El Girasol ~ Winter 2013 Edition

Winter 2013 El Girasol 1

Volume XIII Issue VII Winter 2013

Omega Phi Betarsquos National Sorority Magazine

2 El Girasol Winter 2013

In EvEry IssuELetter from the Editor 3Meet the Contributors 4

Letter from the AA President 6

Staying Connected to AA 7

Beta Cookinrsquo 20

Sunshine Corner 24

Beta Mommies 28

Beta Celebrations 29

Beta Brides 29

Table of Contents

Welcome Neophytes 8AMA Awards Multicultural Scholarships 9

Chapter Highlight Alpha Beta Chapter 10New Beta Business 16Reach for the Gold Scholarship 22

Important Anti-Violence Resources 30Beta Yellow Pages 31Chapters and Collectives 32

A Healing Girasol 12

Blogging Betas 14 Family Fun this Winter 17 Beta Babies Ready for the Holidays 26

FEaturE artIclEs

BEta rEsourcEs

sororIty HIgHlIgHts

Contact us We love to hear your feedback tell us your thoughts comments

concerns kudos shoutouts or submit an article

EmailElGirasolOmegaPhiBetaorg

SubScribe to El GirasolhttpissuucomOPBSI_ElGirasol

There are two mistakes

one can make along the

road to truthhellip not going all

the way and not starting

Buddha


Letter from the Editor

Selina HernandezAlpha Beta Fall 1999

Alpha Beta Chapter President

Selina

WOW the holiday season is upon us Not sure about you but for me this year caught me off guard I love holidays particularly those that begin from Thanksgiving and go on straight through to the new year Although this year for me may be less opulent than others in the past I still have special things planned

While my spending will be a a minimum I still plan on giving thoughtful gifts to family and friends I also plan on taking the time to catch up and enjoy the holiday moments with my loved ones that at times can go just as fast as they came I have already had some friends over and we decorated my tree and enjoyed some laughs For me these are the moments that make the holiday most memorable

The laughter we share the food that tastes even better because so much love and effort is put in No matter what you celebrate I encourage you to create and enjoy special moments You donrsquot have to celebrate any specific holiday to really cherish the beauty that is around and of course maximize those few days off

Enjoy this season and have a safe and memorable new year


Editor in ChiefSelina Hernandez

Managing EditorAmanda Crane

Copy EditorMarielys Garcia

Design EditorDesiree Henry

Winter2013

Meet our newest Contributing Writer

Glendalis MoranTheta Chapter Spring 2011

EducationBA Stony Brook University

Current OccupationDental AssistantReceptionist

What will you be writing aboutEateries of all kinds

Volunteer ActivitiesGlobal MedicalDental Brigades

Currently ReadingThe Fault In Our Stars by John Green

What makes you feel empoweredMentoring others and being mentored

Notable AccomplishmentsI graduated high school in three years instead of four

Best advice you have ever received or givenDonrsquot make the people in your present or future pay for the mistakes of those from your past

Who or what is your inspirationMy family because they have high expectations and support me through everything

Your biggest riskTo love and be loved in return

Favorite ShowChelsea Lately

Favorite SongTruly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden

Were you named after anyoneMy father Glen

Fun FactI write poetry

Favorite QuoteLive and Let Live




Omega Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated a NALFO organization member is a Latina-oriented sorority founded on

March 15 1989 at the University at Albany State University of New York Seventeen women of various

ethnic and cultural backgrounds came together to defy the injustices suffered

by women particularly women of color in the academic professional

and political arenas

The purpose of OPBSI is to serve and educate people of diverse

backgrounds through sisterhood leadership and guidance As positive role models we promote unity of all cultures focus on the empowerment of our gender and raise the standards of excellence in our academic social

and personal endeavors

For further information visit wwwOmegaPhiBetaorg

Alumnae Association Mission Statement

Omega Phi Betarsquos Alumnae

Association serves as the representing

body of all non-affiliated alumnae of

the sorority Our mission is to engage

our alumnae in the mission vision

and goals of the sorority create a

sense of community and support our

alumnae in all areas of their lives

We Would like to Wish you all a very happy and joyous

holiday season

From el Girasol staFF to you allthank you to all our contributors and readers

here is a little holiday cheer From us to you

httpWWWjibjabcomvieWZiauiko2rm-1ymviuX1mdQ

Want to CONTRIBUTE TO El Girasol

El Girasol staff is always looking for Writers and Designers Email us at OPBSIElGirasolgmailcom to find out

how you can become a part of the Girsol team


Letter from the Alumnae Association

Amanda CraneIota Spring 2000

Alumnae Association President

Amanda

Tis the season of giving thanks giving back and merriment Thanksgiving kicks off my favorite time of year and allows us to reflect on what life has bestowed on us this year and what pending items we have yet to accomplish that maybe we can check off our proverbial list with less than a month to go (I would be lying if I didnrsquot say that that having delicious Peppermint Mocharsquos readily available was another reason why I love this time of year)

I wonrsquot bore you with the details of how my year went but what I would like to share are some of my lessons learned and in some cases re-learned

bull There is great satisfaction and power in giving thanks and expressing love Life is truly too short for you to be too proud to say ldquothank yourdquo or ldquoI love yourdquo

bull Never ever underestimate the value of perseverance Itrsquos not in how you fell or how many times but in how many times you get back up and how well you learned the lesson that was presented to you

bull There is absolutely no shame in asking for help or putting yourself out there

bull Pay it forward- you never know what kind of impact a simple act of kindness can make on that individual and yourself

bull Itrsquos never too late to start half the battle is taking the first step

bull Budget- if you ldquopay yourselfrdquo first you will be amazed at what you can do

I hope that everyone has a joyous holiday season

and a prosperous new year


stayinG connected to aaOnce you become an alumna you are removed from your chapterrsquos alias and only receive OPBSI emails if you elect to sign up for any of the following communication tools

Do you TweeT Follow us OPBSI_Alumnae for the latest updates on AA activities

Share PhoToS on InSTagram Follow us OPBSI_Alumnae for the latest updates on AA activities

aa newSleTTer

AA collects the emails of alumnae and adds it to their distribution list

geT lInkeDIn wITh oPBSI Job postings virtual networking and professional development opportunities Join the Omega Phi Beta LinkedIn Group today This is a closed group for sorors only

monThly Buzz

Stay connected with OPBSI National updates via the Monthly Buzz

BeTa hummer

The Beta Hummer is a biweekly events newsletter that is published electronically on the 15th and 30th of each month Itrsquos main purpose is to keep the sisterhood informed of National and Local Events The publication will also include links to our LinkedIn group for job postings and any announcements sent by individual sisters such as apartment hunt inquiries

Sisters celebrating the holiday seasonFrom left to right Doly Nunez-Lugo (Beta) Elsys Puello (Theta) Yvette Lopez Colgan (Theta) and

Christina Figeruoa Rodriguez (Theta)


Welcome neophytes We Want to Warmly Welcome the neWest sunfloWers to cross into our radiant organization during fall 2013

alphaleslie martinez

Kryst yna gloss

betashena rodriguez

escarle raposo

etaKiara cruz

lisamarie roman

angela rojas

GammaKimberly casillas

omneya ghanem

nurisha rodriguez

pililliam riverva

thetaadi castano

jinauris batista

diana acosta

reidy estevez

upsilonbonny nunez

niana holman

melissa rodriguez

Zetagenesis nery

beta etazuleyKa castro

cynthia perez

estephany rodriguez

yanil munoz

beta kappastefanie velez

stephanie sosa

neried acosta

nyasia hightoWer

alpha Zetajulie ortiz

grace vasquez

Theta Chapter Neos

~

~

~


Stay academically inclined while saving up to 80 on book rentals Rent your textbooks for school or start a book club with this great offer Spread the word to

friends family co-workers classmates and teachers Anyone is able to take advantage of this great deal

