OMEGA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED
HERSTORY
OMEGA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED
HERSTORY
Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on March 15, 1989 at the University at Albany, State University of New York. The historical marginalization of women, particularly women of color, has had a significant impact on the process by which multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-racial women ascertain educational, economic, social and political capital in American society. In response to this reality, seventeen women from various racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds synthesized their passion, commitment and motivation. They envisioned an organization that would unify women of color who were dedicated to correcting the injustices that have and continue to affect our communities.
As Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. moves towards the future, we can look back with pride. Since 1989, we have managed to serve and educate a multitude of communities, donated over $20,000 to organizations serving survivors of violence against women, served thousands of communities nationwide and continued to excel in our professional and academic endeavors. Most importantly, we continue to build a sisterhood that offers unconditional support, mentorship and exceptional leadership opportunities to our members.
Our Founders
The seventeen founders of Omega Phi Beta are each unique in
personality and cultural background. We proudly celebrate their diversity.
Saida Abrego {Salvadoran}
Ileana Adorno {Puerto Rican}
Ana E. Almonte {Dominican}
T. Lisa Auson {Chinese/Dominican}
Bevene B. Bablington {Jamaican}
Brunilda Y. Cruz {Puerto Rican}
Sara Delgado {Ecuadorian/Puerto Rican}
Nancy J. Diaz {Dominican}
Frances Echevarria {Puerto Rican}
Annette A. Ettrick {Panamanian}
Lissette Jorge {Dominican}
Samantha P. Lopez {Uruguayan}
Renee Padilla {Puerto Rican}
Grace Rivera {Puerto Rican}
Sylvia Toledo {Ecuadorian}
Michelle Vasquez {Puerto Rican}
Jane M. Vega {Irish/Puerto Rican}
Every year on March 15th sisters gather to celebrate our "Betaversary" and the vision of our 17 Radiant Founders to serve and educate through our diversity. Leading up to Founder’s Day the entire organization flies colors of Black, Forest Green, and Gold in honor of FOUNDER'S WEEK - a campaign held nation-wide from March 9th through 15th focusing on OPBSI's goals, values, and achievements.
SORORITY FACTS
MISSION
The purpose of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. 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.
VISION
Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. envisions a world without oppression, where empowered women celebrate the essence of womanhood and act as resources in the advancement of their communities.
MOTTO
“Serving and Educating
Through Our Diversity”
“Sirviendo y Educando
a Través de Nuestra Diversidad”
SORORITY FACTS
SORORITY MASCOT
Humming Bird
SORORITY FLOWER
Sunflower
SORORITY COLORS
Black, Forest Green & Gold
OUR PHILANTHROPY
Raising Awareness of Violence Against Women
Omega Phi Beta struggles to overcome the injustices and oppression of women in our society. We celebrate the success of the women of our past; recognize the accomplishments of women today; and promote and uplift future generations. Recognizing that violence against women hinders progression, we have broadened the scope of our National Philanthropy to include ALL forms of violence affecting our gender, including but not limited to: Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Mutilation, Stalking and Human Trafficking.
Through our broadened National Philanthropy, Raising Awareness of Violence Against Women, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to our community while making a profound commitment to women’s rights. We acknowledge the rigorous battle that lies ahead. However, through our partnership with Amnesty International (est. June 2005), we believe that as a united front, we will have the power to achieve our mission.