El Girasol ~ Spring 2013 Edition

Volume XIII Issue IV Spring 2013

Omega Phi Beta’s National Sorority Magazine

Spring 2013 *El Girasol * 1

Table of Contents In Every Issue Letter from the Editor

Meet the Contributors

3 4

Letter from the AA President

6

Staying Connected to AA

7

Beta Cookin’: Roasted Chicken Breast

19

our gratitude, we

Sunshine Corner

24

Beta Mommies Updates

25

must never forget

Beta Brides

Beta Celebrations

25

that the highest

26

appreciation is not to utter words, but

Sorority Highlights Founder’s Message

8

Sorority Milestones

9

Convention Highlight: Beta Lambda Chapter

10

Radiant Takeover from East to West

12

OPBSI Launches Charitable Foundation

16

Feature Articles Our Vision, Our Stories Who’s Appreciating Whom?

Fitness and Self-Appreciation Appreciating the Everyday Love in our Lives The Toughest Job You Will Ever Love

14 15 18 20 21

Beta Resources Important Anti-Violence Resources Beta Yellow Pages Chapters and Colonies

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As we express

27 28 29

to live by them.

John F. Kennedy

Letter from the Editor Selina Hernandez

Alpha Beta, Fall 1999 Alpha Beta Chapter President Unexpected events in my life of late have shifted my goals and my priorities. They have opened my eyes to truths that I in the past wasn’t privy to. I have begun to consolidate and edit my life; in addition to a new job, I am focusing more on old friends and the people in my life that are genuine. It’s important to realize the goals in your life while also keeping balance. Failing to appreciate things like yourself, the body you have right now rather than what you wish you had, others, life and things in it, even those annoying lessons we learn along the way.

It’s also important to know that sometimes people are in your life only for a season and that sometimes ties must be cut. People can grow apart--that holds true for friendships, boyfriends and girlfriends. When you hold on to a relationship that is no longer working it’s harder when it’s all said and done to appreciate the good things gained from that relationship. I don’t mean the friends you haven’t called because you are too busy with your own life; I mean the friends that you no longer feel connected to when you see them because something in your lives have shifted and it is no longer the same.

There are friends I won’t see for months or years and somehow we can pick right back up again, and then there are those that I cannot.

If you are in a relationship with a man or a woman and you have tried everything you could but you know it’s time break up, do it!

Contact us!

We love to hear your feedback, tell us your thoughts, comments, concerns, kudos, shoutouts or submit an article!

Email

OPBSI.El.Girasol@Gmail.com SubScribe to El Girasol

http://issuu.com/OPBSI_ElGirasol

Fears holds us back but holding on to a relationship that is not working is like an anchor on a ship. You cannot go forward or progress.

Appreciate the things you have in your life and appreciate when it’s time to walk away from other things. Time once wasted can never be regained.

Selina Spring 2013 *El Girasol * 3

Spring 2013

Editor in Chief Selina Hernandez

Copy Editor Marielys Garcia

Managing Editor Amanda Crane

Design Editor Desiree Henry

Meet the Contributing Writers

Jane Vega

Desiree Lopez

Natasha Torres

Theta Chapter, Fall 2003

Alpha Eta Chapter, Fall 2010

BOT Founder Advisor, 1989

Education Bachelors of Science Healthcare Management

Education Masters in Secondary Science Education

Current Occupation Furniture Specialist and Buyer

Current Occupation AmeriCorps-Community HealthCorps Navigator, Health Educator Volunteer Activities Peace Corps 2009-2011 AmeriCorps 2012-2013 Hurricane Sandy Clean up L.E.S. Best Advice she ever received...

If you can’t stop looking back at the past, you can never see in front of you to where you are going!

Favorite Quote...

Dream, Live, Carpe Diem

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Current Occupation Science Teacher Will be writing about...

Weight Loss Favorite Show on TV...

New Girl

Will be writing about...

Recipe Corner, Poetry and Insight Volunteer Activities One Love Festival in conjunction with International Peace Day and the Drummer’s Circle BOT Founder Advisor

What makes her feel empowered....

Working and collaborating with others

Best Advice she has ever received...

People don’t need to tell you who they are - they SHOW you everyday PAY ATTENTION!

Interesting Fact....

She was named after a Russian actress.

Interesting Fact...

She sings, writes songs and writes poetry.

Want to CONTRIBUTE TO El Girasol?

Do

Do

you have a topic you want to write about ?

you want to share your expertise or experience ?

Do you want to develop your writing skills?

Do you want to share your creativity?

El Griasol staff is always looking for Contributing Writers and Designers for our 2013 Season.

Alumnae Association Mission Statement: Omega Phi Beta’s Alumnae Association serves as the representing body of all non-affiliated alumnae of the sorority. Our mission is to engage our alumnae in the mission, vision, and goals of the sorority, create a sense of community, and support our alumnae in all areas of their lives.

Email us at OPBSI.El.Girasol@gmail.com to find out how you can become a part of the Girsol team!

Check

out our

Past Edit ions

Volume XIII Issue III Fall 2012

Omega Phi Beta’s National Sorority Magazine

Winter 2012 Edition

October 2012 *El Girasol * 1

Fall 2012 Edition

Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, a NALFO organization member, is a Latina-oriented sorority founded on March 15, 1989, at the University at Albany, State University of New York. Seventeen women of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds came together to defy the injustices suffered by women, particularly women of color, in the academic, professional and political arenas.

The purpose of OPBSI 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.

For further information visit: www.OmegaPhiBeta.org

Spring 2013 *El Girasol * 5

Letter from the Alumnae Association President Amanda Crane

Iota, Spring 2000 Alumnae Association President

Appreciation (noun) an expression of admiration, approval, or gratitude

experience with some of my sorority sisters, many with a similar story.

