Issue No. 1, 2024 Quarterly Magazine

Check out the fall 2024 edition of the Quarterly!

Also Inside | Leadership Programming | The Power of Female Friendship | Chapter News

A Look Inside

Snapshot Familiarize yourself with all of our program offerings, from leadership development and career readiness to sexual violence prevention education and critical DEI topics. Limitless Meet some outstanding Alpha Phis pursuing limitless excellence in their personal and professional lives. Alpha Phi Finds Check out our 2024 holiday gift guide for all things Alpha Phi! Guides Us Home Get an inside look at our new Executive Office in Denver, Colorado! Being Well It’s no secret that Alpha Phis value female friendship, but how powerful are these relationships exactly and what benefits do they offer?

Amongst the Ivy Check in on accomplishments and updates from our undergraduate members and chapters. Alpha Phi, Always Catch up on the latest news from our alumnae members and chapters.

Silent Chapter Join us in honoring our sisters’ passings.

Ask Alpha Phi We asked, and you answered. Check out our members’ answers to the latest social media poll question. Iconic Look back at a moment in Alpha Phi’s history preserved forever through HistoryIT.

1985 S. Josephine Street, Denver, Colorado 80210

Editorial Policy The purpose of the Alpha Phi Quarterly and its content is to provide information and services to the membership of the Alpha Phi Fraternity, in keeping with the Fraternity’s status as a 501 (c) (7) tax-exempt private membership organization. The magazine is devoted to highlighting its members and matters of fraternal and collegiate interest. The views expressed in the articles published in the Quarterly are those of the authors and their contributors, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Alpha Phi Fraternity, its officers or staff. Questions Please direct any submission questions or inquiries regarding advertising or reprint permissions to the editor at quarterly@alphaphi.org.

AlphaPhi.org

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On the Cover Mandy Stein (Omega-Texas) on site at her nonprofit, Neema International, in Tanzania.

How One Alpha Phi Is Making a Global Impact Get to know Mandy Stein (Omega-Texas) and learn the story behind her life's work and purpose — Neema International — that is bringing education-based reform to the Uru region of Tanzania. Page 20

International President Kate Halfon (Eta Delta-CSU East Bay)

Fall is such a special time in Alpha Phi. Most of our chapters are recruiting and bringing more women into our sisterhood, the excitement of a new school year brings new opportunities for growth and learning, and school spirit runs strong with club fairs and college football. This fall is extra special as we reopen our Executive Office in our new headquarters building in Denver. The IEB voted to move the office in 2021 and the building in Evanston was sold in November of 2022. Since then, we have operated without a dedicated space. The new office was unveiled with a ribbon cutting ceremony in October. The board and staff are all excited for this project to be complete and to have a place for meeting and sharing our rich history. The office is a multiuse space with the Fraternity, the Foundation and our Iota Xi chapter at the University of Denver sharing the building. There will be museum spaces throughout the building and various spaces for leadership training, staff collaboration, private meeting spaces, eating and sleeping. History played a big part in much of the design of this new office space, and we continue to work with HistoryIT to make sure our history is preserved. Every member can help with this endeavor by contributing to the digital museums so that future generations can know and understand the Alpha Phi that you experienced. Learn more in our Iconic segment. Our cover story highlights our amazing sister, Mandy Stein, and the important work she and her organization, Neema International, are doing in Tanzania. Their focus on educating

children holistically starting at an early age helps change the trajectory of their lives. Their unique bottom-up approach allows the communities they work with to act as their own agents of change making sure the specific needs of the community are met. In Being Well, we share the science behind the power of strong female friendships. I know my life has changed, and I imagine many of yours by some amazing women I met when I joined Alpha Phi and then over my years of volunteering. You can also enhance your leadership skills with some of our leadership development opportunities. These programs are only possible due to the generous support of our Alpha Phi Foundation donors who believe in developing leaders. If you have never made a donation to the Alpha Phi Foundation, I encourage you to do so today. Any gift is appreciated, and you can be proud to say you helped women become empowered leaders. As we head into the holiday season you can check out some great gifting ideas. I wish you all a meaningful holiday season surrounded by what is important to you.

Loyally,

Kate Halfon (Eta Delta-CSU East Bay) International President

Ex-officio: Rebecca Andrew Zanatta, Foundation Chair Foundation Directors Rebecca Andrew Zanatta, Chair Janelle Del Carlo, Vice Chair, Development Jackee Schools, Vice Chair, Funding Priorities Claire Costin, Treasurer Shana Goss Smith, Secretary Barbara Chappell Tingley, Assistant Treasurer Janis Coughlin-Piester, Assistant Secretary

Linda Schnetzer Acting Executive Director Ex-officio: Kathleen (Kate) Boyle Halfon, International President Executive Office Executive Director: Renee Smith Zimmerman Zainer

