AUGUST 2-5, 2018
Welcome
Welcome to Hollywood! As we partake in this National celebration, we cannot help but feel nostalgic as Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated (OPBSI) returns to the West Coast to commemorate 15 years since our inaugural venture to the Golden State. California was so much more than an expansion endeavor for the Sorority, instead it served as the catalyst for many others around the country that would follow in their footsteps. It was integral in creating a full-blown national image for the organization and we are so very proud of the growth, sisterhood, and strength that has resulted from Phi Chapter’s initial efforts. While the distance from our National Headquarters in New York City is vast; our hearts could not be more aligned with our sisters, not only on the west coast but in the Midwest, South and East alike. This notion has served as the inspiration for this year’s National Convention theme titled: Sisterhood Knows No Distance. This theme not only shapes this year’s Convention, but it serves as a wellknown mantra for many Betas. While the miles between us grow— our ability to support, love and guide one another remains solid. We are beyond excited to reunite and perhaps meet for the first time sisters from all over the country and be joined by our families and friends. We gather to celebrate the 15 years of OPBSI on the West Coast. From Phi Chapter at the University of Southern California to our Northern California sisters at University of California, Berkeley’s Beta Mu Chapter, and rounding it out with our Los Angeles Alumnae Collective! We hope you too feel welcomed and celebrated throughout this weekend. While we enjoy the time together, we are comfortable with spreading our wings and taking life by storm with the confidence that the sisters of Omega Phi Beta will always be near… as I have shared in this message “Sisterhood knows no distance.”
National President, 2018-2019 Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Betas Take Over Universal **Add-On Event
5 pm—6 pm
BOT & NCOO Dinner
7 pm—9 pm
Registration
7 pm—10 pm
Meet & Greet National Officers ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
8 am—11:30 am
WB Studio Lot Tour (G) Registration
12 pm—2:30 pm
Beta Market
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)
9:30 pm—11:30 pm
Milestones Celebration by the Alumnae Association at The Federal (V)
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Registration
7:15 am—8:15 am
Breakfast
8:30 am—11:30 am
Business Meeting, Part 3 (S)
11:45 am—12:15 pm
Lunch
12:25 pm—1:20 pm
Workshops, Session 1
1:25 pm— 2:20 pm
Workshops, Session 2
2:25 pm—3:30 pm
Workshops, Session 3 (S)
6 pm—7 pm 7 pm—12 am
Awards Banquet—Cocktail Hour and Beta Market Awards Banquet ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
9 am—10 am
Flow Yoga (H)
12 pm—2 pm
Goodbye Brunch (G)
3pm—5pm
Go LA Sightseeing!
Key: (S) - Omega Phi Beta Sisters Only Event (G) - Gold Ticket Holders Only (V) - Invite/RSVP Only (H) - Event offered by the Garland for Hotel Guests
Weekend Schedule
8 am—4 pm
General Information
THE VENUE: The Garland - 4222 Vineland Ave - North Hollywood, CA 91602
Check-In at 3pm and check-out at Noon
Free Trolley to Universal Studios and CityWalk
Overnight Parking: $25 self / $29 valet
Day Event Parking: $12 self / $18 valet
REGISTRATION: Keep your wristband on through the entire weekend and wear your name badge with buttons at the Business Meeting and Workshops!
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LANYARDS: Please reuse your lanyard from 2016/2017 for name tags. Replacement lanyards will cost $5 (+ fees if paying by credit card). If you did not attend Convention the past two years, a complimentary lanyard will be provided to you.
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BUTTONS: Delegate and special buttons will be handed out at our Fri-
day Registration ONLY.
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T-SHIRTS: GOLD package holders will receive a ticket to pick up souvenir t-shirts at Friday’s Beta Market, National HQ table (sizing availability on first come first serve basis).
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WELCOME BAGS FOR HOTEL GUESTS: Registered hotel guests staying under the OPB room block will receive bags between Thurs and Fri.
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MEETING MATERIALS: Access materials for the Business Meeting including amendment proposals via the “National Convention” portal on the Nest! Must be Sister with a valid Convention ticket to join.
WI-FI ACCESS: Complimentary In-Room and Lobby Wi-Fi
SOCIAL MEDIA: #OPBSIConvention #BackToCali1989 #SisterhoodKnowsNoDistance Add our official National Convention filters to your Facebook or Snapchat stories!
