The Heights Within You
By Jack Williams

You have often felt tied down
And dreamed of being free,
Of fulfilling the potential
Of who you want to be.

Now you've finally earned your wings,
It's time for you to soar
And reach the heights within you.
That's what wings are for.

Chartering Line: Ilumina

Stacie Gonzalez

Location:  Little Ferry Ferry, New Jersey

Ethnicity: Puerto Rican

Major: Psychology

Graduated:  1996

Why Omega Phi Beta? Cultural Assimilation

Annie Cohen

Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Ethnicity: Puerto Rican/Polish

Major: Criminal Justice

Graduated: MAY 1994

Why Omega Phi Beta? To be a part of an organization that fulfills all the reasons

for being a woman in society.  The positive influences and roles that a Beta woman portrays.

Johanna Minguez

Location:  Riverdale, NY

Ethnicity: Dominican & Puerto Rican

Major/Minor: Political Science & Spanish Minor

Graduated: 1994

Juries Doctorate:  Touro Law

Why Omega Phi Beta? I pledged Omega Phi Beta because at the time I was at

Long Island University-CW Post, the school did not have a Latina Sorority

and I wanted to personally be a part of a group of women that celebrated culture, community

outreach and academic excellence. After thoroughly searching in other schools, we met the

founders of Omega Phi Beta in Albany, New York. I personally found in my meetings with

them that they provided all the elements I searched for in a Latina sorority and immediately

realized they will be a great legacy of sisterhood for Latino women at Long Island University-CW Post.

Darlene J. Lopez

Location: Jackson Heights, NY

Ethnicity: Dominican and Chilean

Major: Criminal Justice

Minored: Spanish and Dance

Graduated: May 1996

Why Omega Phi Beta? Omega Phi Beta stood for something!

Four women, Stacie Gonzalez, Annie Cohen, Johanna Minguez and myself Darlene Lopez

completed the journey towards the Beta life. The main things that attracted me

to joining a sorority in general at C.W. Post was the understanding that I

would have the ability to enhance my leadership, culture, involve in philanthropic

activities and organize/participate in community service projects.  However while some

organizations were offering some of these opportunities, none of the ones at Post offered them

all.  Therefore, a group of nine women decided to form a coalition dedicated to the search of a

Latina sorority that would assist in leaving Post more culturally aware and sensitive then

we inherited it. Additionally, we would make it possible for women at C.W. Post to

increase their choices of organizations to become a part of; one that would have an impact on

not only their college experience  but in their lives as a whole.

Alpha Line: Arcoiris

Location: Malverne, NY

Ethnicity:  Colombian, Peruvian, Chinese
Major: Criminal Justice and Accounting
Graduated: Dec 1997

Why Omega Phi Beta? When I went to the OPB informational, I was impressed by the women

who had brought the organization onto the campus.  They were energetic, powerful and

had many goals for OPB and CW Post.  I wanted to make a difference and join these women

and fulfill their vision for OPB.

Liana Aguilar-Orduna

Location: Long Island, New York

Ethnicity: Honduran

Major: Health Care Administration

Graduated: May 1998

Why Omega Phi Beta? I pledged Omega Phi Beta Sorority Inc. because I was impressed

by the women that held the first informational on the C.W.Post Campus. 

Their dedication to help empower women impressed me and I wanted to be a part of that.

Nadeen Gautier Negron

Location: Studio City, CA

Ethnicity: Puerto Rican

Major / minor:  Communication Arts with a specialization in Broadcasting

Graduated: May 1994

Why Omega Phi Beta? I wanted to become a part of an organization that celebrated

my culture, beauty, strength as a woman.  And to surround myself with other women that felt the same.

Location: West Haven, Connecticut
Ethnicity: Brasilian

Major: Journalism/ Business Communications

Graduated: Brooklyn LIU: BA  June 1997

Why Omega Phi Beta? OPB exemplifies what a sorority should be all about. Dedication,

commitment, caring and diversity. Their contribution to fundraising for numerous

causes and the ability to stay true to each individual heritage and culture represents to me a

level of integrity and character that is admirable.. It was and still is a blessing to have

met and hopefully to meet the woman who make up this wonderful.

Anjanette Cabrera

Location: Queens, New York

Ethnicity: Dominican and Puerto Rican

Major: English Literature

Graduated: May 1997

Why Omega Phi Beta? I pledged Omega Phi Beta because I was impressed with the

 organization's commitment to community service and the empowerment of the Latino

community.  OPB exemplified the commitment, discipline, and sisterhood that I recognized

 as essential for me to reach my full potential.