International Executive Board Kate Boyle Halfon International President Billie Coskey Battiato Dawn Kreisel Bauer Karen Bloch Bavender Christen Bamford Shelton Flamm Jenny Concepción Hansen

Foundation Office Acting Executive Director: Linda Schnetzer 1985 S. Josephine Street Denver, Colorado 80210 (847) 475-4532

info@alphaphifoundation.org www.alphaphifoundation.org National Panhellenic Conference

Elizabeth MeLampy Keri Miller Van Acker Ex-officio: Laura Malley-Schmitt, Council of Delegates Ex-officio: Renee Zimmerman Zainer, Executive Director

1985 S. Josephine Street Denver, Colorado 80210 (847) 475-0663 fraternity@alphaphi.org www.alphaphi.org

Council of Delegates: Laura Malley-Schmitt Chief Panhellenic Officer: Linda Long Boland Alternate Delegate: Laura Lynn Davidson Ellett

Susan McNeice Sheryl Barden Dara Goldsmith Jennifer Johnston

“

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

– Nelson Mandela

Find out why Mandy Stein (Omega-Texas) left her life in the United States behind to found Neema International, a grassroots education-focused nonprofit in Tanzania dedicated investing in the lives of children as young as six months old and supporting them through the completion of their university years.

Page 20

How Programming Brings Our Ideals to Life

Take a closer look at the Fraternity’s wide array of program offerings and leadership opportunities!

By Anna Claire Howard

“Participating in the Buzz and StepUp! programs has given me the confidence to make informed choices, step up for others and truly embody the values of integrity and responsibility. The StepUp! program taught me how to take action when a sister needs support, while The Buzz opened my eyes to realistic approaches to navigating college life safely. These experiences have not only strengthened my courage, but also deepened my commitment to the well- being of my sisters and my own personal growth." – Louise Barnacle (Beta Gamma-Colorado)

As Alpha Phi members, we are honored to uphold the Fraternity’s High Ideals of Membership: character, generosity, sisterhood and innovation. Guided by these ideals and its overarching strategic plan, Alpha Phi has procured many empowering programs to actively support the growth, education, health and wellbeing of its membership during their undergraduate years and beyond. Through partnerships with subject matter experts and forward-thinking companies, Alpha Phi provides cutting-edge programming tailored to the diverse learning styles of Gen Z. Focused on topics relevant to today’s collegiate life, these programs are thoughtfully chosen to complement the educational experiences our members receive at their host institutions. With both in-person and virtual options, Alpha Phi remains dedicated to delivering the best in character-building and personal growth experiences to more than 280,000 members across 174 college campuses in the United States and Canada. Thank you to the generosity of Alpha Phi Foundation donors for making these programs possible. Read on to learn about some of these exciting offerings!

Live Courageously Series Alpha Phi’s commitment to member health and well- being is fundamental to our mission. Following the Risk Reduction & Safety Philosophy adopted in January 2019, we aim to equip our members with the tools they need to live courageously — not only for themselves, but for their sisters as well. As a membership-based organization, Alpha Phi builds sisterhood through shared ideals of generosity, character development, and a commitment to lifelong friendship. In these social experiences, our members share a deep mutual concern for each other’s safety and well-being. Alpha Phi’s Risk Reduction & Safety Philosophy empowers members to make informed decisions, realize their full potential and exemplify characteristics of social responsibility, personal integrity and intellectual honesty. Alpha Phi believes the membership experience contributes to the personal growth and development of our members, and we are committed to providing several critical programs that empower our members to live courageously, including: • StepUp!: As the foundation of the Live Courageously program, StepUp! emphasizes a “take action” approach to intervening when a member needs help. This award-winning program was created by the University of Arizona and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and it has been modified to speak to the Alpha Phi experience. It is facilitated by Alpha Phi’s dynamic League of Coaches. • The Buzz: Presented through Alpha Phi’s League of Coaches, this fun, game-oriented and conversational approach to alcohol education for college students is all about being relevant and realistic. • Alcohol Safety: An element of Alpha Phi’s dynamic new member program, this three-part online course utilizes real-life examples and interactive scenarios to teach the fundamentals of safe alcohol consumption. • Hazing Awareness and Prevention: Through this program, members learn foundational education on the best practices of hazing prevention and teaches how to recognize, prevent and report hazing.

Take Note

Alpha Phi’s leadership has developed many empowering programs to actively support the growth, education, health and wellbeing of its membership during their undergraduate years and beyond.

