1 | WMAA Spring 2013
West Michigan Alumnae Association
Est. January 12, 2013
“The West Michigan Alumnae Association strives to be positive role models to the community and young women of all interests. The West Michigan Alumnae Association provides an enjoyable and supportive environment for alumnae in all stages of life; including career, family, and continuous education. The West Michigan Alumnae Association will be a support to our undergraduate chapters within the region, and serve as an extension of our sisterhood at large.�
Hard at Work
By Sister Thalia Guerra
Once the SLG West Michigan Alumnae Association was officially founded, we began our work as an entity and no longer just a group of alumane of Sigma Lambda Gamma. After numerous meeting and brainstorming sessions, we decided to put together a set of programs, initiatives and a strategic plan.
and support. We recently hosted a mix-and-mingle event in Kalamazoo , which was open to all sisters.
At the same time, we have decided to provide a graduation ceremony for sisters graduating this semester in the state of Michigan. Advertisements for this ceremony are posted on our Faebook page, and all sisters The strategic planning for the graduating this April/May are invited organization began by establishing to join us. We hope to make this a an organizational logo that would memorable event for all graduates to help create an image for us within the congratulate them on this milestone in community and the sorority. With this their lives. concept, the social media aspect was born as we established a Facebook Along with internal involvement and page and a Twitter account to share any event planning, the WMAA is also updates with our region. Along with involved in the community through the marketing, we wanted to create planning participation in Project One programs and events in various areas of (see page 5 for more information), southwest Michigan to show presence Cesar Chavez Day Walk, and Relay for in the area not only to other alumnae Life on varous campuses. but also to undergraduate sisters. We believe that alumnae women as well as As an association we hope that you can current undergraduate members can take the time to join us by supporting benefit from our outreach , resources our programs and initiatives!
Who is SLG-WMAA? We are the women of SLGWMAA, comprised of sisters who have graduated and/or are no longer attending our respective undergraduate institutions. We are women of distinction from throughout Michigan, but are located in West Michigan.We were founded on January 12, 2013 after a collaboration of alumnae women expressed their vision for a more united and organized presence in our community. We will serve our communities through our five founding principles of: Academics, Community Service, Cultural Awareness, Morals & Ethics and Social Interaction. Our hope is that you will join us in celebration of academics as well as professional and social successes as we support the future of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc., her principles and her legacy for generations to come.
2 | WMAA Spring 2013 Dear Sisters and Friends,
Letter from the President
I am so excited to greet you as the newly elected President of Sigma Lambda Gamma- West Michigan Alumnae Association (SLGWMAA)! Thanks for checking us out. We are comprised of some pretty amazing sisters from throughout West Michigan, where we began searching for a new chapter in our sisterhood after college. Not so long ago I was looking down the tail end of spring break my very last semester of my super-senior year, unsure of what my life would be like once I graduated - never mind that it barely occurred to me that my chapter sisters as well as regional and national sisters that I practically grew up with over the past three years were all facing the same unforeseen future. What do GAMMA women do after we graduate? Will we still be close? How can we keep the things we love most from changing? We spend all this time at our university or college studying, conducting research, writing thesis and capstone papers, and perhaps spending every other possible moment representing our beloved Sigma Lambda Gamma. Well first of all, can we just stop and give a shoutout to our 2013 GAMMA GRADUATES?!? That’s what it is all about ladies, congratulations on this accomplishment. As you walk across the stage, and shake the hands of your university administrators, and celebrate with your family, closest friends, and loved ones, know that your SISTERHOOD does not end here, HERMANAS POR VIDA, SISTERS FOR LIFE. This transition you are facing is a challenging one, but that is why your older sisters are here to help. Many of us have gone from overextended and overexposed on a SLG platform, to a new state mind and new stride in life as a post-graduate. It starts to shift from chapter meetings, sisterhood retreats and campus events to a less chaotic calendar of sorority responsibilities and a better balanced and more whole life. We want to support you through what is to become of your great unknown, but more importantly we need you too! Help shape the future of Sigma Lambda Gamma as an active alumna, and use your voice and vision that served as a catalyst in your undergraduate chapters to develop a more enthusiastic alumnae presence. I personally want to reach out and empower you to continue to shape our future as sisters, and hope you will consider joining the West Michigan Alumnae Association, or another association near you. Don’t stop your GAMMA experience at graduation. As I’m sure you’ve heard before, “The real work starts now.” Gamma Love, Kim “Salvacion” Waslawski
Sister Profiles
Kim “salvacion” Waslawski #31
Omicron Alpha Chapter, Fall 2004 Birthplace/Hometown: Cedar, MI Degrees/Profession: BS- Sociology/Women and Gender Studies, M.Ed. Higher Education/ College Student Affairs Leadership; Currently working in Catering/Food Service Favorite Quote: “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come ALIVE and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” ~ Howard Thurman
Why I joined SLG: I had become more than friends with so many sisters by the time I joined as a junior in college, I felt like part of the family throughout my interest period, and found myself not only learning more about Sigma Lambda Gamma, but eventually leading and developing the future of what this sorority could be like. I joined Sigma Lambda Gamma because I personally believe and embody her values, and like the organization, hope to serve as a catalyst through empowering women to create change in their communities.
