsterhood. In the 30 years since Sigma Lambda Gamma’s founding, the organization has undergone incredible change and growth including, and especially, in the racial makeup of membership. With Latinx roots and multicultural membership, racial and cultural conflicts have arisen in our entities across the nation. In times like these, where the news cycle shares almost nothing more than violence on Black communities, it’s more crucial than ever to look inward and better one’s own self. To Sigma Lambda Gamma, Culture is Pride, Pride is Success. It’s well overdue to look inward and dismantle anti-blackness within Sigma Lambda Gamma’s membership.

Left Photo. Group of SLG members holding Black Lives Matter sign 2018 Convention

20

LA MENSAJERA

What is anti-blackness? Simply stated, anti-blackness is the disregard, disfavor, and discrimination of people with dark skin tones. As a Puerto Rican woman, I am deeply aware how anti-blackness rhetoric and sentiments are ingrained within Latinx culture. Anti-blackness and colorism, the favoring of fairer complexions, date back to slavery and the colonization of native tribes in now Latin American countries.

Reflect with me: think of words like prieta, negra, blanco, trigueno, indio, or morena. Can you recall family members staying away from the sun to keep light skin from getting darker? What about receiving instructions to identify as “white” on government documents by teachers or parents? Have you heard derogatory comments about Black people, for nothing more than skin color, from your own relatives? I know I can relate. Sometimes, it may be challenging to recognize anti-blackness and may even feel uncomfortable to confront.

But anti-blackness is not ok. As members of communities with a history and a propensity for anti-blackness, and as members of an organization dedicated to multiculturalism such as Sigma Lambda Gamma, we share a collective duty to dismantle systems and cultures of oppression. After many years of activism and advocacy from the membership, Sigma Lambda Gamma’s National Board of Directors finally recognized the need to assemble a team for this work.

The Culture Shift Team (“CST”) conducted an Identity and Inclusion Survey which was presented at the January 25, 2020 Town Hall. This project began in April 2019 and surveyed more than 1,000 members to better understand the organization’s cultural engagement. Of those surveyed, approximately 66% self-identified as Latinx or Latina, 25% percent as African American or Black, 20% as white, and 9% as Asian, Native American, Hawaiian Native, or Pacific Islander.

The survey analyzed race and ethnicity across generations (Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z) to understand how the demographic makeup has changed over time. According to the data, the organization is most racially diverse amongst millennials and has gotten progressively more racially diverse over time.

An important part of this survey asked “Why SLG?” To this question, surveyors identified all the reasons they joined.

The CST Report published the top five responses of all surveyors and the top five responses correlated to generation.

The top response for Gen X was, “I wanted to be part of a Latina sorority,” while the top response for both Millennials and Gen Z was, “Looking for sisterhood, support system, and/or friend group” with “Multicultural focus” close behind.

The top response for Gen X was, “I wanted to be part of a Latina sorority,” while the top response for both Millennials and Gen Z was, “Looking for sisterhood, support system, and/or friend group” with “Multicultural focus” close behind.

Although many responses are shared across the generations, this data seems to suggest that as membership became increasingly racially diverse, so did the organization’s focus. The final report of this data is important for Sigma Lambda Gamma moving forward because leaders will be equipped with information about the mindset, values, and priorities of the membership.* As Sigma Lambda Gamma moved toward multicultural membership, it did not go unnoticed that

specifically Black, Afro-Latinx, and multiracial members have experienced judgment and discrimination from other members within the organization.

One multiracial member from the Central region recognizes her chapter is racially diverse but lacks real inclusion.

She recalls one member making derogatory racial comments to another in the presence of non-members. This member had a pattern of making such comments which many in the chapter found to be hurtful. When incidents were reported to the chapter president, advisors, and other alumnae, they were brushed off. As a result, members of the chapter, and even the fraternity and sorority community, were harmed. The individual who shared this story was never actively involved with her chapter again and feels broken and helpless.

Another multiracial member joined in 2014 to a chapter with a long history of relatively diverse membership. She joined Sigma Lambda Gamma because she wanted to create space particularly for Black womxn to grow in their identity. She believed members did not have to identify as multicultural in their own self, but rather value and appreciate others with multicultural backgrounds.