Appreciation is one of the best words to describe how I feel In Omega Phi Beta’s 24 years of existence I am truly about my life, Omega Phi Beta, and equally as important amazed at its growth, but more importantly the dedication that hundreds of women have made to the growth and our Alumnae Association. success of the organization. When I look at the members Another year has gone by and after having made my New of the organization I beam with pride as I have seen, and Year resolutions I look back at the last three months and continue to see, many young women blossoming into can’t help but be appreciative of where I was, where I am, confident, successful, professional women. and where I see myself going. I may have broken a number of my resolutions BUT I persevere because I refuse to quit Although I have only been a member of Omega Phi Beta and because I have friends, mainly sorors, and family who for 13yrs, I can honestly say that I am appreciative of all that this organization has given to me. I have made some keep me accountable. close friends, honed skills that I can use in my current This accountability has helped me as I work to further profession, and successfully built my network in a way advance in my career and as I work towards a healthier that has been mutually beneficial for both parties. me. I never thought I’d say this but I have also found a new appreciation for my faith. The “rediscovery” of my faith When I compare where I was last year to where I am today has awakened something new in me which has helped I can honestly say I’m proud of what I have accomplished, me receive the balance I had been missing for some time. what OPB has accomplished, and I’m eager to see what I’m very fortunate because I have been able to share this this new year will bring.

OPBSI Founder’s Day Countdown Photo Challenge This March join all the sisters who participated in the Founder’s Day Countdown Photo Challenge.

Whether you have Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or other social media you can join the challenege. Use the photo to the left as a guide and make sure to mark the photos with #OPBSIPhotoChallegne!

Check out the all the radiant photos!

Soleil!!

6 *El Girasol * Spring 2013

Staying Connected

to

AA

Once you become an alumna, you are removed from your chapter’s alias and only receive OPBSI emails if you elect to sign up for any of the following communication tools.

Do you Tweet?

Follow us, @OPBSI_Alumnae, for the latest updates on AA activities!

Share Photos

on Instagram?

Follow us, @OPBSI_Alumnae, for the latest updates on AA activities!

AA Newsletter AA collects the emails of alumnae and adds it to their distribution list. If you are not on the list, or know an alumna who would like to be added, contact us at Alumnae@OmegaPhiBeta.org

Alumnae Association 10 year Anniversary Celebration at Highland Park

Get LinkedIn with OPBSI! Job postings, virtual networking, and professional development opportunities. Join the Omega Phi Beta LinkedIn Group today!

Monthly Buzz Stay connected with OPBSI National updates via the Monthly Buzz. To subscribe to the BUZZ mailing list email ExecVP@OmegaPhiBeta.org

Beta Hummer The Beta Hummer is a biweekly events newsletter that is published electronically on the 15th and 30th of each month. It’s main purpose is to keep the sisterhood informed of National and Local Events. The publication will also include links to our LinkedIn group for job postings and any announcements sent by individual sisters such as apartment hunt inquiries. Contact VP of Programming at Programming@OmegaPhiBeta.org to get added.

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24 Years of Radiance Happy Anniversary to Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc! Congratulations to the sisters and all the radiant Founders that paved the way!

We love and appreciate you all!

Soleil

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Sorority Milestones As OPBSI continues to grow in numbers, the one thing that keeps us all connected is our sisterhood. Once a BETA woman, always a BETA woman...Soleil! Congratulations to all the sisters celebrating their milestone years!

20 Years - Spring 1993 Monica Avellaneda Sarah Betancohurt Sandra Galli

Guarinelly Hernandez Sonia Mongual Amaris Elisa Ramos

Inez Rodriguez Abby Seda Maria Tsiadis

15 Years - Spring 1998 Jeanne Alcivar Cindy Batista Elsa Batista Chrissy Diaz Deyadira Diaz

Monica Estrada Christina Figueroa Evelyn Galarza Bianca Greminger Rosslyn Grijalva

Natalie Hernandez Yvette Lopez Elbanery Lora Lydia Jimenez Ramona Peralta

Elsys Puello Rebecca Roberts Serenity Rodriguez Yahira Sanchez Jennifer Triana

10 Years - Spring 2003 Jessinia Atilano Jenice Diaz Sandra Mercedes Fernandez Auris Gonzalez

Jacqueline Gonzalez Ileana Legares Melissa Liriano Deonys Lopez Taina Marie Lopez

Jacqueline Pena Ebony Powell Pauline Restrepo Jessica Rodriguez

5 Years - Spring 2008 Newja Ali Luz Barcenas Karina Camerena Elianny Camilo Elizabeth Canela Verenice Chavez Stephanie Checo Alison Clarke Krystal Coleman Briseida Cortez Debra Cruz Candida Diaz Stacy Dubois Kenia Encarnacion Nelia Escobar

Yohansa Fernandez Michelle Garcia Nicole Gonzalez Geraldine Gutierrez Vanessa Jackson Caprice Johnson Brittany Jones Keiko Katsuragawa Sherice King Kimberly Lopez Kathy Lugo Ratha Ly Karen Marin Michelle McCree Melody Mercedes

Desiree Millet Aline Murta Claribel Nunez Isabel Olan Karla Perez Zuliema Perez Carol Yanisa Pimental Katherine Ramirez Norma Ramos Cristina Resek Darlenys Rosa Maria Rosa Odeiry Rosario Chloe Sanchez Monica Saenz

Celeste Salazar Maritza Sanchez Yanelly Santos Laura Scotland Shaneaqua Serrano Kimberly Suarez Shayna Vega Stephanie Velez Karina Velez Jennifer Veras Darislyna Villa Stacey Villanueva

Spring 2013 *El Girasol * 9

Convention Highlight

Beta Lambda Chapter Universit y of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

The Colony at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was established on April 23rd, 2011 by four unconquerable womyn determined to bring Omega Phi Beta to campus.

Despite initial resistance from the campus community, the Alpha line made it their mission to shine a radiant light on UNC’s campus.

