Saturday, September 19th is our national Principle Day celebrating the Empowerment of Women!

The purpose of Principle Day is for every member of our organization to work together to maximize our community impact on one day.  In fulfillment of our mission statement, please participate in an event to promote the empowerment of women on September 19th. We want you to reach out to your community and be creative in your efforts! 

Some possible ideas include: volunteering at a domestic violence shelter or a Women’s Hospital; hosting/participating in a Self defense awareness workshop, etc.

We look forward to hearing of all your successes!

Applicants were evaluated on a combination of academic records, leadership, volunteerism, campus activities, sorority involvement, in addition to demonstrated financial need.  The submissions were reviewed by a committee representing past and current Sigma Lambda Gamma alumnae leaders.

“I was extremely impressed with the number of applicants,” Lupita Temiquel-McMillian, founding mother and reviewer shared.  “The sisters who applied were academically strong candidates and were all doing amazing things back on their respective campuses in the face of various obstacles and life circumstances.”

The recipients are: 

Sister Bianca Suarez, Eta Beta Chapter, is a doctoral student at the University of California—Berkley in Education, Social, and Cultural Studies. She received an M.A. from DePaul University and a B.A. from Loyola University.

Sister Lucy Arellano, Beta Chapter, is a doctoral candidate in Higher Education at the University of California—Los Angeles. She received her M.A and B.A. from the University of Michigan.

Sister Adrian Odya-Weis, Sigma Alpha Chapter, plans to start her J.D. degree and her Masters degree in International Politics at American University. She received her B.A. from the University of Minnesota.

Sister Olivia Muñoz, Epsilon Chapter, is a M.F.A. student in Creative Writing at California State University—Fresno. She received her B.A. from Central Michigan University.

Sister Lydia Bustos, Lambda Gamma Chapter, is a rising senior in Elementary Education at the University of Wyoming.

Sister Jasmine Rosas, Iota Beta Chapter, is a junior in Business Administration with a minor in Non-Profit Organization at the University of Central Florida.

The purpose of the SLG Educational Foundation is to serve as the philanthropic entity of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority to support scholastic achievement, provide leadership training, and continue commitment to lifelong learning and service to the global community. The Educational Foundation will work to provide financial support for:

• Undergraduate and graduate members who demonstrate academic and leadership excellence
• Leadership and Member Development programs sponsored by Sigma Lambda Gamma
• Community Outreach projects, such as the Young Women’s Leadership Program

For more information, contact:

Susana M. Muñoz, phdgamma@gmail.com
Scholarship Chair

Nellie Nevarez, DevelopFDN@yahoogroups.com
Chair, SLG Education Foundation Board of Trustees

Assistant Executive Director – Sister Amanda (Mandy) Berenguel Smolka

Director of Chapter Services – Sister Vanessa Jimenez

Director of Expansion – Sister Nereyda (Neddy) Llorente

Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant – Katie Schneider

Mandy, Vanessa, Neddy and Katie join Karen Hanes, Administrative Assistant and Mary Peterson, Executive Director, to comprise our Headquarters team.

Organizational changes and growth have led the National Board and Mary to allocate more resources to a dedicated professional staff to better serve the growing needs of our membership.

Excitement and pride fill our organization as we consider how far Sigma Lambda Gamma has come in just a short period of time. As we will soon enter the sisterhood’s 20th year of existence we can be proud to know that our hard work and achievements continue to pave the way for Sigma Lambda Gamma sisters for years to come.

Contact information and short bios on our newest staff members follow. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming each of them to their new roles in Sigma Lambda Gamma!

Amanda (Mandy) Berenguel Smolka, Assistant Executive Director

Mandy @ SigmaLambdaGamma.com

Greetings Sisters!
I am very excited to introduce myself to you as your new Assistant Executive Director!  My experiences in Sigma Lambda Gamma have unintentionally prepared me for this amazing position!  I truly feel humbled to have been chosen to serve you all and overjoyed to utilize my passion, talents and abilities toward improving our great organization!  I look forward to listening to the needs and wants of our sisterhood and doing what is possible to make the necessary enhancements.

Our organization continues to grow and empower women across the nation because you all have cared enough to share your excitement about what Sigma Lambda Gamma has done for you!  I thank you all for your hard work and dedication toward being the premier organization because without you, we would not have a Board of Directors or a headquarters staff.

Here is a very short summary of my experience as a sister:
As an associate member, I assisted in the restart of Gamma Chapter at Iowa State University.  The Phoenix line had already established colony status and with my line (the first line) we were able to help the colony achieve chapter status in the fall of 2001.

As a neophyte in 2002 I attended my first National Convention in Washington D.C. and also became Chapter President which led to me holding every position (other than New Member Educator) in the chapter prior to graduation.

