IGB Blog Series: Carolina Yera
Carolina is a first-generation Cuban-American, born and raised in Miami, FL. She became a member of Delta Phi Epsilon at Florida International University (Alpha Gamma), where she studied Psychology and Education. Upon graduating, she began volunteering for DPhiE and has since served on our National Panhellenic Conference Delegation, Event and Conferences Planning Committee, Ritual Review Committee, Programming Review Committee, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee among several others. In addition to serving her first term on the International Governing Board, she is a proud long-term Chapter Advisory Board member at the University of Miami (Omega Chapter).
Initially, Carolina dreamt of being a Speech Pathologist but realized she had more impact in a classroom than in a therapy session. She began her career in education as an ESE (Exceptional Student Education) Teacher at an early intervention school for children with Autism at NOVA Southeastern University and still remains in contact with the families she has worked with over the years. After stepping out of the classroom, she began consulting with early childhood programs and teachers around the state, as well as in Georgia for the UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute and The Autism Consortium at NSU. She is now a team lead at the Early Learning Coalition of Miami Dade & Monroe and coordinates assessments and support for high-risk, federally funded programs in South Florida.
Earlier this year, Carolina purchased her first home and is now forever decorating and rearranging furniture. She enjoys the company of her 17-year-old min-pin Rocco, collecting vintage (clothes, décor, books), Marlins baseball, traveling, advocating, rescuing animals, and attending ILF (she hasn’t missed one since she’s been initiated).
Why do you volunteer for Delta Phi Epsilon?
DPhiE has helped me grow as an individual and my sisters have supported me through the good and not-so-good moments in my lifetime. My intention is to ensure that this wonderful, empowering support system is accessible for years to come. Since graduating 17 years ago, the sisters I have met as a volunteer and as an alum continue to fill my cup and show me what it means to be a sister and a DPhiE; they inspire me to continue to give back, and fight for change.
What do you hope to accomplish while serving on the International Governing Board? Or what do you bring to the table?
I am a very vocal, passionate person, and I hope to acknowledge and provide a platform for all those that do not feel heard. I believe we all have something to learn from each other and no one sister is more important than another. I have worked in education my entire career, as well as served as an advisor and consultant for over 10 years; I believe my background will help me effectively play “devil’s advocate” in order to ensure best practices are implemented.
Favorite Delta Phi Epsilon memory?
Chapter Thursdays, lining up in scroll order, in our chapter jerseys, and spilling into the room and having the opportunity to catch up with everyone before and after our weekly meeting. Founders Day Camping trips where anything and everything could happen. Never missing a Convention (now known as ILF) and getting to meet and mingle with incredibly like-minded sisters from around the country who are now some of my most treasured friends.
How has Delta Phi Epsilon impacted your life?
I am a first-generation Cuban- American, this sisterhood has helped me navigate college, careers, relationships, and loss. The support, guidance, and brutal honesty of my sisters have helped me grow, succeed, and heal. This sisterhood has provided me with a family, especially after the loss of mine. I am forever inspired by the strength and empathy of our members.
If you could tell an undergraduate sister one thing, what would it be?
I hope you never lose the excitement of reuniting with sisters or meeting a new sister. I hope you realize that this is something that extends far beyond your family tree/mc and your chapter. I hope you take this privileged opportunity to grow and lift those around you. I hope you get the opportunity to experience the many levels of sisterhood in DPhiE despite any temporary obstacles you may have to learn from. We know you are the future of this organization and we believe in you.
This blog series is to highlight the members of the International Governing Board who transitioned into their roles at the 2022 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.
Delta Phi Epsilon Mourns the Loss of Notable Alumna
Philadelphia, PA – It is with heavy hearts that Delta Phi Epsilon mourns the loss of notable alumna, long-time donor and friend Phyllis Kossof. The Delta chapter alumna passed on November 15, 2022, at the age of 96.