Within one year, the Colony was recognized for having the highest grade point average nationally for Spring 2011 and Fall 2012, received the Outstanding Academic Programming and Greek Alliance Council Progress awards and welcomed five new Sisters into the organization.

In October of 2012 the Colony was granted Charter status and became the Beta Lambda Chapter of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

Making a true and recognizable impact on campus has been our greatest accomplishment thus far. Our Chapter boasts a sisterhood of over ten ethnicities and a diversity of experience, challenging the cultural segregation we saw within campus Greek culture. Our Chapter has

10 *El Girasol * Spring 2013

dedicated itself to social justice, advocacy, promoting an inclusive environment and creating a safe space in which each individual can share their story. We are committed to educating ourselves and make it a priority to bring issues of gender, race, and oppression and privilege to light.

We have dedicated ourselves to a vision of a brighter and better UNC through programs and events focused on tackling gender issues, discrimination and promoting inclusive language while working with a number of campus organizations.

As a result of our dedication

to diverse, informative and effective programing we have been able to not only further educate ourselves on the issues affecting various communities but also enlighten the UNC campus and greater Chapel Hill community.

We hope to continue encouraging others to reject the labels and limits placed on them by other individuals and instead empower themselves to serve their community in a variety of ways. With seven active womyn on campus, our Chapter continues to promote academic excellence, professionalism, thought-provoking programming

and sisterhood.

This spring our Chapter is excited to be hosting two weeks of events. The first, in collaboration with VDAY Carolina, part of the global activist movement to end violence against womyn and girls, is our V-Week, taking place at the end of February.

For V-Week we will be hosting the Vagina Monologues, a resource fair, the “These Hands, Words and Hearts Don’t Hurt” Campaign, and bringing in the Executive Director of the North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault as a speaker.

In April, our Chapter will be hosting our second annual Week of Illumination which will include a health fair, a film screening, an event on hate crimes against various communities, a fishbowl

dialogue on mental health and a walk to empower survivors of sexual assault and interpersonal violence.

Our Chapter is honored to be hosting National Convention 2013, as we truly hope to treat our Sisters to an inspiring and empowering weekend. We welcome the opportunity to connect and reconnect with our Sisters from across the nation.

This year’s theme is “Radiant Empowerment: A Vision So Bright.” Throughout Convention Weekend, we will be focusing on various forms of empowerment, such as through self-awareness, meaningful relationships, professionalism, community building and self-care. There is no single road to empowerment; however, we hope Convention

will illuminate new pathways for personal growth and selfawareness.

Last fall we Remembered Our Roots; this spring we encourage Sisters to focus on growth.

Our Chapter hopes Sisters leave feeling uplifted with a strengthened sense of self and a revitalized passion for Omega Phi Beta. 2013 National Convention will provide a beautiful opportunity for connection, inspiration and empowerment.

We encourage you to travel to the Southern Side of Heaven, and look forward to what will be an unforgettable and inspirational weekend.

April 15th is one month away....don’t delay!

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Special Pricing for OPBSI Sisters!

Spring 2013 *El Girasol * 11

Radiant Take Over

from

East

to

By Christine Cortes, President, National Step/Stroll Team Advisory Cabinet

As many of you know, your National Step/ Stroll Team have been working diligently to expand our division. In efforts to do so, we went to Florida last year in order to train the ladies of FSU to step in a local yardshow exhibition.

They truly succeeded and managed to impress the Sunshine State, as we knew they would. Following this endeavor we knew that we wanted to explore this idea a bit more.

Last year, we came to the decision that we no longer wanted Regional teams that serve one purpose but rather we wanted teams that could do it all! In an effort to align our brand we explored the idea of Regional Step and Stroll teams.

We thought about it and knew that it was going to be a difficult

12 *El Girasol * Spring 2013

task but we were up for the challenge.

During the process of developing the program a ray of light came in our direction. Jessica Guevera, Phi chapter, Spring 2011, approached us at our amazing convention last year.

She wanted to talk about the West Coast and its need for both stepping and strolling. Now, this was a perfect opportunity!

In January of 2013, the ladies from UC Berkeley, Jeanette Corona and Giselle Beltran, participated in our Step and Stroll Clinic that took place in New York City. We discussed with them a plan we had in store for the West Coast.

They were extremely excited, eager and motivated to begin this new journey, which in turn inspired us to make sure it happened.

West

On January 24th, the Step and Stroll Mistress, Christine Cortes and Josmery Brito, went to Los Angeles, California for the West Coast Regional Retreat. Even though we would be traveling for most of our time in California we knew we wanted to do this for the West Coast.

It was their time! While being there, we hosted the very FIRST Step and Stroll Clinic in the West Coast. Although many of the ladies were experiencing a clinic for the first time the dedication and eagerness to learn was apparent. The clinic was a HUGE success and the ladies definitely felt better prepared and motivated to take on this Regional Step and Stroll Team endeavor head on.

We are now proud to formally announce our FIRST REGIONAL STEP & STROLL TEAM – REGION

7 Step/Stroll Team! We are so excited to have them on board.

The team is comprised of Jeanette Corona (Beta Mu), Giselle Beltran (Beta Mu), Claudia Moreno (Beta Mu), Isabeth Mendoza (Beta Mu), Cynthia Espinoza (Beta

Mu), Valerie Jameson (Beta Mu), Gracie Esparza (Beta Mu), Jessica Guevera (Phi), Rosemary Sandoval (Phi), Erika Gonzalez (Phi).

Look out for them at RISC West #RadiantTakeOver #East2West!

If you are interested starting a

Regional Step and Stroll Team in your area please email the National Step/ Stroll Team at nstcabinet@opbsinst.org.

The hopes are to have teams in every region. Now THAT would be a RADIANT TAKEOVER!

Soleil!

