The Amazonian Fall 2014

Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Incorporated

Inside Two Continents, Two Cultures, One Love Cultural Awareness: Exploring Your Roots Sister Profiles

Fall 2014

From Our President

Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. National Governing Council 2014 - 2016 Josie Acosta Haumea National President Dagersy Cedano Themiskyra National Vice President Lorimar Santiago Concordia National Secretary Lya Cadena Siksika National Treasurer Lillian Sierra Founding Mother National Officer of Membership Sylvia Vigo-Smith Founding Mother National Assistant Officer of Membership Angelica Matos Yemaya National Officer of Expansion Ana Estevez Zaona National New Chapter Advisor Jennifer Rencher-Ndombi Siksika National Historian Sabrina Colón Dhyani National Officer of Communications Monifa Ellis Zaona National Step Director

Summertime has come and gone and fall is here! It is time to put the flip flops away and put our summer intentions into high gear. The beginning of a new academic year brings us a fresh start; the opportunity to build on yesterday – tweak it, devise a new plan, and turn a new leaf. The sheer breadth of opportunities is infinite and in this moment we have the chance to decide not to dwell upon the past and determine the path we will take in the future. Let’s continue to build upon the strong foundation of yesterday and work towards greater impact, greater outreach, and greater partnerships with our universities and communities #fortheloveofMU. It is an honor to have been elected as the 2014 – 2016 National Governing Council President and I am excited to be a part of an executive board full of talented, dedicated, and passionate sisters.

We have a lot of great things in store for you this year. I also want to personally thank all of our sisters who continuously work towards improving the image of our organization and Greek life as a whole on your campuses and communities each and every day. You are the backbone of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. and without you there would be no MU. As we prepare to celebrate 33 years of true multiculturalism, remember why you first joined MU and the amazing memories you’ve made along the way. Use those memories to fuel your passion and dedication to our Bluetiful organization. Here’s to a productive and successful fall semester!

Nicole Mitchell Dhyani National Officer of Community Affairs Ely Duran Las Conquistadoras National Officer of Public Relations Jerilee Fonseca Matriarca National Programming Chair Adrienne Cummings Anansi National Officer of Retention Danielle Smith Amazona National Officer of Risk Management

Josie Acosta NGC President 2014-2016 Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Incorporated was founded on November 21, 1981, at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ as the first multicultural minority Greek letter society in the nation.

Founding Mothers Eve Bracero, Lillian Sierra, Karinee Candelario, Ruth Gonzalez, Sylvia Vigo

Inside this Issue 1

Cultural Awareness: Exploring Your Roots

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Sister Profile: Raquel Valls, Patricia Bergamasco

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Cover Story: How to Survive the Boy’s Club

11 Two Continents, Two Cultures, One Love 15

Star Awards

The Amazonian Official newsletter of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc Editor Sabrina Colón National Officer of Communications

Editor’s Desk There are so many exciting projects underway within MSU this Fall. We launched a new website, are in the process of redesigning all of our marketing materials, are implementing new programs to enhance the growth of our sisters, breathing new life into our Aretias Chapter and actively seeking out ways to improve every area of our organization. The projects I get to personally touch have reenergized my passion for the organization and I must say it all started with the Amazonian. Seeking out stories, editing and designing this publication is the best part of my position and it motivates me to tackle all the other duties of my role. Keep an eye on our progress and stay engaged in the shaping of our organization. Great things are to come!

In Sisterhood,

Sabrina Colón

National Officer of Communications

Contributing Writers Ely Duran, Las Conquistadoras Chapter Jennifer Rencher-Ndombi, Siksika Chapter Raquel Valls, Haumea Chapter Patricia Bergamasco, Emeritus Chapter Carla Agbiro, Novastella Chapter On the cover: Ely Duran, Las Conquistadoras Chapter The Amazonian is published three times a year. Send inquiries and submissions to: Communications@MSU1981.org www.MSU1981.org 163 East Main Street #312 Little Falls, NJ 07424

www.girleffect.org/2015 #girldeclaration

Cultural Awareness

Exploring Your Roots How DNA helped one Sister discover her origins Carla Agbiro

As a bi-racial woman of Colombian and Nigerian descent, I have always been curious about my heritage.