In 2005 I graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelors of Science in Child, Adult and Family Services, then in 2007 I received my Master of Social Work degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where I was Delta Chapter’s advisor.

From 2006 – 2008 I served as volunteer through SLG’s transition from Districts to Regions as a District Governor/Regional Director for the Plains District, North Central Region and Midwest Regions. Sisterhood Retreat 2009 I was honored to be selected to serve as a small group facilitator.

As time passes you will get to know more about me but what I am looking forward to is getting to know more about all of you!  This is such an exciting time for our sisterhood with having all new staff so we truly appreciate your understanding as we transition into our new positions!

Vanessa Jimenez, Director of Chapter Services

Vanessa @ SigmaLambdaGamma.com

Sister Vanessa "Fortaleza" Jimenez has been a member of the Phi Chapter at Western Michigan University since April 22, 2004. During her undergraduate career, Vanessa was an active member, serving in several positions including President for two years. Vanessa graduated in August 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations and a minor in Creative Writing. She served as Chapter Advisor upon her graduation and has continued to be active in the Central Region. Recently returning to the States after living in Mexico City, Mexico for several months, Vanessa is eager to embark on a new journey within sisterhood. She is looking forward to working with our members on a national level and continuing the mission of Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority.

Nereyda (Neddy) Llorente, Director of Expansion

Nereyda @ SigmaLambdaGamma.com

Hola Hermanas!

My name is Nereyda "Feliz" Llorente, and I am very happy to share that I have been selected as your Director of Expansion. I am very proud to have such an important role in the wonderful sisterhood of Sigma Lambda Gamma and to be able to represent our organization in such a magnitude. I know first hand how much this sisterhood can enrich and empower a young lady’s life to help them become a better woman.  We are one of the fastest growing fraternal organizations and I plan to ensure Sigma Lambda Gamma will continue to focus on quality and not just quantity.  I became a sister in December of 2002 at the Glorious Gamma Chapter. As an undergraduate, I held the position of VP of Recruitment. I loved this position because my main duty was to spread the word about how great Sigma Lambda Gamma is! When we love something so much, sharing about it just comes naturally.  My excitement and passion when sharing about SLG really helped me with that position, and those are two important characteristics I will make sure to apply in aiding chapters in recruitment and retention.

I am here to serve our sisterhood, so please continue representing Sigma Lambda Gamma so that I may help others join us as women of distinction.

Katie Schneider, Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant
Katie @ SigmaLambdaGamma.com

Katie Schneider joined West Bank in 2005 as a Personal Banker.  She was named Personal Banking Officer/Manager of West Bank’s Coralville branch in 2006 and was promoted to Second Vice President in December of 2007.   She has nine years experience in the banking industry, having held various positions as a personal banker and teller. 

Katie attended the University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College.  She serves on the board of directors for Systems Unlimited Incorporated of Iowa.  She is also a Volunteer Coordinator for projects with the Coralville Family Resource Center, including the Coralville Free Lunch Program and Coralville Elementary Homework Help Program.  Katie enjoys spending her free time with her husband Allen and their two sons Jackson and Jacob.

Katie will be serving as a part-time, shared employee bookkeeper as well as filling in for Karen Hanes as she moves to a four-day a week schedule. We are excited to have Katie’s expertise as a part of the Headquarters team.

The registration cost is just $75.00 per person. Attendees are responsible for their own transportation. A hotel room block has been reserved at a very low rate – just $95.00 per night, plus applicable taxes, for up to four individuals in a room. You can’t plan a cheaper get away with as nice accommodations as are being offered.

The Registration Form is available in the BG Connexion File Center. Or, you can request one by e-mailing AlumnaeRetreat09@SigmaLambdaGamma.com.

Call your sisters and meet them in San Antonio! Guests and partners/spouses are welcome!

Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc.

Position Title: Assistant Executive Director

Location: North Liberty, IA

Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. is seeking an energetic, self-motivated individual to serve as Assistant Executive Director.