Spring 2013 *El Girasol * 13

Our Vision, Our Stories: Creating Community in our Differences

By Michelina Ferrara, Psi Chapter, Fall 2009 and Ariel Eure, Beta Lambda Chapter, Spring 2011 “Awareness of our situation must come before inner changes, which in turn come before changes in our society. Nothing happens in the ‘real’ world unless it first happens in the images in our heads” --Gloria Anzaldúa

We believe that in order to create change in our communities, we must begin with ourselves. By analyzing our identities, we are tasked with understanding how those identities influence and are influenced by the world. Embracing our motto of “serving and educating through our diversity”, our differences have, in essence, brought us together for a unifying cause.

To honor this vision, 2013 National Convention will feature a workshop that encourages us to become more aware of our many identities, create collective consciousness and work toward strengthening our bonds of sisterhood.

The workshop, Our Vision, Our Stories: Creating Community in Our Difference

That unifying cause is our sisterhood. Each of us has our own unique story to tell and something beautiful to contribute. As we move forward, it is important to remember our commitment to diversity and as such, to creating community in our difference. This is the vision that our Founders imagined and established for us nearly twentyfour years ago.

Our multiple identities are complex and multifaceted. We all work through the world with hyphenated identities – womyn, atheist, queer, middle-class, cisgender, college graduate. The list goes on and on.

This concoction of our many identities influences our lived experiences and is what, in essence, makes us each different.

By acknowledging, recognizing and embracing these differences, we inspire a stronger sense of self. Our stories are constantly in motion. While our stories are in motion, so is our collective story as Sisters of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

14 *El Girasol * Spring 2013

will provide a space in which we can explore our identities through the lens of gender, ethnicity, ability and more while encouraging participants to think critically about how our own identities influence our lived experiences.

As Sisters and as people, we are constantly colliding in different ways-supporting causes because they are important to our Sisters, serving as

resources in areas on our expertise, and putting our Sisters’ needs above our own at times. What it means to be a Sister is tied to who we are and how our identities have shaped us.

As Audre Lorde, a fierce activist who lived very much at the intersections of her identities, once said, “Refusing to recognize difference makes it impossible to see the different problems and pitfalls facing us as womyn.” We are Sisters, we are womyn, but that does not make us the same. By understanding our many selves and our position in the world, we can better come together to represent our different identities and communities and grow as one. Within these differences, lies power.

During this workshop, we will discuss how specific identities affect our sense of self, our interactions with others, and our experiences with oppression and privilege. We will work toward creating stronger coalitions of support for one another, our struggles, and our dreams.

We invite you to join us at 2013 National Convention to build a more intentional and collective sense of sisterhood and solidarity.

With love, light, and excitement,

Michelina and Ariel

Who ’s Appreciat ing Whom?

By Jane Vega, Founder There are times when I definitely feel overlooked.

Sometimes I revel in those moments, when no one at all is paying any attention to me, under the world’s radar so to speak. But there are other times, when a little appreciation goes a long way and I yearn to hear from anyone that I am doing a good job, or that my skills were exactly what were needed, or that I was the key that opened that lock. I’ve been struggling with this these days.

Feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Feeling like all I do is give, give, give and no one is really paying attention to anything except what they are receiving.

Coño, I know I’m not unique in this feeling. Millions of people all over the world feel exactly the way I do. Like nothing you do really makes any difference to anyone.

So what do you do when you need a bit of appreciation but you just don’t want to feel you should have to toot your own horn?

Being free with your appreciation of others leaves you open to receive this appreciation back. When I am feeling the most bogged down, not liked, underappreciated, frustrated – although it may take a day to recognize – I do a little yoga; take a super power walk; write like

the future of the world depends on it, read or watch an oldie but a goodie of a movie.

This usually brings me to that happy place where I can see my frustrations have less to do with me and more to do with how unhappy other people feel about themselves, their children, their employment. When you are able to determine what you do have and what you don’t have control over, it’s a little easier to put those burdens down. It’s a little easier to contemplate a different perspective. Once the burdens are down, your overall appreciation for the world around you is allowed to bubble up and fill you with understanding and compassion.

Tell people you appreciate them, genuinely. No sugar coating or overly grandiose accounts needed. Recognize how the people around you improve your life and acknowledge them. How your job improves your skills, your children improve your patience (lol), etc. There is always something to appreciate, always something to acknowledge. When you are able to appreciate the things around you without the thoughts of being appreciated, it allows a light that wasn’t there before to shine. When other people feel appreciated, they show their appreciation for others too.

Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than of other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your own gifts. It means freedom from thinking about yourself at all. ~William Temple

Photo by Desiree Henry, Theta, Fall 2000

Spring 2013 *El Girasol * 15

Omega Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated Launches

First Charitable Foundation On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., we are proud to announce the launch of our first not for profit organization, Omega Phi Beta Foundation (OPBF).

Established on January 23, 2013, in the State of New York, OPBF is a national, philanthropic organization committed to providing leadership, academic and community development opportunities, through educational and grant-making initiatives that support individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing women’s rights.

The Board of Trustees took the leadership of creating and incorporating the not for profit organization which will function as a separate corporation of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and operate exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the scope of Section 501 (c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.

Understanding the role that the Board of Trustees (BOT) undertakes, our goal was to look at long-term initiatives promoting continual commitment and involvement in our community, such as the OPB Foundation. “We are excited about the launch of our foundation,” said Marie Saul, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and who has been directly overseeing this initiative on behalf of the Board of Trustees.

“Everything from the name, to its design is a true representation of our Foundation and what we stand for.

It is a true testament of Omega Phi Beta’s commitment to our community!” said Saul.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Board of Trustees of the Omega Phi Beta Foundation please email us at BOT@OmegaPhiBeta.org.

16 *El Girasol * Spring 2013

OMEGA PHI BETA FOUNDATION Est. 2013

MISSION: OPBF is a national, philanthropic organization committed to providing leadership, academic and community development opportunities, through educational and grant-making initiatives that support individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing women’s rights.

VISION: OPBF envisions a world free of inequality, where empowered women and girls are leaders of the movement for social change and equality.