Rent your favorite books while helping your organization raise money

For more information visit httpopbsibookrenterstorecom

Be a BeTa Be a Scholar - The oPBSI Book renTal

The American Heart Association and Macyrsquos have awarded 16 scholarships of $2500 each to increase culturally-sensitive patient-centered care through The Go Redtrade Multicultural Scholarship Initiative The scholarship is in its third year and champions greater inclusion of multicultural women in medical nursing and allied health studies to meet the need that racial minorities have of health care providers who understand important aspects of various cultures The scholarship is designed to drive diversity in medicine and directly address important gaps in treatment that can lead to heart health disparities Click here for more informationand the list of recipients The on-line application process for 2013-2014 is now open and available through Dec 31 2013 Candidates must complete an application personal essay and submit two letters of recommendation The scholarship fund is part of Macyrsquos Multicultural Fund ndash which was created in 2009 to focus on increasing diversity in the medical field Applications and scholarship requirements for the Go Redtrade Multicultural Scholarship are available on-line at GoRedForWomenorggoredscholarship

American Heart Association

Awards Multicultural Scholarships

Check the qualificationsApplicants must

bull Be a female of Hispanic African-American or other minority origin

bull Be a US citizenpermanent resident of the United States

bull Be currently enrolled in an accredited college university health care institution or program in the US

bull Have a minimum 30 cumulative GPA

Application DeadlineDec 31 2013


Alpha Theta Chapter located in the Sunshine State share with us how they have been giving back to the community OPBSI and supporting other chapters Great job sorors

Chapter highlight AlphaThetaChapter

Left to right Diandra Booth (Beta Eta) Darlene Classen (Alpha Alpha Theta) Alexis Toledo (Beta Eta)

At this yearrsquos Sisterhood Banquet ldquoA Radiant Affairrdquo hosted by BH Chapter Darlene Classen was awarded the

Most Dedicated Alumnae Award Thank you BH Chapter

Left to right Mayra Meythaler (Zeta Alpha Theta) Ileana Adorno (Alpha Alpha Theta)

At this yearrsquos Relay for Life event Mayra and Ileana assisted in cooking setting up and selling items on site We worked together and had a successful event This picture was taken as

we bonded in the evening

Left to right Jessica Bedoya (Beta Zeta) Yakiry Rivera(Alpha Theta) Adriana Rodriguez (Beta Zeta) Isabel Murgueitio (Beta Zeta) Joanna Sattin (Beta Zeta) Valerie De Leon (Beta Zeta) Julieta Mercedes (Beta Zeta) Michelle Diez (Beta Zeta) Jessica

Perdomo (Beta ZetaAlpha Theta)

Florida State University Alum traveled back to Florida State University in Tallahassee FL for the BIG FSUUM game Beta Zeta Chapter hosted an Alumnae weekend Thank you Beta Zeta

for being such great hostesses GO NOLES

Left to right Yakiry Rivera (Alpha Theta) Eileen Paniagua (Eta Alpha Theta) Mayra Meythaler (Zeta Alpha Theta)

Each year more than 4 million people in over 20 countries raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer through the Relay For Life movement On November 9 2013 Alpha Theta Chapter and Friends participated in Hunterrsquos Creek Relay for Life in Orlando FL The event began Saturday at 12pm and ended on Sunday morning at10am As a Chapter and with the support of friends and family we were able to donate $46000 to the American Cancer Society We were also

participants in NALFOrsquos Day of Service with our event


From left to right Diana Booth (Beta Eta) Ana Verdejo (Alpha Alpha Theta) Monica Miranda(Alpha Alpha Theta) Elisea Jose (Beta Eta Alpha Theta) Darlene Classen (Alpha Alpha Theta) Yakiry Rivera (Alpha Theta) Alexis Toledo (Beta Eta)

Alpha Theta Chapter has worked closely with Beta Eta Chapter at the University of South Florida in Tampa FL for many years We try our best to attend events and support the undergraduate sisters as best we can as they

are the closest chapter to Alpha Theta within the region

At this yearrsquos Sisterhood Banquet ldquoA Radiant Affairrdquo hosted by Beta Eta Chapter we were honored to receive the Appreciation Award Thank you Beta Eta Chapter


AHealingGirasol By Anonymous Submission

When asking sisters why they joined our radiant organization so many answers connect back to our national philanthropy Raising Awareness of Violence Against Womyn Many sisters have had personal experiences that tie into violence against womyn whether they directly experience it themselves or perhaps it was a close friend family member I fell into the latter My mother was in an abusive relationship one that resulted in her being a single mother of two children which left her emotionally and financially drained

From the start I loved that Omega Phi Beta Sorority Inc provided help and resources to womyn like my mother Irsquod vowed to learn from what happened to my mother she wanted to help my biological father so much that she tried to look past his violent and abusive tendencies to focus on helping him It wasnrsquot until he tried to put a hand on my brother three at the time that she left him

Fast-forward to a few years later I met a charming guy in high school He was sweet funny and above all he made me happy It seemed like we were made for each other that old clicheacute of ldquobest friends turned loversrdquo I did love him with everything in me and I know the feeling was reciprocated He wasnrsquot perfect but neither was I and we were okay with each otherrsquos flaws Neither of us had led easy lives and when we went to college that didnrsquot change but he did He started drinking a little more than what made me comfortable But drinking in college isnrsquot unheard of how could I argue about his habits when they were similar to those of the hundreds of students surrounding us Deep inside though I knew that it was different for him but I never knew how to say it It was scary to think that this was something I didnrsquot know how handle Then one night he snapped

It started off as a normal night a dorm party and a few drinkshellipand then a few morehellipand then a few more I managed to get him home and right when I was feeling relieved that I had managed to get him to his room simply put he lost it He became a different person right before my eyes one who was violent and who hurled insult after insult at me This person blamed me for all the wrong that had happened to him and belittled me I saw him taking all of the hate he had in him and directing it at me Seeing someone you love fall apart right in front of you is heart-wrenching and seeing them take it out on you hurts in a way nothing else can come close to But the next day he didnrsquot remember everything and I forgave him because he was drunk and it wasnrsquot his fault I genuinely believed that He wasnrsquot like this all of the time this never happened so wersquod be fine hersquod be fine For a while things were fine we were one of the most admired couples on campus high-school sweethearts making it in college Then it happened again

This time it was worse because he was worse He was just as mean and scary as he had been before but this time he put his hands on me He pushed me once twice and I almost fell and were it not for someone who saw and stepped in I canrsquot tell you how this wouldrsquove gone It was the same storythe next morning He could only remember bits and pieces and he begged for my forgiveness I was a little more firm this time he stopped drinking for a while and promised to get help At this point I was a sister of OPBSI but I found myself struggling to talk to my sisters because I knew that this wasnrsquot okay but I convinced myself that he was different that this wasnrsquot an abusive relationship because it couldnrsquot be I loved him and for the most part we were fine until you brought alcohol into the picture