At a young age, I spent countless hours on family tree websites, however, it was always difficult to trace due to the African slave trade background. These websites offered little to no information about where my family came from and the little information I did have was acquired through extensive interviewing of the elders in my family. Still, I had no concrete information as these individuals would constantly change their stories. Eventually, I reached a point where I was hopeless in finding out my true identity, until I was provided with the opportunity to take a DNA test.

test through 23andME thanks to the generosity of Sister Jennifer Rencher. She offered it as a prize at the workshop she hosted. When I was chosen as the winner, I was overwhelmed with excitement.

When I was younger, one of my biggest struggles was finding out who I was and where I belonged.

My mother was born and raised in Colombia and identifies as AfroColombian since her ancestors arrived there through the African slave trade. My father was born and raised in Nigeria. Growing up it was difficult coming to terms with both of my ethnicities. I did not feel as though I fit in with the Latinas because I did not look like them

At the MSU 2014 Annual Convention, I was blessed with the opportunity to take a DNA The Amazonian – Fall 2014 | 1

and I did not feel as though I fit in with African Americans because I could not relate. My entire life I felt split between these two identities.

We might have different experiences and different cultures, but at the end of the day we are all decedents from the same people.

Two weeks after sending in my DNA sample, I received my initial mitochondria results. It showed that I belonged to the haplogroup L2b1a3 which is a subgroup of L2b. Haplogroups are families of mitochondrial DNA that can be traced back to specific mutations that occurred during a specific place and time. My haplogroup is about 30,000 years old and originated from sub-Saharan Africa.

After anxious weeks of waiting, I received my full report. I learned that I am 94.4% Sub-Saharan African (of which 87.9% originates from West Africa), 3.2% European and 2.1% Native American. This was very surprising since my grandfather on my mother’s side was said to be from the indigenous populations of Colombia. I was also surprised to find that I had DNA of German decent on my mother’s side.

Overall, the entire test surprised me.

I did not expect to be 94.4% SubSaharan African. I expected to have more Native American DNA since my family has been in Colombia for hundreds of years. I also thought it was interesting that I shared a lot of 2 | Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc.

the same DNA African Americans do. It was not until I was a junior in high school that I realized that African American history was not my history, for my people had not arrived in the United States at that point. I had always talked about how I could not relate to African Americans because they seemed to be part of a different culture. It was surprising to realize just how alike we really are and it gave me a better understanding of who I am. It is amazing the effect different experiences can have on the same people. We might have different experiences and different cultures, but at the end of the day we are all decedents from the same people.

Carla obtained her DNA report through 23andMe, Inc., a privately-held company dedicated to helping individuals understand their own genetic information using recent advances in DNA analysis technologies and web-based interactive tools. 23andMe enables individuals to gain deeper insights into personal ancestry, genealogy and inherited traits.

Learn more at www.23andMe.com

Sister Profile Alumna

Raquel Valls Haumea Chapter Fall 2003

Why did you choose to join Mu Sigma Upsilon?

The ladies that made up the interest group, who later became founding sisters of the Haumea Chapter, are who attracted me to MSU above all. It wasn’t so much about the goals or the motto, many sororities pride themselves in similar things.

It wasn’t the colors or the name, my favorite color has always been red and Greek letters didn’t have much meaning to me at that time. It was encountering some real life amazon women in the flesh. Ladies who were fighting hard to accomplish their goals, taking time to help others, striving to educate others. There was a reason they were bringing a new organization to our campus. The University of Central Florida (UCF) truly lacked a group of women coming together like they did at the time. Even as interests, they were walking representations of what the organization presented itself to be. And what was pretty magical was that they looked similar to me: young women at a public university, making an effort to bring home good grades, working to make ends meet, coming from parents who also worked hard to ensure their children had a better future. That is what I was drawn to.

What is your most memorable part about being a sister of MSU? There are many wonderful things that I can take away from my time as a sister of MSU but there is one, above all, that continues to fuel the passion I have for this organization.

Mu Sigma Upsilon has provided me an opportunity to meet women whom I never would have had an opportunity to cross paths with.

This rings true beginning with

my own chapter line sisters and extending to sisters I have met across the country throughout the last 11 years. I can credit some of my most cherished friendships to MSU. Sisters, brothers, and other Greeks I’ve met along the way that have become more like family.

I can even credit MSU for introducing me to the love of my life, which in turn gave me my first child. Growing up just minutes from each other and frequenting the same places, yet we never crossed paths until an Upsilon event brought us together. MSU has provided an extended network of incredible people. Above all, I am forever grateful for this.

What positions have you held within the organization and in which roles do you feel you were able have the most positive impact?