Though this member recruited new womxn with these values close to her heart, colorism quickly grew within her chapter. Some members of this chapter believed if a Black womxn was not dark-skinned, that person was not a true Black womxn. With a number of multiracial, multicultural members in the chapter, all of whom vary widely in skin color, the conflicts became serious. This member recalls needing interventions from HQ to identify a shared feeling of “not being seen” within the chapter and work toward resolving these deeply rooted issues. She feels strongly that facilitating emotional intelligence modules, participating in campus events such as Safe Zone or Diversity and Inclusion training, and making connections with other campus groups are vital for healthy dialogue and growth. * The CST Project information was provided at the 2020 Virtual Convention, and can be located on GreekTrack.

LA MENSAJERA

21

This member believes Sigma Lambda Gamma should be an organization that organically creates healthy spaces for womxn of all backgrounds to come together. However, she also recognizes this organization has a lot of work to do until all members are truly seen, heard, and valued.

In order to dismantle anti-blackness within Sigma Lambda Gamma’s membership, change needs to come from all sides. At the very core, respect, acceptance, and accountability must exist. This list of tips can help chapters, alumni associations, and even members at-large begin to work toward this very necessary cultural shift. By no means is this list exhaustive. I encourage members to do independent research and utilize diversity and inclusion and cultural competency resources.

SEE. LISTEN. RESPECT. We all long to be seen, heard, and respected. An essential first step toward change is taking the time to truly recognize the issues, listening to those personally affected, and showing respect for differences of experience and opinion.

GET REAL WITH YOURSELF. Reflect on your own thoughts, beliefs, assumptions and cultural norms.

Recognize your own internal and implicit biases. Be open to criticism and make a commitment to be proactive in your own growth.

PROVIDE OR SEEK EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES. Knowledge is power. As chapters, alumni associations, or members at large, take time to seek, participate in, or provide opportunities to learn more.

Pick up a book, listen to a podcast, and research reputable nonprofit organizations. Contact your Diversity and Inclusion offices to collaborate on educational programming. Reach out to local nonprofit organizations for more information. Reach out to other entities within Sigma Lambda Gamma for ideas.

22

LA MENSAJERA

PRACTICE HEALTHY COMMUNICATION. Open, respectful dialogue is a key component to making change. As you continue to learn more, engage in meaningful conversations around these issues. Setting ground rules and expectations is a great way to facilitate discussions within chapters or alumni associations. Remember, taking time to see, listen, and respect participants, even when there is contention, will help create healthy environments to address challenging topics.

CREATE AN ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM. Chapters and alumni associations should already have expectations regarding cross-cultural competency and communication. If not, yearly retreats are a great time to implement new goals and expectations for entities. When conflict arises, there must be a way to hold membership accountable. Trust is an important part of this process. Be sure to remind members the standards expected of the entity and the purpose of accountability. Chapters and alumni associations may utilize the Sisterhood Enhancement Committee as a mediator when issues arise. For smaller incidents, members may engage in open dialogue to “check” one another while also maintaining a level of respect.

It’s time we all recognize the dire need to stand in solidarity with all womxn regardless of culture, religion, race, ethnicity, gender expression or sexual orientation (and more). Now more than ever, the membership of Sigma Lambda Gamma has a responsibility to stand together against systemic racism and confront anti-Blackness within our communities.

“...In order to dismantle anti-blackness within Sigma Lambda Gamma’s membership, change needs to come from all sides...”

MORE RESOURCES Recognizing and Dismantling Your AntiBlackness. Published on Forbes

REPORT INCIDENTS.

Why Understanding Colorism Within the Latino Community Is So important.

Published on Hip Latina

Members should report serious incidents to entity leaders, advisors, and other appropriate personnel. This includes standing up to report incidents by non-members as well. There is zero tolerance for racial discrimination on college campuses and within Sigma Lambda Gamma.

Interrogating Absences in Latinx Theory and Placing Blackness in Latinx Geographical Thought: A Critical Reflection by Madelaine C. Cahuas, PhD, University of Toronto

TAKE ACTION. Be the change you wish to see in the world! Confront microaggressions.

Host or contribute to fundraisers. Raise awareness on your campus or on social media. Join the movement. Get creative with meaningful ways to do your part.

Desde México a América: Understanding Anti-Blackness in Mexican-American Communities in Texas by Julio Gonzalez, Supervised by Joao Vargas, PhD and Stephanie Osbakken, PhD, The University of Texas at Austin Mestizo, Negro, Blanco—What Does it Mean? Racism and Colorism’s Effects in the Latinx Community by Frida Alvarez

Additional Resources Multiple discussions about anti-blackness have been held across social platforms, including Facebook groups. On October 14, 2020, during one of these conversations, Kenia Diaz shared a comprehensive list of resources that encourages us all to continue to educate ourselves to know better, be better, and do better. We would like to thank her for allowing us to repost the resources she curated in this issue of La Mensajera.