“Phyllis was a dear friend and ardent supporter of Delta Phi Epsilon. Her determination and commitment to our sorority inspired me alongside so many other people, whom she touched with her rare combination of kindness and gumption.” said Nicole L. DeFeo, International Executive Director.
Phyllis, an accomplished professional and staunch philanthropist, is remembered as a true embodiment of Delta Phi Epsilon values. She dedicated her philanthropic and advocacy efforts to the funding and research of cystic fibrosis (CF), inspired by her late daughter Stephanie who was diagnosed in early childhood with the disease. With an incredible sense of love and justice, Phyllis joined together with her husband, Burton, and other CF patient parents to found the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF).
In 1957, Phyllis came to our convention and shared her endeavors during an emotional presentation. As a result, Delta Phi Epsilon designated the CFF our philanthropy. Since that day, sisters from every chapter have supported the CFF mission. Delta Phi Epsilon has donated more than $1 million to research in the pursuit of curing cystic fibrosis and in the bonds of sisterhood.
Her daughter, Stephanie, unfortunately, passed at the age of 19 during her first year at Barnard College. This did not deter Phyllis in her advocacy of the CFF though, she would be quoted in 2014 saying, “After she died, I cut back working in CF for a few years. But then you think, ‘She was my child, and if I cared for her and loved her when she was alive, why would I abandon her in death?’ So I continued on to help others – to help others to validate her life.”
Always looking for ways to leave the world better than she found it, Phyllis founded and established many distinguished programs and lecture series including the ground-breaking Stephanie Lynn Kossoff Cystic Fibrosis Lectureship Columbia Presbyterian; The Burton Kossoff Baruch College Business Lectureship; The Phyllis Kossoff Hunter College/Roosevelt House Lectureship Series; and The Phyllis Kossoff Columbia University Teachers College Lectureship
“The Kossof legacy will live on through every dollar our members raise to move closer to the day when CF stands for Cure Found.” shares DeFeo.
Phyllis is predeceased by her daughter Stephanie and husband Burton. She is survived by her son Mitchell and his wife, Pamela, four grandsons and a great-granddaughter.
Although the world is dimmed without Phyllis’s bright light in it, she leaves an everlasting legacy through her community and those she impacted. She will remain a shining example of advocacy, leadership and love for generations to come through her philanthropic work.
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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.
Planting to Feed
After graduating from Wesley College in 2016, Jessica Wescott, an alumna from the Beta Nu chapter, found herself looking for ways to provide for herself and others, thus Planting to Feed was born.
“I was broke after college and I needed to supplement my grocery bill so I started to grow food on my own,” said Jessica. “But then I started to think, ‘OK, I can’t be the only person who has a job but can’t afford food.’ So a small group of people from my church and I began growing food for my local community and it took off from there.”
Planting to Feed is a non-profit organization that is on a mission to provide quality food to those who are hungry or may be suffering from homelessness. The organization offers various foods including fruits, vegetables, bread products, proteins, non perishables and more.
The group initially hosted monthly free meals to the public but with COVID-19 restrictions, Jessica and her team were forced to think outside the box to find ways they could continue to help those in need. They decided to do drive-through resource fairs throughout last year offering not only food but narcan education and kits, COVID cleaning kits, mental health support, flu shots, and menstrual cycle supplies as well. In December, Planting to Feed became the first organization to offer a community fridge in the state of Delaware. The community fridge is always stocked and is available to anyone who is in need of food. As of right now there is only one community fridge, as well as two gardens, but Jessica and her team are working hard to have at least two more by mid 2021.
For Jessica, service became a passion once joining DPhiE. She shared that she learned how to do service in a structured way through her chapter. Jessica also noted her love and appreciation for her DPhiE sisterhood, “I count on my sisterhood, I tap into them whenever I need to, and they do the same. I really feel like we have a strong support system of sisters here in Delaware, I’m really not sure where I would be without my sisters.”
