AUGUST 3-6, 2017
Welcome
Welcome to Boston! Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is proud to host its National Convention in the city where our first out-of-state expansion and first metropolitan city expansion took place 20 years ago! We have a rich herstory of overcoming adversity and growing in what would seem to be the most difficult circumstances. As women, as people of color, and as a Sorority, we have been breaking stereotypes and persevering against the odds for over 28 years. Out of Concrete, Sunflowers Rise! This year’s Convention theme speaks to the resilience of our members, our chapters/collectives, our organization as a whole. Plant us anywhere and we will keep trying until we bloom. In 1997 our Pi Chapter was planted in the City of Boston. We have had the privilege of calling many colleges and universities in the Boston metro area our home, including Babson College, Boston College, Boston University, Harvard University, Lasell College, Northeastern University, Tufts University, University of Massachusetts Boston, and Wellesley College. As our alumnae women graduated, began their careers, and made Boston their family’s home, they carried Omega Phi Beta in their hearts. From their desire to continue to the philanthropic work of Omega Phi Beta in raising awareness of violence against women, the Alpha Epsilon Boston Alumnae Chapter bloomed in 2007. Maintaining connections and relationships in a big city isn’t easy. Even in the hustle and bustle of a major American metropolis our sisters, our sunflowers, blossomed nonetheless. Our theme also reminds us that in times when the socio-political climate may not appear to be in our favor we can and we will rise again. Extending from last year’s theme of the Beta Revolution we know that LOVE is at the heart of it all. We must do what we have been taught to do—stand tall, look up towards the sun, and continue to works towards achieving our goals, mission, and vision; continue to serve and educate through our diversity, despite adversity!
Elizaveta F. Reyes-Tomé National President, 2016-2017
BOT & NCOO Lunch
4 pm—5 pm
Registration opens at Clemente Park
4 pm—6 pm
Hummingbirds X Sunflowers Softball Game
9 pm—11 pm
Nightcap with Nationals at Cheers
Thursday August 3
9:30 am—11:30 am
Boston Duck Tour (G) Registration at BFIT
12:30 pm—2:30 pm Beta Market
Friday August 4
1 pm—2 pm
Lunch
3 pm—6 pm
Business Meeting, Part 1 (S)
6 pm—6:30 pm
Snack Break
6:30 pm—9 pm
Business Meeting, Part 2 (S)
9 pm—Midnight
Milestones Celebration by the Alumnae Association at City Bar Westin (V) Registration at BFIT
7:30 am—8:15 am Breakfast 8:30 am—10:30 am
Business Meeting, Part 3 (S)
10:45 am—11:30 am
Workshops, Session 1
11:45 am—12:30 pm
Workshops, Session 2
Saturday
12:30 pm— 1 pm
Lunch
August 5
12:30 pm—2 pm
Mini-Beta Market
1 pm—1:45 pm
NST Stroll Clinic
Sunday August 6
2 pm—4 pm
Workshops, Session 3 (S)
6 pm—8 pm
Awards Banquet—Cocktail Hour and Beta Market
8 pm—12 am
Awards Banquet
9 am—10 am
Vixen Workout
12 pm—2 pm
Goodbye Brunch (G)
3pm—5pm
Key: (S) - Omega Phi Beta Sisters Only Event (G) - Gold Ticket Holders Only (V) - Invite/RSVP Only
Boston Sightseeing
Weekend Schedule
2 pm—3 pm
Our Team
THE EVENT PLANNING TEAM A big thank you to our team members who helped put this Convention together: > Members/Alumnae of Pi Chapter & Alpha Epsilon Chapter > Kelly Rodriguez, Pi Chapter / Events Committee Chair > Jane Vega, Alpha Chapter / BOT Founder Advisor > Alina Acevedo, Beta Nu Chapter / Alumnae Development & Programming > Gabriela Mata, Beta Iota Chapter / Director of Marketing > Melissa Molina, Epsilon Chapter / Vice President of Membership > Veronica Almeida, Alpha Epsilon Chapter / Regional Vice President 4
NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT) — Chair: Janice Y. Reyes-Sanchez — Vice Chair: Ana Y. Verdejo — Secretary: Stephanie Rivera, Esq. — Treasurer: Dawn C. Diaz-Torres — Founder Advisor: Jane M. Vega
