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Inclusion in Alpha Delta Pi

A Culture of Belonging in Alpha Delta Pi

Alpha Delta Pi affirms the worth of every individual and actively seeks and supports a membership which represents a diverse population. We ask our members to create an atmosphere where respect for different identities, personalities, experiences, backgrounds, and beliefs are encouraged. Alpha Delta Pi is committed to providing an inclusive space for our members and communities rooted in awareness, transparency, and foundational learning, and we believe an exceptional membership experience comes from the understanding that diversity and inclusion are strengths within our sisterhood as we celebrate the lived experiences of our members.

Alpha Delta Pi creates a culture of belonging through inclusive action in our membership selection process, educational initiatives, programming, policies and procedures, and organizational operations. We call upon all members to understand innate and learned biases so they may realize the impact they have on others, and we commit to learning from our sorority’s past in order to reduce barriers to membership. We will keep the guiding principles of high educational standards, respect for our fellow beings, service to others, and the empowerment of women at the forefront as we learn and evolve through open dialogue. We commit to continual efforts to be more intentional with our inclusionary work as we endeavor to live each day by our motto, We Live for Each Other, and ensure that in doing so, our lives will be enriched by true friendships and by unselfish service to mankind.

 

Alpha Delta Pi is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive sisterhood that celebrates the identities and lived experiences of our members. We want to ensure we are truly embodying our motto, We Live For Each Other, in our words and actions.

On June 3, 2020, Grand Council shared the sorority’s Strategic Plan for the triennium which includes the prioritization of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Developed over the course of several months, this plan identified inclusivity as one of the core values of our organization. 

Areas of focus include:  

  • Ensuring a multi-level and multi-faceted approach in addressing the needs of all organization members and integrating inclusive practices into Alpha Delta Pi.
  • Understanding the sorority experience through the lens of identity using assessment and evaluation.
  • Completing an education, resource, and policy audit to address shifting campus and chapter demographics.
  • Researching informed programs, policy, and operations to maintain a standard of excellence.
  • Enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion resources for members.
  • Determining appropriate preventative practices and restorative response process to ensure inclusive sisterhood.
  • Consistently reviewing methods to ensure relevancy to student and host institution expectations.

These steps are only a starting point in our efforts to be actively anti-racist and fulfill our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. They are the beginning of a multi-year plan developed by the Diversity and Inclusion Committee with the support of Sorority leadership. 

  • In 2017, Alpha Delta Pi formed the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group and this group transitioned to the Diversity and Inclusion Committee in 2019. This committee has developed education and resources, facilitated training for chapters and volunteers, provided chapter and alumnae volunteer support, and collaborated with Sorority leadership to support DEI strategic planning.
  • Educational sessions were held at Grand Convention 2017; in 2018 at Adelphean Compass, District Leadership Conference, and Leadership Seminar; and at Grand Convention 2019. These sessions were designed for collegiate officers and alumnae volunteers on topics relating to inclusive leadership, cultivating an inclusive sisterhood, understanding our history, and support the identities and lived experiences of members. DEI concepts continue to be infused into facilitator training and sessions for in-person experiences.
  • Launched Talk About It Tuesdays, an educational series consisting of both webinars, educational posts on social media, and an online community, for members to learn and engage with one another on various topics including diversity, equity, and inclusion; health and safety; and other topics impact our members today.
  • Provided education and resources for members to understand Alpha Delta Pi history, its impact today, and how we move forward to be a more inclusive organization. This item includes the Summer 2020 issues of The Adelphean, training, education, and resource development.
  • Built out support and resources for already existing Diversity & Inclusion Officers in our collegiate chapters, whether at chapter-level or on the campus Panhellenic.
  • Established Director of Inclusion position in the chapter officer structure.
  • Developed a bias incident reporting form and support procedures laid out, disseminated, and assessed for continuous improvement.
  • Created affinity spaces on Facebook for LGBTQ+ identified members, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) members, and Interfaith discussion.
  • Partnered with stakeholders, beginning with recruitment, membership experience, and Panhellenic, to evaluate current procedures and resources, identify priority areas for improvement from a DEI lens, and implement timeline for related updates and changes.
  • Implemented foundational education on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for collegiate members, chapter officers, alumnae volunteers, and staff in partnership with Campus Prevention Network.