Stand Together Alpha Phi believes that a diverse experience during college enriches each member’s ability to thrive in an inclusive society. As Alpha Phis, we expect our members to live up to our High Ideals of Membership and to show the best qualities of character by being fair, inclusive and supportive. Through the Stand Together Series programming, Alpha Phi helps members create a sense of belonging and connectedness that engages individuals in an authentic manner where uniqueness is valued, respected and supported through opportunities and interaction. We are committed to providing resources that build cultural competence, as well as to actively engage in conversations that challenge one another to uphold the highest tenants of human dignity. Stand Together programming includes: • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Education: Presented in partnership with learning and development specialist Hailey Mangrum, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Education curriculum supports collegians, volunteers and alumnae members’ competence and understanding of topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Through challenging, thought-provoking and high- impact programming suited for engagement, behavior change and learning, this curriculum aims to inspire Alpha Phis to influence change, teaches members how to challenge others while remaining respectful and equips our members to drive action in their communities. (Check out the winter 2024 issue of the Quarterly at bit. ly/Winter2024Quarterly for our conversation with Hailey and how she builds sisterhood and belonging through DEI initiatives!) • Sexual Violence Prevention Education: Alpha Phi proudly partners with industry expert Bonny Shade to present a diverse offering of resources around sexual violence education and prevention. Designed to support survivors, officers, volunteers and allies, this series of webinars and keynotes is open to all members and will impact their personal journey and community. • Behind Happy Faces: This innovative program encourages members and advisors to have authentic conversations about mental health. It can be accessed in LEARN Alpha Phi. The five core lessons of this program focus on collaborative group work and utilize a two-part system to teach interactive lessons about mental health. The four additional lessons allow participants to explore concepts of stress, procrastination and the neuroscience of happiness. • Understanding Self and Others: This program is a guided conversation that specifically addresses identity, implicit bias and the impact of language in our everyday lives. It also facilitates a conversation on the impact of intersectionality and hidden harm. Participants will explore and reflect on the role of their personal

identity. Designed to allow chapter leaders, peers or volunteers to facilitate, this program is accessed in LEARN Alpha Phi.

Legacy of Leaders Alpha Phi takes immense pride in offering our members ample opportunities to develop and hone valuable leadership skills and to put them into action in the community. The Legacy of Leaders programming inspires collegians and alumnae to influence positive change in our world. There are several facets of this programming, including more than a dozen individual programs. We’ve chosen to highlight some of them here, but please visit alphaphi.org/legacy-of-leaders to view them all. • Career Lab: Developed in partnership with career coach, talent development consultant and founder of Career Maven Consulting, Tiffany Waddell Tate, Career Lab brings career development and personal growth tools directly to Alpha Phi’s membership to help them stand out and step up in the professional setting. Through live sessions facilitated by Tiffany, we tackle various topics focused on success, authenticity and confidence in the workplace. • Leadership Hand in Hand: Designated to motivate, encourage and invite internal reflection for participants, Leadership Hand in Hand provides Alpha Phi leaders an opportunity to explore their leadership abilities in a space dedicated specifically for them. Professionally developed and facilitated by The Story Matters founders and professional speakers James Robilotta and Tina Van Steenbergen, Leadership Hand in Hand brings resources and education to Alpha Phis directly through a variety of formats. • Build the Skill: During Build the Skill, you will gain valuable professional development skills in any and all tracks you complete. Plus, when you complete the discussions and activities fully, you will be awarded the digital badge. These can be attached to your professional profiles such as Handshake and LinkedIn and signify your completion of our program and show employers and professionals that you are actively developing your skills. • Prepare for Academic Success Series (PASS): In partnership with University of Arizona’s Think Tank, students are provided a positive environment where they can master the skills needed to become successful lifelong learners. • Alumni Learning Consortium: Alumni Learning Consortium is an online events platform designed exclusively to bring dozens of best-selling authors and thought leaders directly to you! Three to four livestreamed events take place each month for alumna to join, with varying topics such as career and personal development, personal growth, health and wellness, parenting and life stages. You can watch these events live or catch the recording on your own time.

League of Coaches The League of Coaches is

comprised of a diverse group of alumnae volunteers and industry experts who share their knowledge and expertise with Alpha Phi. To continue to meet the ever-changing needs of our members, the Fraternity continues to add new programs to the League of Coaches course catalog year after year. Upon request, alumnae coaches travel to collegiate chapters to facilitate innovative and interactive programming such as StepUp!, The Buzz and Revitalize.

Generous Hearts Alpha Phis are change-makers who want to make a positive difference in the world around them. Whether it is through supporting the Alpha Phi Foundation and its five vital programs, raising awareness for important causes on campus or participating in acts of service to improve their communities, Alpha Phis are committed to serving others and looking beyond themselves. Our members have instituted chapter-wide volunteer initiatives at women’s shelters, local schools, animal rescues, hospitals and more. The Generous Hearts programming not only reflects this longstanding commitment to giving back; it provides new opportunities for community involvement and education. 

