IGB Blog Series: Roxanne Donovan
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.
The Unicorn Stampede: Daniella Diaz
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.
IGB Blog Series: Lisa Condon
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.
From Weekly Chapter to Congress: Representing DPhiE in Hill Visits
Kiara Josey- Gamma Lambda chapter, Caldwell University
From day one of the recruitment process during her freshman year at Caldwell University, it was clear to now senior Kiara Josey that the members of Delta Phi Epsilon had strong, unbreakable bonds that she strived to experience, especially during her undergraduate experience.
After that moment, Kiara decided to join DPhiE and dedicate her next four years to developing those bonds while also pushing efforts in inclusion so more and more individuals could experience the friendships that she was able to form herself.
Due to this steadfast commitment to inclusion and belonging, Kiara was nominated to represent the sorority as a whole at a recent virtual lobbying visit with her representatives.
Normally hosted in Washington, DC, Kiara, along with representatives from other partnering sororities, met with offices of both representatives and senators virtually to discuss two pieces of legislation related to expanding the sorority experience.
The undergraduate members were accompanied by representatives from the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition (FGRC), an organization dedicated to advocating for legislation that is important to the success of fraternity and sorority organizations across the country.
Kiara, along with a member from Sigma Delta Tau sorority, discussed the importance of Greek housing maintenance and anti-hazing policy.
The Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2021, if passed, would allow tax-exempt charitable or educational organizations to make collegiate housing and infrastructure grants to fraternities and sororities that apply such grants to their collegiate housing property. Currently, alumni members of chapters are not guaranteed donations made to the campus will enhance sorority or fraternity housing.
The Report and Educate About Campus Hazing (REACH) Act would create a federal definition of hazing, require universities to include incidents of hazing in their Clery Act reporting and provide students with educational programming related to hazing.
“This was my first time lobbying and I did not know much about the process going into the sessions,” Kiara said. “It was a really rewarding experience being able to represent DPhiE on issues that affect us everyday.”
Within her chapter, Kiara serves on the leadership team as the vice president of equity and belonging. When looking back at her experience so far as a member, she noted her favorite memories were helping the sorority to navigate through the last few years of social uprisings.
From Black Lives Matter demonstrations across the country, to hate crimes targeting the AAPI community, Kiara helped her chapter navigate the best way to lead with empathy and make sure DPhiE is and remains an organization dedicated to diversity, inclusion and belonging.
Because of her leadership within this space, Kiara received the nomination to represent the international community in the lobbying visit.
“Because of DPhiE, I have been able to learn from fellow leaders on best practices to handle difficult situations and tactics to help navigate obstacles,” Kiara said. “I learned that lobbying for the things that matter most to you is a great way to get your voice heard.”
DPhiE Member Spotlight: Amora Laucella
St. Johns University
As a freshman studying at St. John’s University, Amora lived away from her family for the first time. The physical distance from her two biological sisters pushed her to find an organization that could replicate their encouragement and support, leading her to DPhiE’s Beta Omega chapter. During recruitment Amora immediately felt comfortable with the members; she knew she had found a community both on campus and beyond.
She soon took on a position of leadership on the chapter standards board, where she worked to solve conflicts and promote positive resolutions between members. This experience addressing tough issues helped Amora overcome situational barriers and relate to others on a personal level, strengthening her leadership style. She later went on to become the chapter’s special event chair, and fell in love with the event planning process.
Amora currently serves as the Faith Formation Director of the Diocese of Rockville Center.
“I work with adults, children and families to learn about their faith. I love it, and I really feel like my time in leadership positions with DPhiE has led me toward what I do now,” she explained. “The experiences I've had with my own chapter sisters: officiating weddings, being a part of major life events and sharing in the lives of other people; it all comes down to supporting your community and being supported back.”
After graduating from undergrad, Amora continued her education at St. Johns and went on to earn a master's degree in theology. As a graduate student, she took on a temporary position as the Beta Omega lead advisor, which later turned into a permanent role. As lead advisor she won alumni partner of the year twice, and oversaw the organization as it won St. John’s ‘organization of the year’ award. After earning her master's, Amora also joined the advisory board for the Indiana University Delta Delta chapter, where she continues to encourage the personal growth of members.
This legacy of giving can also be seen in Amora’s own biological sisters, who joined DPhiE at St. John’s as undergraduates.
“I was able to give them the bid to join the organization and see them grow as women and leaders. Being able to see your family grow and succeed is an incredible thing,” she said. “To have something built on generations of sisters that came before you, to build to that success so many have worked toward - it was so special.”