As I am close to making 11 years as a sister of MSU I have great pride in saying that I have been active every semester. I took on my first position immediately after crossing and have held positions on all governing levels since then. I have also been humbled to be part of several membership teams that have guided new members into our sisterhood and establish new chapters.

I had the honor of serving on the National Governing Council for seven years, five as the National Officer of Expansion and two as the National Officer of Membership.

I have learned a great deal from each role I’ve taken within MSU, but must admit my years as expansion officer helped me grow tremendously as a sister and as an individual. It is also the position that continues to ignite my passion for the organization.

The Amazonian – Fall 2014 | 3

Raquel with her son Aldo Jr.

It was exciting to meet brand new interests and see T.I.A.R.A. groups evolve. Witnessing their drive and excitement as they would complete requirements and takes steps closer to becoming sisters. With every group being so different from the other, I had my fair share of challenges to overcome which provided me much experience in dealing with the unthinkable. I made mistakes and had opportunities to learn from mistakes which continues to help make me a better sister, leader and team player in general.

This year, I am the Director for the Aretias Chapter, home to MSU’s graduate and alumnae sisters. I haven’t been this excited about holding a particular position in many years. I am looking forward to working with my team to lay 4 | Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc.

a foundation for the chapter and reevaluate how our structure will benefit the sorority in the years to come.

Most of all, I am excited to be able to connect with sisters all over the country who have joined our sisterhood within the last five to over 32 years ago, helping reignite the flame that once shined so brightly.

Tell us about your personal career and family goals over the years?

I graduated from the UCF in 2006 with degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice. I began working in social services following graduation and have had the pleasure of working with victims of violent crimes, victims of domestic

violence, HIV/AIDS patients and most recently people with severe and persistent mental illness.

As I myself continued learning how to navigate the system and learn about available resources, I noticed I truly was falling in love with social services. So in 2010, I made the decision to apply to graduate school to pursue a Masters in Social Work, providing me greater opportunities in the field.

The three and a half years of graduate school were definitely intense; working full time, attending class and completing internships, buying our first home, giving birth to my first child, holding positions with MSU, and remaining active with other philanthropic endeavors.

I also extended myself to take some classes for a personal hobby of mine; cake decorating. From the moment I became a mother, I set my goal to be able to bake and nicely decorate my son’s first birthday cake but up until this point, I have never even made my own icing from scratch. Little did I know that something that began as a hobby would eventually turn into my own baking and decorating business by March 2012.

I have to admit, the time management and planning skills that I practiced regularly during orientation and as a sister of MSU do continue to extend to my daily life. Though I continuously have an overflowing schedule, I am always a mom first and really do pride myself in being present in his life and being involved in his schooling and extracurricular activities. I spent the last year as my son’s class’ homeroom mom, helping his teacher with the classroom events and celebrations. As often as possible, I arrange my schedule to

be present for all school functions and field trips. This season I am an assistant coach for my son’s tee ball team. As cheesy as it may sound, I’ll be running for PTA President in my near future.

Has MSU helped you in achieving any of these goals?

I believe MSU has helped me in achieving many of my goals in many different ways. Working within the organization continues to provide me with practice and experience to work with people from all walks of life, create and host events, and conduct workshops and presentations. Even simple practices such as running a meeting and using Roberts Rules of Order or reviewing by laws, along with minute taking, are small lessons I’ve learned through MSU and used in many instances after.

My sisters have been there to challenge and support me in most of my endeavors. They have been there to inspire and teach me.

Sisters have provided parenting

advice, cooking recipes, and couponing tips. Sisters have lent me clothing and books, helped me move, and saved “hand me downs” for my son. Sisters have cheered me on as I take on new ventures, supported my business by placing orders and promoted for me. Sisters have looked to me as a resource for things inside and out of MSU. In turn, I have had countless opportunities to do all of the same.

On Nov 14-15, Raquel will join hundreds of other individuals who will ride their bicycles from Miami to Key West (165 miles) for HIV/ AIDS awareness. The Amazonian will document her journey in our Spring issue. Please visit her fundraising page to contribute. Even the smallest of donations can go a long way. www.thesmartride.org/smartride-11/3105/ Visit Raquel’s business site, From Sprinkles to Glitter, at www. sprinklestoglitter.wordpress.com.