Donations to contribute to Planting to Feed can be made at https://www.plantingtofeed.org/donate. Jessica also encourages those who want to donate their time, talents, and resources to contact her at contact@plantingtofeed.com.
A Different Path to Sisterhood
The alumnae initiate program provides the opportunity for individuals to join Delta Phi Epsilon that did not have the opportunity to join through traditional collegiate recruitment. Alumnae initiates are sisters, friends, mothers and daughters that share the same values and ideals as all DPhiE members. While their path to sisterhood may be different, alumnae initiate members participate in meaningful training and are initiated with all of the same rights and responsibilities as alumnae members. This could not be more true for Mother/Daughter trio Ann, Erica and Melissa Neuburger who are now all DPhiE sisters thanks to the alumnae initiate program.
Ann was a founding sister of the Epsilon Iota chapter at SUNY Geneseo. Because she joined the Spring semester of her senior year, she missed out on a lot of the traditional chapter experiences such as recruitment, ceremonies and having a little sister. As her daughters, Erica and Melissa, went off to college she watched them grow into Amazing young women. She stated, “They were smart, independent minded and caring. I hoped they would find friends, learn about themselves and expand their interests as well as doing well in their studies.” The sisters were very involved in college – between the two of them participating in clubs, newspaper, radio stations, tv stations, fundraising, work, internships and volunteering. Ann hoped that they would be able to join DPhiE and though they looked into it on campus, it didn’t work out to be in their paths at the time.
While in an alumnae facebook page, Ann learned about the alumnae initiate program. After learning more information on the DPhiE website she was so excited for the possibility of her daughters joining DPhiE! Ann stated, “I was so excited because it was an opportunity for a different path for women to become alumna of DPhiE who had aligning values and characteristics. While this path does not give you the collegiate experience, it gives you the lasting aspects of all the support, connections and opportunities that a national sorority has to offer across the country and internationally. It goes beyond college.”
After writing letters of reference for both of her daughters to participate in the alumnae initiate program, they waited anxiously to hear if they were accepted. After both were accepted, Erica was initiated in June 2018 and Melissa was initiated in October 2019. Ann stated “I could not be more proud to have my daughters accepted into DPhiE and being able to share that experience with them. Now they are my sisters and, in a way, the “little” sisters I never had the chance to have in college.”
Another member that went through the alumnae initiate program was Amber Myer. Never seeing herself as a sorority women in college, she did not think greek life was a good fit for her. After graduating with her masters in College Student Affairs, she began working at the University of Tampa. Around this time, Delta Phi Epsilon rechartered the Delta Upsilon chapter at The University of Tampa. While rechartering many DPhiE sisters and staff were on campus working to recruit new members into the chapter. Amber stated that she “Met the DPhiE staff during their interviews to recolonize at UT and immediately clicked with them. I just felt they were different (in the best way) and an organization I could see myself belonging and contributing to.”
While her experience has been unique given the global pandemic, she has already started connecting with DPhiE. Joining the Tampa Bay Alumnae Association and participating on the leadership team in the “Good and Welfare” role she had the opportunity to meet more sisters in her area. In her role she has had fun sending out birthday and holiday cards to the Tampa Bay Alumnae Association members and spreading joy from afar. She also connects with the Delta Upsilon chapter as their on campus advisor.
Amber did not know her sponsor, Jennifer Vasquez, prior to joining DPhiE. It was a match made in history – Amber shared that “She was just the best and welcomed me with open arms.” The trainings were held virtually through weekly podcast episodes as well as follow up conversations and virtual activities with her sponsor. Amber and Jennifer continue to connect as they are both on the leadership team for the Tampa Bay Alumnae Association.
For anyone considering joining DPhiE as an alumna, Amber shared that “Joining has been nothing short of a positive experience. For me, it was about opening my heart to a group of women who are eager to know me and support me. I didn’t know how much I longed for those kind of relationships until I discovered DPhiE. As you move forward in life, social circles get smaller and smaller. Joining DPhiE as an alumna is the perfect way to form a new circle and create new and meaningful relationships.”