Save the Dates
Our Team BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT)
— Chair: Ana Y. Verdejo — Vice Chair: Stephanie Rivera, Esq. — Secretary: Melissa H. Molina — Treasurer: Dawn C. Diaz-Torres — Board Member: Elizaveta F. Reyes Tomé — Founder Advisor: Jane M. Vega
— National President: LeAna A. Flores — Executive Vice President of Operations: Veronica L. Almeida — Vice President of Alumnae Affairs: Alina Acevedo — Vice President of Policy & Compliance: Ladylaura Bueno — Vice President of Expansion: Elizabeth Cano — Vice President of Finance: Carolina Bonaparte
— Vice President of Membership: Sttefany Oliveira — Vice President of Community Relations: Michelina Ferrara — Regional Vice Presidents: Dominique Chiarella, Milena Rosas, Amanda Torres, Catherine Alcantara, Angelica E. Gumucio, Mariana Cervantes, and Kimberly Lopez — Director of Academic Development: Krystyna Gloss — Director of Alumnae Development and Programming: Brianna Holman
— Director of Herstory & Rituals: Zahir Diaz — Director of Philanthropy: Brenda Lopez — Director of Technology: Samantha M. Huerta — Alumnae Administrative Coordinator: Jennifer Reyes — Regional Administrative Coordinators: Brigette Berroa, Genesis Vicente, and Karen Garcia — Interns: Penelope Ramirez, Destinie Diaz, Carimar Tavera-Batista, and Carolina Rosario
Thank You!
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF OFFICERS (NCOO)
Thursday
Betas Take Over Universal —8 am | 100 Universal City Plaza Add-On Event for Sisters, Friends and Family. Trolleys depart the Garland every 30-60 minutes starting at 7:30 am from the Lobby. Meet with us for three Betas & Friends photo ops:
9:30 am: Universal Studio Main Entrance Globe Plaza Loop
12:30 pm: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Castle Entrance
3:30 pm: Iconic Hollywood backdrop located at the end of the Studio Tour
BOT & NCOO Team Dinner—5 pm | Garland Cabrillo North Closed meeting for National Officers (BOT & NCOO) only!
“Knot Your Typical Macramé Class” — 5:30 pm | Garland Pool Offered by the Garland Hotel: Hang poolside and learn the age-old craft of macramé (a form of textile art).
Registration Check-In — 7 pm | Garland Courtyard Pick up your wristband for the weekend! Especially if you’re a Gold Package holder and plan to attend the next day’s Tour.
Meet & Greet National Officers — 7 pm | Garland Courtyard Get to know the National Leadership Team and unwind! The Garland’s Front Yard is steps away and offers happy hour specials from 4 pm to 6pm and again from 10 pm to Close.
Dive-In Movie — 8 pm | Garland Pool Garland guests: Catch a classic flick by the pool beginning at Sunset.
Warner Bros. Studio Lot Tour (G) 8 am | 3400 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA Gold wristbands only! Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood brings you closer than ever to the entertainment you know and love. Get ready to experience one of the busiest movie studios in LA as you explore our iconic backlots, DC Universe: The Exhibit, and original Batmobiles. View soundstages where today’s hottest TV shows and movies are made, with actual filming happening all around you. Visit Stage 48: Script to Screen, an interactive soundstage exploring key phases of the entertainment production process; get cozy on the set of Friend's Central Perk; or ride a broomstick like Harry Potter with our green screen experience.
Full registration includes wristbands, tickets for souvenir t-shirts (Gold), and welcome gift from your Region 7: West Coast!
Beta Market—12 pm | Garland Cabrillo 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 | Garland Ballroom North Buffet of chef selection of locally sourced, Cali inspired fresh meals including veggie options.