Scholarship Recipient Recap $254,500 in scholarships awarded to 83 Alpha Phis; 56 undergraduates, 27 graduates

aphifdn.org/Fall24Scholars

Epsilon Nu Scholarship “I am incredibly grateful to have received the Epsilon Nu Scholarship in pursuing my undergraduate dual degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology. Receiving the Alpha Phi scholarship is a profound honor that will significantly support my journey toward achieving my professional aspirations. This scholarship not only alleviates financial burdens but also symbolizes the empowering impact of sisterhood within Alpha Phi. The invaluable experiences and mentorship I’ve gained through Alpha Phi have not only shaped my collegiate years but continue to inspire me as I pursue my dreams beyond graduation.” – Julianna Sorensen (Epsilon Nu-Delaware)

The 2025-2026 scholarship application opens December 1, 2024. Save The Date

Kathleen Roy Cummings Memorial Scholarship

“This scholarship is not just financial support, much like how Alpha Phi is not just a sorority. It’s a source of encouragement and a symbol of our amazing community.” – Isabel Su (Beta-Northwestern)

Learn more at: aphifdn.org/25-26Scholarship

Linda Gardner Massie Scholarship “This scholarship will help me focus on my studies more and lessen the stress of a financial burden. It will help me afford more educational tools to further my education. It will also help me explore more efficient ways to further my education.” – Stacy Ford (Delta Alpha-East Carolina)

$1.5M granted to Alpha Phi Fraternity in support of continuing leadership education for collegians and alumnae in FY24.

Alpha Phi Foundation proudly announced two recipients of the Heart to Heart Grant for 2024.

$100,000 Clinical Grant to Barnes-Jewish Hospital $25,000 Community Grant to University of Missouri

In FY24, Alpha Phi Foundation granted more than $72,000 to 44 sisters in need through the Forget-Me-Not Fund.

Visit aphifdn.org/Fall24Impact or use the QR code to view our new interactive Donor Impact Report online, including donor listings videos and much more!

Thank you to all our generous Foundation donors for making these gifts possible and funding the future of Alpha Phi!

COL. (RET.) REBECCA STOREY HOOPER, P.T., PH. D. (Gamma Nu-Miami University) With more than 30 years of active-duty military experience and civilian work under her belt, Col. Rebecca “Becky” Storey Hooper (Gamma Nu-Miami University) understands what it takes to be a leader. In fact, she originally planned to become an architect, but fate had other plans. “I went to Miami University to study architecture, but I didn’t fit in,” Becky recounted. “I changed my major to physical education, which sparked my interest in physical therapy. It was the Army, actually, that helped me realize what I had learned in physical education could be carried over into the medical field. My mentor at the time even told me, ‘You’re going into physical therapy, and that’s just physical education on a one-on-one basis.’ I just fell in love with that.” After graduating from Miami University in 1974 and joining Alpha Phi's Gamma Nu Chapter, she entered the U.S. Army-Baylor University Graduate Program in Physical Therapy. Upon earning her master's, she was commissioned as a second lieutenant. She fulfilled her Army commitment at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, before pursuing private practice for several years. Those opportunities have afforded great experiences for Hooper along the trajectory of her physical therapy (PT) career, including many chances to tackle both the administrative and practical sides of medicine. For example, she served in South Korea for a year as the only American physical therapist on her post (and in the entire country). “I learned a lot about myself and a lot about physical therapy in that environment,” Becky expressed. “When you’re in a situation where you’re the only one, you have to rely on yourself.” That sense of self-reliance propelled Hooper through her other clinical and staff assignments and led to her position as the 15th Chief of the Army Medical Specialist Corps in 2000. In this position, she was charged with the responsibility of overseeing more than 1,000 army occupational therapists, physical therapists, dietitians and physician assistants worldwide. She served in that capacity for four years and finished her time on active

Becky embracing her Gamma Nu sister, and former roommate, Bonnie Don Watcher, at their 50th reunion.

Pictured here: Becky and her Gamma Nu sisters at their 50th reunion earlier this year.

possible, to be her most rewarding assignment. When asked for advice for younger women interested in a similar career, she simply said, “Do it!” “What other program pays you to go to school and then has a job waiting for you when you’re done?” Becky implored. “Yes, you have a couple of years’ commitment to pay back to the institution, but my goodness, not everybody finds you a job, and we do that. Plus, having a pension and living in cool places making a real impact in peoples’ lives is a nice perk.” Becky is married to Col. (Ret.) Travis Lee Hooper, a retired Armor officer, and they live in San Antonio. She recently celebrated 50 years of being an Alpha Phi with seven of her sisters. “It’s magical, really,” Becky shared. “It was like we had only been gone for a summer when we all got together again. I had not seen [some of these women] in 45 years, but it was as if no time had gone by at all.” Thank you for your service to our country and your dedication to Alpha Phi, Becky!

duty serving as the chief of the Department of Health Education and Training for the Academy of Health Sciences, AMEDD center and school. Prior to this, Becky was selected to be the Chief Physical Therapist for the Army, which took her to Washington D.C. Becky’s education includes a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Texas at Austin in 1995 and graduation from the Army War College at Carlisle Barracks in 1996. Her awards include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Surgeon General’s “A” Proficiency Designator, the Order of Military Medical Merit and the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service. In February of 2006, just a month after retiring from the Army, Becky accepted a position as the program manager for the Center for the Intrepid (CFI) at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, Texas. She worked at the CFI until her retirement from civil service on January 31, 2014. Becky considers her time working with the dedicated staff at the CFI, ensuring that wounded service members received the best care