While their paths to sisterhood may look different, they share the same passion for Delta Phi Epsilon! If you would like to learn more about the alumnae initiate program, please email mcrouse@dphie.org.
DPhiE on the Frontline
Sister Abby Dobrinick (Gamma Alpha, Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville) has spent this year working as a nurse on the frontlines of the pandemic. Prior to COVID -19, Abby would move around to different areas of focus at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. She would find out day by day which area needed her support the most. Since March, Abby has spent the majority of her time working in the COVID unit.
When asked what her high point of the year was, Abby shared “It would be the small moments. The extra Facetimes with my family, the excessive takeout and movie watching with my fiance and the happy you feel when you finally see your family.” As someone that prides herself on being a homebody, she realized even more so the importance of family. Her low point of the year was the unthinkable amount of death. She shared, “It’s the most I’ve ever seen in my entire career. With patients’ families unable to hold their hand or give them one last hug, we are the ones Facetiming those families and hearing their last words. Our hearts are breaking and we are holding back so many tears behind those masks and face shields.”
Abby has relied on her DPhiE sisters as a strong support system this year. She shared, “DPhiE gave me lifelong friends. Many of them are the ones I call and text after a long day.” She also has enjoyed following along with her chapter, Gamma Alpha, this year. Seeing how they adapted and made the best of the situation this year. “I love to see that they are still recruiting, raising money for our philanthropies and loving each other in sisterhood despite the challenges.”
For any sisters considering to go into the healthcare field, Abby encourages you to DO IT! “This job might be stressful, but it is so rewarding! Find your support system, hospital you love and a great team and you won’t regret it. This year has been hard but with the right people by your side, it makes everything ok.”
Abby received the COVID vaccine this week and is feeling well. She urges sisters to trust the hospitals and doctors, “We have to continue to persevere through this together. The vaccine is a turning point but it’s going to take time to get back to normal. It is a light in a very dark world. I encourage everyone to do their research, stay informed, get the vaccine, wear a mask, wash your hands and be kind to one another.” Keep our healthcare workers in your thoughts and do your part! We are so thankful for the work Abby is doing to serve her community.
Abby Dobrinick is an alumna member of the Gamma Alpha chapter at Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville. She is currently a nurse working at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.
How Do You Celebrate the Holidays?
Holidays this year may look and feel different. We wanted to take a step back and reflect on the different traditions that make your celebrations unique. If you are interested in sharing your stories, please email communications@dphie.org. We want to highlight cultures, religions and backgrounds throughout the year to show that everyone has a place to belong in Delta Phi Epsilon. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Rose Chaikin, Delta Iota
Channukah
There are always three menorah lit every Channukah in my household. My father, brother, and I all light our own each night of the holiday, reciting the brachos (blessings) on the candles in song. My mother is there as well, of course. In past years we have had group family celebrations where we get together with our grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and their families, lighting all together and playing family games. But this year, it’s just the four of us, plus my kitten. On the first night, we exchanged gifts and ate potato latkes (pancakes). Although some of the traditions are cheesy, like having dreidel (spinning tops) competitions for jelly beans or eating donuts, the fact that we are doing it as a family makes it extremely special.
Molly McCabe, Alpha Rho
Christmas
Christmas traditions are what make the holiday season special to my family and I. One activity in particular that I find most magical is the annual holiday theater performance my grandparents take all the cousins to. We all dress up nice and enjoy a Christmas themed musical or play such as The Nutcracker or A Christmas Story at the local theater in my hometown. One year we actually went into the city to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular! This time spent with my family is so important to me. To get to experience this treat each year with the ones I love makes me extremely grateful to have such an amazing family. The music and laughs we all get to share make the holidays special and it’s something we all look forward to! This year we may not be able to get together and enjoy a show due to Covid-19 but hopefully the tradition can continue with time.