The third time it happened I couldnrsquot pretend anymore I realized that with each time it was escalating I found myself thrown to the ground begging and pleading for


him to lower his arm because he couldnrsquot hit me didnrsquot he remember he loved me The next morning he had completely blacked the previous night out This time I felt broken I had nightmares I would smell alcohol on his breath and Irsquod have panic attacks I found myself hiding and saying whispered prayers to try to keep it together I couldnrsquot do it anymore and I chose to walk away After almost five years I wouldnrsquot do it anymore

It wasnrsquot until months later that I feel like I genuinely came to terms with my past relationship I felt like I had taken enough steps back to really look at the situation clearly What happened to him is called alcohol rage and in the context of our relationship the situations that had happened over the years were instances of situational violence Bottom line it was abuse Love is strong but it canrsquot be the only thing holding a relationship together

A relationship needs effort and perseverance and so much more Just having love isnrsquot enough because love shouldnrsquot hurt but his love hurt me Being a Beta doesnrsquot make you immune to violence or abusive relationships it didnrsquot make me immune to it But being a Beta helped me

see the signs it helped me take advantage of the resources that I knew were out there Being a Beta taught me that I am the mistress of my fate and the captain of my soul Irsquove thought a million times that it doesnrsquot make sense what happened to me I was never supposed to become one of the womyn that our organization was fighting for what happened wasnrsquot my fault but it was up to me to get out of where I was Being a Beta taught me to love myself and believe in myself in a way I wasnrsquot able to before it taught me it was okay to put myself first and it was solely because of that that I was able to walk away

When I was ready to reach out to my sisters they were there with all of the love and support that I needed and for that Irsquoll be eternally grateful Thank you OPBSI for making me into the womyn I am as the holidays roll around I find myself thankful and celebrating this wonderful organization that Irsquom a part of

Right now Irsquom a healing girasol but itrsquos because of my sisters and my organization that I find myself thankful for where I am today and looking at the horizon for a brighter tomorrow

The heaviness of being successful was replaced

by the lightness of being a beginner again less sure about everything It freed

me to enter one of the most creative periods of

my life

Steve Jobs


MY NAME IS CATHERINEItrsquos a normal day in the office for Catherine as she sits and types letters for her boss She picks up her coffee and drinks a sip as she remains focused on her projects lsquoToday is the day she is going to politely tell her work colleague Brenda aka her cubicle neighbor all about cubicle space etiquette Yes indeed today is the dayrsquo she thought to herself She no longer wanted to let another 100 days pass with her rude mannered neighbor She needs to remain focused and not distracted ldquoColleen Get in here NOWrdquohellip Catherine shoots up from her chair and runs into her bossrsquo office ldquoYes Mr Berryrdquo she does not understand how her boss continues to call her all sorts of names that begin with the letter C but never say her actual name Catherine

On Monday she was Christina Tuesday she was Caitlyn and now today she is Colleen lsquoWell at least he has the letter lsquoC lsquoright I should tell him to just call me Ceersquo she thinks to herself He did once her first week in the office ldquoI need you to sit in on an important call and take notes I have to run to another meeting that I cannot cancel The meeting starts at 11am Amanda will set you up ldquosays Mr Berry He certainly gets Amandarsquos name right but then again why wouldnrsquot he Shersquos his goddaughter he better get it right ldquoOf course Sir As you wishrdquo Catherine says

ldquoOne day you will be running the office Catalinardquo Of course I will Catherine thinks to herself I and the other fifty people that work in the office you recite the same line to 11am approaches far too soon and Catherine starts dialing the conference call number Amanda provided Catherine carefully adjusts her ear piece and mutes her phone As the meeting began Brenda

decides to unintentionally interrupt Catherinersquos concentration by speaking in a deep but high tone voice to the Doctorrsquos office Catherine sighs Here we go again As she strains to listen in on the other end of her ear piece Brenda continues to argue with the Doctorrsquos office about her bill Do we really need to know that your Colonics was overpriced by $15 Are you kidding me Yoursquore lucky they took some of the poop you give people out of you Catherine thinks to herself She then remembers she must concentrate on the call

So far she only jotted down a couple words because of Brenda she was not able to hear the first part of the meeting Date Time and Names of those that attended are all important matters to Mr Berry Right Wrong She must concentrate Brenda continues ldquois this how you treat your loyal customersrdquo I ought to have you arrested for for for and hangs uphellipShe couldnrsquot get the words out Thank goodness says Catherine now back to the meeting

ldquoWe are going to buy out our competitor and downsize immediately thereafter We will follow up with another meeting next weekrdquo says Mr Lawrence Meeting ends Catherine drops the pen and eyes wide opened thinks about her friend David Therersquos only one competitor to our famous company and that is where David works ldquoOh nordquo Catherine gasps ldquoHey Catherine everything alright over there You wouldnrsquot believe the morning I hadrdquo says Brenda

Catherine gives the thumbs up and sits back down I must warn David she thinks to herselfhellip

CCC Is a fictional comic relief story dedicated to those who work in an office cubicle

Follow the blogBlog httplareinadelbarrioorgcategoryccc

CatherinersquosCubicleChronicles

By Deyadira Diaz Zeta Spring 1998Follow soror Deya Diaz as she sharersquos some office humor and stories

we can all relate you Here is an except from her blog

Blogging Betas


I promise everything tastes fresh and homemade My favorites on the menu are banana-Nutella Gelato Tiramisu cake strawberry shortcake and the butter cookies with chocolate sprinkles and strawberry filling The one dish I may opt out of is the Tres Leches Cake I mean itrsquos good but lets face itwe leave that recipe to the Dominicans Boricuas and Cubans

This place is perfect for a date night with a loved one family quality time or better yet for indulging over some girl talk The extended hours can also save the night with a perfect midnight snack

In the name of Martha ldquoPeace Love and Eat Cakerdquo

Price Range $-$$Ambiance Casual

For more information on this eatery and find a location near you check out the website httpmarthascountrybakerycom

This bakery was established in 1972 with three locations all in the borough of Queens Astoria Bayside and my favorite Forest Hills The Forest Hills location is my preference because of its mixed population The area is congested with versatile eateries making this heaven of sweets the perfect dessert spot You can swing by and have your dessert to go or have a sit-down dessert restaurant style Therersquos endless treats to pick from with tasty milkshakes cappuccinos hot chocolates teas or coffee as the perfect companion

TasteBudsBy Glendalis Moran Theta Spring 2011

MartharsquosCountryBakery

Follow soror Glendalis Moran as she shares her thoughts on eateries in New York and beyond


This Latin restaurant is suited for any meal throughout the day or to sit at the bar for drinks But without a doubt this is one of my favorite spots for brunch in the hipster neigborhood Lower East Side Manhattan commonly referred to as LES It has a cozy internal setup for fallwinter time or great outdoor seating with access to much needed sun rays that spring and summer bring Yuca Bar attracts diverse guests and is suited for a family andor friendly outing

Depicted above here is the lsquoplatano rellenorsquo which is ripe sweet plantain with shredded roasted pork and a touch of sour cream- the perfect appetizer for two Every time I come here I battle with whether to order the Churrasco which comes with three eggs or rice with beans or the Arepas Benedictos Churrasco is skirt steak Arepas are corn cakes and the eggs can be any style I usually

order my eggs poached Each dish is accompanied by homefries a mixture of regular potatoes and sweet potatoes The parsley chimichurri sauce on the steak gives it extra flavor but without it itrsquos just as good The arepas can be ordered with smoked salmon or serrano ham with cilantro hollandaise sauce (Neither sauces are spicy)