Engaging in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts is a collective responsibility that requires both individual and organizational efforts. Here are some ways we invite our members to engage in these efforts:

  • Educate yourself. Participate in the Talk About It Tuesdays webinar series. Read, view, and listen to some of the recommended resources shared by the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.  
  • Invite others into the conversation with grace. Each individual comes into this discussion at a different place in their learning journey and holding each other accountable to do better is key to growth and change. 
  • Be an active bystander. Address acts of racism and oppression. Actively engage your sisters, family, friends, fraternity, and sorority communities in conversations about the need to educate and advocate against racism and oppression. 
  • Don’t tokenize others. Be careful not to lean on our sisters of color, especially our Black sisters, to educate you about these topics. There is emotional labor in their being the ones to educate while also managing their feelings – it is not their job to educate the whole.  
  • Advocate for and amplify the voices of those oppressed. This will look different depending upon our stage of life. It could involve peacefully protesting in support of addressing these issues, holding our sisters, including Sorority leadership, accountable for change, speaking up to ensure there is representation at the decision-making tables of your chapter, campus, or workplace, or inquiring about the diversity and inclusion strategic plan for your campus or workplace. 

 

 

The Sorority’s Work

 

From Our Members

 

 

 

Understanding Our History

As the first secret society for college women, Alpha Delta Pi has existed for over 170 years. While we have a long history and legacy, we recognize our responsibility to acknowledge our contributions to the racist and oppressive systems still in existence today. We are long overdue in taking responsibility to be better for all of our members, especially Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), and other marginalized identity groups.

The summer 2020 issue of The Adelphean includes a report on a year’s worth of research into our exclusionary past. This was not written in reaction to recent events. Our commitment to transparency and owning our history goes back long before summer of 2020.

Part of the rollout of this report includes the development of tools and resources for our chapters, volunteers, and members to have at the ready to assist in understanding Alpha Delta Pi’s history, learning from it, and moving forward to ensure ADPi is an inclusive space for all members.

Reading Guide and History Resources

Review The Adelphean reading guide along with additional resources as they become available.

We invite members to view a recording of our Talk About It Tuesday Webinar, Owning Our History with Eyes on the Future, as a starting point to examining and exploring Alpha Delta Pi History.

 

Meet the Diversity and Inclusion Committee

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee is comprised of alumnae volunteers and collegiate members who drive the vision and initiatives of Alpha Delta Pi as they relate to identity and equity for the sorority. Their roles include developing resources, facilitating educational experiences, advising sorority leadership, and supporting chapters. 

Vision: To encourage a membership that represents and supports a diverse population by celebrating our common values and appreciating the differences we each bring to create a sisterhood that is a welcoming space for all members.

This committee is comprised of members representing a variety of both invisible and visible identities, professions, and lived experiences. This committee is appointed each biennium with the current committee serving through 2023. If you have questions, please contact inclusion@alphadeltapi.com.

Members of this committee bring the following professional, volunteer, and lived experiences to Alpha Delta Pi:

Diamond Scott, J.D., Chair
Alpha Gamma — University of Missouri 

Professional Role

Director of Human Resources at The Kroenke Group

Relevant Experience 

  • Trained in Social Justice Mediation
  • Hotline volunteer for domestic violence center
  • Equity Consultant & Investigator in area of civil rights and Title IX
  • Green Dot Instructor Certified
  • Sigma Sigma Sigma Inclusive Excellence Committee Member 

ADPi Experience 

  • Panhellenic Relations Director
  • Former Alpha Gamma Executive Chapter Advisor
  • 2019 – 2021 Diversity & Inclusion Committee Member
  • Founding member of RMH Red Shoe Society

 

Anna Foster, Vice Chair
Alpha Pi — George Washington University 

Professional Role

Human Resources Manager at Altrata

Relevant Experience 

  • Northwestern University’s Leading Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in Organizations certificate  
  • LinkedIn Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging certification
  • Brené Brown Dare to Lead™ trained  
  • BA in International Affairs, includes relevant coursework

ADPi Experience 

  • 2020 – present Northern District D&I Liaison
  • 2021 Collegiate Leadership Summit facilitator 
  • 2019 – 2021 Diversity & Inclusion Committee 
  • 2020 Talk About it Tuesday facilitator 
  • Former Collegiate & Panhellenic Relations Chair, Charlotte Alumnae Association 
  • Former Director of Standards & Ethics, Alpha Pi 