Michelle Hartz, Gamma Psi
Queen City Alumnae Association
Yule & Christmas
Reclaiming my ancestral Germanic/Anglo-Saxon Pagan traditions is easy in December. Almost all American Christmas traditions have Pagan origins. I begin right after Thanksgiving, gathering a fresh Yule tree & wreath, a couple new ornaments, candles, and other indoor/outdoor decor. After the initial decorating, I continue to add natural elements to my Yule alter and tree, until Winter Solstice. For 3 days, starting on the 21st this year, I light red, yellow, and green candles, on my Yule log, to welcome the changing of the season, with the return of the sun. On the 24th, I celebrate Mōdraniht (Night of the Mothers) and Christmas Eve with food, drink, gifts, and tributes to the mothers in my life. Christmas Day is celebrated with the completion of the Advent calendar, giving presents, eating, drinking, and family time. I like to make desserts for special occasions, so I will be attempting to make a Yule log cake this year. Wish me luck!
Lori Allen, Epsilon Xi
Christmas
Christmas starts with all the prep. Normally, my family goes to fun events leading up the big day. The tree and decorations start going up on Thanksgiving night! Our tree is filled with ornaments, mostly glass and some that are 50 plus years old. We have 25 years of ornaments from the Milwaukee Athletes against Childhood Cancer charity, those are some of my favorites. The Christmas Mart was the special trip last year to make the season happy and bright. Hot Chocolate, shopping and loved ones – what could be better? Christmas Eve is dinner and Church at 10PM. Silent Night, which is always a tear jerker, has special meaning. We come home and open gifts with our immediate family in front of our tree. Christmas morning we are off to “Gma and Gpa’s” for coffee cake and polish sausage for breakfast. We hang out until dinner that is always kicked off with Christmas Crackers. What a Bang! Next is a show stopping dessert. Last year, my youngest daughter and I made a cake that exploded with sprinkles when you cut it. (This year is going to be homemade chocolate bombs filled with homemade vanilla ice cream. They will be opened by pouring lit-rum on to the top of then so the top melts. Please don’t tell!) Once everything is cleaned up it will be present time. We go around in circles to open presents so everyone can see what was given. What a fun filled season filled with the light of Christ and a heart overflowing with love. So excited to have our daughters home with their men! Wishing you a joyful holiday no matter what you celebrate!
Sister Spotlight: Jane Rosen
Jane Rosen, an alumna from the Delta Xi chapter at The University of Maryland, published a new book this year! Eliza Starts a Rumor is a story centered around sisterhood. Jane attributes a great deal of what she learned about sisterhood from her undergraduate experience in Delta Phi Epsilon. Reflecting on her experience, she stated “Being in a house with so many different women from all of the country was eye opening -our similarities always far outweighed the differences.” To this day, Jane feels a special bond with her chapter sisters and knows she can depend on them to have her back.
Eliza Starts a Rumor is a fast-paced story of four women coming together to face their pasts and forge their futures. Through sharing their secrets, betrayals and triumphs, they emerge renewed in this joyful celebration of female friendship. Eliza Hunt has a big problem—since her twins left for college she has barely been able to leave her Hudson Valley home. Desperate for connection, she invents a salacious post on a local bulletin board. But is there more truth to it than she knows? Olivia York, a young mom across town, thinks the scandalous story is about her marriage. Alison Le, a single mother navigating life with a newborn in a new town, finds helping Olivia easier than facing her own relationship problems. Amanda Cole, Eliza’s childhood friend, returns from LA amidst her husband’s #MeToo scandal. She may just hold the key to why Eliza can’t leave the house. All it takes is one rumor, and four lives will never be the same.
The four main characters each bring a different set of life experiences to the book. Jane gained inspiration for the characters from her friends and DPhiE sisters. She stated that she “tapped into aspects of the characters of the women in my own sisterhood. I thought about how they dealt with the ups and downs of their lives, and how much better they handled things when they were able to depend on one another.”