Most brunches come with or offer unlimited (bottomless) drinks but Yuca Bar is perfect for a hefty brunch and minimal drinking Each meal on the brunch menu comes with a choice of an alcoholic beverage Bloody Mary Screwdriver Frozen Margarita Mimosa or Sangria (whitered) or you can go back to basics with freshly squeezed OJ coffee or tea

Lastly Irsquod recommend satisfying your sweet tooth with any dessert on the menu The Spanish Bread Pudding is my absolute fave If any of the choices donrsquot suit your needs then walk a few doors down to Big Gay Ice Cream parlor and I can guarantee you a quality signature ice cream cone or bar

Price Range $$

Ambiance Casual

For more information on this eatery check out their website httpyucabarnyccom

Follow the bloghttpglendaliswordpresscom

YucaBar


Create a CD Pandora station or iPod playlist with your favorite Holiday songs Have it ready as background music for all the other fun stuff yoursquore going to do

Start a new tradition of making Christmas ornaments Imagine trimming your tree when your kids are teenagers and looking back at those little ornaments you made so long ago

Participate in Angel Tree or another charity drive where you and your family get a chance to give to others (See Susanrsquos post about Operation Christmas Child) Locally check out the Cobblestone Project for great ways to volunteer

Movie night with favorite Holiday treats Actually Holiday movies all month long

Some of our favorite Holiday moviesA Charlie Brown ChristmasThe Nativity StoryThe Muppet Christmas CarolHow the Grinch Stole Christmas (the old cartoon)White Christmas

Take your little kids or niecesnephews to the dollar store to pick out gifts for their siblings

Go out for a cheap dinner (pizza at Samrsquos Favorite BBQ) Keep it the same every year (for traditionrsquos sake) and then drive around and look at lights Research ahead of time to see if there are any extra wild and wonderful light displays in your area

Get family pictures taken

Decorate a gingerbread house

Have a cookie decorating party This is a long-standing tradition in our family

Check your local botanical gardens for any Holiday or Seasonal events

Make a Holiday Greeting card for a soldier

Decorate your Christmas tree while sipping hot chocolate and listening (and dancing) to Holiday music If you are a parent leave the bottom portion of the tree empty for the kids to add some ornaments later If not invite your friends and have fun together

Let grandma take the kids shopping for Mom and Dad while said parents enjoy a dinner out during the busy holiday season

Bake a Holiday treat and visit an elderly relative or church member who needs encouragement

If you make New Yearrsquos resolutions write them on a slip of paper and put them in your stocking Next year you can see how you did

This one is just for the girls -- have sparkling cider and give each other pedicures Or go get pedicures together to relax during a hectic time

Go shopping for Christmas ornaments Each person can pick out a favorite ornament or one that represents a special interest or event that year

Attend a Holiday play or musical production Check out sites like goldstareventscom and check your local activities

Make Holiday cards for friends and families

For the kids or kids at heart-open a present on Christmas Eve -- new pajamas Not only is this a fun tradition but it ensures you will be dressed in cute pjs for Christmas morning pictures

Visit your town square or a nearby town if they decorate for the Holidays Many New England towns takes part in the Christmas lighting events and fun like carolers carriage rides and more

Have a simple potluck Holiday party with some of your best family friends

Have a recipe swap partymdashlike favorite cookies pies or even holiday drinks

Make something traditional For example sugar cookies gingerbread cookies egg nog etc If you come from a family that has unique traditions find out and do that For example in some Latino cultures making pasteles is a huge part of the holiday season-gather with family friends around the table and have a fun time recalling old stories

Have a Holiday Season Ideas courtesy of wwwdefrumpmecom

FamilyFunthisWinterBelow is a list of some fun activities you can do with your family Think of some of your own ideas After you compile your list of ideas sit down with your family and rate them on a scale of 1 to 5 Find out what they would like to do and make those things your priorities


NewBetaBusinessVSL ConsultingVSL Consulting is an innovative leadership development company with extensive experience delivering high-quality programming and management expertise to educational institutions and youth leadership development programs in community based organizations Our strengths include conceptualization training and facilitation

Our student programs are aligned with the NYC DOE College and Career Readiness Common Core Standards We concentrate on the socio-emotional components Academic and Personal Behaviors and College and Career Access We support the education promotion and development of positive habits in students VSL Consulting firmly believes that investing in these modules will ultimately increase not only their academic ability but will allow them to recognize excellence and experience excellence in all aspects of their livesmdashacademically professionally and personallymdashskills that will carry forward into adulthood

We also offer professional development opportunities to schools and their teachers in behavior management classroom environment and questioning We use the Danielson Framework as reference to achieve the best possible outcomes in the classroom We are committed to making sure that your vision is fully actualized and ensure positive results in the lives of our participants Visit our website at wwwVSLConsultingorg and connect with us

Left to right Yohana Arias Nohelia Orozco Maria Silva Edda Santos Jessica Bedoya Valerie De Leon Julieta Mercedes and Isabel Murgueitio

SeasonrsquosGreetingstoallSunflowersWithLoveBetaZeta


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Beta Cookinrsquo Dishes to Warm your Soul

Itrsquos celebration time again and as we gather with our families friends sorority sisters and co-workers we seem to remember those that we havenrsquot seen or been with in a while Memory lane is always packed this time of year as we pull out momentos ornaments and pictures we get pulled back in to previous years that we shared with loved ones Thatrsquos when we realize itrsquos been months since we have spoken to Fulana or you havenrsquot checked in with Fulano in weeks Remembering getting snowed in on a road trip or that party you held in your first ldquogrown uprdquo apartment

There can be so much pressure to over compensate distances and time apart with pricey gifts and quick fixes Hey ndash Irsquom not one to knock a great gift ndash but it doesnrsquot have to be that way Try writing a page long letter to a friend you havenrsquot seen in a while Send out small handmade cards or discs and jump drives with copies of pictures or movies yoursquove collected over the years Irsquom actually hoping to have a google hangout gathering this year A little frac12 hour thing where you can play games like Pictionary or you can just pour a glass of coquito and talk

These days itrsquos about connecting Technology gives us so many ways to keep in touch and nothing feels better than remembering and sharing great memories Well except maybe making new ones

Be Creative Try out these recipes and let us know your thoughts Send your comments to elgirasolomegaphibetaorg

Holiday WinksTherersquos a chill there in the wind

that wasnrsquot there beforeI hear bells and songs so familiar

I canrsquot help but sing alongRed and green and gold abound therersquos ribbons and some trees

And though we donrsquot all celebrate the same we all do still want peace

Life can keep you busy enough to overlook the sentiments

And we shouldnrsquot wait for holidays to remember and give thanks

Yet even if itrsquos once a year take a moment to say what you think they know

ldquoI know I should say it all dang year ndash but my love for you still growsrdquo

Iced-GreenTeaIngredients10 cups of water3 green tea bagsfrac12 lemon sliced and halvedfrac12 lime sliced and halvedfrac34 cup sugar

DirectionsHeat water until just before it starts boiling Turn off Add green tea bags ndash let it steep for an hour In a large pitcher add sugar lemons and limes Add 2cups warm tea to mixture in the pitcher and stir Once sugar is dissolved add fill pitcher with tea Add the green tea bags from the pot to the pitcher Let cool to room temp prior to putting in refrigerator If you put it in hot you alter

the overall temperature of the fridge risking spoiling foods Use fresh limes and lemons or your tea will turn tart before you finish it Discard tea bags once your preferred strength is reached I keep homemade tea in the fridge Freeze left over tea in ice cube trays to use to chill down your tea lsquoTea cubesrsquo wonrsquot water down your drink