CLAIRE WINTER (Beta Delta-UCLA) Professional Soccer Player and Entrepreneur

As a former college athlete and current professional soccer player, Claire Winter (Beta Delta-UCLA) is known for her defensive grit and ability to score key goals against opponents on the soccer field. But did you know she’s also an Alpha Phi legacy? Claire’s mother, Lisa Boscacci Winter, was president of the Epsilon Chi Chapter at California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo from 1988-1990. Two of her aunts were also members of the same chapter, making Alpha Phi a family tradition. It’s safe to say that Alpha Phi is a way of life in Claire’s family. “Growing up, whenever the topic of college was brought up, it became a great segue for my mom to share stories about Greek life,” Winter shared. “She would recount the wonderful times she had in her sorority, including date parties, meeting my dad at his fraternity and serving as president of her chapter from 1988 to 1990. It just so happens that my mom and two aunts were all Alpha Phis […], so I would be lying if I said I didn't have my mind set on Alpha Phi.” However, college looked a little different for Claire than it did for most undergraduates, including her own family members.

“Unlike my mom and aunts, I was a college athlete, which is essentially a full-time job,” Claire continued. “Most sports teams at UCLA did not allow girls to [go through recruitment]. However, my coaches agreed to let me if it didn't interfere with my performance. In the end, joining Alpha Phi was the best thing I could have done for my game, as it provided me with an outlet where I could go and decompress at the house with my friends without talking or thinking about soccer. I am so grateful I was able to carry on my mom and aunts’ legacies by joining the Beta Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi at UCLA.”

Pictured in circle: Claire with friends from UCLA and Beta Delta before a formal event.

Pictured here: Action shot of Claire when she played for the Orlando Pride. Pictured right: Claire and her fiancé, Tyler Van Matre, in the Orlando Pride stadium.

While Claire was unable to hold any officer roles with Alpha Phi during her college years due to her commitment to college-level sports, she did hold multiple leadership positions with the UCLA Women's Soccer team including team captain her senior year. “Being in a sorority has made me incredibly open- minded” Claire expressed. “Living in a house with so many girls from different backgrounds and upbringings puts a lot into perspective. I am now extremely open with everyone I meet, engaging with and listening to their stories.” Claire also credits Alpha Phi with helping her improve her abilities and confidence in large group situations, something she often relates to soccer. “Alpha Phi allowed me to flourish in large group settings,” Claire explained. For example, if I have a weekend tryout for a team and I’m only with a group of 60-plus girls for that weekend, I will probably never see most of them again. However, I have to go out of my way to connect with some of them as best I can [because] the connections you make off the field translate better on the field. If you make no effort to get to know people, I guarantee your tryout will not be as successful. You are more likely to pass to someone on the field with whom you have connected than to someone you haven’t spoken more than two words to.”

These communication and leadership skills have carried Claire a long way. She first started playing soccer at 4 years old, and since she was 8 all she has wanted to do is become a professional soccer player. Mission accomplished. Claire has earned a reputation as a tactical and technical playmaker on the soccer field. She holds a 100% passing percentage in her appearances with her previous team, the Orlando Pride, as a 2024 National Team Replacement Player, logging 75 minutes over two games. In addition to her time in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), she has played all over the world, including Thy Thisted Q in Denmark, Treaty United in Ireland and RCD Espanyol in Spain. Claire’s career highlights include captaining the Puerto Rico Sol in 2019 where she led the team in goals per game and was the league’s leading scorer with eight goals and two assists in six games. During her time at UCLA, she was part of the 2013 NCAA National Championship- winning team and served as team captain in 2017, earning Pac-12 Honorable Mention and other accolades. She also represented the United States at the youth national level, playing for the U14 and U15 teams and attending camps with the U17 and U18 squads. Her experience extends to leadership roles, serving as captain

for both her youth clubs and college teams. “I love soccer because it’s freeing; my creativity

In addition to her work on the soccer field, Claire is currently developing a groundbreaking

product for the fitness industry. While she is unable to reveal much about it at this time, she does have high hopes of debuting it on Shark Tank one day. Additionally, Claire is looking forward to marrying her college sweetheart and longtime partner, Tyler Van Matre. They recently became engaged and are planning to be wed next November. “I am currently in full-blown wedding planning mode,” Claire shared excitedly. “Tyler and I have been together since freshman year at UCLA, and we are approaching ten years together. We have supported each other in our respective careers — while I was playing professionally in Europe, he was attending UCI Law School. He is now a full-time attorney in Southern California while I continue to pursue my soccer career. We are each other's No. 1 fans and cannot wait to finally tie the knot in 2025.” Congratulations, Claire! Keep up the great work. 

explodes and my mind goes blank,” Claire shared. “There is

nothing better than being in a true flow state on the field. I have reached where I am now through tremendous hard

work and support from my family. I was the one working alone in my backyard, while they were the ones driving

me to practice and all of my extra workouts.” Claire just signed a 1-year contract with a new

professional team in Lexington, Kentucky. She said she is thrilled to start at a brand-new club that is in its first year in a new women's league called the USL Super League. She aspires to make the USWNT Olympic roster in the next four years so she can compete at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. “Women's soccer continues to grow each year, and I’m excited to pave the way for future generations of young girls,” Claire expressed.