The Aretias Chapter of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. is home to the graduate and alumnae members of our sorority. The chapter provides the organization with a strong support system through which sisters become mentors, advisors and great outlets for networking possibilities in personal and professional arenas. With alumnae sisters across the country, the chapter also remains actively involved in the surrounding communities.

We recognize that interested women may not have had the opportunity to join MSU at the undergraduate level and realize that opening our membership to women post-graduation via the Aretias Chapter would be beneficial, twofold.

The Aretias Chapter is formally opening recruitment for 2015 Membership beginning October 1, 2014.

Fill out our Interest Inquiry Questionnaire available on our website to stay up to date on informationals, projects and events.

www.MSU1981.org/Aretias

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info@aretias.msu1981.org The Amazonian – Fall 2014 | 5

Sister Profile Undergraduate

Tell us about your alternative spring break.

In March 2014, I was granted the privilege and opportunity to participate in Ramapo College’s Alternative Spring Break volunteer trip to Cabarete, Dominican Republic with the Dream Project.

The Dream Project is a nonprofitable organization that strives to provide education for underprivileged children born into poverty in rural areas and small communities throughout Dominican Republic.

Words alone cannot describe how grateful I am to have experienced such a memorable week; many lessons were learned and many moments were cherished. It was truly an honor to have worked alongside such loving children and people.

Patricia Bergamasco Emeritus Chapter Spring 2013

Ramapo’s mission in Cabarete was to volunteer at the Dream Project center in both the classrooms and in the construction of a softball field for the community. Upon arrival, our group of 14 volunteers split up into two equal groups. While one group resided in the classrooms during the morning session, the other group worked at the softball field. In the afternoon, the groups would switch locations in order to experience an equal amount of classroom and labor time.

What was a typical day like?

During the class sessions, we served as facilitators in different activities that allowed the children to review basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. Although every classroom followed a similar curriculum, the students were divided into basic, intermediate, and advanced placement regardless of age. Due to the Dream Center catering to a wide variety of

6 | Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc.

underprivileged children, the student’s class placement is based upon individual academic standing rather than age; for this reason, each classroom had children ranging ages from seven to thirteen. In this setting, we were able to interact and mingle with students of all ages and learning capabilities and also gain an insight and understanding of the education system in the Dominican Republic.

During the field session, my peers and I cooperatively worked together in the construction of the outhouses within the softball field.

We conducted a significant amount of labor work such as painting, excavating, and transporting materials. Since resources were very limited, a lot of manual work was required. For example, in order to make the cement, we had to obtain water in buckets from a river across the field. We also had to transport many construction materials such as bricks, sand and rocks. Although this type of work left many of us exhausted with boils on our hands and feet, not for a second did any of us complain. The satisfaction of knowing we were volunteering our time for the betterment of that humble community motivated us to work harder and harder.

Before starting our work at the Dream Center, my group and I toured Cabarete and the Callejon region, a small impoverished community located within the outskirt woodlands of Cabarete. This region was specifically important because most of the children at the Dream Center lived in the Callejon.

To some of these children, their only source of education was the two hours of class time they received at the Dream Center. Based on the negligible living conditions and minimal resources we witnessed, we were able to visually comprehend

what type of environment these children came from.

How do you feel this trip affected you as a person?

Although this was a very short summary of my trip, I want to communicate that this experience gave me the motivation and incentive that I needed to continue pursuing my academic endeavors and dreams. As a first generation immigrant and also the first to attend college in my family, it can sometimes be hard to stay optimistic and continue to overcome the many obstacles that

come my way. However, in honor of our sisterhood, we must continue to promote our pledge to academic excellence because many people around the world do not have access to simple education as we do in the United States. We must never take advantage of this privilege we hold, and we must continue to recognize the true value of education.

Knowledge can never be taken away from you.

community because no amount of effort will ever go unrecognized; even your smallest act of kindness is bound to change someone’s life.

This experience was truly inspirational. I encourage my BLUEtiful sisters to continue serving the university and

Patricia with fellow volunteers, staff and students at the Dream Center in Cabarete, Dominican Republic

The Amazonian – Fall 2014 | 7

Women’s Issues

Ely Duran

a skyscraper on his own. Even the most genius solo artists need a solid team to take a project from an idea to an inhabitable space. Now that I’ve cleared that up, the next question people always ask is “what made you go into that?” Everyone’s reasons are different, mine came unexpectedly.

From the outside, Architecture is a mysterious profession. So first, let me confess that the attractive lifestyle presented on TV is a lie.