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF OFFICERS (NCOO) — National President: Elizaveta Reyes Tomé — Executive Vice President of Operations: LeAna Flores — Vice President of Alumnae Affairs: Elisa Molina — Vice President of Policy & Compliance: Anny Muñoz — Vice President of Expansion: Yvette Ramirez — Vice President of Finance: Sherice King — Vice President of Membership: Melissa Molina — Vice President of Community Relations: Michelina Ferrara — Director of Academic Development: Yohansa Fernandez — Director of Philanthropy: Anayeli Gomez — Director of Herstory & Rituals: Kimberly Casillas — Director of Marketing: Gabriela Mata — Alumnae Association Team: Alina Acevedo and Estephany Matrille — Regional Vice Presidents: Mery Del Rosario, Amber Rae Farris, Jasmine Chandoo, Veronica Almeida, Angelica Gumucio, Maria Ocasio, Jessica Rodriguez
Courtyard Boston Downtown (CBD) 275 Tremont Street, Boston MA02116 > Check-In at 3pm and check-out at Noon > Parking available for $56 Daily Rate
BUSINESS MEETING: Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology (BFIT) 41 Berkeley Street, Boston MA 02116
REGISTRATION: Keep your wristband on through the weekend and wear your name badge with buttons at the Business Meeting and Workshops!
LANYARDS: Please reuse your lanyard from 2016 for name tags. Replacement lanyards will cost $1 (+ fees if paying by credit card). If you did not attend Convention last year, a complimentary lanyard will be provided to you.
BUTTONS: Delegate and special buttons will be handed out at our Thurs and Fri Registration ONLY. Additional buttons will be available for sale at the Beta Market. T-SHIRTS: Pick up at Thurs and Fri Registration (sizing availability on first come first serve basis). GOLD wristbands only!
HOTEL GIFT BAGS: Registered hotel guests staying under the OPB room block will receive bags between Thurs and Fri.
WI-FI ACCESS: Courtyard has Complimentary In-Room and Lobby WiFi BFIT Network: BFITGUEST; Access: publicBFIT
SOCIAL MEDIA: #SunflowersRise1989
#OPBSIConvention
Add our official National Convention filter to your Snapchat Story!
General Information
THE HOTEL:
Thursday
THURSDAY AUGUST 3 BOT & NCOO Team Lunch—2 pm | CBD Lobby Closed event for National Officers (BOT & NCOO) only!
Hummingbirds X Sunflowers Softball Game 4 pm | Clemente Field, Back Bay Fens, 100-200 Park Drive Friendly softball game, open to all attendees—team sign up required. Players wear Green for Team Hummingbird and Gold for Team Sunflower, and bring a glove. We will provide waters, bats, balls, and bases. Contact Events@OmegaPhiBeta.org for questions. All welcome to cheer! Catch a LYFT to/from Clemente Field and get a $5 Event Credit off your ride courtesy of the BOT & NCOO— Use Promo Code: HUMMINGBIRDX17 (G) Souvenir memorabilia for Gold wristbands!
Nightcap with Nationals 9 pm | Cheers Beacon Hill, 84 Beacon Street Get to know the National Leadership Team and unwind! Open to all guests and children before 10pm. (G) One free drink on us for Gold wristbands!
ALTERNATE AREA PARKING:
Beach Street Garage (40 Beach St)—Weekday max $27; Weekend max $19
660 Washington Street Garage—Weekday max $30; Weekend max $20
CityPlace Garage (8 Park Plaza)—24 hours at $32
Tufts Medical Center Parking (274 Tremont St)—Daily Rate max $36
Motor Mart Garage (201 Stuart St)—24 hours at $38
Boston Common Theater District Garage (47 Boylston St)—2 Day Parking with In/Out Privileges, $76; 3 Day In/Out $110; 4 Day In/Out $150
Boston Duck Tour (G) 9:30 am | Departing from Prudential Center, 53 Huntington Ave Gold wristbands only! Cruise by all the places that make Boston the birthplace of freedom and a city of firsts. Guests will see several city monuments by land and then take a splash in the Charles River with breathtaking views of Boston and Cambridge skylines. Tour details: http://www.bostonducktours.com/the-tour
Beta Market—12:30 pm | BFIT Auditorium Balcony Enjoy creative Beta-themed products such as apparel, jewelry, accessories, decorations, raffles, and much more! Brought to you by our Authorized Licensed Vendors, sponsors, and our very own Chapters and Collectives.