ITZEL “CITLALLI” GOMEZ #61
PHabulous PHi Chapter, Fall 2009 Birthplace/Hometown: Hidalgo, Mexico/Hastings, MI Degrees/Profession: Secondary Education French and Spanish/ELL Paraprofessional at Godwin Heights Public Schools Favorite Quote: “A hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how much money I had in the bank...but the world may be a better place because I made a difference in the life of a child.” -- Forest Witcraft Why I joinedSLG: I joined SLG because I was looking for a family and support system away from home. The majority of my family is in Mexico therefore, I didn’t really have that close family bond in the United States. By the way I was welcomed by my Prophytes I realized I could develop close lasting relationships with them. Further, I grew up in a small Caucasian city; when I learned about the sorority’s principles I knew they represented important aspects of my life.
3 | WMAA Spring 2013
sara “p.u.m.a.” villegas #52
Phi Chapter , Fall 2007 Birthplace/Hometown: San Luis Potosi, Mexico/Dowagiac, MI Degrees/Profession: Bachelor of Science (Majors in Psychology and Spanish), Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, my profession is a Mental Health Therapist Favorite Quote: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Martin Luther King, Jr. Why I joined SLG: I joined SLG because I was inspired by the work the organization does. I learned a lot about it through my sister, Olivia “Esperanza” Villegas of Beta Chapter. I myself wanted to be a part of this wonderful organization to contribute my personal talents, skills, education, and warm approach towards sisterhood. I wanted to be able to make a difference in the world alongside sisters, who shared similar visions I believed that as an organization, we would be able to make a great impact to better the world as well as individual lives.
maria “Tormenta cALmada” perez #37
Omicron Alpha, Spring 2008 Birthplace/Hometown: Holland, MI Degrees/Profession: BBA in Finance and Management, studying towards my Masters in Business Administration Favorite Quote: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.” -Aristotle Why I joined SLG: Going into college I decided that I really wanted to get the college experience and be active with organizations that I felt fit my interests. One of the things things that stood out to me about Sigma Lambda Gamma was that the organization did not strictly focus on one specific thing, it focused on many aspects of life that were important to me, such as community service, culture, and friendship. Deciding to take that step and join Sigma Lambda Gamma has been a life-changing decision and I never imagined how much of a positive impact Sigma Lambda Gamma would have on me-- I am very thankful for that!
BECA “Sabiduria” Velázquez #57 Epsilon Chapter, Fall 2000 Birthplace/Hometown: Detroit, MI / Grand Rapids, MI Degrees/Profession: BA Central Michigan University and Master’s of Public Administration, Grand Valley State University Favorite Quote: “Live the life you love and love the life you live.” - Anonymous Why I joined SLG: I joined SLG because I believed in the mission and principles of our sisterhood. In addition, the women of Epsilon Chapter demonstrated those principles and beliefs on campus and to me even before I considered joining. Thirteen years later and I believe even more today in the important work of our sisterhood. SLG is a movement of empowerment of ALL women and as we took our oath on our initiation to uphold our mission and principles then, we must continue to honor them daily.
elizabeth “ambiciosa” martinez (arangure) #29 Omicron Alpha, Fall 2004 Birthplace/Hometown: Montague, MI Degrees/Profession: Graduating in Dec. 2013 with a B.A. Liberal Studies/ Eligibility Specialist with the Dept. of Human Services Favorite Quote: “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You!” -Dr. Seuss Why I joined SLG: I joined SLG because it provided an opportunity and a life long bond to be with strong and beautiful women who would motivate, inspire, and educate me in being a better person.