There is no such thing as a solo Ted Mosby-type who can sit in a bar and land a contract to design 8 | Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc.

On the way back from vacation with my family, I fell in love with a building that I’ve never seen again.

I was too young to know where we were, but that was the first time I considered the full weight of what architecture is – the creation of spaces and places for daily use by any number of people. The idea stunned me, and I began to think that I would like to have that kind of impact on society.

I’ve always believed one can learn anything, so without any relevant courses (drafting or art) in high

school, I went for it. Architecture school is an underestimated beast.

Along with your core classes and basic university requirements, you have a studio course. This five-credit monster takes up all of your creative energy, knocking your social life a few notches below sleep on your list of priorities. Regardless of this added load, architecture is like most majors; the academic experience is nothing like the “real world.” In school, I had no idea that I was a minority; classes were made up of a nearly 1:1 male-to-female ratio.

In reality, less than 2% of registered architects are female. Studies show that women leave the field to pursue other design-based careers or choose not to pursue licensure, and I didn’t know this until I began looking for an internship.

Right at the beginning of my search, I had a disastrous first

Ely with a few of her male coworkers

interview for a firm in New York City. The internship consisted of basic go-fer duties, so I didn’t know that I should have prepared a portfolio and was immediately dismissed. There was no one in my family I could have learned this from; I was a first-generation “office job” seeker.

I finally got my first taste of the industry in a place where the only other female was the office manager.

It wasn’t easy to fit into the small community made up of two partners and two architects. They were all much further into their careers and made it clear that they were not interested in mentoring me. Once, I overheard “… but I don’t want to survey with her, she’s just a girl.” I never mentioned this to my “colleagues”, and finished out the summer a little bit wiser.

The next year, I landed a job at a different firm with the help of an older student. I was determined to prove that gender had nothing to do with my ability to be a valuable team member. At first, I dedicated myself to learning how the office functioned, completing my assignments, and volunteering to assist the staff with more complex projects. I grew into the team and started to live by my personal rules for surviving the boys’ club: 1. Don’t hesitate to ask questions 2. Don’t be afraid to suggest improvements 3. Ask for more responsibility 4. Take it anyway Any workplace can be intimidating, especially if you’re one of a few women, but no one expects you to know everything. Asking questions shows that you understand your

limitations and want to grow beyond them. Once you understand how things work, speak up if you think there is a better way to do them - and take it upon yourself to test it out on your own time.

Many offices are set in their ways, so the best approach to suggesting improvement is to test it out without slowing down the usual pace.

Rule number three requires equal parts research and finesse. Before taking this step, set clear goals for yourself, outline your strengths & weaknesses, and gauge your supervisors’ interest in your development. Ideally, they will work with you to facilitate your growth, but beware of falling into complacence. Once you present your case, don’t accept a one-liner agreement as an action plan. Follow up with your bosses and offer The Amazonian – Fall 2014 | 9

to take a more active role in the projects that interest you. If you feel some resistance, like I did, don’t take it personally and start looking for opportunities elsewhere. By the time my supervisors gave in to my meeting requests, I had received and accepted another offer of employment.

In a large, stable environment, it’s standards, and outright disrespect. easy to fly under the radar or get My male counterparts have been lost in the shuffle, but that’s not given more complex tasks and a part of my plan. The corporate higher pay with less effort. Life as growth model is based on profit, an ambitious woman in a boys’ club and it’s almost always more has taught me that I can’t wait for a efficient/profitable to keep a person chance to prove my worth; I must in their current function than do it myself every day. Hopefully, training them to step up. When there will be other little girls out I expressed interest in more there someday who fall in love with responsibility, I also began one of my projects, and the boys’ When you’re not given more to take project management club had better be ready for them. responsibility, take it. courses and volunteering my Ely is currently employed at URS skills to other groups in the The final rule that has Corporation as a6Junior Architect SIGNALS OF contributed A THRIVING ARCHITECTURAL PROFESSION | NCARB

BY THE NUMBERS office. Stepping up without being the most to my growth is: when and Marketing Coordinator. Along asked shows your supervisors that you’re not given more responsibility, with drawing building plans, she you’re serious about your career, and take it. I now work at one of the creates the informational materials prepares them to be more receptive biggest architecture & engineering used in new client presentations. She to your plans for growth. firms in the world, in complete is currently pursuing her license in the contrast to my previous jobs at Throughout my entire career, I have State of New York and hopes to open a small firms of less than ten people. faced ignorant comments, double full-service design firm in the future.