Lunch Buffet—1 pm | BFIT Auditorium Buffet of street-cart style Middle Eastern favorites including veggie and halal options.
Professional Photo Head shots—1 pm | BFIT Lobby Karla Samantha Photography will be offering professional head shots to elevate your profiles. Appointments are $5 and require pre-registration at omegaphibeta.appointy.com.
Sorority Business Meeting (S) 3 pm | BFIT Auditorium Open to OPBSI Members only – Attire: Business Casual. The business meeting will have two sessions with a snack break in between. Agendas will be handed out at the meeting.
Milestone Betaversary Celebration 9 pm | City Bar Westin Waterfront, 425 Summer Street Unwind at this 21+ event to celebrate Quinquennial Betaversaries. PreRSVP required! Hosted by the Alumnae Association and Alpha Epsilon Chapter. Catch a LYFT to/from City Bar and get a $5 Event Credit off your ride courtesy of the AA— Use Promo Code: AAMILESTONE17 DON’T HAVE A LYFT ACCOUNT? SIGN UP TODAY WITH CODE: OPBSILYFT
Friday
FRIDAY AUGUST 4
Saturday
SATURDAY AUGUST 5 Breakfast Buffet—7:30 am | BFIT Auditorium Variety of fresh fruits, breads and pastries, breakfast sandwiches.
Sorority Business Meeting (S) 8:30 am | BFIT Auditorium Open to OPBSI Members only – Attire: Beta Spirit
Workshop Session 1.1: Marketing for Campus & Community Events 10:45 am | BFIT Classroom 201 Marketing excellence is a prerequisite for success in your campus and community events. In this workshop you will learn essential skills and best practices of marketing. You will also gain insight on how you can build a positive brand for your entity and develop and understanding on how to succeed in social media marketing.
Workshop 1.2: Wellness Café 10:45 am | BFIT Classroom 202 A “I cannot sit and care for my body without being concerned with what happens to the bodies of my sisters. We are connected… it is our responsibility not as individuals, but as communities to create structures in which self-care changes to community care. In which we are cared-for and able to care for others." Join us as we hold space for our collective wellness and leave with strategies to sustain us in our continued work and broader fight for justice.
Workshop Session 2.1: Living Our Values—Ending Violence Against Women 11:45 am | BFIT Classroom 202 B Workshop hosted by AF3IRM, 2016-2017 ROHW Beneficiary AF3IRM is a national organization of women engaged in transnational feminist, anti-imperialist activism and dedicated to the fight against oppression in all its forms. AF3IRM’s diverse, multi-ethnic membership is committed to militant movement-building and effects change through grassroots organizing, trans-ethnic alliance building, education, advocacy and direct action. Princess Manuel, National Organizing Director, will be providing an interactive workshop on Af3irm's work in ending violence against women.
11:45 am | BFIT Classroom 201 Come learn how to look at your life through taxes. H&R Block will educate you on how to make the best financial decisions for your future along with answering questions about how to maximize your refunds.
Lunch—12:30 pm | BFIT Auditorium Delicious subs and sandwiches! Don’t forget to bring your lunch ticket to pick up your meal.
Mini Beta Market—12:30 pm | BFIT Balcony Last opportunity to pick up items sold by our Chapters/Collectives.
NST Stroll Clinic—1 pm | BFIT Classroom 201 Learn the latest strolls to represent OPBSI on your campus directly from the members of our award winning NST! Presented by the National Step/Stroll Team
Workshop Session 3.1: Membership Education Program— Refresher Session (S) 2:00 pm | BFIT Classroom 202 A+B Open to OPBSI Members only – get a brief recap of the Collegiate and Alumnae New Member Education Program (NMEP) and dive into the “whats” and “whys” of our policies, rituals, procedures and expectations. This session will prepare you to participate in NMEP in a non-Membership Educator capacity; must have previously attended an MECW.