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Since graduating in 2012, Emily has worked in campus marketing, collegiate recruitment for Alpha Phi and corporate recruitment, ultimately landing her at MasterClass as a senior recruiter. She traveled as an ELC for three years from 2012-2015 and then was the Program Manager of the ELC program for one year. She has also served the Fraternity as an active volunteer in roles including CCA, recruitment advisor, new member advisor and serving on the CCSC. She is currently in her favorite role of all-time as the international governor and chapter advisor for Beta Epsilon. Kennedy is a senior at the University of Arizona and is studying accounting. She currently serves as the chapter president for Beta Epsilon. Previously, she was a new member assistant and the vice president of health, wellness and accountability. We asked both sisters the same questions to compare their collegiate and sorority experiences. Here’s what they had to say! What was/is your favorite place to hang out on campus? Emily (E): Dirtbags (It's campus adjacent!) Kennedy (K): I spend most of my time on campus studying in Alpha Phi's study room or in our beautiful lanai. If I had to pick a second favorite spot, I'd have to say the Scented Leaf on University Boulevard!

What was/is the preferred social media platforms used by students? E: Facebook all the way! Instagram came out at the end of my senior year. Pinterest was also just becoming popular, as well! K: Instagram and TikTok!! What is your favorite chapter memory? E: Living in the house is a three-year- long memory I'll never forget. Being surrounded by friends 24/7, there was never a dull moment, a lonely meal or an hour with nothing to do. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and led me to form friendships I could never live without. K: After four years, it's hard to pick just one, but if I had to pick [then] I'd say getting to plan Sweetheart's Week with my best friend and roommate. From running errands and organizing donations and vendors, every moment was filled with fun. It was such a rewarding experience getting to raise $20,000 for the Alpha Phi Foundation! Any advice for incoming members? E: The friends you meet through Alpha Phi will be your everything for life. Let them in, and never let them go! K: Get involved! Alpha Phi is what you make of it. Come to lunch, meet new people, sign up for committees and enjoy every second of it. You always have a shoulder to lean on! 

Emily Coulouras and Kennedy Bailey both joined Alpha Phi’s Beta Epsilon Chapter at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, but they’re over 10 years apart. Both joined the Fraternity as freshman – Emily in 2008 and Kennedy in 2022. Despite the decade-long age gap and each being in different life stages, these two have more in common than you might think (besides their shared love of Alpha Phi). Do you know two sisters who were initiated at the same chapter with 10+ years between them? Email us at quarterly@ alphaphi.org for a chance to see them featured on this page in the future!

CampusTrends

Who were/are the popular bands?

E: Usher, Jason Derulo, Justin Bieber, Gaga, Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Carrie Underwood, Ke$ha and Taylor Swift.

D: Digital camera and a teasing comb. K: I love a cute shoulder bag! What was/is an accessory you can’t live without?

Credit: Amazon

K: My favorite artist is SZA, and I also love Taylor Swift and Tate McRae. House music is also super popular right now and includes DJs like John Summit, Dom Dolla and Chris Lake.

Credit: Safe and Sound HQ

We want to hear from you! Content Call!

Find out how Mandy Stein (Omega-Texas) has dedicated her life to breaking the cycle of poverty in Uru, Tanzania, by creating Neema International, an organization committed to transforming the lives of local children and young adults through grassroots education-based projects. Changing the W rld One Child at a Time

By Anna Claire Howard

– Mahatma Gandhi

andy Stein (Omega-Texas) isn’t the type of woman to encounter a problem or witness a wrongdoing and not do

something about it. She acts. So, when she first experienced Tanzania’s wicked cycle of poverty and how it affects the children there on a volunteer abroad trip in 2011 as a rising junior in college, she set out to sustainably correct it through an education-forward approach that synergized environmental and economic sustainability with creative learning and community engagement. Within one week of being in Tanzania on a volunteer abroad trip in 2011 Mandy met the children who would change the course of her life. A year later in 2012 and at just 20 years old, Mandy founded Neema International in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania in Africa, which was her pathway to making a sustainable impact in a community that desperately needed it. In 2013, Tanzania responded to poor national literacy rates by making education free. However, the government did not have the funding, workforce, infrastructure or physical resources to adequately meet the huge demand for education. According to Mandy, these government schools are extremely overcrowded and generally unsuccessful overall. With ratios of 60-80 students to one teacher, one book for every five to 10 students and the prevalence of corporal punishment, failure to succeed in this environment is the norm (and it’s accepted). Between the absence of an academic foundation or healthcare and the trauma and violence to which children in Uru are exposed, many children are set so far behind before they even have a chance to get started. This is where Mandy and Neema International come into play.