By Jane Vega Founder


LemonOreganoChickenMakes 6 servingsIngredients6pcs Chicken cut up and rinsed ndash remove skin and extra fatfrac14C Garlic Powderfrac14C Onion Powder2Tbsp Paprika3Tbsp Salt2Tbsp Ground Pepperfrac12C Dried Oregano1Tbsp Cumin (optional)SaltPepper to tastefrac12C Olive Oil infused with oregano1 Lemon cut into 6 slices

DirectionsPre-heat your oven to 350degF Combine all dry ingredients Quickly dip each side of the lemon slices into the dry mix and set aside Line a baking pan or cookie sheet with aluminum foil Brush each piece of chicken top and bottom with the olive oil Evenly sprinkle dry ingredient mixture over the tops and

QuickFastRotiniPastaSaladMakes 6 servings

Ingredients1 box Tri-Color Rotini Pasta (favorite brand)frac12C Green pepper - small chopfrac12C Red onion ndash small chop1mdm tomato ndash small chop1tsp dried basil or oregano4Tbsp Favorite Salad Dressing (nothing creamy) Saltpepper to taste

DirectionsIn a medium sauce pan heat 5 cups of water Just before it boils add 2tbsp of salt Add pasta Cook until al dente (Appx 8-10 minutes) Drain Add all other ingredients Toss serve warm or chilled

bottoms of chicken Start baking chicken with their tops down Place one lemon slice on each piece of chicken Cook approximately 15-20 minutes on each side until golden brown juices run clear and internal temperature is at least 165degF Place lemon back on top when you flip the chicken

You could definitely have this sitting overnight in a plastic bag marinating Throw everything in the bag even the cut up lemons

This is also delicious if you have an extra few minutes to take veggiesherbs and dressing and heat in a sauce pan until completely heated and starting to get a little color Use extra table spoon of olive oil over pasta before combining if using a heated mixture

OrgeanoInfusedOliveOilDirectionsUse an airtight container Take 3 oregano stalks fold and insert into airtight container Pour fresh olive oil into container close lid and wait at least 3 hours before using This will keep in the fridge for about 3 - 4

weeks so donrsquot make a huge batch unless you plan on using it Also feel free to add different herbs like rosemary basil etc I use infused olive oils as part of my preparation of rice to add just a hint of flavor


ReachfortheGoldScholarshipThe Reach for the Gold Book Scholarship recognizes academic and benevolent achievement among young women of color and supports continued success through the first year of college The Alumnae Association of Omega Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated awards one scholarship recipient annually The total award amount is $1000 and will be disbursed in one installment once proof of enrollment at an accredited collegeuniversity is submitted to Omega Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated

The winner is Cheyenne Ashleigh Ms Ashleigh attends the University of Wisconsin Madison She attended Holton-Arms School in Washington DC and is looking to pursue a degree in Journalism

Alumnae Association SCHOLARSHIPS

One way that the Alumnae Association gives back is through scholarship and grants

The Alumnae Association proudly presents the recipients of our Reach for the Gold

Scholarship and Golden Colibri Grant Please join us in congratulating our winners

GoldenColibriGrantThe Golden Colibri Grant was established in 2011 and serves to recognize and support the professional and academic development of alumnae members of Omega Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated The Alumnae Association awards $500 annually to one grant recipient towards the pursuit of an advanced degree professional certification specialization or license

The winner is Monica Miranda Monica is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership at the University of Rochesterrsquos Warner School of Education Her thesis seeks to expose the meaning behind the experience of Latina women in Latina sororities


Whether you donrsquot feel like cooking or you want to bring something fabulous to a dinner party

we have something for you

Coquito $20Start the holiday off right with some delicious coquito

SidesCreamy Baked Macaroni amp Cheese with seasoned crumb topping $35

Brown Sugar amp Rum Glazed Sweet Potatoes wpecans $30Sisterrsquos Slamminrsquo Stuffing ndashwith seasoned ground turkey $35

Honey Glazed Cornbread (made with real corn) $20

Pastelon $25Sweet Plantain amp sofrito ground turkey quiche

Additional items available upon request Prices are pickup only

DessertsCupcakes $24 per dozen

Red Velvet Chocolate Velvet Carrot Cake

Caramel Stuffed Brownies

Coconut Macaroons $20

Sweet Potato Pie $17

Cream Cheese Flan $17 Vanilla Flan $17 (Or 2 for $30)

9173488556SisterYouCanCookyahoocom


This time of year has always been one of my favorites I love the sound of holiday music lights adorned everywhere from houses and storefronts to cars and streetlamps and of course the constant access to hot chocolate As Irsquove gotten older my favorite parts have also grown to include being around loved ones seeing my son open his gifts and brining traditions to life This year has taught me many things and as I reflect I realize that no matter how difficult the road may seem there is always a purpose at the end and a lesson to be learned

This year has taught me the meaning of friendship perserverence stability committment and above all love

I have learned that friendships can change but it doesnt mean the friendship is no longer valuable its just different Remember to appriciate the good in the friendship that you have knowing that this person was a part of your foundation and through knowing them you will never be the same Appriciate the friends who continue to be in your circle and cherish the value they bring to your life When it comes to perseverence start with choosing to live your life with a purpose Have a goal an idea a destinationsomething that continues to drive you Keep looking ahead and always strive to have a fuller and purposeful life

Stability and committment go hand in hand because when you dedicate yourself to one you ultimately experience the other Stability within yourself and how you hand yourself is what is most important You may live a life that is spontaneous and always on the move but knowing that you always have a place to call home knowing that you have family and friends who balance you when you need a breather from the craziness can make a world of a difference and give you the stability you need even in chaos

And finally comes lovelove comes to us in many different ways and the best thing we can do for ourselves is to choose to stay open to love Allow love into your lives through your friends family and sometimes even strangers May this season bring more laughter love and joy into your lives and may you enjoy a prosperous 2014

Soleil Follow my bloghttpwwwweinspireuswordpresscom

sunshine corner By Desiree Henry Theta Fall 2000

ldquoChristmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our heartsrdquo

Janice Maeditere

ldquoAs we struggle with shopping lists and invitations compounded by Decemberrsquos bad weather it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who

are worth this aggravation and people to whom we are worth the samerdquo

Donald E Westlake

ldquoFor Christmas this year try giving less Start with less attitude Therersquos more

than enough of that in the world as it is ndash and people will usually

just give it back anywayrdquo Anne Bristow

ldquoI stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six Mother took me to see him in a

department store and he asked for my autographrdquo

Shirley Temple

ldquoThis is my wish for you peace of mind prosperity throughout the year happiness that multiplies health for

you and yours fun around every corner energy to chase your dreams joy to fill

your holidaysrdquoDM Dellinger

ldquoThe best of all gifts around any Christmas tree the presence of a happy

family all wrapped up in each otherrdquo Burton Hillis

ldquoThree phrases that sum up Christmas are Peace on Earth Goodwill to Men

and Batteries not Includedrdquo English Proverb

ldquoCheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it rightrdquo

Oprah Winfrey


Booking inquiries 9148376851 UniversalMCDJyahoocom The Whole Event

Let us transform your home into a breathtaking venue that will wow you and your guests

