Delta Phi Epsilon Announces Departure of Tiffany Neal

Philadelphia, PA - The International Executive Director, Nicole DeFeo, has announced that after nine years of service to Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority and the National Development Corporation as a valued member of the staff, Tiffany Neal (Phi Gamma at Indiana University of Pennsylvania), will be ending her tenure effective April 30, 2016.

Tiffany has worked for Delta Phi Epsilon since 2007 in roles including chapter services, alumnae services and overseeing sorority-wide operations as the Assistant Executive Director- Sorority. Her most recent role has been serving as the Assistant Executive Director- Housing for the National Development Corporation. In consultation with Tiffany, it was decided that the organization would be better served by restructuring her position to be based in Philadelphia. Tiffany will move on to work in the insurance industry as a broker helping the elderly.

Tiffany shares, "Working for Delta Phi Epsilon has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I look forward to continuing on as an active volunteer and beginning this new and exciting chapter.”

“The boards and I are extremely grateful for Tiffany’s many contributions to Delta Phi Epsilon over the years. We wish her the very best in her future endeavors,” said DeFeo.

About Delta Phi Epsilon, Inc.

Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority was founded on March 17, 1917 at New York University Law School as a social organization for women. The mission is to provide a sisterhood experience rich with tradition, innovation and opportunities for growth. Learn more about Delta Phi Epsilon at www.dphie.org


Delta Phi Epsilon Mourns the Loss of Collegiate Sister

Philadelphia, PA - It is with heavy hearts that Delta Phi Epsilon mourns the loss of one of our own. Marissa DiMaggio (Alpha Phi at Ramapo College) passed away last week following a long and brave battle with Ewing Sarcoma. Delta Phi Epsilon celebrates Marissa’s life and the passion she brought to the Alpha Phi chapter.

“Marissa was such a positive soul and fighter, always keeping her head up despite battling cancer for the third time. She was so passionate about our sorority since she joined in spring of 2014. Her presence will be truly missed, but her spirit will live on in all of us forever,” shared chapter sister Tori Canavan.

International Delta Phi Epsilon President Tricia Carlin, stated, “On behalf of the International Governing Board and our entire sisterhood, our thoughts and prayers are with Marissa’s chapter sisters, the Ramapo Greek community, and the DiMaggio family during this incredibly difficult time.”

Delta Phi Epsilon respects the privacy of our chapter and the DiMaggio family during this difficult time.

About Delta Phi Epsilon, Inc.

Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority was founded on March 17, 1917 at New York University Law School as a social organization for women. The mission is to provide a sisterhood experience rich with tradition, innovation and opportunities for growth. Learn more about Delta Phi Epsilon at www.dphie.org


Delta Phi Epsilon Mourns the Loss of a Sister

Philadelphia, PA – It is with heavy hearts, that Delta Phi Epsilon mourns the loss of one of its own. Cherelle Locklear, of Jackson, NJ, suddenly passed away on November 22, 2015. Cherelle was a sister of the Epsilon Chi chapter at William Patterson University.

“The memories we have created and shared with her will forever be cherished, as her legacy will live on. We will always remember her as a kind, vivacious, and outgoing girl who was there for anyone in need. She has blessed us with her forever sisterhood and we will never forget how grateful we are to call her a sister,” said Annie Stienstra, Epsilon Chi.

International Delta Phi Epsilon President Tricia Carlin, stated, “On behalf of the International Governing Board and our entire sisterhood, our thoughts and prayers are with Cherelle’s sisters, the William Patterson Greek community, and the Locklear family during this incredibly difficult time.”

The Epsilon Chi chapter will be holding a candlelight vigil to honor Cherelle on Tuesday, November 24 at 7:30 pm in Zanfino Plaza at William Patterson University. All are welcome to attend.

Condolence messages to the chapter may be sent to: c/o Hannah Ford, Delta Phi Epsilon International Headquarters, 251 S Camac Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

Additionally, a gofundme account has been set up by the Epsilon Chi chapter to help assist Cherelle’s family with arrangements during this difficult time.

About Delta Phi Epsilon, Inc.

Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority was founded on March 17, 1917 at New York University Law School as a social organization for women. The mission is to provide a sisterhood experience rich with tradition, innovation and opportunities for growth. Learn more about Delta Phi Epsilon at www.dphie.org


Delta Phi Epsilon Announces Policy on Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion - 8/24/17

Philadelphia, PA – Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority is proud to announce its board-approved Trans Women and Gender Non-Binary Inclusion Policy. Our International Governing Board thanks the Committee on Trans and Gender Non-Binary Inclusion for their hard work in developing a policy statement that aligns with the Founding Principles of Delta Phi Epsilon. The full policy is shared below.

Introduction
This document presents Delta Phi Epsilon International Sorority’s Policy on trans women and gender non-binary individuals.

This policy reflects Delta Phi Epsilon International Sorority’s commitment to antidiscrimination practices in relation to all trans women and non-binary individuals [potential new members, sisters (active and alumnae), volunteers, and staff] and ensures their rights to express themselves and live authentically are respected and protected.

The purpose of this policy is to establish an environment that is safe, welcoming, and free from stigma and discrimination for all potential new members, sisters, volunteer, and staff, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Delta Phi Epsilon International Sorority is welcoming and inclusive of trans women and non-binary individuals. Any conduct which fosters a hostile environment for trans women and non-binary individuals will not be tolerated. Delta Phi Epsilon International Sorority will include trans women and non-binary individuals as members in all areas of the organization as long as they are willing to accept and share in the collective experiences of the sisterhood.

While recognizing this is Delta Phi Epsilon International Sorority’s Policy on trans women and gender non-binary individuals, we trust and empower each one of our Chapters to make decisions that is the best for their Chapters and the Sorority in their recruitment activities.

Definitions
CISGENDER: Denoting or relating to a person whose sense of personal identity and gender corresponds with their birth sex.

GENDER EXPRESSION: The manner in which a person represents or expresses gender to others, often through behavior, clothing, hairstyles, activities, voice, or mannerisms.

GENDER IDENTITY: A person’s deeply held sense or psychological knowledge of their own gender, which can include being female, male, another gender, or no gender. Gender identity is an innate and largely inflexible part of a person’s identity. One’s gender identity can be the same or different than the gender assigned at birth. The responsibility for determining an individual’s gender identity rests with the individual.

GENDER NONCONFORMING: A term for people whose gender expression differs from stereotypical expectations, such as “feminine” boys, “masculine” girls, and those who are perceived as androgynous. This includes people who identify outside traditional gender categories or identify as multiple genders. Other terms that can have similar meanings include gender diverse or gender expansive.

NONBINARY/GENDERQUEER: Terms used by those who identify with neither, both, or a combination of genders.

SEXUAL ORIENTATION: A person’s romantic and/or physical attraction to people of the same or opposite gender or both or other genders. Transgender and gender nonconforming people may have any sexual orientation.

TRANSGENDER: An adjective describing a person whose gender identity or expression is different from that traditionally associated with an assigned gender at birth.

TRANSITION: The process in which a person goes from living and identifying as one gender to living and identifying as another. Transition is a process that is different for everyone, and it may or may not involve social, legal, or physical changes. There is no one step or set of steps that an individual must undergo in order to have their gender identity affirmed and respected.

Names and Pronouns
Every individual has the right to be addressed by a name and pronouns that correspond to the individual’s gender identity. Regardless of whether a transgender or gender nonconforming individual has legally changed their name or gender, Delta Phi Epsilon will allow individuals to use a chosen name and gender pronouns that reflect their identity. It is recommended that transgender or gender nonconforming individuals are asked how they want to be addressed.

Recruitment
Women will always be considered, regardless of other identities the (potential) member holds. This is inclusive of cisgender women and transgender women.

Identities that may be considered for membership include non-binary, gender nonconforming individuals who are committed to the advancement of womanhood.

Identities that will not be considered regardless of belief in womanhood are cisgender men, what we define as a person designated male at birth and identify as a man.

No member is required to provide documentation regarding their gender. We welcome all women as they self-identify. Additionally, all gender expressions of students extended membership are welcome in Delta Phi Epsilon.