4 | WMAA Spring 2013 matea “Mariposa” caluk (vazgec) #36 Omicron Alpha, Spring 2007 Birthplace/Hometown: Kakanj, Bosnia/Allendale, MI Degrees/Profession: B.A. in Advertising and Public Relations and M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Leadership. Currently a Living Center Director at GVSU Favorite Quote: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who matter don’t care and those who care don’t matter” -Dr. Seuss Why I joined SLG: As all first generation college students, I was exploring college and looking for the right fit socially - a family away from home. When I went to the SLG informational, I felt so comfortable and knew that this was the place for me. Ever since I crossed, the sisterhood has been my outlet to leadership and personal development. I have been able to meet women of all backgrounds, travel around the country, attend conferences and most importantly, give back to my community. My involvement in SLG also sparked my love for students affairs and working on a college campus. My mission is to assist other students in finding their social fit on campus while excelling academically.
thalia “cresencia” guerra #55
Phi Chapter, Fall 2008 Birthplace/Hometown: Fennville, MI Degrees/Profession: B.A. in Spanish; Woking on my MA in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs Favorite Quote: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” Why I joined SLG: I joined SLG becuse of the women that came before. They me inspired me to become a part of something that was bigger than myself. They told me it would be a learning process that would make me grow as a woman, as a professional and as a person. I joined SLG to be a part of a community who would be a support system to me in my education and beyond.
Genevieve “audaz” padro #44
Theta Alpha Chapter, Spring 2009 Birthplace/Hometown: Vicenza, Italy/Waterford, MI Degree/Profession: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design Focus, my profession is Graphic Artist
Favorite Quote: “At this moment there are 6,470,818,671 people in the world. Some are running scared. Some are coming home. Some tell lies to make it through the day. Others are just not facing the truth. Some are evil men, at war with good. And some are good, struggling with evil. Six billion people in the world, six billion souls. And sometimes... all you need is one.” Why I joined SLG: I became a part of SLG because I never had sisters growing up, I knew I wanted to become a part of a sorority-but when I met the sisters of SLG, I saw that SLG was more than just a sorority. SLG I learned was a high standard held for women to be the best they could be. I knew as a college student I wanted to contribute to my society and to myself to the highest regard, and I knew I could do that from SLG. I saw women of SLG as leaders on my campus, and those leaders soon became future leader within their communities, and even the world. I knew that was the standard of greatest I wanted to set out to be, for life.
JESSICA “escondida” bell (Ramirez) #4 Omicron Alpha Chapter, Spring 1999 Birthplace/Hometown:Grand Rapids, MI/Mt. Morris, MI Degrees/Profession: Special Education Occupation: Teacher Favorite Quote: Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. Mark Twain Why I joined SLG: I joined SLG to become part of a sisterhood that promotes cultural growth and strength for everyone. It is one of the best decisions I have made in my life! Hermanas Por Vida!!
Calu Matea Lovin, 1 y n ta it Br 01 awski, apter, 2 rly Wasl ron Alpha Ch Kimbe - Omic
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I’m graduating, what’s next?
5 | WMAA Spring 2013
By Sister Matea Caluk
Here you are, four, five years later finally graduating from college. During your entire college experience you were expected to do well, graduate and get a “well-paid” job. You’re excited to graduate for a couple of reasons: you’re making your family proud, you are one step closer to being an independent adult and most importantly, no more classes, studying and tests! Through all of this excitment you may be nervous about what’s next. Perhaps you have already inreviewed for positions in your field and are waiting for responses. Maybe you are just updating your resume and searching for job openings. Perhaps you are looking into furthering your education by enrolling a in a graduate program. Regardless of which of the above categories you identify with, remember that there are sisters all over the country that identify with your excitment and current struggle. Many of us in the WMAA were in your same situation ten, five, three or even one year ago. I know personally, my last semester of undergraduate studies was stressful, as there were limited amount of career opportunities in my field. At the beginning of that last semester I made the decision to attend graduate school. In March of that semester I traveled accross the country interviewing for different graduate assistantships in hopes of having my education financially secured, as my parents or I were not in any circumstance able to afford another two years of higher education. As I traveled to secure a position, my two roommates who were also graduting that semester were on the same page with a job search process. Both were applying to multiple positions in the
area and out of the state in hopes of pursuing their passions. It was helpful to have each other there for moral support and just to have someone to vent to and understand what you are going through. As you are going through this process, don’t be afraid to seek out other sisters or alumnae and share your struggles and frustrations to gather advice and the ability to move forward. Utilize your campus resources such as mentors, advisers, professors and your Career Center. You would be surprised how many of these individual may have the knowledge and networking connections to connect you to employers or graduate school programs. It never hurts to ask and seek information. The more you are informed, the better decisions you will make for your future. Ultimately, use your resources, and remember you are not the first or the last that will go through this transitions. In the end, it will work out, just remember to be persistent and patient.