Need music or food We got you covered


Beta BaBies GettinG Ready foR the holiday CelebRations

Antonio (Chrissy Hernandez Delta)

Juliana(Claudia Miletic Epsilon)

Sienna and Jaxton(Yvette Lopez Colgan Theta)

Isabella and Rosalina(Wendy Quang Do Alpha)

Evan(Stefanie Pichardo Theta)

Isabel Elena(Erica Bou Kappa)


Jordan (Jessie Torres Xi)

Zoey(Torey and Jenny Williams Delta)

Sela and Antonio(Amaris Ramos DeDona Alpha)

Dahlia(Doris Corporan Theta)

Juliette(Deanna Peralta Alpha)

Emily and Anabelle(Julissa Mota Theta)

Jayden(Desiree Henry Theta)

Brianna and Brandon(Doly Nunez-Lugo Beta)~


Beta MommiesWelcome our neW Beta BaBies and congratulations to our expecting mommies

Natalie HerNaNdez-GreeNe (Theta Spring 1998) and her husband are expecting their first child April 2014

CiNdy Silva (Alpha Spring 1998) gave birth to her first child a son named Nehemiah Amado Silva born October 1 2013 weighing 98 lbs and with a head full of hair

CaroliNa BoNaparte (Sigma Fall 2001) gave birth to her first child Aaron Xavier December 2nd

MariaNa BurGoS (Alpha Fall 1999) and her husband are expecting their first child in February

eriCa diaz (Upsilon Spring 2002) is expecting her first child next year

JaNNeriS Giraldo (Seton Hall Collective Spring 2003) gave birth to her second son

Kelly leNiS (Alpha Beta Spring 2006) is expecting her first child January 2014

deaNNa peralta (Alpha Spring 1998) gave birth to a baby girl Juliette in September

zuGely Saez (Xi Fall 1999) is expecting her second child in April 2014

vaNeSSa SaNtiaGo (Lambda Chapter Fall 1999) is expecting a baby girl February 2013

KriStiN Sepulveda (Alpha Gamma Spring 2007) on the birth of her first child Juliana in early December


Beta SmartS CeleBrationS and ProfeSSional aChievementS

Congratulations to Sherlene Ayala (SigmaFall 2001) for being a guest blogger on Doctora Latina blog- ldquoGuest Blogger Sherlene Ayala shares her story Angry Latina with a Balancing Act and an Added Dose of Microaggressionsrdquohttpdoctoralatinablogspotcom201311guest-blogger-sherlene-ayala-angryhtml

Congratulations to Marielys Garcia (Alpha Gamma Spring 2007) on her promotion to Director of Academic Support at Thurgood Marchall Academy in Washington DC

We wish Jacinda Haro Felix (Beta Spring 1994) much luck as she participates her first 5k the Somerville Jingle Bell Run

Adriana Iturbide (Beta Lambda Spring 2012) will be joining the UNC Chapel Hill Dental Brigade trip March 2014 to Honduras You can support her international volunteer efforts here httpwwwempoweredorgUNC-Chapel-Hill-Dental-Brigade-March-2014-HondurasvolunteerAdriana--Iturbide-Rodriguez

Congratulations to Daisy Kaur (Beta Lambda Spring 2012)for receiving the Frances L Phillips Travel Scholarship She will be going to Mexico and Costa Rica following graduation The Frances L Phillips Travel Scholarship provides an opportunity for Juniors and Seniors in the College of Arts and Sciences at UNC-Chapel Hill to engage in individual self designed and directed international travel experiences for periods ranging from two to six months httpbiouncedu

Congratulations to June Jimenez (Nu Spring 2000) for not only starting her own consulting firm Tama Solutions LLC but also for being accepted to the 2014 National APAWLI Signature Fellowship program

Congratulations to Melissa Molina (Epsilon Spring 2006) for her new position as Executive Assistant at The Brooklyn Hospital Center

Congratulations to Elizaveta Reyes (TauSpring 2002) for being an honorary inductee in Gamma Sigma Alpha

We wish Emerita Torres (Beta Gamma Spring 2007) much luck in her next assignment in Bogota Columbia

We wish Taina Lopez (Sigma Chapter Spring 2003) much luck and support as she travels to West Africa to provide free healthcare to women and children

Beta BrideS

Congratulations to our engaged and newlywed brides

We wish you all a joyous strong and committed union

Congratulations to Mabel Vasquez (Alpha Beta Summer 2009) who is

engaged to Anniel Calderon

Congratulations to Maholy Vasquez (Alpha Beta Summer 2009) who is

engaged to Christian Souffrain


V-DayA Global Movement to End Violence against Women and GirlswwwVDayorg

Hotline Phone NumbersDomestic Violence Hotline800-621-HOPE (4673)

Crime Victims Hotline866-689-HELP (4357)

Rape amp Sexual Assault Hotline212-227-3000

US National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) TTY 1-800-787-3224wwwnnedvorg

Washington DC

Rape Abuse amp Incest National NetworkThe Rape Abuse amp Incest National Network (RAINN) is the nationrsquos largest anti-sexual assault organization Among its programs RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1800656HOPE and the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline at rainnorg This nationwide partnership of more than 1100 local rape crisis centers provides victims of sexual assault with free confidential services 24 hours per day 7 days per week These hotlines have helped over 13 million people since RAINNrsquos founding in 1994

1-800-656-HOPEWashington DCwwwdccadvorgwwwhouseofruthorg

Bostonwwwc2homeorghttpfeministorgwwwmahomlessorg

Los Angeleswwwagapefdnadvorghttpdvcouncillacountygov

Los Angeles County Hotline(24 HOUR)

(800) 978-3600

New York City

New York Cityrsquos 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline(800) 621ndashHOPE (4673)

Sanctuary for Families(212) 349ndash6009bull Press 0 for general information and for

information about shelterbull Press 1 for Clinical Programbull Press 2 for Legal Centerbull Press 3 for Childrenrsquos Programbull Press 8 if office is closed and on

weekends - Sanctuary is open from 9 am - 6 pm on Monday - Thursday and 9 am - 5 pm on Fridays

bull Press 9 for Spanish

MADRE121 West 27th Street 301

New York NY 10001 USA

(212) 627-0444Fax (212) 675-3704Volunteersvolunteersmadreorg

Safe Horizonwwwsafehorizonorg

In New York StateNew York Statersquos 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline(800) 942-6906 (English)(800) 942-6908 (Spanish)

NY State Resourceshttpnyscadvorgdirectoryhtm

Additional Help in your areawwwthehotlineorg

Florida

Florida Coalition Against Domestic ViolencewwwfcadvorgcentersFlorida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119

Harbor House of Central FloridaIf you or someone you love is going through domestic abuse PLEASE CALL US at407-886-2856Administration OfficePO Box 680748Orlando FL 32868adminharborhouseflcom

GET HELP 24-Hour Crisis Hotline (407) 886-2856 (TTD) 1 (800) 500-1119 (FL)407-886-2244 (main office)Safehouse of Seminole

24-Hour Crisis Hotline(407)-330-3933 (TTYTDD) (800) 500-1119 toll free

Chicago1-877-To-END-DVDomestic Violence Agencies by City wwwdhsstateilus

important anti-ViolenCe resourCes

national Hotlines and organizations

If you know of any resources in your local city please share it with the membership

Email OPBSIElGirasolgmailcom and put ldquoDV Resourcesrdquo in the Subject heading