Follow us: Official Website: www.OmegaPhiBetaFoundation.org Facebook: OmegaPhiBetaFoundation Twitter: OPBFoundation

Booking inquiries: 914.837.6851 UniversalMCDJ@yahoo.com

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Spring 2013 *El Girasol * 17

Fitness and Self Appreciation

By Natasha Torres, Alpha Eta, Fall 2010

Fitness, a word that affects all of us differently; some look down at the bellies of days past, others run in the other direction. Most women have tried at least 61 diets by the time they are 45 (http://www.huffingtonpost. co.uk). So what does it take to find something that works and will stick?

I was 23 years old when I pursued my interest in our beautiful sorority. Before then, I had tried to diet but I was afraid of exercise. There were periods of time when I tried to incorporate exercise, like volleyball, but as soon as it got hard I turned away. The first time I ran, like sweating, breathing hard, choking on my own saliva run, was when my sorority sisters and I made a commitment to a healthier lifestyle, which of course included the dreaded word- exercise.

When I wanted to stop they were there to cheer me on and because of that they helped change my life by opening my mind to exercise and its benefits.

February of last year I decided I was going to take my weight more seriously. I remembered how great being able to run and completing exercise felt. I joined a gym and got a trainer, because I was still lazy! By April I had lost almost 20 pounds! I have held on to my diet, mostly, and overall have lost 2 pant sizes and 46 pounds.

Amazingly, I have kept the weight off for a whole year. I decided to change and because of the influence of my fellow sorors have held true to my goal.

Be a Beta, Be a Scholar The OPBSI Book Rental!

Stay academically inclined while saving up to 80% on book rentals. Rent your textbooks for school or start a book club with this great offer. Spread the word to friends, family, coworkers, classmates, and teachers. Anyone is able to take advantage of this great deal.

Rent your favorite books while helping your organization raise money.

For more information visit http://opbsi.bookrenterstore.com February 2012 - 210 lbs

18 *El Girasol * Spring 2013

February 2013 - 163 lbs

Beta Cookin’ Roasted Chicken Breast

By Jane Vega, Founder

(serves 4) 4 Skinless Chicken Breasts 2tbsp Onion Powder 2tbsp Garlic Powder 2tsbp Paprika 2tsbp Dried Oregano 1tsp Cumin (optional) Aluminum Foil (For easy cleanup) Preheat oven to 350°F

Line a roasting pan or cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Lay chicken breast on foil “bottoms up”. Combine all ingredients and sprinkle over bottom of breasts. Flip the breast and apply remainder to rest of breasts. Use additional oregano if desired to lightly cover top of breasts. Adjust spices to taste for future meals. Place in oven for approximately 35 minutes at 350°F or until golden brown and internal temperature is at 165°.

Mixed Vegetables: Add frozen mixed vegetables in a sauce pan and boil with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a bay leaf.

Dinner is served in under, 45 minutes.

This combination of spices will also work for a whole roasted chicken or split chicken breast with rib bone. Just add an additional teaspoon of each spice so you have enough to cover chicken top and bottom.

Side Dishes: Boxed Rice Pilaf: Try adding finely diced onion to the rice browning stage.

Cook remainder as listed on box. It’s a nice variation.

Spring 2013 *El Girasol * 19

Appreciating the Everyday Love in our Lives

By Selina Hernandez, Alpha Beta, Fall 1999

I recently suffered a loss. On January 21, 2013 my grandmother, Guillermina Davila Hernandez passed away, just 3 months shy of reaching 96. She was amazing, not only because she was my grandmother but also because of the person she was and the living history she was.

to acknowledge a moment that they knew was a significant and difficult one. Many didn’t know

I daresay that as we walk through life and become enveloped in the day-to-day minutia—remember that appreciation means trying to remain connected and putting forth an effort to maintain the relationships you cherish.

I don’t only mean significant others, although they are just as important. I mean friends you may stop calling because you got caught up in your life, I mean the sister/ brother, cousin, aunt, mom, dad, or grandparents that you forget to call or schedule time to see .

I spent a good deal of time with her and we were close. She and my grandfather, Ventura Hernandez helped raise my siblings and me.

I’m glad that although she left this earth, she died knowing she was cared for and loved—by me, my parents, siblings, cousins, her children and so many more.

Thinking of this makes me glad that I appreciated her and the shero she was to me. That I didn’t neglect her as so many neglect their loved ones—particularly elderly relatives.

Additionally, reflecting made me think of the appreciation I had for the people in my life. Although we live never knowing how or when our time on this earth will end, I know that I have a group of loving friends and family that I love and love me in return. In celebrating the life of my grandmother at the funeral I noticed the sea of people in the funeral home.

Lots were family but I also looked at friends- some old and some new, sorors and other people that took time out of their day

20 *El Girasol * Spring 2013

friendships and hope that they know it.

my grandmother but came to give their time and acknowledgment and be supportive friends.

I was deeply moved that friends took out time on a frigid day to be there for me and to share in such a heartwarming gesture of friendship. At a time where my heart was broken it was too caressed by the loving spirits of friends. I appreciate all of my

While it takes work, believe me I know, the connection we have with our friends and family can be so fulfilling when you take the time to foster them. We are all busy, working, being parents, life partners, students, but remembering to take the time even if its once a month can be all that is needed to make someone you love feel appreciated.

Trust me you will find that you too will appreciate it.

In Loving Memory of Guillermina “Mai” Davila Hernandez April 24, 1917- January 21, 2013

The Toughest Job You’ll Ever LOVE 'Underneath

the

Mango Tree'

By Desiree Lopez, Theta, Fall 2003 overcoming the language barrier was only the first of many challenges I would face but, if you never step out of your own comfort zone you can never experience anything new.

Always the same question, “How was your experience?” No amount of words can ever capture the two years I spent in Peace Corps but I will try to create a picture for you as beautiful as the country in which I served!