Pictured above: Mandy and some of the children from Neema International. Pictured right: An aerial view of Neema's campus.

Understanding Tanzania's Education System and Poverty Levels With a population of 64 million people …

74% of children in Tanzania are affected by multidimensional poverty.

Due to high birth rates, 44% of the population is under 15 years old.

Children are not eligible to attend government school until 6 or 7 years old.

There is less than 30% enrollment for secondary schooling. And of that total number, only 3% will continue with post- secondary education. Those without any academic or vocational options after the age of 13 will often start a family early and enter the cycle of poverty. Research shows that 52% of girls (one out of every four) who begun childbearing before the age of 18 have either zero formal education or have only completed primary school.

Neema responds to this vicious cycle of poverty by providing crucial educational and health resources to children within the family and community. Providing for children’s basic needs at a high-quality, English-immersion school ensures attendance and promotes whole-child development. “We improve the child’s environment from every angle by requiring parent involvement,” Mandy explained. “We respond to family stressors or emergencies by providing the social work, healthcare and advice they need, including emphasizing family planning. Children can use their English skills to help their family and community throughout their lifetime. We specifically invest in village development through investing in local infrastructure, human capital development and providing jobs.” When students graduate from the Uru Community Pre and Primary School, aka the Uru Academy, they move on to Neema’s sponsorship program where they are supported until they complete secondary school or university. According to Mandy, students who graduate secondary school typically have less children, better health, stronger financial stability and children of their own who also will graduate from secondary school. But it’s important to remember that the Uru Academy is more than a school; it's a community-based poverty alleviation project that aims to break the cycle of unemployment, poor health, high fertility and crime by providing crucial educational and health resources to children and their families. Quality education, positive adult-child relationships and adequate health and nutrition are essential to children's development. Neema International provides a multilateral, place-based intervention that meets these needs. “We are a place-based project, meaning that we take a multi-level approach to alleviating poverty in the community,” Mandy explained. “Neema International designed the Uru Academy to stop the cycle of poverty before it begins by providing for babies as young as six months to 10-year-old

Mandy with some of her kids and staff members, plus one of the Neema pups!

few children in 2012 to now fully supporting the education, healthcare and basic needs of over 250 children and families in addition to providing jobs for over 60 Tanzanian men and women who are now able to independently provide for their families. “To us, this is not a charitable endeavor, but an investment that has the potential to bring a thousand- fold return in lives empowered for generations to come,” Mandy said. In addition to the Uru Academy, Mandy and Neema also provide other opportunities to the community including the Neema International Educational Sponsorship (NIESP), which invests in the promising youth of Tanzania by providing them access to high-quality private institutions where they can discover their full potential; Neema Bags, a social enterprise that was created to provide jobs for women in Uru as well as a means to fund Neema International projects; and the Digitruck, an eco-friendly classroom that promotes students’ learning through the use of technology. “We want full fixes, not just minor improvements,” Mandy implored. “We use a bottom-up approach that responds directly to the needs identified by the individuals in this community who are dealing with these problems on a day-to-day basis.”

children. By requiring the support of families, we focus our efforts on improving the child’s environment from every angle.” Furthermore, Neema empowers the nearby village economically through infrastructure, human capital development and job creation. Using this approach to reduce the cycle of poverty ensures that any contributed funds are sustainably invested in the projects that directly help those who need it most in ways that have been proven to work in this community (and not just what we think will work here because it works for us in the developed world). “The children in our programs will serve as leaders who are able to continue the future alleviation of poverty in their village themselves long after we’re gone,” Mandy said. Furthermore, Neema is much more than Mandy. While it did start with only her, it has grown to include eight administration team members (including Mandy) and 56 other employees. “Neema would collapse without my employees,” Mandy emphasized. “They are unbelievably powerful, poised, resilient and just remarkable human beings.” Neema has grown significantly in recent years, from helping just a

Mandy leading a lesson with some of Neema's students outside.