Basic Functions and Responsibilities
Serve as the full-time, day-to-day manager of the organization’s Headquarters Staff; assist the Executive Director in setting and managing priorities derived from strategic plan; administer fiscal activity; work closely with regional volunteers and Board members as assigned; manage organizational policy; and represent organization to outside publics when designated.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

Managing Staff

• Regular staff/one-on-one meetings to discuss priorities and assess needs
• Aid in the development of staff priorities
• Evaluate and improve member services rendered/needed
• Update Executive Director on staff progress and projects bi monthly

Fiscal

• Review statements monthly and send to Executive Director
• Prepare quarterly reports
• Work with accounting firm for all IRS reporting
• Work with Executive Director to prepare budget draft for VP of Finance
• Manage payroll and legal reporting requirements

Technology

• Works with outside entities on technology solutions
• Assess daily technology needs and report to Executive Director

Reporting and Administrative Tasks

• Manage consistent reporting structure to key stakeholders
• Supervise administrative reporting required by other staff members
• Coordinates communication tools with respective staff/volunteers

Regional Directors/ Volunteers

• On-site planning and program development for volunteer training/education
• Facilitate meetings and conference calls when appropriate
• Work directly with VP Collegiate Ops

Board Support

• Respond to requests as submitted
• Attend board meetings
• Ensure meeting minutes are documented and reported out
• Prepare and submit quarterly staff report
• Work on projects as assigned by Executive Director
• Facilitate travel arrangements for volunteers

National Meetings

• Develop curriculum for National retreat
• Responsible for onsite logistics for retreat and convention
• Prepare all necessary documents for national meetings

National Committees

• Work in conjunction with Constitution Committee
• Work on projects with other committees as assigned

University Officials/Outside Publics

• Respond to requests from college campuses
• Work with upper-level officials in disciplinary cases

Policy and Governance

• Assure all policies are up to date and current to all entities
• Document and communicate all policy violations to all appropriate entities

Educational Foundation

• Prepare reports requested
• Attend meetings in absence of Executive Director
• Keep documents on file at HQ
• Pay bills and send checks as requested

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university
• Ability and willingness to follow and enforce organizational policies
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in appropriate academic discipline (e.g. College Student Personnel, Association Management, or related field) or Certified Association Executive or the equivalent combination of education and related experience
• Leadership experience in non-profit or education setting
• Experience in student leadership development and educational programming
• Alumna member in good standing
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and QuickBooks

Supervision Received

Report directly to the Executive Director.

Supervision Exercised

Supervise Directors of Chapter Services and Expansion, Administrative Assistant and other staff as needed.

Compensation Notes

• Salary commensurate with experience
• Health care fully paid
• 3% SIMPLE IRA match available

Anticipated Start Date

July 27, 2009

Application Procedure
Please submit a cover letter, resume, list of three references with contact information and responses to the questions below to AEDSearch@SigmaLambdaGamma.com by July 10, 2009. Direct all inquiries to Mary Peterson, Executive Director, at that address.

Application Questions:

1. Why do you want to work for the Headquarters Staff?
2. Describe the style you use to manage others and how you like to be managed by your supervisor.
3. What is your strongest leadership skill and how will it assist you in this position?
4. Explain a time when you had to enforce a policy you did not agree with.
5. What type of people do you find most difficult to deal with? Why?
6. Describe and include examples of educational programs you have created or managed.

The seminar will be taught by Sensei: Raul Soriano, Frank Soriano and Amber Soriano with the support of other certified PTKD Black Belts. The Instructors have more than 50 Years combined experience in the martial arts.

Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Where: Marcus Recreation Center 3003 Northaven Road Dallas, TX 75229

COST: $5 – All money collected will be donated to the Sabrina Tolentino-Pina Memorial Fund
Topics to be covered:
▪ STANCE AND POSTURE
▪ BODY MECHANICS
▪ SELF-DEFENSE PRINCIPLES
▪ BASIC BODY WEAPONS AND HOW TO USE THEM
▪ ESCAPES FROM GRABS
▪ ESCAPES FROM BEAR HUGS
▪ GROUND DEFENSE
▪ UNPREDICTED ATTACKS
▪ A WINNING MINDSET
▪ AWARENES TIPS
***PLEASE WEAR WORKOUT CLOTHING***

RESTRICTIONS – PLEASE NOTE
* FEMALES ONLY
* 13 years of age or older
* Under 18 years old – parents
must sign liability waiver

If you would like to know about the instructors and the programs they have to offer, visit their website at:
www.megafighters.cmasdirect.com

For additional event information email Cindy Russo, President of the DFW AA at president@slgdfwaa.org

As such, we now have two full-time Director positions open at the Headquarters Office. Information regarding the Director of Chapter Services position may be found here and has been uploaded to the BG Connexion File Center. The Director of Expansion position information is also here and available in BG Connexion.

Please contact Jim Paponetti, Associate Executive Director, with any questions and please forward this announcement and description to any interested and qualified candidates.

Registration must be made through BG Connexion. Each individual attending must register themselves.

We look forward to seeing you in Minneapolis!

The following items are all due by May 15:

• End of Semester Report via BG Connexion
• Annual Budget via BG Connexion
• Educational Foundation Scholarship
• Chapter Good Standing for Voting
• Registration for Sisterhood Retreat (May 20^th latest)

Thank you to those entities and members that have submitted their materials.