Beta ldquoYellowrdquo PagesCreatiVe and Beauty serViCes

Jessica Ayari ToroAyari Make OverswwwAyariMakeOverscomwwwTheGlossyPartycom

Karla Ayala-Quervalu Karla Samantha Photography wwwKarlaSamanthacom

Elsa Batista-YzaguirreStoles By ElsaStolesbyElsaYahoocom

Stephanie Camacho amp Rebecca SlivkaThe Sunflower Collectionwwwthesunflowercollectioncomwwwfacebookcomthesunflowercollections

Elizabeth Cano Sweet Craft Cakeshttpwwwsweetcraftcakescom

Maria JaramilloBirth Doulanediva89gmailcom

Elbanery LoraDianarsquos Cleaning Servicesdiana_cleaningserviceshotmailcom(347) 564-6491

The Beta Yellow Pages is a free service designated to highlight businesses that

are operated by OPBSI Sisters

If you would like to list your business information please submit it to

OPBSIElGirasolOmegaPhiBetaorg

Lupe Flores Sangria Anytime sangriaanytimegmailcom(917) 457-8650

Selina HernandezMy Sisterrsquos Creationswwwmysisterscreationscommysisterscreationsyahoocom(917) 348-8556

Ivy Roman IvySweetsNYCIvySweetsNYCgmailcom

Food serViCes

HealtH Home serViCesproFessional serViCes

ClotHing

Jocelyn TejadaThe Society of Professional Women of Colorhttpspwcorg

Claudia M Echeverri MileticJason amp Juliana LLChttpwwwjasonandjulianacom

Erica Diaz Daiana Hidalgo and Jessica MedinaYour Best EventwwwYourBestEventcomwwwfacebookcomYourBestEventIncEricaYourBestEventcom

Desiree Henry MOYA Creative Design BoutiquewwwMOYACreativecom

Lydia Jimenez Stampinrsquo with Lydiawwwstampinwithlydiablogspotcom


Collegiate ChaptersAlpha ChapterUniversity at Albany SUNY Est 1989

Beta ChapterSUNY New Paltz amp Marist College Est 1991

Gamma ChapterUnion CollegeEst 1991

Delta ChapterBinghamton University SUNY Est 1992

Epsilon ChapterLong Island University CW Post Est 1993

Zeta ChapterSUNY Oswego Est 1993

Eta ChapterCollege at Brockport University of Rochester amp Rochester Institute of Technology Est 1994

Theta ChapterStony Brook University Est 1998

Iota ChapterUniversity of Virginia Est 1998

Kappa ChapterHofstra University Est 1998

Lambda ChapterBrooklyn College and Manhattan MetroEst 1998

Mu ChapterUniversity of Buffalo Buffalo State College amp DrsquoYouville College Est 1999

Nu ChapterCornell University Est 1999

Xi ChapterSyracuse University amp LeMoyne College Est 1999

Omicron ChapterDuke University Est 2000

Pi ChapterBoston MA Est 2002

Rho ChapterMichigan State University Est 2002

Sigma ChapterPlattsburgh University SUNY Est 2001

Tau ChapterUtica College amp Hamilton College Est 2003

Upsilon ChapterRutgers University New Brunswick Est 2003

Phi ChapterUniversity of Southern California Est 2003

Chi ChapterSeton Hall University Est 2003

Psi ChapterDePauw University Est 2006

Beta Alpha ChapterSt Johnrsquos University Est 2002

Beta Beta ChapterUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Est 2006

Beta Gamma ChapterNew York University Est 2007

Beta Delta ChapterPace University Pleasantville Campus Est 2008

Beta Epsilon ChapterSUNY Old WestburyEst 2008

Beta Zeta ChapterFlorida State UniversityEst 2010

Beta Eta Chapter University of South FloridaEst 2010

Beta Theta ChapterSUNY Cortland Est 2009

Beta Iota Chapter Northeastern Illinois UniversityEst 2010

Beta Kappa ChapterUniversity of New HavenEst 2010

Beta Lambda ChapterUniversity of North Carolina Chapel HillEst 2011

Beta Mu ChapterUniversity of California BerkleyEst 2011

Beta Nu ChapterJohnson amp Wales UniversityEst 2012

Collective at University of Maryland Baltimore CountyEst 2003

Collective at Rhode Island CollegeEst 2003

Collective at Charleston Southern UniversityEst 2008

Collective at St Thomas AquinasEst 2010

Collective at Ramapo CollegeEst 2010

Collective at Pace UniversityEst 2011

Collective at Columbia UniversityEst 2011

Collective at Purdue UniversityEst 2011

Alpha Beta ChapterNew York City Alumnae Chapter Est 1994

Alpha Gamma ChapterWashington DC Alumnae Chapter Est 2004

Alpha Delta ChapterRochester Alumnae Chapter Est 2004

Alpha Epsilon ChapterBoston Alumnae Chapter Est 2007

Alpha Zeta ChapterNew Jersey Alumnae Chapter Est 2007

Alpha Eta ChapterBuffalo Alumnae Chapter Est 2007

Alpha Theta ChapterFlorida Alumnae ChapterEst 2007

Los Angeles Alumnae CollectiveEst 2011

Chicago Alumnae CollectiveEst 2012

Alpha Alpha ChapterHonorary Sisters

Omega ChapterEternal Sisters

Omega Phi Beta SOrOrity incchaPterS and cOlOnieS

COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters

eSt 1989 wwwOmegaPhiBetaOrg


In EvEry IssuELetter from the Editor 3Meet the Contributors 4

Letter from the AA President 6

Staying Connected to AA 7

Beta Cookinrsquo 20

Sunshine Corner 24

Beta Mommies 28

Beta Celebrations 29

Beta Brides 29

Table of Contents

Welcome Neophytes 8AMA Awards Multicultural Scholarships 9

Chapter Highlight Alpha Beta Chapter 10New Beta Business 16Reach for the Gold Scholarship 22

Important Anti-Violence Resources 30Beta Yellow Pages 31Chapters and Collectives 32

A Healing Girasol 12

Blogging Betas 14 Family Fun this Winter 17 Beta Babies Ready for the Holidays 26