Vanuatu?! A small island nation located in the South Pacific (just between Fiji and Australia) that was once voted “ The Planet’s Happiest Country”. It took 22 hrs to get there from NYC’s JFK airport, but then I began the experience of a lifetime.

I arrived in the country with 41 other Americans of all ages, who were there to do the same as me. We were

there to help this developing country by giving them all the knowledge we had, but little did we know how much more we would learn from those whose knowledge wasn’t in academics, but in such skills we might never learn in the good ol’ USA! For the first 2 months I was in what they called “training”. During this time I was placed with a family, considered my host family, in which they were only allowed to speak to me in the conversational language of Bislama, and teach me on how they lived and what was culturally acceptable. Cultural integration and

Living with this family, I began learning how they lived and luckily picked up the language rather quickly. I lived in a house made of local materials, including leaves from a tree called “Natangura”, that was woven together, and bamboo. And what kind of setup was there inside this house you ask? Well that’s all that it was, a room for me to sleep in. How about the bathroom, shower, toilet? Well that was located about 50 ft from the house (outside) and consisted of a concrete slab on the floor with a hole in it.

If you were lucky and could afford it, a wooden box over the hole to sit on top of (kind of like a toilet seat) was there, if not, well you begin to find it normal just squatting over a hole in the ground! And as for a shower, water was gathered in a bucket from a nearby pipe coming out the ground, then carried to a stall where you poured the water over your head to get clean. Easy you think, it’s just like camping! Well yes, but really would anyone go camping for 2 years?

Spring 2013 *El Girasol * 21

The first step to adjusting to any new situation is patience and openness even if everyday was a question of, “Why am I doing this again?”. I just learned to expect the unexpected like developing a crazy skin infection on my hand and legs where I was unable to walk for a week or painful boils on my legs that caused fevers, and even the possibility of catching malaria. While I can go on for days about the reasons that could have made me come home, the list of reasons I didn’t is far longer and more interesting to talk about.

Two months in training felt like an eternity and it was time to be shipped off on our own to different islands within the nation. I was now “competent” in the language enough to communicate, and had enough to know how to cook over a fire and how not to anger the locals with my Western ways. Now some islands had multiple volunteers on it, but I was lucky enough to be the only “white [wo]man” living on my island which

22 *El Girasol * Spring 2013

I will forever consider my second home!

The second I stepped foot in my village, I was welcomed with open arms, as if this was my family and I’d known them for years. I was even given a local name, Leimara, to show that they accepted me as a native

to the country. The name meaning “Woman who leads the people”, as I was there to lead them towards development. Boy did I have my work cut out for me!

Everyday was a challenge trying to remember everyone’s name as well as set myself a schedule of things I wanted to accomplish, as there was no one to tell me the hours I had to work or exactly the things that needed to be done. I started by always joining the nurse at the local health center. I would hang around to meet those who came by. While I spent endless hours in the health center for months, I always noticed in the distance this one mango tree.

It was located pretty much in the middle of the village. No matter what time of day it was there were always people sitting underneath it, and never anyone alone. Sometimes the faces were serious; other times loud outbursts of laughter were heard

technology and preservation.

environmental

Today’s Peace Corps is more vital than ever, working in emerging and essential areas such as information technology and business development, and contributing to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Peace Corps Volunteers continue to help countless individuals who want to build a better life for themselves, their children, and their communities. and in the middle of the night guitar playing and high pitched singing! I realized if there was any place to be, was underneath the mango tree.

I began going everyday to sit underneath the mango tree and here is where I got the most work done!

This is a very big extreme coming from NYC and working in an office 9-5, but it was the best job I will ever have! Here is where I made the best friendships I could have ever imagined, learned custom stories about the island I lived on and how the community was genuinely worried about their health status especially for the woman and children. Anytime I was to meet with someone, the mango tree is where it happened, napping during a hot summers day or just watching the kids play a game of soccer. This is where lessons on health were taught and many arts and craft session took place, but most of all where I wasn’t the white miss who came to teach, I was Leimara.

The Peace Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration grew an agency of the federal government devoted to world peace and friendship.

Since that time, 210,000+ Peace Corps Volunteers have served in 139 host countries to work on issues ranging from AIDS education to information

For more info visit www.peacecorps.gov Desireé Lopez became a sister in the Fall of 2003. She graduated from Stony Brook University in 2005 with a BS in Healthcare Management. From 2009- 2011 she served as a Peace Corps Volunteer as a Community Health Volunteer in the Republic of Vanuatu.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are strictly my own and do not reflect those of Peace Corps, the U.S. government, or anyone else.

Spring 2013 *El Girasol * 23

Sunshine Corner

By Desiree Henry, Theta, Fall 2000

For this edition, I decided to share with you “The Optimist Creed.” I think it is a great read for anyone who wants to start their day off in a positive way.

I recently found myself in a bit of a funk. Life wasn’t going as planned and I started to feel very discouraged. It didn’t matter what I did, who I spoke to, or what I tried to do, something inside me kept making me feel like I couldn’t change what I needed to, in order to make my life happier.

I know that remaining positive is the best way to get through pretty much everything. From a bad day, to a break-up, to frustrations at work...the list can go on and on. I do recognize it can be very challenging to remain positive. It can be difficult to see the silver lining when you are in the middle of a hard situation.

It’s natural and trust me, you are not alone.

I got to a point where I felt like all I did was think about everything I didn’t want to happen, or everything I didn’t have, and it made me start to think negatively. Thinking negatively didn’t make me feel good, so I realize that something had to change.

It wasn’t making me feel better, and nothing would improve the longer I stayed in this funk.

One day I decided to spend a weekend focusing on myself and trying to figure out what I really wanted.

I needed to make my inner voice be my cheerleader.

It started with appreciating what I had and the good in my life. I also realized, its not the person who is complaining all the time who is the happiest, it’s the one who can see the silver lining. My life didn’t change overnight, things are still not where I want them to be, but I don’t feel defeated. I found my strength and inner cheerleader. I can face my life with a better attitude. It’s a daily challenge to remain optimistic, but its worthwhile to make the effort.