Mary Kay Brady

Location: Aberdeen, Maryland

Ethnicity: Irish American

Major: Criminal Justice Major/ Spanish Minor

Graduated: May 1996 with Bachelors

January 1997 with Masters

Why Omega Phi Beta? It was the only organization that was talking about community

service.  At the time sorority life on campus has the party reputation and Omega Phi Beta

offered something that represented what was important to me.  I learned to respect myself,

where I came from, and where I was going.

Cynthia Ortiz

Location: West Haven, Connecticut

Ethnicity: Puerto Rican

Major: Criminal Justice and Masters is Education

Graduated: May of 1996, Masters May of 2006

Why Omega Phi Beta? I wanted to join an organization where I could make an impact

on the community through sisterhood and networking between organizations.

Location: Yonkers, NY

Ethnicity:  Cuban, Jewish, Russian
Major: Psychology  and Masters in Education (Special Education)
Graduated: May 1997

Maria Espinal

Location: Far Rockaway, New York

Ethnicity: Dominican

Major / minor: Math/Physics

Graduated: May 1997

Why Omega Phi Beta?  I was impressed by the sisters that were in the organization

at the time.  They were all professional and had many accomplishments which made them

successful in their fields.  These were all things I wanted and looked up to as a freshman. 

I made the right choice.

Beta Line: Inicio

Jesenia Cruz

Location: Queens, NY

Ethnicity: Dominican

Major: Sociology Major

Graduated: January 2000

Why Omega Phi Beta? The Betas at school all represented a respectful, professional,

outgoing and well-rounded womanhood.  I knew that these were the kind of women I wanted

others to associate me with. Today they still represent what I believe in.

Janice Reyes

Location: Bronx, NY

Ethnicity: Dominican/ Chilean

Major: Education non school setting

Graduated: May 1998

Why Omega Phi Beta? The reasons I pledged are simple, Omega Phi Beta signifies leadership,

strength and networking.  I knew that it would be something that I would hold dear to

my heart forever, as I have.

Diane Ines Bustamante
Location: Jackson Heights, Queens

Ethnicity: Colombian/Argentine descent
Major: Nutrition

Graduated: May 1998

Why Omega Phi Beta? I was very interested in OPB after witnessing my closest friend at

CW Post since High School Anjanette pledge (Spring 94). I admired the professionalism a

nd the dedication of the sisters on campus. I was quite involved with their community

service activities and liked the way they carried themselves in public.  They truly

exemplified for me the true meaning of a sisterhood and empowering young

college women into professionals of today.

Sefi Fernandez

Location:  Staten Island, NY

Ethnicity:  Dominican

Major: Political Science

Graduated:  May 2000

Why Omega Phi Beta?  I pledged because I wanted to be part of an organization

that gave back to my community and served as role models for children in the community. 

 It was important that the organization reflected my roots and had a strong reflection of sisterhood.

Gamma Line: Valiente 

Lydia Jimenez

Location: Farmingville, NY
Ethnicity: Puerto Rican/Ecuadorian
Major: Business Administration
Grad: ongoing

Why Omega Phi Beta? I pledged Omega Phi Beta because of our goals and values. 

The women on campus were phenomenal, they were active by holding positions on the

student body organizations.  The events were well thought out and always meant to educate.

Ramona Peralta

Location: Long Island, NY

Ethnicity: Dominican

Major:  Marketing

Graduated: May 2000

Why Omega Phi Beta?  After getting to know the sisters on campus, I realized what

a strong group of women they were and i was drawn to learn more about them. I learned that

they were all working to make a difference on campus, for OPB, in other peoples lives and

more importantly, to become stronger individuals themselves. I saw in these women, power,

 success, strength, achievement, and love for one another, and at that point I realized that

it would be an honor to be part of an organization like this.

Delta Line: Esperanza

Michelle "Little" Leigh Rosado

Location: Bronx, NY

Ethnicity: Puerto Rican

Major: Finance and Marketing

Graduated: BS 2001 and International Business -MBA 2003

Why Omega Phi Beta? OPB exemplifies the standards I set for myself as a woman and as a

Latina. I admire the respect every Beta women commands, the commitment to

community service and intolerance of domestic violence.

Dina Ramos

Location: Orlando, Florida
Ethnicity: Puerto Rican/ Dominican
Major: BA in Psychology working on Master in Education
Graduated: May 2000

Why Omgea Phi Beta? The reason I pledged was because of our motto

"serving and educating throughout our diversity." Plus the women I had

met in the organization all represented strength and determination which is a

characteristic I believe all women should have.   After attending an informational

I knew in my heart this was for me and it was.  