Kenia “Mayalena” Diaz was initiated into the Upsilon Gamma Chapter at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. She graduated with a B.S. in Biology Physiology and a B.A. in English. She is pre-med and hoping to apply to medical school soon.

BOOKS (ENGLISH)

CHILDREN’S BOOKS (ENGLISH)

- The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin - Faces at the Bottom of the Well:The Permanence of Racism by Derrick Bell - The Tortilla Curtain by T.C. Boyle - Are Prisons Obsolete? by Angela Davis - Women, Race & Class by Angela Davis - The Rodrigo Chronicles: Conversations About America and Race by Richard Delgado - My Bondage and My Freedom by Frederick Douglass - Racisms – A Short History by George M. Fredrickson - The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley* - From the War on Poverty to the War on Crime:The Making of Mass Incarceration in America by Elizabeth Hinton - How to Be an Anti-Racist by Ibram Kendi - The Burning: Massacre, Destruction, and the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921 by Tim Madigan - The Injustice Never Leaves You: AntiMexican Violence in Texas by Monica Muñoz Martinez - Body and Soul:The Black Panther Party and the Fight against Medical Discrimination by Alondra Nelson - So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo - Blackballed:The Black Vote and US Democracy by Darryl Pinckney - White Privilege by Paula Rothenberg - The Devil’s Highway by Luis Alberto Urrea - The End of Policing by Alex S.Vitale - Medical Apartheid:The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present by Harriet A. Washington - Race Matters by Cornel West

- IntersectionAllies: We Make Room For All by Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, and Carolyn Choi - All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold - 37 Children’s Books to help talk about Racism & Discrimination TV/FILM (ENGLISH) - Do the Right Thing (1989) - Malcolm X (1992) - The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow (2002) - 12 Years a Slave (2013) - Fruitvale Station (2013) - Selma (2014) - 13th (2016)* - I Am Not Your Negro (2016)* - Dear White People (2017) - Let it Fall: Los Angeles 1982-1992 (2017) - Stay Woke: The Black Lives Matter Movement (2017) - TIME: The Kalief Browder Story (2017)* - Explained: The Racial Wealth Gap (2018)* - Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story (2018) - Trigger Warning with Killer Mike (2019) - When They See Us (2019)* PODCASTS - 1619 (The New York Times) - Affirm - African American Studies (New Books Network) - Black History Buff - Blackbelt Voices - Code Switch (NPR) - Crossing Fences - Historically Black - Intersectionality Matters! (The African - American Policy Forum) - Noire Histoir

- Silence is Not an Option (CNN) - The Humanity Archive - Throughline (NPR) - United States of Anxiety (NPR) - Yo, Is This Racist?

ARTICLES (ENGLISH) - Deaths Due to Use of Lethal Force

by Law Enforcement: Findings From the National Violent Death Reporting System (American Journal of Preventive Medicine) - Racial Profiling: Definition (ACLU) - Herstory (Black Lives Matter) BOOKS (SPANISH) - Yo se porque canta el pájaro enjaulado by Maya Angelou - Parentesco by Octavia E. Butler - Entre el mundo y yo by Ta-Nehisi Coates - Democracia de la abolición: Prisiones, racismo y violencia by Angela Davis - Las almas del pueblo negro by W.E.B. Du Bois Autobiografia by Angela Davis - Piel negra, máscaras blancas by Frantz Fanon - Ojos azules by Toni Morrison - Infiltrado en el KKKlan by Ron Stallworth - Descolonizar la mente: La política lingüística de la literatura africana by Ngugi wa Thiong’o VIDEOS (SPANISH) - Sobre negritud y racismo (2017) - Mi negritud y yo: Utopía de una actriz (2018) - Eso no se pregunta: Negros (2018) - Nosotros. Racistas y clasistas (2019) - Ante el racismo: Reflexiones para desarticular prácticas e ideas colonialistas (2020) *Also available in Spanish

LA MENSAJERA

23

24

LA MENSAJERA

HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR COVER MODEL!

JAZMINE ACEVERO, SPRING ‘15 TOWSON UNIVERSITY - SIGMA GAMMA CHAPTER Jazmine is a Creative that likes to dabble in different mediums. She owns Manipura Art LLC, an art business selling Candles, Infused Oils, Art Prints and more! Checkout her socials!

IG: @ayeejazzy photo credit: @Manipura.art_ website: ManipuraArt.com

LA MENSAJERA

25