 

Madeline Alexanian

Eta Upsilon — Wake Forest University

Professional Role

Student at Wake Forest University

Relevant Experience 

  • Member of cultural appropriation psychology lab 
  • Certified PEER Educator

ADPi Experience 

  • Member, Philanthropy Committee, Eta Upsilon 
  • Leader, Sponsorship Committee for annual Gala for Giving in support of RMH 

 

Allison Ball

Alpha Iota — University of Pittsburgh

Professional Role

Program Coordinator at Alpha Sigma Alpha

Relevant Experience 

  • Member of NPC Recruitment Committee
  • Brene Brown Dare to Lead trained
  • Experience writing and consulting about inclusive programming and curriculum
  • Undergraduate experience as student ambassador for DEI in Fraternity and Sorority Life
  • Undergraduate experience as peer educator with Sexual Assault Facilitated Education

ADPi Experience 

  • Former Chapter Support Coordinator and liaison to DEI Committee as an Alpha Delta Pi staff member
  • Hosted and supported several officer trainings both virtually and in-person.
  • 2021 Sorority Chapter Officer of the Year
  • Held chapter offices of Vice President of Member Development, Director of Inclusion, Director of Philanthropy, and Centennial Ceremonies Coordinator

 

Avery Berschauer

Upsilon — Washington State University

Professional Role

Consultant & Founder at A∙B Inclusion

Relevant Experience 

  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility (DEIA) consultant
  • Certified in Diversity & Inclusion from Cornell University
  • Steering Committee Member of the Seattle Cultural Accessibility Consortium and the King County Disability Consortium
  • Training Manager for the Junior League of Seattle overseeing the DEI and Training & Advocacy Committees
  • Host of Basically Blind, a podcast about living with vision loss and topics around DEIA

ADPi Experience 

  • Upsilon Chapter Capital Campaign Board Member
  • Lake Washington Alumnae Association, Past President
  • Past Alpha Theta Corporation Board Member
  • 2008 Executive Office Intern 

 

Chimdinma Chijioke

Beta Theta – University of Manitoba

Professional Role

Recent Graduate of University of Manitoba

Relevant Experience 

  • Coursework in Indigenous history, governance, and politics in Canada
  • Coursework in Asian Studies
  • Coursework in International politics
  • Reviewed and amended governing, bylaws and election documents for 2019 University of Manitoba Student Union, Governance Committee
  • International student from Nigeria in a Canadian chapter

ADPi Experience 

  • Current Chapter President & VP of Operations
  • 2019 – 2021 Collegiate Advisory Committee Member
  • 2021 Collegiate Leadership Summit Peer Facilitator
  • 2021 Learning and Development Focus Group Facilitator 
  • 2021 Day of Giving Ambassador 
  • Former VP Events Management
  • Former Director of Philanthropy

 

Shelby Gerwin, M.Ed. 

Gamma Theta – University of Mount Union 

Professional Role

Coordinator of Education at Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity

Relevant Experience 

  • Advised culturally-based fraternities and sororities including National Pan-Hellenic Council, Multicultural Greek Council, and National Association for Latino Fraternal Organizations chapters for 4 years 
  • Safe Zone, Green Zone, and BASICS trained 
  • Trained in Mental Crises Response and Mental Health First Aid 
  • Obtained a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certificate from Western Carolina University 
  • Presented at conferences on multicultural council and organizational programming/resources at Predominately White Institutions 
  • Participated in various committees related to food insecurity, Tunnel of Oppression planning and execution, alcohol & other drugs, and health & wellness 
  • Coursework in Master’s Program studies 

ADPi Experience 

  • Former chapter New Member Educator 
  • Former chapter Executive Vice President 
  • 2018 Former University of Mount Union Sorority Woman of the Year  
  • Coached multiple DEI Chairs on programming and facilitation of topics/activities 
  • UIFI small group facilitator 
  • AFLV Educational Programs Review Committee Member 

 

Loretta Kyei 

Zeta Chi – Baylor University

Professional Role

Student at Baylor University 

Relevant Experience 

  • Curated IGTV series highlighting the National Pan-Hellenic Council and Unified Greek Council organizations at Baylor University 
  • Trained in addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion in Speech and Debate education 
  • D&I coursework in the Medical Humanities program 
  • Experienced in addressing diversity and inclusion disparities on campus