Project ONE Nicaragua
An alumna of the Theta Alpha chapter at Michigan State University, Allison DeGuzman Nevalga is working to build a computer lab in a small village in Nicaragua. She will be departing to Nicaragua in April 2013 to spend several months assisting Escuela Emmanuel Mongalo (EEM) teachers with pre-school elementary education class planning, execution, and evaluation. She will also provide installation, education, and training in computer usage to open EEM’s first computer lab.
We are seeking your donations of any flat screen monitors, laptops, mice or keyboards that you are no longer using. Now, you may not personally have any of these items, but we would love if you could ask a neighbor, roommate or family member. Think of the positive difference a computer can do to the education of a small community! SLG WMAA is supporting our sister in this endevor and hope you can too. Please send all items to Panorama Service Expeditions by March 22nd.They will ship them to Nicaragua. The goals of Project ONE Nicaragua are to: 1. Provide a safe and secure reconstructed learning environment for EEM. 2. Provide a system of evaluation for the teachers to utilize. 3. Open a computer lab to broaden the methods and resources of teaching and learning. 4. Maintain contact on a monthly basis with the school administration and students to keep pace with progress. Address to Panorama Studios: Panorama Service Expeditions 8370 W. Flagler St. Suite 240 Miami, Florida 33144
6 | WMAA Spring 2013
Calendar of Events March 21 - Cesar E. Chavez Social Justice March - Grand Rapids 31 - Founders’ Month Kickoff 31- Easter Sunday
April
May
9 - SLG Founders’ Day Look out for information about the Panther Dash on this date! 12 & 13 - Relay for Life at Westerm Michigan University and Grand Valley State University
5 - Cinco de Mayo Parade & Central Region Formal 12 - Mother’s Day
21 - Graduation Ceremony
A Mother... When you’re a child she walks before you, To set an example. When you’re a teenager she walks behind you To be there should you need her. When you’re an adult she walks beside you So that as two friends you can enjoy life together.. -Author Unknown www.mothersdaycelebration.com
Officers:
President - Kim Waslawski VP of Finance- Sara Villegas VP of Community Service- Maria Perez VP of Programming- Genevieve Padro VP of Outreach- Itzel Gomez VP of Recruitment- Liz Martinez VP of Operations- Thalia Guerra
Contact Information: Twitter: SLG_WMAA Facebook: SLG West Michigan Alumnae Assoc E-Mail: slg.westmi.aa@gmail.com
Motherhood By Sister Jessica Bell Mother’s Day this year has taken on a whole new meaning since I am currently pregnant with twins. It has brought a new level of appreciation for my wonderful Mother. As I prepare for my children the reality of worries, stress and awe as my body changes are extreme. The importance of your family and friends has never been clearer to me. Trying to manage a career, marriage and pregnancy is a huge endeavor that requires a consistent support system. Reaching out to others and accepting that you can’t manage everything on your own is one of my personal challenges. Thankfully
my Mother has been a positive role model and my best friend to help keep me on track. This Mother’s Day my hope is that we can celebrate the women in our lives that have been positive influences to help the new Mothers along on their journey. I am also more aware and conscious of the need to reach out to those who are in need of support to manage all the choices in regards to children. Please contact us with any suggestions on how we as a organization can reach out to help support the mothers in our communities.
For more information about the WMAA newsletter contact: Matea Caluk - matea.gv@gmail.com