Her inspiration for the begin by wanting to tell a story that dove into the shared female experience. Like many women, Jane spent too much time scrolling through online groups just as in the novel. She stated, “Sometimes I jump on and just get lost in them, sometimes I comment, sometimes I get caught up in an intense back and forth between members, and sometimes I seek out other women’s advice on a topic I need help with.” After connecting with other women in this department, she realized she wasn’t alone. The quick reply and interest in online women’s groups inspired her to write Eliza Starts a Rumor.
The novel is centered around sisterhood, so we asked Jane to share her favorite DPhiE memory:
“ It was the 80’s so we did everything big—big hair, big homecoming floats, big football games, big theme parties and crush parties and formals. It all began with a big pledge night where the pledge class was sent on a massive scavenger hunt in the DC area while the sisters prepared the house. I was part of the group sent to Georgetown where we were instructed, amongst other things, to get our hair sprayed purple and our make-up done at a famous punk rock store, Commander Salamander. On our way home our car died right in front of the White House. With nowhere else to go we went to the gate and asked for help. At this point we were late and as you can imagine, that was our biggest concern. We forgot all about our punk rock hair and make-up. The Marines that stood guard were quick to remind us and even called up the then Vice-president George Bush to take a look at the crazy co-ed’s with purple hair. They put our car in press parking, got us a cab and even wrote us a note on White House stationary for our pledge captain explaining why we were late. If I remember correctly, they weren’t impressed!”
For sisters who dream of writing their own book, Jane encourages you to “write your first draft like no one is reading it and don’t stop until you are done.Then rewrite, rewrite, rewrite. And then show it to one of your sisters for an honest opinion!”
Jane’s novel can be purchased anywhere books are sold, but she has partnered with her local bookstore, McNally Jackson, which can be purchased here. Any purchases made from McNally Jackson will receive a signed copy of the book along with a special Join The Sisterhood pin while supplies last!
Join us in January for The Eliza Starts a Rumor Book chat with DPhiE alumnae and author, Jane L Rosen.
DPhiE Runs in the Family
Sorority sisters are like family. This is especially true for the Neuburger family! Ann Neuburger, is an alumna of the Epsilon Iota chapter at The State University of New York College of Geneseo, initiated both of her daughters through the alumnae initiate program. Daughter, Erica, was initiated at the 2018 International Leadership Forum in Buffalo NY. Ann’s second daughter, Melissa, was initiated virtually this Fall virtually!
The alumnae initiate program is an opportunity for sisters to share the gift of sisterhood with a daughter, mother, sister, cousin or friend that did not have the opportunity to join DPhiE through traditional collegiate recruitment. These members embody the values and ideals of DPhiE and have all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of alumnae members. Members can choose to sponsor someone who embodies these values and ideals, they serve as a mentor throughout the training process.
Melissa participated in the Spring 2020 training program which was modified to accommodate a completely virtual program. Each week, the alumnae initiate class received a podcast episode focused on the areas of sisterhood, scholarship, social, service and self. They connected each week to go over the training and participate in an activity to reinforce the training process.
While the plan was for Melissa to be initiated at the International Leadership Forum in Disney world, with ILF canceled we opted for a virtual initiation ceremony! To make the ceremony special, Ann invited her chapter sisters to attend. While she did not know how many would be able to attend, she was blown away by the support her chapter sisters showed. 43 members attended Melissa’s virtual initiation ceremony to welcome her with open arms into Delta Phi Epsilon.
Now more than ever we see that sisterhood is for a lifetime and that DPhiE sisters will always come together to spread Justice, Sisterhood and Love. Congratulations on your initiation Melissa!
DPhiE ILC, Take Two
You just never know where life is going to take you.
We’re all familiar with the saying but before last year, I never really identified with the phrase. I came into college with no prior knowledge of the sorority experience; unfamiliar with the recruitment process, terminology, and overall understanding of the purpose behind being a member of fraternity and sorority life. I signed up for recruitment on a whim, really just searching for a place that would provide friendship, comfort and support during my collegiate experience.