That same weekend, I stumbled across “The Optimist Creed.” It is something that I think can help you start your day off with the right mindset. Read this creed in the morning and see if it helps your day...I promise that it won’t make it worse. Remember that it takes more work, more energy and more persistance to remain positive but you will receive much bigger rewards, including becoming a better person.

Soleil!

Follow me: www.weinspireus.wordpress.com

24 *El Girasol * Spring 2013

The Optimist’s Creed I Promise Myself…

To be so strong nothing can disturb my peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and posperity to every person I meet.

To make all my friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.

To think of of the best, work only for the best and to expect the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature I meet.

To give so much time to improving myself, that I have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of myself and proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words, but in great deeds.

To live in the faith that the whole world is on my side, as long as I am true to the best that is in me.

- CHRISTIAN D. LARSON Downloadable Copy: http://thesecret.tv/prints/US/US_optimists-creed.pdf

Beta Mommies

Welcome our

new

Beta babies

and congratulations to our expecting

Mommies !!

E r ica Aguilar B ou

Wendy B r ito (Theta

G ladys Moncayo

(Kappa/Fall 2000) welcomed a baby girl, Isabel Elena, March 2013

Chapter/Fall 2001) welcomed a baby boy, Eli, February 2013

(Theta Chapter/ Fall 2005) welcomed a baby girl, Denalise, March 2013

Valencia B r iscoe (Tau

J une J imenez (Nu Chapter/

J ennifer Echavar r ia Mo j ica

Chapter/Spring 2005) is expecting a baby boy in April

Spring 2000) gave birth to her first daughter in March

Congrats to Elaina (Sainato) Renda (Alpha Chapter, Fall 2000 ), whose June wedding was featured in the Daily Gazette this January.

Please check it out:

(Tau Chapter/Spring 2000) is expecting a baby girl in March

Congrats to Darlene De Jesus (Theta Chapter, Fall 2002) who got engaged February 2013 to Jason.

http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2013/jan/25/0125_renda_wp/

Spring 2013 *El Girasol * 25

Beta Smarts, Celebrations and

Professional Achievements

Congratulations and best wishes to Claudia M. Miletic (Epsilon Chapter, Spring 1994), former President of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., on starting her own Peruvian import clothing company called Jason & Juliana, LLC! Carissa Davis (Beta Lambda Chapter, Spring 2012) secured an internship as the editorial assistant for Miami Shoot magazine in Miami Beach Florida!

Elizaveta Reyes (Xi Chapter/Spring 2001) was promoted from Senior Consultant to a Director!

Congratulations to AYARI’S BRIDES, Jessica Toro’s (Xi Chapter, Spring 2001) company! The company is taking off and was featured in the Spring/Summer 2013 issue of The Knot New York Magazine (current issue until this summer). You can see a scanned article of the mention here: http://ayarimakeovers.blogspot.com/2013/02/ ayaris-brides-featured-in-knot-magazine.html Ayari’s Brides was also awarded the following this past January: 2013 Best of Weddings Award Winner by The Knot 2013 Bride’s Choice Award Winner by WeddingWire Check out my website www.TheGlossyParty.com

The Alumnae Association is proud to announce that the 2013 Reach for the Gold Scholarship application is now available!

Please go to http://www.OmegaPhiBeta.org for more information.

26 *El Girasol * Spring 2013

I mportant Anti -V iolence Resources N ational H otlines and Organizations V-Day

A Global Movement to End Violence against Women and Girls www.VDay.org

Hotline Phone Numbers Domestic Violence Hotline 800-621-HOPE (4673)

Crime Victims Hotline 866-689-HELP (4357)

Rape & Sexual Assault Hotline 212-227-3000

U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline

Boston

www.c2home.org http://feminist.org www.mahomless.org

Los Angeles

Los Angeles County Hotline

Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence

(24 HOUR)

(800) 978-3600

New York City New York City’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 621–HOPE (4673)

Washington, DC

• • • •

1-800-656-HOPE Washington DC www.dccadv.org www.houseofruth.org

Additional Help in your area: www.thehotline.org

Florida

Sanctuary for Families

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organization. Among its programs, RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE and the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline at rainn.org .

This nationwide partnership of more than 1,100 local rape crisis centers provides victims of sexual assault with free, confidential services, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. These hotlines have helped over 1.3 million people since RAINN’s founding in 1994.

http://nyscadv.org/directory.htm

www.agapefdnadv.org http://dvcouncil.lacounty.gov

1-800-799-SAFE (7233) TTY 1-800-787-3224 www.nnedv.org

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network

NY State Resources

(212) 349–6009 •

•

Press 0 for general information and for information about shelter Press 1 for Clinical Program Press 2 for Legal Center Press 3 for Children’s Program Press 8 if office is closed and on weekends - Sanctuary is open from 9 am - 6 pm on Monday Thursday, and 9 am - 5 pm on Fridays.

Press 9 for Spanish

MADRE 121 West 27th Street, # 301 New York, NY 10001 USA

(212) 627-0444 Fax: (212) 675-3704 Volunteers volunteers@madre.org

www.fcadv.org/centers Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119

Harbor House of Central Florida

If you or someone you love is going through domestic abuse, PLEASE CALL US at 407-886-2856.

Administration Office: P.O. Box 680748 Orlando, FL 32868 admin@harborhousefl.com GET HELP: 24-Hour Crisis Hotline (407) 886-2856 (TTD) 1 (800) 5001119 (FL) 407-886-2244 (main office) Safehouse of Seminole 24-Hour Crisis Hotline (407)-330-3933 (TTY/TDD) (800) 500-1119 toll free

Chicago 1-877-To-END-DV Domestic Violence Agencies by City www.dhs.state.il.us

Safe Horizon

www.safehorizon.org In New York State:

New York State’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 942-6906 (English) (800) 942-6908 (Spanish)

If you know of any resources in your local city, please share it with the membership.