FEaturE artIclEs

BEta rEsourcEs

sororIty HIgHlIgHts

Contact us We love to hear your feedback tell us your thoughts comments

concerns kudos shoutouts or submit an article

EmailElGirasolOmegaPhiBetaorg

SubScribe to El GirasolhttpissuucomOPBSI_ElGirasol

There are two mistakes

one can make along the

road to truthhellip not going all

the way and not starting

Buddha





Selina










Winter2013








































holiday season











Amanda















aa newSleTTer



monThly Buzz


BeTa hummer







Kryst yna gloss

betashena rodriguez

escarle raposo

etaKiara cruz

lisamarie roman

angela rojas


omneya ghanem

nurisha rodriguez

pililliam riverva

thetaadi castano

jinauris batista

diana acosta

reidy estevez

upsilonbonny nunez

niana holman

melissa rodriguez

Zetagenesis nery


cynthia perez

estephany rodriguez

yanil munoz


stephanie sosa

neried acosta

nyasia hightoWer


grace vasquez

Theta Chapter Neos

~

~

~























































my life

Steve Jobs














Blogging Betas

















Price Range $$

Ambiance Casual



YucaBar











































































































Janice Maeditere



Donald E Westlake






Shirley Temple









Oprah Winfrey















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters






Selina










Winter2013








































holiday season











Amanda















aa newSleTTer



monThly Buzz


BeTa hummer







Kryst yna gloss

betashena rodriguez

escarle raposo

etaKiara cruz

lisamarie roman

angela rojas


omneya ghanem

nurisha rodriguez

pililliam riverva

thetaadi castano

jinauris batista

diana acosta

reidy estevez

upsilonbonny nunez

niana holman

melissa rodriguez

Zetagenesis nery


cynthia perez

estephany rodriguez

yanil munoz


stephanie sosa

neried acosta

nyasia hightoWer


grace vasquez

Theta Chapter Neos

~

~

~























































my life

Steve Jobs














Blogging Betas

















Price Range $$

Ambiance Casual



YucaBar











































































































Janice Maeditere



Donald E Westlake






Shirley Temple









Oprah Winfrey















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters







Winter2013








































holiday season











Amanda















aa newSleTTer



monThly Buzz


BeTa hummer







Kryst yna gloss

betashena rodriguez

escarle raposo

etaKiara cruz

lisamarie roman

angela rojas


omneya ghanem

nurisha rodriguez

pililliam riverva

thetaadi castano

jinauris batista

diana acosta

reidy estevez

upsilonbonny nunez

niana holman

melissa rodriguez

Zetagenesis nery


cynthia perez

estephany rodriguez

yanil munoz


stephanie sosa

neried acosta

nyasia hightoWer


grace vasquez

Theta Chapter Neos

~

~

~























































my life

Steve Jobs














Blogging Betas

















Price Range $$

Ambiance Casual



YucaBar











































































































Janice Maeditere



Donald E Westlake






Shirley Temple









Oprah Winfrey















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters
























holiday season











Amanda















aa newSleTTer



monThly Buzz


BeTa hummer







Kryst yna gloss

betashena rodriguez

escarle raposo

etaKiara cruz

lisamarie roman

angela rojas


omneya ghanem

nurisha rodriguez

pililliam riverva

thetaadi castano

jinauris batista

diana acosta

reidy estevez

upsilonbonny nunez

niana holman

melissa rodriguez

Zetagenesis nery


cynthia perez

estephany rodriguez

yanil munoz


stephanie sosa

neried acosta

nyasia hightoWer


grace vasquez

Theta Chapter Neos

~

~

~























































my life

Steve Jobs














Blogging Betas

















Price Range $$

Ambiance Casual



YucaBar











































































































Janice Maeditere



Donald E Westlake






Shirley Temple









Oprah Winfrey















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters






Amanda















aa newSleTTer



monThly Buzz


BeTa hummer







Kryst yna gloss

betashena rodriguez

escarle raposo

etaKiara cruz

lisamarie roman

angela rojas


omneya ghanem

nurisha rodriguez

pililliam riverva

thetaadi castano

jinauris batista

diana acosta

reidy estevez

upsilonbonny nunez

niana holman

melissa rodriguez

Zetagenesis nery


cynthia perez

estephany rodriguez

yanil munoz


stephanie sosa

neried acosta

nyasia hightoWer


grace vasquez

Theta Chapter Neos

~

~

~























































my life

Steve Jobs














Blogging Betas

















Price Range $$

Ambiance Casual



YucaBar











































































































Janice Maeditere



Donald E Westlake






Shirley Temple









Oprah Winfrey















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters






aa newSleTTer



monThly Buzz


BeTa hummer







Kryst yna gloss

betashena rodriguez

escarle raposo

etaKiara cruz

lisamarie roman

angela rojas


omneya ghanem

nurisha rodriguez

pililliam riverva

thetaadi castano

jinauris batista

diana acosta

reidy estevez

upsilonbonny nunez

niana holman

melissa rodriguez

Zetagenesis nery


cynthia perez

estephany rodriguez

yanil munoz


stephanie sosa

neried acosta

nyasia hightoWer


grace vasquez

Theta Chapter Neos

~

~

~























































my life

Steve Jobs














Blogging Betas

















Price Range $$

Ambiance Casual



YucaBar











































































































Janice Maeditere



Donald E Westlake






Shirley Temple









Oprah Winfrey















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters





Kryst yna gloss

betashena rodriguez

escarle raposo

etaKiara cruz

lisamarie roman

angela rojas


omneya ghanem

nurisha rodriguez

pililliam riverva

thetaadi castano

jinauris batista

diana acosta

reidy estevez

upsilonbonny nunez

niana holman

melissa rodriguez

Zetagenesis nery


cynthia perez

estephany rodriguez

yanil munoz


stephanie sosa

neried acosta

nyasia hightoWer


grace vasquez

Theta Chapter Neos

~

~

~























































my life

Steve Jobs














Blogging Betas

















Price Range $$

Ambiance Casual



YucaBar











































































































Janice Maeditere



Donald E Westlake






Shirley Temple









Oprah Winfrey















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters
























































my life

Steve Jobs














Blogging Betas

















Price Range $$

Ambiance Casual



YucaBar











































































































Janice Maeditere



Donald E Westlake






Shirley Temple









Oprah Winfrey















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters









































my life

Steve Jobs














Blogging Betas

















Price Range $$

Ambiance Casual



YucaBar











































































































Janice Maeditere



Donald E Westlake






Shirley Temple









Oprah Winfrey















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters

























my life

Steve Jobs














Blogging Betas

















Price Range $$

Ambiance Casual



YucaBar











































































































Janice Maeditere



Donald E Westlake






Shirley Temple









Oprah Winfrey















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters




















my life

Steve Jobs














Blogging Betas

















Price Range $$

Ambiance Casual



YucaBar











































































































Janice Maeditere



Donald E Westlake






Shirley Temple









Oprah Winfrey















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters












my life

Steve Jobs














Blogging Betas

















Price Range $$

Ambiance Casual



YucaBar











































































































Janice Maeditere



Donald E Westlake






Shirley Temple









Oprah Winfrey















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters















Blogging Betas

















Price Range $$

Ambiance Casual



YucaBar











































































































Janice Maeditere



Donald E Westlake






Shirley Temple









Oprah Winfrey















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters


















Price Range $$

Ambiance Casual



YucaBar











































































































Janice Maeditere



Donald E Westlake






Shirley Temple









Oprah Winfrey















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters








Price Range $$

Ambiance Casual



YucaBar











































































































Janice Maeditere



Donald E Westlake






Shirley Temple









Oprah Winfrey















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters












































































































Janice Maeditere



Donald E Westlake






Shirley Temple









Oprah Winfrey















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters
















































































Janice Maeditere



Donald E Westlake






Shirley Temple









Oprah Winfrey















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters










































































Janice Maeditere



Donald E Westlake






Shirley Temple









Oprah Winfrey















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters

































































Janice Maeditere



Donald E Westlake






Shirley Temple









Oprah Winfrey















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters















































Janice Maeditere



Donald E Westlake






Shirley Temple









Oprah Winfrey















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters




































Janice Maeditere



Donald E Westlake






Shirley Temple









Oprah Winfrey















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters



























Janice Maeditere



Donald E Westlake






Shirley Temple









Oprah Winfrey















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters











Janice Maeditere



Donald E Westlake






Shirley Temple









Oprah Winfrey















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters
















































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters












































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters




































Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters



























Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters














Beta BrideS













Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters








Washington DC






(800) 978-3600

New York City













Florida


























Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters


















Food serViCes


ClotHing































































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters



























































COLLECTIVES

Alumnae Chapters


Date post:	10-Mar-2016
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El Girasol ~ Winter 2013 Edition

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