GENDER Actively Testing Record Holders

Actively Submitting Intern

Current Supervisors

100%

100%

90%

90%

90%

90%

80%

80%

80%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

70%

60%

50%

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70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

PERCENTAGE OF GROUP BY GENDER

100%

PERCENTAGE OF GROUP BY GENDER

100%

PERCENTAGE OF GROUP BY GENDER

PERCENTAGE OF GROUP BY GENDER

2013 Applicants

70%

60%

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30%

20%

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10%

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0%

0%

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FEMALE

MALE

NO DATA AVAILABLE

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There remains a significant gap, however, in the number of women in supervisory positions. While supervisors tend to be older than most applicants for NCARB

10 | Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc.

There remains a significant gap, however, in the number of women in supervisory positions.

While supervisors tend to be older than most applicants for NCARB Records—and older architects tend to be men—it is perhaps still surprising that women make up only 13 percent of those with NCARB supervisor accounts. This number will be interesting to track as current interns obtain their license and grow into the field.

NCARB by the Numbers © 2014 By the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards

Howard Rencher, Veda Rencher, Jen Rencher, Jack Ndombi, Penny Ndombi & Chris Wambu

Jennifer Rencher-Ndombi

After my fiancé Jack proposed to me, we decided to get married in his home country of Kenya. I knew it was going to be an interesting experience, but I had no idea what an absolute adventure it would be. From the city to safari, from high society to shantytowns, from popping bottles in clubs to feeding children in the slums and everything in between, we had the time of our lives.

Planning a destination wedding isn’t easy, but my future mother-in-law and I coordinated via phone, email, text and Skype. We agreed to have both a traditional Kikuyu wedding, an ngurario, and an American/ Kenyan style wedding in Nairobi National Park. The months leading up to the wedding were frantic, but our excitement was so contagious that by the time we left, we were blessed to have over twenty friends, family, sisters and brothers coming

with us. A week before we left, several sisters threw an amazing wedding shower for Jack and I so that we could celebrate with those who couldn’t make it to Africa.

After a fourteen hour flight, we landed in Nairobi, – the Green City in the Sun - exhausted but eager to explore. For many of us, it was our first time out of the country – and boy, did it show! We took pictures of everything - people The Amazonian – Fall 2014 | 11

walking, billboards, trees, houses, the dirt, buildings. The feeling was surreal. We were in AFRICA, the motherland, a magical place that’s usually described in hushed tones of wonderment – yet it felt like a city in the United States. There were differences, to be sure, but we loved that 7,000 miles away from home, the people were just like us.

Those first few days were jam packed. In the mornings and afternoons, we went to the African Fund For Endangered Wildlife (a.k.a. The Giraffe Center), the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage, a crocodile farm in Mamba Village, watched

a performance at Safari Park restaurant (where we ate crocodile, ostrich and camel!), toured the city and at night, we partied all over Nairobi, especially on the infamous Electric Avenue. We also went to the Shangilia Orphanage and donated clothes and school supplies.

Compared to living conditions in the US, the place was rough, but the children were happy because they had a home, had food, had education and were loved. The school is internationally known for their youth choir, Shangilia Mtoto Wa Africa (Rejoice, Child of Africa) and we were treated to a performance.

A few days before our traditional wedding, we had the dowry negotiations, which the Kikuyu refer to as ruracio. It may seem odd that a modern woman such as myself would be involved in dowry, but it’s not about the money.

Rather, it’s an opportunity for the two families to come together and get to know each other. The ruracio can last anywhere from months to two years, but because of time limitations, we did it in one day – and what a day it was! Each family had representatives and for about six hours, there was goodnatured arguing back and forth about what my dowry would be there. There was food, drinks and

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1. Veranda where the ceremony took place 2. Jen with Lya Cadena and Tanya Pons (Siksika Spring 2002) 3. Kikuyu women representing Jack’s clan with Jen’s mom Veda, singing traditional songs to let the neighborhood know of the wedding 4. Jack and Jen with Maasai men 5. Serving goat to guests during the Ngurario ceremony 12 | Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc.

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lots of laughter. The representatives were speaking a mixture of English, Swahili and Kikuyu, so I didn’t understand everything that was being said, but I do know that I ended up being worth 90 goats! My parents were inducted into the clan as elders and we received Kikuyu names – my father is Kariuki, my mother is Muthoni and I am Wambui.

out which one was me. If they got it wrong, he would owe more money towards my dowry (ka-CHING!).