As a current Senior International Leadership Consultant reflecting back on my collegiate opportunities, I can confidently say Delta Phi Epsilon provided all these things - in addition to leadership development, sisterhood, opportunities for growth and a sense of belonging.
It’s impossible to touch on my ILC experience and not begin with my experiences as a collegian. As a two-time member of my chapter’s leadership team (first as Vice President of House Management followed by Chapter President) I always adored when consultants came to visit. Not only were ILCs individual DPhiE experts, but they were able to collaborate with and learn from collegians, alumnae, advisors and university administrators throughout all of North America. They could answer and ask tough questions, provide leadership development through a variety of presentations and help lift your chapter to the next level. I just knew that when I graduated - I wanted to be an ILC.
I am so incredibly thankful for every opportunity, experience and learning moment the past one and a half years as an ILC has offered me. Throughout 2019 and into 2020, I collaborated with thirty chapters and their leadership teams on both operational and recruitment-specific visits. Although I visited some pretty incredible places (The Grand Canyon, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the fall, cool college towns like Athens, Georgia), I look back even more fondly on the connections I made, the stories I shared and the members, alumnae and communities I learned so much about. I still find myself Facetiming fellow consultants from last year and connecting with chapter advisors and alumnae of chapters I’ve worked with.
Consulting this year certainly looks different than the last. None of us anticipated living and working in a virtual world. Many university campuses have gone fully remote, primary recruitments are being held completely online, and student organizations have had to pivot their operations and programming to virtual spaces. What does this mean for the ILC experience?
This year I’m directly overseeing fourteen chapters, serving a liaison for any chapter needs and concerns, ranging from recruitment and finance to operations and programming. I’m able to create my own schedule and take part in a variety of opportunities to expand my professional portfolio. This academic term I collaborated with the Organizational Growth team and helped create the Virtual Recruitment Guide, a resource that has offered advice, tips and best practices for recruitment in today’s climate. Beyond this, many ILCs have given workshops and webinars that lie in accordance with their functional area. I know that wherever I head next after DPhiE, my portfolio will be up-to-date with materials reflective of my strengths and career goals.
Above all, I most appreciate the true connection, sisterhood, relationships, mentorship and professional development that being an ILC brings. In times of COVID-19, it’s normal to feel confused, overwhelmed and lonely; it’s easy to think only about the things that have been postponed or cancelled. My experiences as a part of the ILC program continue to remind me of the many things that continue during this time: the love we all can extend to each other, friendship, learning, and true sisterhood for a lifetime.
Thank you, DPhiE, for an experience I will cherish forever. From the co-workers that turned to friends, the friends that turned to family, to the members that reached out saying ‘thank you!’ for helping them with a workshop or answering a question. All have impacted me in a way that’s hard to put into words! Each moment has been full of so much happiness and joy - the future of the ILC program is bright and I can’t wait to see all it accomplishes.
It’s true; you just never know where life is going to take you. I’m so grateful mine brought me to be a DPhiE ILC.
Mary Kleffner is an alumna member of the Gamma Kappa chapter at Capital University and a current Senior International Leadership Consultant. Mary specializes in creating recruitment education resources and helps manage the social media account for the Delta Phi Epsilon International Leadership Consultants (@dphieilcs).
Applications are now being accepted for the 2021 - 2022 International Leadership Consultant Program. You can learn more information and apply, by clicking here.
5 Bucket List Places to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month takes place every year from September 15th to October 15th. It begins mid-month to mark the independence of several Latin American countries but I always preferred to think it’s because, as Hispanics, we like our celebrations to have a little something extra.
Many people are unsure which term to use when referring to the Hispanic community so let’s do a quick review. Hispanic refers to people from a Spanish speaking country, of which there are 20, from Argentina to the Dominican Republic. Latino/a or Latinx refers to people from countries in Latin America, which could include Brazil even though they speak Portuguese. For our purposes, we’ll use these terms interchangeably.