Mandy and her 11-year-old son, Baraka

or an orphanage,” Mandy said. “Many of our children have parents and even siblings in the village. It’s just the culture here for parents to feel comfortable letting go of a child because they generally have so many more at home and the trauma they’ve endured has left them OK with not seeing their children again. But by providing a formal education and supporting these children, we’re able to teach them things their parents never had access to and hopefully break the cycle of poverty that makes an organization like Neema necessary.” Mandy was in her early twenties and an ocean away from her own parents when she took in her son, Baraka, as an infant who she later adopted. “You could ask my mother, and she would tell you that she cannot get over the fact that I never called home saying, ‘Mom, Baraka needs this. What do I do?’” Mandy shared. “From potty training and teething, from his early

Mandy’s Journey to Motherhood It’s also important to remember that Mandy is not an American who runs Neema from another country or allows herself to be far removed from the work she is doing. She is fully immersed in the Uru community. She lives there year-round and full time with her 11-year-old son, Baraka; her partner, Chris; and their four rescued dogs. She is engrained in this community and proud to call it home. “I have lived a life of privilege, and in a lot of ways compared to members of this community, I still do,” Mandy shared. “But I take my role in this community seriously, and it’s my passion and responsibility to give back to these families and these kids. It’s an honor I don’t take lightly.” And Mandy’s role as a mother not only to her own son but to the children at Neema is not lost on her. “This is not a missionary organization

days when he was very ill to when he started walking, I never called to ask a question or for advice because it just came so naturally to me. I’ve always been a caregiver, and that carried over into motherhood.” In addition to her son, Mandy is a mother figure to the children at Neema as well as many children in the village, including Baraka’s sister, Subira, who recently graduated from the Uru Academy. “I may be the one providing these opportunities for them, but I believe that I need them more than they need me because they are the key to my happiness,” Mandy shared. Make an Impact Neema International is a nonprofit sponsorships to remain in operation. “I don’t make a salary,” Mandy said. “One hundred percent of any money that is donated goes exactly to where we say it goes, whether that’s to cover a child’s education needs, for structural repairs, for items like clothing, toiletries, etc.” Mandy has stayed connected with her Alpha Phi sisters, some of whom have sponsored children at Neema and even visited Tanzania to meet the kids and assist however needed. organization, so it is completely dependent on donations and “I can't stress enough how supportive the Alpha Phi community has been,” Mandy said. “Even some women who I wasn’t necessarily close to in college have come over to help out, and now we are close because we’ve bonded over Neema.” Mandy recently launched a campaign to fill a 40-foot shipping container back home in Houston, Texas, with supplies the children at Neema needed. Alpha Phis rallied together with other community members to help stock this container and donate toward the cause. Earlier this summer, the container was delivered as Neema’s kids cheered in the background while supplies like clothing, books, toys, classroom supplies, toiletries and more were unloaded on site.

In addition to supplies donations, each of Neema’s children are matched with a sponsor so they can receive healthcare, education, mentorship and social work services, as well as having all of their physical needs met. Sponsorships range from $1,300 to $3,000 or more per year, depending on the age and educational level of the student. The goal is to follow each sponsored child all the way to the university level. Sponsors are not committed to sponsorship for this whole time period, but are encouraged to continue their support. Sponsorship is renewed on a year-by-year basis. “Telling one of my kids that they’ve been sponsored is like telling someone they’ve won the lottery,” Mandy said. “It completely changes the trajectory of their future and provides them with a sense of hope that that things will get better.” Sponsors receive updates, pictures and letters throughout the year, and all donations are tax deductible in the US and Canada. Donations, of course, are also welcomed. For example, just $50 can feed a family of four in Uru for one month, buy one year's worth of school supplies for a public school student, cover the health insurance of a child for one year, pay for a new desk and chair for a student, supplement the cost of six bags of cement for on-site development at Neema and even buy 20 pairs of shoes at the local secondhand market. Larger donations like $200 can go even further by covering a teacher’s salary for one month, all gas and transport for the school van, new computer for online learning and the internet fee for one month. Additionally, there are various on-site and remote volunteering opportunities available ranging from teaching and business development to grant development, fundraising and marketing development.

Mandy playing with some of the kids at Neema International.

To learn more about Neema International or to become involved, please scan the QR code or contact info@ neemainternational.org. 

2 024 Alpha Phi

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New Executive Office and Museum Opens in Denver

By Anna Claire Howard

The Fraternity is thrilled to announce the opening of its new Executive Office in Denver, Colorado! This is the seventh location of Alpha Phi’s Executive Office since 1921. On October 6, 2024, Alpha Phi’s stunning new Executive Office officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony. One hundred alumnae and collegiate sisters took part in the festivities and toured our new home.

The Executive Office shares a completely renovated building with the Iota Xi Chapter at the University of Denver. While the two share this space, the collegiate chapter has its own separate entrance from the Executive Office. The three-story Executive Office features conference rooms, office spaces and leadership development areas both the Fraternity and the Alpha Phi Foundation can utilize.

Additionally, a bunk room that sleeps 32 people in total (in 16 bunk beds) is available for volunteers and staff members to utilize when needed. However, this isn’t just a new office and training space. It also serves as Alpha Phi’s first-ever heritage museum. The museum features countless Alpha Phi artifacts like pins, handwritten notes and letters, vintage clothing items, heirlooms and more.

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