Why I chose Chi Omega

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair

I was not sure if I should apply to this position. I was afraid that I was not qualified to talk about DEi topics when I myself am still learning. However, with the encouragement of my friends, I applied just to apply, not thinking I would actually get the position. Low and behold, I got the position. Although I didn't think I was qualified, I realized that qualified or not, the position was mine and it was my responsibility to uphold DEI in our chapter. I began by creating a DEI Assistant position, and through many zoom and facetime calls, we figured out a plan. 

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One thing I wanted to focus our energy on was education. In the past year I realized that the women in my chapter did not intentionally hurt others, they just never needed to learn about topics like microaggressions or generational wealth gap because it did not apply to them and their privilege. I wanted to change that. Every week I would create a slide on our weekly presentation to which featured the "DEI Term of the Week" to slowly introduce topics that my sisters might not have otherwise learned about. I included TedTalks, such as the one on intersectionality by Kimberlee Crenshaw, and Youtube videos about topics such as redlining. During Women's History Month and Black History Month, I made sure to highlight notable activitsts, leaders, historical events, and local black and women owned businesses.

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Additionally, my DEI Assistant and I planned specific DEI programming. We planned a sisterhood event to the Underground Railroad Museum, planned an informal visit to the UC Saasa's Holi Festival, and planned a Game Night with the UC Kappas. The game night was one of the most important events of the year. The UC Kappas are a part of the Multicultural Greek Council, a council which was formed due to the discrimination many POCs faced in white-dominated Greek life. The Multicultural Greek Council has been historically discriminated against and held separate from the Panhellenic Council and the Interfraternity Council. This year, I focused on forming a relationship with the UC Kappas to begin to break down the walls between the two councils.

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This summer, created a DEI presentation for our members that are recruiting potential new members (PNMs). This presentation utilizes terms and phrases I learned during a DEI workshop put on by the Cincinnati Panhellenic Council, as well as features dialogue that explains the need for vulnerability during DEI work. This presentation covers topics such as asset framing vs. deficit framing, empathy vs. sympathy, inclusive language, and more. Creating this presentation allowed me to reflect and think about the purpose of DEI and how it is important during the recruitment process. I will be presenting it during our "work week" where we prepare for recruitment to 50-100 members.

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As the DEI Chair for the Pi Alpha Chi Omega chapter has allowed me to learn more about my own leadership style. This position requires an open-minded individual who is able to take criticism as well as an individual who can speak to their sisters about DEI related issues if they arise. Through this position I have had to do both of these things, and have learned that speaking from a place of kindness, empathy, and understanding will make me a better leader now and in the future.