Sorority Business Meeting (S) 3 pm | Garland Ballroom South 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 (V) 9:30 pm | The Federal, 5303 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood Unwind at this 18+ event to celebrate Quinquennial Betaversaries. Pre-RSVP required! Hosted by the Alumnae Association. The North Hollywood Stations for the Metro Red Line and Orange Line are directly across the street north of Chandler on Lankershim. Parking is available – entrance for The Federal lot is on Weddington Street (directly behind the building). Catch a LYFT to/from The Federal and get a $5 Event Credit off your ride courtesy of the AA— Use Promo Code: MILESTONES2018 DON’T HAVE A LYFT ACCOUNT? SIGN UP TODAY WITH CODE: OPBSILYFT
“Thank you to the dedicated, smart, funny, and resourceful women on the Events Committee for making this year's Convention planning so much fun! ♥ Elizaveta “Amita Maya”
Friday
Registration Check-In — 12 pm | Garland Mission
Saturday
Breakfast —7:15 am | Garland Ballroom North Variety of fresh fruits, yogurt, breads and pastries, juices, coffee and tea
Sorority Business Meeting (S) 8:30 am | Garland Ballroom South Open to OPBSI Members only – Attire: Beta Spirit
Lunch—11:45 am | Garland Ballroom North Delicious sandwiches and salads!
Workshop Session 1.1: Marketing The Radiance of Branding 101 12:25 pm | Garland Cabrillo North & South Hosts: Mariana Cervantes and Gabriela Mata Love our new and improved branding methods? Learn why it's important to have consistent brand, the benefits of understanding the OPBSI brand and how to utilize similar tools to create your own personal brand. Join us in this creative and interactive workshop to find out what makes strong brands enormously powerful business tools.
Workshop Session 1.2: Programming for Justice 12:25 pm | Garland El Camino Hosts: Michelina Ferrara and Brenda Lopez This interactive workshop will guide you through program ideas and development-while having fierce conversations about how we connect out programs on campus and in our communities to action- and the larger movement for justice. Join us in creating a blueprint for the movement we want to spark as sisters.
Workshop Session 2.1: To Love Ourselves—The Letter Project 1:25 pm | Garland El Camino Hosts: Alina Acevedo, Jennifer Reyes and Briana Holman The Alumnae Association has teamed up with The Letter Project in their mission of empowering women and girls through handwritten letters. Their goal is to ensure girls everywhere feel seen, heard and understood. This workshop will also serve as a reminder that we often over complicate ways to volunteer; The Letter Project is a great reminder of how to reduce barriers to entry and create a way for more women to give back. During the workshop, The Letter Project will provide us with a story and we will work together to write letters of encouragement and support.
1:25 pm | Garland Cabrillo North & South Host: Brigette Berroa, Masters in School Psychology & Veronica Almeida, Masters in Mental Health Counseling SO WHEN DO I GET TO TAKE CARE OF MYSELF? Come learn about Mental Health and the impact it can have in our daily lives. Not only will you learn more information about the topic but we will focus on prioritizing self-care in a very work driven society.
Workshop Session 3.1: Neophyte Leadership Seminar (S) 2:25 pm | Garland El Camino Get the tools to be a Beta Woman and avoid Beta Burnout. Mandatory session for all neophytes: Summer/Fall 2017 and Spring/Summer 2018 inductees; Spring 2017 also welcome and invited!
Workshop Session 3.2: Membership Nest 101 (S) 2:25 pm | Garland Cabrillo North & South
Hosts: Samantha Huerta and Destinie Diaz This workshop will focus on an overview of the basics of the Nest and our various portals. We will discuss and demonstrate how to navigate the Nest, how to customize your profile, and more. Say goodbye to aimlessly clicking through the website to find what you are looking for! If you have not signed up, no worries, we will provide a demonstration for that as well!
LA Street Food — 5 pm | Garland Lobby Bar Garland guests: If you need a little snack before the Awards Banquet, enjoy authentic street tacos, elote and bacon-wrapped hot dogs at the lobby bar. Don't forget the tequila (for 21+) or aguas frescas!
“Gracias to Frederique Thomas, Alpha Delta Chapter Prez, for your fearless leadership and friendship! Soleil! ♥ Jessica Guzman-Rea
Saturday
Workshop Session 2.2: Mental Health 101
Saturday
Awards Banquet: Sisterhood Knows No Distance Garland Courtyard and Ballroom 6 pm | Beta Market Cocktail Hour in the Courtyard 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+
7:30 pm | Banquet Opening in the Ballroom Relive the herstory and growth of our West Coast region over the past 15 years with a photo montage and hear the stories rom Phi Chapter’s Chartering Member, Eve Torres-Gracie.
8 pm | Dinner and Awards Let’s celebrate the accomplishments and achievements over the last year of our radiant sisters.