Luckily for him (but unluckily for me!), he choose correctly. After that, Jack and I cut the shoulder of the goat, which represented him carrying the burdens in our relationship. We performed a few more ceremonies and then partied all night.

I was nervous when the day came for the ngurario. I wasn’t 100% sure what I was supposed to be doing, but I was assured that everything would be fine. Though I had butterflies in my stomach, I was excited about the ceremony.

The ngurario had almost died out for a while because of colonialism and British bans on traditional customs, but the people kept it alive and there was a recent resurgence in interest about the old ways. My mother-in-law explained to me that many of the younger generation had never seen an ngurario, so our ceremony, with its 300+ guests, was being used to show people how it was supposed to be done.

The day after the ngurario, a group of 24 of us went on safari. Safari is the Swahili word for journey and indeed it was. It took six hours to drive from Nairobi to Masai Mara and the closer we got, the less roads there were. It was hot and dusty since August is the dry season, but I couldn’t keep my eyes off the landscape. The flora and fauna is so diverse – literally, every few miles, the plants would change, both subtly and dramatically. I loved seeing the villages and how people lived outside the city and I was shocked when I saw giraffes wandering down the road. At one rest stop, we looked at the Great Rift Valley, which dwarfs the Grand Canyon by leaps and bounds.

In the morning, Jack went with some of his groomsmen to kill and skin the goats we would be eating later that night. Thankfully, I did not have to watch and spent that time getting ready with my bridesmaids, two of whom were my chapter sisters. We wore traditional clothing and I was struck by how similar it was to Native American attire. We had the ceremony at my husband’s aunt’s estate. In between the eating, drinking and dancing, we had to perform certain acts, almost like a play. One of them was when my bridesmaids and I came out, heads & bodies covered in kikoys (colorful wraps) and Jack and his groomsmen had to figure

I tricked the Americans and told them that we would be roughing it, would have to set up our tents ourselves and that there would be rangers with guns to protect us from the animals. Imagine their surprise when they showed up to Ashnil Mara Lodge, which had luxury tents, a pool, a bar and allyou-can-eat food! Our tents were right on the Mara River and we could hear hippos all day. When the lights went off at midnight, we could clearly see the Milky Way and an astounding amount of stars.

One of the men who worked there was a Masai warrior and he regaled us with stories of killing a lion

with a spear and a stick and of his impending marriage to his second wife. While the rest of the group went to a Masai village, I stayed behind with Jack and heard the most beautiful bird song I could ever imagine.

Words cannot describe the experience of being on safari. We were on the equator and at the bottom of the Great Rift Valley.

The air was fresh and your soul feels so free at all the open land.

We were there for three days and went on three game-drives a day.

We saw four out of the Big Five – lions, elephants, leopards and cape buffalo. In August, there is a great migration of millions of wildebeests and zebras from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Masai Mara in Kenya and we were privileged to witness the beginning of it. We also saw hyenas, impalas, roadrunners, giraffes, vultures, crocodiles and animals I can’t even name. One of the drivers took us to see the Mara River and told us that it is one of the sources of Lake Victoria, which is the source of The Nile. He explained how the river originates from the Mau Forest and that if the forest is cut down, the river will dry up and The Nile will be negatively affected. It made us realize how interconnected the world is.

After coming back from Masai Mara, we went to the St. Martin School, an orphanage and school for children in the Kibagare Slums in Nairobi. This was one of the most emotional, sobering moments of our lives. We thought we’d just be visiting the school children like at Shangilia, but found out we’d be feeding the street children too. We didn’t have enough food and could only give each child half a slice of bread and a few pieces of popcorn.

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I won’t lie - I broke down, as did most of us.

When the children saw that the food was running out, they started going crazy, going from orderly to swarming over us. What can you do in this situation? You can’t get mad because you know the children are hungry. The director used a ruler to get the children back in line and a little girl was knocked down when the children were running. My sister helped her up, but she kept crying.

When the food was gone, we were standing in front of our bus, feeling overwhelmed and helpless in the face of all that suffering. The nun in charge, Sister Leah Wambui Kimani, told us that the best thing we could do for the children was to sponsor their education. It costs 14,000 Kenyan shillings, or about $180 a year to pay school costs. As we were about to leave, my mother asked the director if we could see the little girl who fell down. The director found her and my sister gave her a piece of chocolate, but she was still crying. I asked for her name and the director found out that it was Lucy Makungo. When I got back to the US, I contacted the school and told them I wanted to sponsor Lucy. The school sends me her report cards and I am proud to say that she is a great student. My friends and family have generously donated and in addition to paying for a second year of schooling, I was able to go back the next year and give her family food, clean water, gifts and money, with extra left over to donate to the school.

