Month: July 2022

Roxanne Donovan, a sister from the Gamma chapter at Syracuse University, will be ending her term as international president and transitioning into a general member position during this year’s International Leadership Forum.

She is President of Great Ink, one of the country’s leading real estate-focused public relations firms, a business she founded in 1992. (www.greatink.com) Her firm represents the full spectrum of the industry-commercial, residential, finance, legal, construction, design, advisory, information services, and trade organizations in New York and nationally.

She is a member of many professional organizations, including ULI, WX and the National Association of Real Estate Editors. Also active philanthropist, Roxanne founded Uniting Against Lung Cancer, which today is the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, funding innovative research to conquer the world’s #1 cancer killer. She is also a Trustee of PEN American Center (www.pen.org), the nation’s oldest human rights organization, protecting writers’ freedom of expression in the US around the world and promoting international literary fellowship.

Roxanne is married to Tom Scarangello, Executive Chairman of Thornton Tomasetti, a leading structuring engineering firm with 36 offices worldwide. She has two sons, Elliot and Anthony. She resides in New York.

Why do you volunteer for Delta Phi Epsilon?

I volunteer for Delta Phi Epsilon because I want to make a contribution to help protect and promote the organization, to make sure other members and new generations have the opportunities and experiences that remain so valuable to me – even 40 years after joining.

What do you hope to accomplish while serving on the International Governing Board? Or what do you bring to the table?

Board members are valued for three main traits: work (their dedicated time and energy), wisdom (expertise) and wealth (ability to provide financial support and/or activate others to contribute). I like to think that I bring all three to the table. I have served on numerous committees over the years, and offer the expertise of someone with extensive board, development, business, public relations and marketing experience. I am also a proud donor, and I’m not afraid to activate my network to contribute to our Ed Foundation. I hope, for this next biennium, to contribute to all three areas in support of the direction Lisa Condon helps take our Board and organization for the future.

Favorite Delta Phi Epsilon memory?

All the afternoons, evenings and early mornings spent on the front porch/steps of our chapter house at Syracuse University blend together for me, and I am happy every time I think about how good it felt to be there, to belong, to be with my sisters.

How has Delta Phi Epsilon impacted your life?

DPhiE has added an immeasurable richness to my life, starting with my collegiate experience and continuing through to the opportunities it has given me for leadership as a volunteer. Many of my closest friends today are sisters from my time at Syracuse University, and also from other chapters across North America met through my time as a volunteer. As a legacy, DPhiE is especially meaningful to me as a tie to my mom, Toby Tamarkin, who is a Deepher from Sigma Chapter at The Ohio State University.

If you could tell an undergraduate sister one thing, what would it be?

Take advantage of everything DPhiE has to offer – including the experiences, scholarships, programs and opportunities that are generated outside of your own chapter house. Think about how you might stay connected to your sisters and the larger universe of Deephers after graduation and stay in touch! We need your energy, heart, vision, work and ideas!

Roxanne and the rest of the incoming IGB will transition into their positions at this year’s ILF on July 21 through July 24, 2022 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Want to get in on the ILF fun? There’s still time! Register now for the Unicorn Stampede by clicking here.

This blog series is to highlight the members of the 2022 International Governing Board who will transition into their roles at this year’s International Leadership Forum. The International Governing Board focuses on the overall governance of the sorority and strategic planning for each biennium. These positions are elected every two years.

Did you know that a group of unicorns is called a blessing? Daniella Diaz knows that a blessing can brighten your day through friendship and exercise.

Hello! My name is Daniella Diaz. I am a sister of the Alpha Pi Chapter at Southern Connecticut State University, inducted in Fall 2008. While an active sister, I was Secretary for a semester and held two positions on L-Team, Vice President Recruitment and Vice President Membership Development. I graduated in December 2011 and remained an active Alumna, joining the Connecticut Alumnae Association upon graduating. I attended my first ILF as an alumna for our Centennial celebration in Philadelphia, in 2016 and my second ILF in Buffalo, in 2018. I have run/walked our unicorn stampede at both events! Outside of Sorority, I am an Application Consultant who lives in Connecticut with my husband, Brad, our dogs, Luca and Brody, and our cat, Leo. We are also expecting our first child in September!

Why did you want to be on the Unicorn Stampede team?

I began running in 2012 with a group of sisters to prepare for the Walt Disney World Princess Half Marathon. The trip was such a blast and our running journey formed some really solid friendships. It wasn’t just about the run, it was about the journey we all partook on to complete the run. Most of us had never really run before. For some of us, this even began a tradition of RunDisney events together!

I believe the journey to the Unicorn Stampede is similar. Many sisters will spend weeks, even months, training to prepare for the race and in the process build really solid relationships. Running/walking has taken some of us on such a great journey and I want to encourage other sisters to take the leap and begin a run/walk journey of their own. The Unicorn Stampede will hopefully become a tradition for some!

What makes the Unicorn Stampede a fun and exciting experience? 

Saturday is always a big exciting ILF day! The Unicorn Stampede is such a great way to start the morning! The run always has such a fun buzz in the air with everyone’s excitement/nervousness for the event. It’s so fun to cheer each other on and all celebrate in the amazing accomplishment of getting out there.

Can you tell me about any memorable moments during a Unicorn Stampede that stand out for you? 

