OPBSI Closes Out a Year of Service

NEW YORK, New York… January 13, 2009. Omega Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated (OPBSI) closed out 2008 as one of its most service driven years ever. Nationally and locally, OPBSI has set a precedent with community services and programming events while promoting Greek Unity this past year. Sustainability efforts, international service, fundraising for community causes, cultural events, and sisterhood have been just some of the many accomplishments this year.

In commitment to one of OPBSI’s goals, to spread environmental awareness, the radiant sisters began the year by launching their national “Betas Are Green” initiative and fundraised over $1400 for the “5-for-5 Campaign: Dominican Republic ‘Clean-Up’” as part of their Annual Summer of Service Campaign. OPBSI partnered with the Peace Corps to provide aide and environmental awareness to a small rural town off the coast of Dominican Republic. The campaign was followed by a Spanish Language Book Drive that aided in the opening of a small public library to educate and enrich the lives of children in an impoverished local community in Dominican Republic. In addition to the environmental campaigns, OPBSI raised over $1,800 in the Annual NALFO Quest for a Million Pennies to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and launched the a national campaign against Domestic Violence, the “3-2-1 Countdown: Fight to end Violence Against Women” campaign. As part of OPBSI’s national philanthropic efforts, since its kickoff in October of 2008, the campaign has already raised over $1500 towards the National Coalition against Domestic Violence (NCADV). Additionally, the campaign boasted several successful programs including three workshops, two community services, and an on going effort in making a Domestic Violence (DV) Quilt with messages of inspiration and hope for survivors of DV.

OPBSI’s chapters and colonies have been remarkable and selfless in serving their local communities as well; Alpha Chapter at SUNY Albany donated their 13th Annual AIDS Awareness Banquet profits to CAAF (Children Affected by AIDS Foundation) which helps children whose parents have been affected by, or have passed away from this devastating disease. Lambda Chapter at Brooklyn College hosted their Annual Mother’s Day dinner to which over 200+ families, colleagues, and faculty of OPBSI members united to help strengthen sisterhood bonds and bring sisterhood to the forefront by creating an experience for sister’s and their families. Mu Chapter at SUNY Buffalo/College at Buffalo raised over $1,000 at their annual Radiant Rhythms dance competition and donated the proceeds to the Junior Achievement program in Buffalo which provides leadership skills and opportunities for children ranging from grades K-12. Omicron Chapter at Duke University held a “Meet the Betas” event and created a platform for informal discussions about campus wide issues, bridging gaps among communities, and Greek Unity at Duke University. Alpha Gamma Chapter in the District of Colombia participated in its donated over $1,000 to WEAVE (Women Empowered against Violence) by organizing their third annual V-day performance with a diverse cast reading a set of dramatic interpretations related to violence against women, domestic violence and was full of messages of female empowerment.

OPBSI members have also been recognized for their accomplishments personally and professionally by the greater community. Some of the many include Eve Torres and Caridad “La Bruja” De la Luz who were both featured in Latina Magazine in spring 2008. Eve is a dancer, actress, model, and WWE Diva. La Bruja is a well-rounded performer who spreads positive messages and cultural awareness through various forms of art including acting, music (Reggaeton), and spoken word. Rosanna Cruz received an honorable mention for the New York Public Library's 2008 Brooke Russell Astor Award. She was recognized for her efforts to help bring public benefits and other supports to the families and residents of East New York. Her program returned more than $1,000,000 annually in benefits to its residents. Lastly, Jenice Marie Diaz was crowned Miss. Puerto Rico – National Puerto Rican Parade 2008 and currently serves her community by spreading the message to youth about the importance of education.

These incredible women have been at the forefront for performance this year, on stage and off! OPBSI placed first at Batanga Beach Break's first Neo Stroll Competition, produced by Remo Productions, Inc. The team's creativity, synchronization and enthusiasm solidified their first place win, and in the end, were each presented with medals. The National Step Team (NST) blew the audience away with an overpowering and energetic performance at the 10th Annual Summer Step Show. They were dynamic, and once again brought back the essence of the “Art of STEPPIN”.

With the newly established National Governance setting the foundation for OPBSI’s strategic framework for the next five years, OPBSI has recommitted itself to its goals, mission, and vision, and shown it’s commitment to serving the community and rising as professional women.

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: www.OmegaPhiBeta.org .

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