Email: OPBSI.El.Girasol@gmail.com and put “DV Resources” in the Subject heading

Spring 2013 *El Girasol * 27

B eta “Yellow” Pages

Creative and Beauty Services Jessica Ayari Toro

Elizabeth Cano

www.AyariMakeOvers.com www.TheGlossyParty.com

http://www.sweetcraftcakes.com

Ayari Make Overs

Sweet Craft Cakes

Karla Ayala-Quervalu

Karla Samantha Photography www.KarlaSamantha.com

Elsa Batista-Yzaguirre

Stoles By Elsa

Erica Diaz, Daiana Hidalgo and Jessica Medina www.YourBestEvent.com www.facebook.com/YourBestEventInc Erica@YourBestEvent.com

Stephanie Camacho & Rebecca Slivka

www.MOYACreative.com MOYACreativeDesigns@gmail.com

www.thesunflowercollection.com www.facebook.com/thesunflowercollections

The Sunflower Collection

Stampin’ with Lydia

www.stampinwithlydia.blogspot.com

Your Best Event

Desiree Henry MOYA Creative Design Boutique

StolesbyElsa@Yahoo.com

Lydia Jimenez

UPCOMING NATIONAL MEETINGS

Food Services

Lupe Flores

Sangria Anytime

sangriaanytime@gmail.com (917) 457-8650

Selina Hernandez

My Sister’s Creations www.mysisterscreations.com mysisterscreations@yahoo.com (917) 348-8556

Ivy Roman

IvySweetsNYC

IvySweetsNYC@gmail.com

N ational Conference October 11-13, 2013 Beta Mu Chapter

University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

Health / Home Services Maria Jaramillo

Birth Doula

nediva.89@gmail.com

Elbanery Lora

N ational Convention 2014

H appy 25 th OPBSI! March 13-16, 2014 Miami, FL

For more information: Events@OmegaPhiBeta.org

28 *El Girasol * Spring 2013

Diana’s Cleaning Services diana_cleaningservices@hotmail.com (347) 564-6491

The Beta Yellow Pages is a free service designated to highlight businesses that are operated by OPBSI Sisters.

If you would like to list your business information, please submit it to OPBSI.El.Girasol@OmegaPhiBeta.org

Omega Phi Beta Sorority, inc.

Chapters and Colonies

Collegiate Chapters Alpha Chapter University at Albany, SUNY Est. 1989

Xi Chapter Syracuse University & LeMoyne College Est. 1999

Beta Chapter SUNY New Paltz & Marist College Est. 1991

Omicron Chapter Duke University Est. 2000

Gamma Chapter Union College Est. 1991 Delta Chapter Binghamton University, SUNY Est. 1992 Epsilon Chapter Long Island University, C.W. Post Est. 1993

Beta Epsilon Chapter SUNY Old Westbury Est. 2008

Pi Chapter Boston, MA Est. 2002 Rho Chapter Michigan State University Est. 2002 Sigma Chapter Plattsburgh University, SUNY Est. 2001

Zeta Chapter SUNY, Oswego Est. 1993

Tau Chapter Utica College & Hamilton College Est. 2003

Eta Chapter College at Brockport, University of Rochester & Rochester Institute of Technology Est. 1994

Upsilon Chapter Rutgers University, New Brunswick Est. 2003

Theta Chapter Stony Brook University Est. 1998 Iota Chapter University of Virginia Est. 1998 Kappa Chapter Hofstra University Est. 1998 Lambda Chapter Brooklyn College and Manhattan Metro Est. 1998 Mu Chapter University of Buffalo, Buffalo State College & D’Youville College Est. 1999 Nu Chapter Cornell University Est. 1999

Beta Delta Chapter Pace University, Pleasantville Campus Est. 2008

Beta Zeta Chapter Florida State University Est. 2010 Beta Eta Chapter University of South Florida Est. 2010 Beta Theta Chapter SUNY Cortland Est. 2009

Colony at Ramapo College Est. 2010 Colony at Pace University Est. 2011 Colony at Columbia University Est. 2011 Colony at Purdue University Est. 2011

Alumnae Chapters Alpha Beta Chapter New York City Alumnae Chapter Est. 1994

Beta Iota Chapter Northeastern Illinois University Est. 2010

Alpha Gamma Chapter Washington D.C. Alumnae Chapter Est. 2004

Beta Kappa Chapter University of New Haven Est. 2010

Alpha Delta Chapter Rochester Alumnae Chapter Est. 2004

Phi Chapter University of Southern California Est. 2003

Beta Lambda Chapter University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Est. 2011

Alpha Epsilon Chapter Boston Alumnae Chapter Est. 2007

Chi Chapter Seton Hall University Est. 2003

Beta Mu Chapter University of California Berkley Est. 2011

Psi Chapter DePauw University Est. 2006

Beta Nu Chapter Johnson & Wales University Est. 2012

Beta Alpha Chapter St. John’s University Est. 2002 Beta Beta Chapter University of Illinois, UrbanaChampaign Est. 2006 Beta Gamma Chapter New York University Est. 2007

Colonies Colony at University of Maryland, Baltimore County Est. 2003 Colony at Rhode Island College Est. 2003

Alpha Zeta Chapter New Jersey Alumnae Chapter Est. 2007 Alpha Eta Chapter Buffalo Alumnae Chapter Est. 2007 Alpha Theta Chapter Florida Alumnae Chapter Est. 2007 Los Angeles Alumnae Colony Est. 2011 Chicago Alumnae Colony Est. 2012

Colony at Charleston Southern University Est. 2008

Alpha Alpha Chapter Honorary Sisters

Colony at St. Thomas Aquinas Est. 2010

Omega Chapter Eternal Sisters

Est. 1989

www .O mega P hi B eta . orgSpring 2013 *El Girasol * 29