As a travel blogger, I’ve had the privilege of visiting more than 35 countries in the last 3 years. I love discovering unknown places but there’s something about being in a Hispanic country that always feels familiar. I was born in Puerto Rico and moved back to the island as an adult, where I now live full-time. I am proud of my culture and eager to share it with others.
If you want to taste pure flavor, live life in the moment and get a glimpse of ancient civilizations, these destinations are the perfect place to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
1. Spain
Trip to Spain? Yes please! Hop aboard a cheap flight with TAP Portugal or Norwegian and head to Madrid or Barcelona, the two most popular cities.
Both have distinct identities. Madrid is inland and is the capital city. It’s filled with posh Spaniards that stay out till 2am eating tapas and drinking sangria, only to be back at work by 10am looking impossibly fresh. There are many things to do in Madrid, from admiring art in the Prado Museum to watching a live flamenco show.. It is a metropolitan experience unlike any other!
Barcelona, on the other hand, is located on the coast. There’s a mix of people and influences as it borders France. It’s here that you’ll find the works of Antoni Gaudí, legendary architect that made fairy tale buildings come to life. Don’t miss the Sagrada Familia and reserve your tickets ahead of time.
Finally, those wanting to experience the Spanish countryside should head to Andalusia. Here you’ll find Moorish remnants, from Turkish baths to the famous Alhambra.
2. Cuba
Ready to dance? You’ll salsa the night away in Havana, Cuba, at the Fabrica de Arte Cubano specifically. Everyone makes use of things instead of throwing them away in Cuba so you’ll find repurposed art is very common. For a sight, visit Fusterlandia, one artist’s home that has been covered in mosaic tile and showcases grandiose installations, transforming an entire neighborhood into a piece of art.
Fans of Ernest Hemingway, rent a car with a private driver who can take you to his estate and show you his frequent haunts. Although once at the bar (where you’ll inevitably end up) I recommend that you skip the daiquiri and stick to the mojitos. The fresh mint used -- stem and all -- makes this version of the drink sweeter than most and a temptation you won’t be able to resist.
3. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is easy to discover since it’s part of the United States — no passport needed! It’s also home to a tropical rainforest, three bioluminescent bays, one of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean and countless golden sand beaches.
Most people begin their visit in San Juan. Stroll the cobblestone streets and take in the ocean air while visiting one of two fortresses in the area. For lunch, try the mofongo, a mashed plantain dish filled with your topping of choice, from lobster to veggies.
Those wanting to explore beyond San Juan should head to the Southwest Coast. Ponce is a beautiful city with historic walking tours. You’ll find the Serralles estate here, heirs to the Don Q. fortune. You can also head to Yaucromatic, an outdoor art museum in Yauco where a residential neighborhood is painted vibrant colors.
4. Ecuador
Ecuador has so many once in a lifetime experiences that it’s surprising it doesn’t get more attention. Located on the equator line, it is the only place in the world with a museum and monument on the line, allowing you to conduct experiments with gravity and stand in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere at the same time.
It’s also a little-known adventure capital of the world, offering whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, ziplining and more for a fraction of the price of other operators in the mountain city of Banos. While there, make your way to the Casa del Arbol and swing off the end of the world.
5. Mexico
Mexico is a dream for digital nomads and young professionals. You can find luxurious spas and lodging along the Riviera Maya and in Tulum. In the summer months, you can go swimming with whale sharks, an experience many people travel to the Philippines for.
The food scene is top notch and I recommend indulging in street tacos whenever you get the chance. Since they cost less than $.50/each you’re practically obligated to buy more than one! No one likes to carry change.
Up for a road trip? Visit one of the new World Wonders at Chitchen Itza. There are also smaller sites nearby that you can explore more freely, like Ek Balam where you can still climb on the ruins. There’s also pink lakes at Las Coloradas.
You’ll need more than a month to visit all the Hispanic countries in the world but this list is a great place to start.