Amora strongly encourages fellow sisters to give back to their community, even if it means starting small.
“Eventually you can take on those larger roles once you have your life settled after graduation, she said. “You can always come back as a role model with life experience that collegiate members can benefit from, and even small acts of support are invaluable in so many ways.”
DPhiE Member Spotlight: Alyssa Fredin
Epsilon Lambda chapter - Michigan Technological University
Fast forward to the present day, Alyssa is proud to say that she found that sisterhood and it has only grown since. She now serves as the lead advisor for her chapter and has held the position for the past five years.
“Volunteering for a chapter allows you to continue your growth as an individual and offer support to growing chapters at the same time,” Alyssa said. “DPhiE brought me meaningful connections that have only continued to grow during my time as an advisor.”
Alyssa grew up locally to her university, with her parents only about 10 miles away from the DPhiE house. Nevertheless, she felt equally at home with her DPhiE sisters.
“When I was first introduced to the sorority, I immediately connected to the mission and felt like DPhiE empowered well-rounded individuals. I felt like I had known the members for years after just meeting them and knew I would create connections for life,” Alyssa said.
Alyssa currently serves as the director of financial aid at her alma mater and is deeply grateful to work on a campus that shaped who she is today. Now as an advisor, she tries to offer historical data to the chapter such as past event successes and procedures, yet also encourages the new members to experiment.
“As the only advisor local to the chapter, I am on the ground physically there for support,” she said. “I enjoy helping toward resolution and seeing my fellow members thrive in an environment that shaped so much of what I stand for today.”
In 2019, Alyssa was awarded advisor of the year by the Fraternity and Sorority Life on campus and was proud to watch DPhiE win chapter of the year at this year’s ceremony.
“As a volunteer, I felt support from day one. From my chapter, from my fellow advisors, from IHQ, all of the above. I felt pushed to be the best version of myself.”
DPhiE Member Spotlight: Stephanie Cockerl
Cornell University – Delta Rho chapter
Flipping through the student newspaper one day during her junior year at Cornell University, Stephanie Cockerl (Delta Rho chapter) stumbled upon an ad that read, “Go for the purple and the gold.” Delta Phi Epsilon sorority was trying to refound the chapter on campus.
Interested in expanding her involvement at school socially while balancing a difficult architecture major workload, Stephanie answered the ad and attended a meeting to start the discussion of refounding.
“I loved starting the process from the ground up,” Stephanie said. “This experience taught me to be open to possibilities and go with what feels right. I had friends in other sororities and never felt a good fit, but I soon found that with the creation of DPhiE.”
After about a year of planning, the sorority became a chapter on campus. Stephanie served as the ritualist and corresponding secretary as an undergraduate member, but what really started her involvement with DPhiE was the creation of each sorority’s website on campus. The internet was just jumping off and Stephanie saw the platform as a great opportunity to engage members.
The websites were so successful that International Headquarters caught site of the project and offered Stephanie a job to maintain the international website following graduation. She supported the website off and on for the next 10 years.
“DPhiE taught me the importance of having a voice at the table, not being afraid to speak your mind and always daring to pick up the phone,” Stephanie said. “After two years of sheltering, I am looking forward to getting back with my sisters and embracing our sisterhood that taught me these life lessons.”
Meeting sisters at International Leadership Forum, at different chapter initiations in advisor roles and even joining a reunion of the original founding chapter at Cornell, Stephanie has felt support from members far and wide.
Stephanie reflected on when she lost her mom 17 years ago, and when she had the privilege of initiating her grandmother 7 years ago – both events were filled with an overwhelming presence of support from her sisters. She now serves as the communications chair for the Educational Board Foundation, chapter president of the NYC alumni association and president of the NYC Panhellenic alumni association.
“I feel like all of us in DPhiE leadership are like our own chapter as well,” Stephanie said. “Although we are all across the country, we know that we have a sister a phone call, text or a chat away.”
DPhiE Member Spotlight: Laura Miller
Beta Nu chapter- Wesley College
Following a recent move to Delaware, Laura decided to attend an event hosted by the state’s alumni association to connect and network with other people in the area. She started the process of becoming an alumni member shortly after joining the association.
“I knew I wanted to be part of something bigger,” Laura said. “Growing up I thought sororities were where you bought your friends. I learned quickly that it is not that at all. You are joining an organization that allows you to connect with others who are driven, focused and dedicated to our shared sisterhood.”
Laura now serves as the lead advisor of the Delta Delta chapter at Indiana University - Bloomington. For the past year and a half, she has been working with the leadership team of the chapter to improve morale and overall connection with the organization. Laura says she has seen great growth from her fellow members, especially when she had the opportunity to visit the Delta Delta chapter in person for the first time for a site visit last December.