In 2018, at our Buffalo ILF, a great friend of mine (Carolyn Shea) was helping to lead the Unicorn Stampede. She had committed to going out the morning of the 5K to mark the course. A few sisters and I joined her that morning. We had a great time walking and marking the course together! That same morning I realized I had left my sneakers at home and only had sandals with me! So instead of doing any running that day, I walked the 5K in sandals. At the time, I was disappointed that I had left my sneakers at home because a 5K in sandals wasn’t comfortable! But the experience allowed me to connect with other sisters who were walking too. My first, and only, 5K in sandals – definitely one to remember. It was a great morning!

What would you say to encourage sisters to participate, either virtually or in-person? 

If you are hesitant to participate, ask a sister or a group of sisters to join you! It is such a great bonding experience and great company makes the mileage seem to go more quickly. In addition, do not feel that a 5K means you need to run! So many people walk 5Ks (myself included! I will be walking again this year). Lastly, if you are hesitant because you may not know anyone else participating, this is a great time to meet new sisters. It really is such a fun experience together.

Anything else you want to add? 

I hope to see many sisters participate in this year’s Unicorn Stampede whether it’s in person or virtually! Time over time, virtual experiences have proven they can really bring people together.

Whether you are a runner, a walker or a watcher, the International Unicorn Stampede Fun Run is a great way to support the Educational Foundation of Delta Phi Epsilon. On Saturday, July 23, 2022 from 7:30-8:30 AM EST, in-person participants will enjoy a run/walk through the beautiful running paths at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, while virtual participants can join in the fun by taking a run/walk/stroll around their local favorite path at the same time or at their convenience. All participants will receive a one-of-a-kind participation medal. Click here to register for the Virtual Unicorn Stampede.

Lisa Shannon (Andrew) Condon, CBB, CSP, CSPO, is a sister from the Phi Tau chapter at Rutgers University – Camden and will be transitioning into the role of International President at this summer’s International Leadership Forum. She is the type of person who makes you feel comfortable with who you are and who is so familiar—yet, you cannot believe you have not yet met her. This most likely stems from her deep engagement with her community, as well as her 25+ years of experience in an executive capacity across sales, marketing and customer service.

A highly accomplished Senior Executive, C-Suite Officer, Entrepreneur, Consultant, and Board Member, Lisa’s broad areas of expertise include strategic planning, executive coaching, marketing strategy, business strategy and development, process development, social media and networking, and team building.

For decades, Lisa has cultivated her leadership and inclination to help others succeed by partnering with individuals and businesses on creative strategy, marketing solutions, and inspirational development. This became the foundation for Lisa Condon Enterprises (LCE), a company that sparks inspiration, innovation, and collaboration through gratitude.

Why do you volunteer for Delta Phi Epsilon?

As a young adult, after college graduation, I found myself focused on my career and ultimately in a state that was far away from where my chapter sisters were located. During that time, I grew personally and professionally, ultimately giving back to my local community by sitting on boards or committees. When I relocated to an area closer to where I went to college, the first thing I did was reach out to DPhiE to see how I could get involved. I had experience under my belt and I knew the importance of giving back to a community I loved. DPhiE not only impacted my life; but so many countless people directly or indirectly throughout varying phases of their life journey. DPhiE is a deep part of who I am and there is no better place for me to volunteer than to my chosen family.

What do you hope to accomplish while serving on the International Governing Board? Or what do you bring to the table?

As the incoming IGB President, there are many things I hope to accomplish. They all revolve around expansion, growth, and transformation. More than that; I want to inspire members of our sorority at every level of involvement and whatever part of the journey they are on. We have an opportunity to come together and make great change as a sisterhood. I want to work with the BOD and HQ to help lead that charge and pave the way for the DPhiE generations to come.

Favorite Delta Phi Epsilon memory? 

As a collegiate, the day my car got named the fruit-loop mobile. I will leave that to my Big, Lori, to tell the story someday. As an adult, the day that I received the call that I was nominated by Arleen to be on the IGB. It was an incredibly proud moment for me.

How has Delta Phi Epsilon impacted your life?

How has it not? I think when you are surrounded by a group of people who are living passionately and who are determined to make change as they can, you see the world differently. Especially in these last two years, where the organization had to pivot due to an international pandemic, I was absolutely inspired by the leadership of both Nicole and Roxanne, and the commitment of our membership. Together we stayed strong. This is empowering every single day, and elicits me to continue to bring out the best version of myself. I often remind myself of when I was interviewed by new members coming into the Phi Tau Chapter at Rutgers Camden and one of the questions was “What did I want to be after college?” My answer was, “Happy.” To this day, the choice to be a member of this amazing sisterhood has contributed to that happiness. 

If you could tell an undergraduate sister one thing, what would it be?

Live your authentic self passionately, as you never know who you are inspiring along the way. 

Lisa and the rest of the incoming IGB will transition into their positions at this year’s ILF on July 21 through July 24, 2022 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Want to get in on the ILF fun? There’s still time! Register now for the Unicorn Stampede by clicking here.

This blog series is to highlight the members of the 2022 International Governing Board who will transition into their roles at this year’s International Leadership Forum. The International Governing Board focuses on the overall governance of the sorority and strategic planning for each biennium. These positions are elected every two years.