
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives
Hello!
My name is Fernanda Sanchez, and I am the current VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Alpha Chi Omega Epsilon Chapter at the University of Southern California. Alpha Chi Omega, we recognize the systemic oppression and racism Greek life was built upon. With this being said we, as a chapter, find how difficult it can be in Greek life to approach issues in diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as in society. However, this shouldn’t be a difficulty, rather an integral practice we must use to nourish diversity, equity, and inclusion in our chapters, on the row, and in our communities at large. As the next DEI of the chapter I plan to make Alpha Chi Omega safe, diverse, welcoming, and celebratory of all walks of life and incorporate DEI practices into our sisterhood. DEI is and should be an integral part of our daily lives and it starts here: in a system that used to disproportionately exclude DEI initiatives. With this being said, I will spearhead DEI initiatives within the chapter of Alpha Chi Omega and make sure every sister feels like they are at their forever home.
At Alpha Chi Omega, I am proud to say that over 50% of our sisterhood are BIPOC women! This is something to celebrate. As a first-generation Latina woman, I have seen firsthand what it means to be excluded. I have experienced microaggressions and been called a racial slur. In particular, Greek life was something I never wanted to be associated with, especially due to the history of racism. However, I found a safe space and home and Alpha Chi Omega, and strive to keep this feeling alike for everyone in our sisterhood. As a person of color, I try to be the best advocate for my community and be as empathetic to any situation as possible. Therefore, I will use my own experiences and tools I have gained to make Alpha Chi Omega a chapter that uses DEI practices to foster a safe and inclusive home for all sisters. It is my hope and job that all of our sisterhood feels safe, welcomed, and appreciated, and this is my top priority.
At first glance, I never thought I would be in a sorority or in Alpha Chi Omega for that matter, but the minute I walked into those bright red doors, I felt at home. All the girls were so nice and I felt instantly welcomed. I have called Alpha Chi Omega home ever since. As VP of DEI it is my goal to make sure all girls who enter our home feel comfortable, safe, seen, heard, and welcomed at first instance. I will ensure that all feelings of doubt and unwelcomeness are addressed through me first in order to resolve any issues. Through restorative practices, I plan to handle any issues or problems through practices that do not target anyone, but rather solve problems through conversation. Implementing restorative practices in our chapter will be an integral part of beginning DEI initiatives.
At Alpha Chi Omega, we recognize the lack of initiating DEI into our chapter in the past and making our BIPOC sisters feel safe, and are working to become a better place where we foster DEI through workshops, DEI movie nights, DEI sisterhood events, and social and service events with other organizations outside of Greek life. The chapter as a whole will dedicate itself to become a better representation of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and ensure all of our sisters are welcomed, seen, and heard.
I am so excited to begin this role at my chapter and cannot wait to see how we will bloom!
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Sincerely,
Fernanda Sanchez