Workshop Session 3.2: Neophyte Leadership Seminar (S) 2:00 pm | BFIT Auditorium Get the tools to be a Beta Woman and avoid Beta Burnout. Mandatory session for all Summer and Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 inductees; Spring 2016 also welcome and invited!.
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Saturday
Workshop Session 2.2: Building and Budgeting—Increase your Refund through Financial Literacy
Saturday
SATURDAY AUGUST 5 Awards Banquet: Our of Concrete, Sunflowers Rise! Courtyard Boston Downtown—Empire Ballroom 6 pm | Beta Market Cocktail Hour Browse what our Convention Sponsors, Partners, and Authorized Licensed Vendors have to offer while enjoying a beverage, music, and great company! A cash bar will be available for our guests 21+
8 pm | Banquet Opening Take a walk down memory lane as Pi Chapter and Alpha Epsilon Chapter show us how OPBSI has blossomed in Boston over the past 20 years, 10 years, and in the New England Region. Presented by the Pi Chapter—Boston Metro Chapter and Alpha Epsilon Chapter—Boston Alumnae Chapter
8:30 pm | Awards and Dinner Let’s celebrate the accomplishments of our hard working members in 2016 and find out who this year’s winners will be!
9:45 pm | Closing & Desserts We officially close the program, open up the photo booth and break out the flip flops for party time! Photo booth by Karla Samantha Photography.
10pm—Midnight | Dancing Dance the night away with music by Just Right Entertainment, LLC.
Most Improved Chapter (Collective) of the Year: awarded to a chapter or collective to recognize its ability to strive, overcome obstacles, and succeed in spite of earlier trials and challenges faced during the calendar year. Trailblazer of the Year: awarded to a newly formed entity, a collective or recently re-activated chapter, in recognition of exemplary performance and extraordinary growth during the calendar year. Region of the Year: awarded to a region that has demonstrated exemplary joint performance (as an assembly of chapters and collectives) during the calendar year. Undergraduate of the Year: awarded to an undergraduate member that demonstrates outstanding leadership skills, excels academically, participates in extra-curricular activities, and works to enhance the sorority. Alumna/Member-at-Large of the Year: awarded to an Alumna or Member-atLarge who has contributed significantly to the organization and enhanced sorority life. Leadership: awarded to a member who has set a precedent to enhance Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. She has helped to manage, guide, and direct the organization to a higher level that will only help the organization as a unifying whole. Jessica P. Roman Dedication: awarded to a member who has committed herself to OPBSI, beyond the minimum required and has devoted numerous hours to help our sorority exceed to higher levels, despite her own personal obligations and responsibilities. Monica L. Miranda Image: awarded to a member or an entity that has exemplified the image of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated by staying true to our national goals, motto, sorority creed, and mission; no matter the circumstances faced. Professional of the Year: awarded to a member who has committed herself to her work and exemplifies the meaning of a professional woman. Philanthropist of the Year: awarded to a member or an entity that has demonstrated passion and dedication for eradicating Violence against Women and has made great strides in spreading awareness of our national philanthropy. Outstanding National Service: awarded to an active member who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the Sorority though her service in a national leadership role as a trustee, officer, committee member, or volunteer on a national project or initiative Jessica Morales Art of Excellence: awarded to an active member of the National Step/Stroll Team that has exemplified the principles of OPBSI through the pursuit of excellence in the art of performing. Sister of the Year: awarded to a member who has exemplified the essence of a Beta Woman and has demonstrated true sisterhood, through sisterly behavior, and sisterly thought, not only for one person but for the sisterhood as a whole.
Award Categories
Chapter (Collective) of the Year: awarded to a chapter or collective to recognize exemplary performance during the calendar year.