ADPi Experience 

  • 2021 Junior Panhellenic Delegate 
  • 2021 Director of Diversity and Inclusion 
  • 2021 Vice President of Panhellenic Relations 
  • Zeta Chi COR Committee 
  • Zeta Chi Diversity and Inclusion Committee 

 

Genevieve Lefebvre 

Zeta Rho – Vanderbilt University

Professional Role

Financial Analyst at Capital One

Relevant Experience 

  • Former Vanderbilt Indigenous Scholars Organization board member
  • Taught culturally relevant personal finance to Native American communities in partnership with AISES and Wells Fargo
  • Advocated for financial reform in the Greek community, including reducing barriers to entry, decreasing overall costs of membership, increasing transparency, and providing resources for financial literacy

ADPi Experience 

  • 2020 Zeta Rho Vice President of Finance
  • 2020 Membership Affordability Task Force Member
  • 2021 Dorothy Shaw Leadership Award Winner

 

Karla Mastracchio 

Zeta Omega – University of Central Florida

Professional Role

Strategic Communications Professional, Adjunct Communications Studies Professor at Hawaii Pacific University

Relevant Experience 

  • Federal and defense organizations diversity and accessibility consultant (i.e. NASA and US Army Special Operations Command)
  • PI on a grant funded by Women of Color in Peace and Security that looks at microaggressions and language in career fields related to peace and international security

ADPi Experience 

  • Recruitment & Marketing Director, Southern District

 

 

Abby McCollom, M.S.E.
Alpha Omicron — Oklahoma State University 

Professional Role

Director of Undergraduate Member Experience at Phi Gamma Delta

Relevant Experience 

  • Coursework in Masters program
  • Developed curriculum for fraternity & sorority social justice retreat 

ADPi Experience 

  • Alpha Eta Panhellenic Mentor
  • IMPACT & Connections Facilitator
  • FHSI Facilitator
  • Oklahoma State Association
  • 2017-2019 Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Board 
  • 2019 – 2021 Diversity & Inclusion Committee Member

 

Charlene Nigaglioni-Gang

Delta Alpha – Emory University

Professional Role

Head of Global Sales at Sonder

Relevant Experience 

  • M.A., Public Relations & Business Communication
  • Area Advisor, National Panhellenic Conference

ADPi Experience 

  • Collegiate Province Director, Alpha II
  • Central New Jersey Alumnae Association member
  • Former Housing Resource Director, Chair
  • Former Collegiate Province Director, Alpha III
  • Former Legacy Practice Review Committee member
  • Former Nominating Committee, Chair
  • Former Social Advisor, Delta Alpha
  • Former Greater Atlanta Alumnae Association board & general member

 

Elise Radina, Ph.D.

Eta Beta — Allegheny College 

Professional Role

Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Graduate Studies, Professor at Miami University, College of Education, Health, and Society

Relevant Experience 

  • Academic leader for college whose main focus is on social justice
  • Teaches sorority-women only section of Introduction to Women’s Studies that focuses on social justice
  • Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Steering Committee member

ADPi Experience 

  • Eta Epsilon Faculty Advisor (current)
  • Greater Cincinnati Alumnae Association Member
  • Past Eta Epsilon Recruitment Advisor
  • Past Epsilon Mu House Corporation
  • Past Alpha Gamma Chapter Advisor

 

Mary Simeoli, Esq.
Theta Theta — Quinnipiac University 

Professional Role

Title IX Coordinator and Chief Diversity Officer

Relevant Experience 

  • Designed & facilitated trainings on topics like evidentiary foundations, intersection of title IX and LGBTQ compliance, trauma-informed victim interviews, and gold standards practices for inclusive Title IX
  • Certified Civil Rights Investigator
  • Certified ADA/504 Coordinator
  • Community Policing Trainer 

ADPi Experience 

  • Theta Theta Chapter Advisor
  • Former Eta Omicron Membership Education Advisor
  • Total Membership Education Director, NCDD
  • Adelphean Compass Facilitator
  • 2012-2013 Leadership Consultant
  • 2017-2019 Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Board 
  • 2019-2021 Diversity & Inclusion Committee Member