Location: Yonkers, NY

Ethnicity: Dominican

Major: Peace Studies, May 2003

Masters: Juris Doctorate, May 2008

Why Omega Phi Beta?I wanted to join an organization that had a strong sisterhood

with women who I respected and admired.  Omega Phi Beta provided that and more,

the women are incredible, the work we do to improve the world around us is admirable

and the experience of pledging was unlike any other.  It forced me to develop a source of

strength that I continue to draw upon to this day and for that I will be forever grateful!

Epsilon Line: Horizon

Gissel Rosario-Rodriguez

Ethnicity:  Dominican & Cuban

Major: BA in Economics

Graduated: May 2003

Why Omega Phi Beta?  I saw the way the women of OPB carried themselves

on and off campus and all they did for their organization and community as a whole. 

 They demonstrated a bond and a sisterhood that I wanted to be a part of.

Vinely Cruz

Location: Corona, New York

Ethnicity: Domincan

Major: Business Management/ Women Studies

Graduated: May 2004 from Stony Brook (Theta Chapter)

Why Omega Phi Beta? Having no biological sisters I knew that I wanted to be a

part of an organization that was going to be a life long sisterhood. When I saw the sisters

of OPBSI I  was immediately  pulled to them as they encompassed everything that I seeked for

in  an organization: professional, social, respected but above all the sisterhood they displayed

was genuine. As a freshman, I knew that this was something that I wanted to pursue as this

 organization was a perfect fit for me. I became a member of OPBSI that following Spring and

my college career would not have been the same without it. I have built life long friendships

and bonds that will last a lifetime.

Eta Line: Yaminah

Daiana Hidalgo

Location: Manhattan, NY
Ethnicity: Dominican
Major: International Business
Graduated: May 2004

Why Omega Phi Beta?  The moment I came across OPBSI,

I knew I had to pledge.  The more I learned about this radiant org,

the more I knew I had to be a part of it.  I knew I had to be part of a

sisterhood that stands for so much and does so much.  It is in my HEART!

Theta Line: Destino-Solitario

Vanessa Saldana
Location: Washington Heights, NY
Ethniciy: Dominican
Dual Major: Business Management & Marketing
Graduated: May 2005

Why Omega Phi Beta? I identified well with the sisters from our campus as from others.

I felt this would be a great organization to join to better myself as well as to be involved on campus.

Iota line: Levi-drisana

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Ethnicity: Dominican

Major: Health Care Administration

Graduated: May 2008

Lakeisha L. Thomas

Location: Medford, Long Island
Ethnicity: Guyanese
Major: BS in Accountancy

Graduated: May 2006

Why Omega Phi Beta?  I always wanted to be apart of something greater in college.

Being in a sorority, I thought that "something" would be it. When I noticed Omega Phi Beta,

I loved all of the women's determination, friendship, and togetherness.

I loved their professionalism and how they knew how to separate business and personal.

Everything I wanted in an organization was put together nicely in what became my heart, Omega Phi Beta.

Amanda E. Sanchez

Location: Bethpage, Long Island

Ethnicity: Puerto Rican

Major: Childhood Education

Graduated: May 2008

Why OPB? When I first went to a club fair and met these wonderful sisters,

I was amazed at how welcoming they were.  I went to an informational to see

what they were all about and I knew right then that this was the organization for me. 

This organization had done so much nationally as well as on the C.W. Post Campus

and I wanted to be a part of its herstory.  I respected the sisters of this organization so much

because they were always honest with me. I felt a sense of belonging when I was with these women. 

Overall, the professionalism, herstory and women of this organization is what drew me to become a part

of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

Ashley Mercado

Location: Bronx, NY

Ethnicity: Puerto Rican

Major: Business Management/ Human Resources

Minor: Sociology in Lehman College

Graduated: May 2009

Why Omega Phi Beta? I felt like it represented me as a person. 

OPBSI consists of professional women that engage in community service and embody real sisterhood.

Kappa Line: Alamea-Lyn

Maribel Collado

Location:  Lower East Side, New York

Ethnicity:  Dominican

Major: Criminal Justice

Graduated:  May 2007

Why Omega Phi Beta? I saw the way OPB carried themselves on campus

 community as whole and the bond of sisterhood both on and off campus.

The women of OPB always stood out in every campus I went to and I loved that!