Award Nominees
SORORITY AWARDS Undergraduate of the Year Diana Diaz, Collective at ISU | Elizabeth Doyle, Alpha Chapter | Greisy Genao, Psi Chapter | Jhulianna Vivar, Beta Eta Chapter | Maritza Minchala, Delta Chapter | Scarlet Santos, Beta Xi Chapter | Tajmin Begum, Theta Chapter Alumna/Member-at-Large of the Year Ashley Tavarez, Beta Alpha Chapter | Elizabeth Cano, Nu Chapter | Sally Belliard, Alpha Chapter | Sttefany Oliveira, Mu Chapter | Theresa Flores, Beta Lambda Chapter | Vanessa Santiago, Lambda/Alpha Beta Chapter | Yolanda Rodriguez, Alpha Beta Chapter Leadership Anny Munoz, Beta Xi Chapter | Jennifer Reyes, Pi Chapter | Jhulianna Vivar, Beta Eta Chapter Jessica P. Roman Dedication Brenda Lopez, Beta Kappa Chapter | Nia Imani Gibson, Beta Nu chapter | Theresa Flores, Beta Lambda Chapter | Vanessa Santiago, Lambda/Alpha Beta Chapter
Chapter | Jhulianna Vivar, Beta Eta Chapter | 2016 Membership Commitee, NCOO | 2016 Policy and Compliance Committee, NCOO | 2016 Ray of Hope Walk Committee, NCOO | Selena Cardona, Nu Chapter Professional of the Year Alejandra Cortez, Phi Chapter | Alina Acevedo, Beta Nu Chapter | Ariana Curtis, Omicron/Alpha Gamma Chapter | Daisy Cuevas, Beta Mu Chapter / Los Angeles Alumnae | Gabrielle Torres, Alpha Kappa Chapter Philanthropist of the Year Alpha Beta Chapter, Collective at Illinois State University (ISU) Outstanding National Service Anny Munoz, Beta Xi Chapter | Ariel Eure, Beta Lambda Chapter | Melissa Molina, Epsilon Chapter Jessica Morales Art of Excellence Isabel Diaz, Zeta Chapter Sister of the Year Kimberly Casillas, Gamma Chapter | Mariana Gomez, Beta Alpha Chapter | Melissa Molina, Epsilon Chapter | Sttefany Oliveira, Mu Chapter
Monica L. Miranda Image Alpha Beta Chapter | Alpha Kappa
OPERATIONAL AWARDS Chapter (Collective) of the Year
Trailblazer of the Year
Alpha Beta Chapter | Alpha Kappa Chapter | Collective at Florida International University (FIU) | Psi Chapter | Theta Chapter
Collective at Stevens Institute of Technology | Collective at SUNY Oneonta | Pi Chapter
Most Improved Chapter (Collective) of the Year Beta Xi Chapter, Collective at FIU
Region of the Year Region 1: Eastern New York | Region 3: Western New York | Region 4: New England
We are proud to celebrate ďŹ ve quinquennial Betaversaries this year. If you are a member of these classes, make sure you stop by the registration table for a special button to commemorate this milestone! Congrats to our Delta Chapter, est. May 2, 1992, on celebrating 25 Years!
NEOPHYTES Welcome to our newest members, many of whom are attending their ďŹ rst National Convention! Special shout-out to our classes of Summer 2016, Fall 2016, and Spring 2017!
Congratulations
BETAVERSARIES
Sunday
SUNDAY AUGUST 6 Vixen Workout 9 am | Courtyard Boston Downtown, Location TBA The Vixen Workout is an intense, hip-hop cardio class inspired by the Miami nightlife, that will let loose your inner BeyoncĂŠ while burning calories. This class is designed to workout and simultaneously learn fun, easy choreography. No dance experience is necessary! You are encouraged to wear comfortable workout clothing, sneaker wedges, and red lipstick. But of course, you're more than welcomed to come dressed as you please. Hosted by Jessie Toro Goodbye Brunch (G) 12 pm | Courtyard Boston Downtown, Library Room Gold wristbands only! Enjoy a fresh brunch buffet with chilled fruit juices and coffee/tea service as we say farewell and until we meet again!
2019
2018
Save the Dates
OUR MISSION The purpose of Omega Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated is to Serve and Educate people of diverse backgrounds through sisterhood, leadership, and guidance. As positive role models, we promote unity of all cultures, focus on the empowerment of our gender and raise the standards of excellence in our academic, social, and personal endeavors.
OUR VISION OPBSI envisions a world without oppression, where empowered women celebrate the essence of womanhood and act as resources in the advancement of their communities.