Our American/Kenyan wedding was something the country had never seen before. My mother-inlaw was able to have it in Nairobi National Park, a wildlife park.

14 | Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc.

Lucy on her first day of school.

Yes, a wildlife park. Driving in, we saw crocodiles, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, a rhino and an eland. There were ten game rangers with guns surrounding the wedding to make sure we were not attacked. The location was on a cliff overlooking the plains, at a landmark that had been raised when Kenya gained its independence from Britain. The ceremony was a fusion of American and Kenyan traditions. When the pastor announced us as man and wife, we jumped over the broom, an African-American tradition, then danced up the aisle to Luhya music.

The 300+ guests came from all over Kenya, Africa and the United States. I have never felt so blessed in my life.

We ended our trip on honeymoon in Zanzibar (part of the Spice Islands), an island off the coast of Tanzania. White sand beaches,

warm Indian Ocean water, yearround exquisite weather – the place is a paradise. We went snorkeling on islands that disappeared at high tide and saw tortoises that were nearly 200 years old. Walking through Stone Town, the capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, I felt like I was in the movie Aladdin.

The architecture was a mixture of Moorish, Arab, Persian, Indian and Europeans elements topped off with modernity – internet cafes were everywhere. It is primarily a Muslim country and we were there during Ramadan. I loved hearing the muezzins lead the call to prayer and the people were a striking mix of Arab and African.

My trip to Africa was a life changing event. My husband and I come from two continents with two different cultures, but for us, it’s all One Love.

The Star Awards is the official national awards ceremony of MSU. Once a year, we gather to celebrate the many accomplishments of our members. This year, the Star Awards Ceremony took place at our National Convention in June. The following sisters and chapters were recognized for their hard work and dedication to Mu Sigma Upsilon and their communities during the 2012-2013 academic year.

Boétia Chapter

Lazuline Chapter

This award honors the achievements of a distinguished undergraduate chapter who has exceeded the requirements of MSU during the previous academic year and is believed to be an up and coming chapter.

This award honors the achievements of a distinguished undergraduate chapter who has exceeded the requirements of MSU and excelled beyond every other chapter during the previous academic year.

Stephanie Flores, Amazona Chapter

Carolyn O’Neil, Orisha Chapter

This award honors the academic achievements of an undergraduate sister who has achieved the highest G.P.A. over the course of the previous academic year.

This award is bestowed on an Aretias (alumnae) sister currently pursuing a graduate degree who achieved the highest G.P.A. during the previous academic year.

Maria Noelia De La Cruz, Genesis Chapter

Stephanie Flores, Amazona Chapter

Rising Star Award

Stellar Scholar Academia Award

Aretias Scholarship Award

This scholarship was established by Danielle Smith (Amazona Aretias) in 2005 and is awarded to a sister who demonstrates academic excellence in graduate study. Candidates considered for this honor exhibit traits worth emulating by other members of the organization; commitment to study, academic discipline, integrity in action and strength of character.

Karimah Prescott, Siksika Chapter Nova of the Year

This award honors the achievements of a distinguished undergraduate sister who has personified the ideals of Mu Sigma Upsilon.

Luminosity Award

Aretias Academia Award

Lucy Dipini Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 1997 as a living memorial to Lucy, not only to recognize her steadfast dedication to MSU but also to honor her outstanding achievement in educational excellence and her personal commitment to family and community. The scholarship recognizes an undergraduate sister who has demonstrated high academic achievement as well as strong financial need.

Adrienne Cummings, Anansi Chapter Super Nova Award

This award honors the achievements of a distinguished Aretias Alumnae sister who has personified the ideals of Mu Sigma Upsilon.

Janice Acosta, Siksika Chapter

Ionia Chapter

This award honors an Aretias Alumnae sister who has personified the ideals of Mu Sigma Upsilon over the lifetime of her sisterhood by inducting her into Mu’s Hall of Fame.

This award honors an undergraduate chapter who has displayed exemplary efforts toward contributing to their university and surrounding community during the previous academic year.

Star of Mu

Serviam Award

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