9:45 pm | Looking Ahead & Desserts Get ready of the 2018 Ray of Hope Walk with our newest beneficiary, Sister Song
10pm—Midnight | Closing & Dancing Dance your booties off with music courtesy of DJ REAPR! Find him on social media: @_reapr or check out his SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ reap_r
Reverse Happy Hour
Until 1 am | Garland, The Front Yard Bar Head to the Front Yard Bar for a night cap. Choose from the Garland’s selection of late night delights at specialty happy hour pricing from 10 pm ‘till they close at 1 am.
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
Undergraduate of the Year
Monica L. Miranda Image
-Camila Moreno-Jimenez -Cindy Zhuino -Janette El-Yateem -Margaret Rocha -Maritza Minchala -Monica Williams -Valerie Nieves
-Erika Colon -Josey Garcia -Milena Rosas -Gamma Chapter -Psi Chapter -Long Island Alumnae Collective -Marketing Committee (2017), NCOO -Collective at Illinois State University -Collective at UNC, Charlotte
Alumna/Member-at-Large of the Year -Ana Marquez -Elisa Molina -Jennifer Reyes -Stephanie Blakeman -Vanessa Santiago-Freytes Leadership -Alina Acevedo -Bianca Gonzalez -Destinie Diaz -Erika Colon -LeAna Flores -Milena Rosas -Omneya Ghanem Jessica P. Roman Dedication -Ana Marquez -Daisy Cuevas -Elizabeth Cano -Erika Colon -Frederique Thomas -Josephine Ayala -Milena Rosas -Vanessa Santiago-Freytes
Professional of the Year -Ariana A. Curtis -Deisy Lopez -Kimberly Lopez -Samantha Huerta -Maria Espinal-Hernandez -Mariam Adbelhamid -Maria Ocasio -Nurisha Rodriguez Philanthropist of the Year -Alpha Beta Chapter -Psi Chapter -Collective at Old Dominion University Outstanding National Service -Angelica Gumucio -Kelly Arce
Sister of the Year -Josephine Ayala -Kelly Anne Perez -Kimberly Casillas -Vanessa Santiago-Freytes
Welcome to our newest members, many of whom are attending their first National Convention! Special shout-out to our classes of Summer 2017, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, and Summer 2018!
-Alpha Beta Chapter -Alpha Zeta Chapter -Beta Tau Chapter -Beta Upsilon Chapter -Gamma Chapter -Theta Chapter -Collective—Old Dominion University Trailblazer of the Year -Collective at Illinois State University -Los Angeles Alumnae Collective
Most Improved Chapter (Collective) of the Year -Beta Tau Chapter -Pi Chapter -Upsilon Chapter -Collective—Old Dominion University Region of the Year -Region 2: Mid-Atlantic -Region 5: Southeast -Region 6: Midwest
We are proud to celebrate five 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 Epsilon Chapter (LIU Post) and Zeta Chapter (SUNY Oswego), both established on December 11, 1993, for celebrating 25 Years this fall! Special recognition this year to our Phi Chapter (University of Southern California), established on November 16, 2003, celebrating their 15th anniversary and the inspiration for our National Convention location this year!
Congratulations
Chapter (Collective) of the Year
Garland guests: Relax and rejuvenate! Flow Yoga focuses on gentle
stretches, deep breathing and fluid movements. Goodbye Brunch (G) 12 pm | Garland Ballroom North Gold wristbands only! Enjoy a fresh breakfast buffet with pastries, fruit juices and coffee/tea service as we say goodbye to another eventful National Convention weekend!
In case you missed the Convention Toolkit put together by the Operations team earlier this year, we wanted to remind you of this year’s Beta Challenge:
Don’t be nervous.... we challenge you to interact with 5 Sisters you don't know this convention.
Use an elevator pitch - a brief, persuasive speech used to introduce yourself (typically 20-30 seconds long)
Write a thank you note to a Sister you met and give it to her at Banquet
Take a picture with a Sister from another region and post to IG with the hashtags #Sisterhoodknowsnodistance and #OPBSIConvention tagging @omegaphibeta
“A special shout out goes to my incredible National Council of Officers. It is my extreme honor to lead and be a part of this team. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and service to our beautiful sorority. ♥ LeAna
Sunday
Flow Yoga — 9 am | Garland Beverly Park
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.
OPBSI envisions a world without oppression, where empowered women celebrate the essence of womanhood and act as resources in the advancement of their communities.