“Being an advisor, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from members in ways I wouldn’t get otherwise. My chapter is more aware of issues related to the gender binary and evolving identities and this has pushed me to become more of a learner,” Laura said. “I’ve brought the lessons I’ve learned from the chapter back into my personal and professional life.”
Laura currently works as the student learning initiatives coordinator at James Madison University and attributes some of her success to her time as a volunteer with DPhiE.
“Although I wasn’t in DPhiE yet, I had great advisors when I was an undergrad,” Laura said. “ I wanted to provide a great support system to the next generation. Volunteering with DPhiE is an easy way to give back to a sisterhood that gives us so much.”
Looking back at her membership so far, Laura highlighted her unconventional introduction but noted that no one is a typical path. Members join from all different ways of membership and represent all different backgrounds and upbringings.
“Our different experiences ripple and radiate through all members,” Laura said. “Life experiences may be different, but DPhiE still connects you.”
DPhiE Member Spotlight: Laura Bullock
Johnson & Wales University, Alpha Upsilon Chapter
Raised with a brother and no sisters, she knew it would be important to find a community of supportive women during her time at school. But as a freshman at Johnson & Wales University, Laura was hesitant to associate herself with the “cookie cutter” stereotypes surrounding sorority life.
“My attitude totally changed when a friend invited me to an informal night with a DPhiE member,” Laura recalled. “I saw there were so many different types of people not only in diversity, but in attitudes, beliefs, and opinions – I knew I would fit right in.”
She quickly formed lifelong friendships, relying on the mutual support of her sisters to navigate the ups and downs of college life. The DPhiE community proved that she could be part of a close knit group and still be authentic to herself and her goals, and friends encouraged her to think big. With her self confidence growing, Laura decided to step out of her comfort zone and take on a key panhellenic leadership position on campus. In this role she learned an array of communication and teamwork skills, many of which she still relies on in her work today.
After graduation Laura decided to leave Rhode Island and travel across the country to Arizona, making sure to keep in touch with her sisters online. She also connected with new sisters in Arizona, and worked with local alumni in Phoenix to help North Arizona University found its first DPhiE chapter. In her new volunteer position as lead advisor of the Zeta Iota chapter, Laura noticed the need for additional advocacy and mental health support in the community. She soon became trained in mental health counseling and studied for her ASIST certification, providing key resources for struggling chapter members.
“There were a lot of tragedies happening on the university’s campus when I joined, so I strongly advocated for our chapter to add a health and wellness chair,” she said. “I hope that these types of mental health resources will become readily available across greek life, both on campus and nationwide.”
Laura’s experience volunteering with DPhiE created an entire new family in Arizona, and she cherishes the opportunity to give back to the people that supported her throughout college. She encourages other alumni to consider volunteering in their own communities, citing the countless connections available for the newly graduated.
“I’ve had opportunities that I didn't even know were possible, just because I connected with a sister,” she said. “It could be in the workplace, a new city you've just moved to, or even walking down the street wearing your letters - inevitably you’ll run into someone in the DPhiE network. You might not know where you’re going, but the community will always be here to support you.”
Delta Phi Epsilon Recognized with HEROES Award
Through a deep commitment to our policies and values, Delta Phi Epsilon prides itself in shifting to meet the evolving needs of our community, to accurately represent our members and all who wish to become members.
We’re proud to share with you DPhiE’s leadership in establishing the first and only membership policy welcoming both transgender women and non-binary individuals within the National Panhellenic Conference is being recognized by the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund with its HEROES award.
Starting in 2003, the HEROES award was created to highlight youth, adults, nonprofits, straight allies and businesses that have bold ideas and are regarded as courageous in advancing the equality of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in the Delaware Valley and beyond.
We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to inclusion and living out our motto - “Esse Quam Videri” – to be, rather than to seem to be. Authenticity and a commitment to progressing social consciousness remain centered in our sisterhood experience. Since our founding, we have adapted in response to the ever-changing world around us. We lead with flexibility and understanding on our college campuses as well as internationally through our role within the Panhellenic community.
The sorority will join other recipients local to the Delaware Valley area to be recognized for the award in an intimate ceremony later this spring.
DPhiE has worked tirelessly to build and promote diversity, equity and inclusion among our international community, within our chapters and more broadly, the Panhellenic community as a whole. Much like our Founders, we have been tested throughout these efforts. Nevertheless, we stand by our belief in the power of sororities to provide safe, inclusive spaces where all feel welcome to be their true, authentic selves.