Marissa Madrigal is a member of Gamma Alpha Omega, Alpha Class at the University of Washignton.

"When I first met the ladies of Gamma Alpha Omega, the first thing that I noticed was the sisterhood between the girls. I immediately wanted to share what they had and be a part of a sorority that was about more than just social events and prestige, a group that emphasized the individual over the image. As an active I realize that though we have our trials and tribulations, the ladies of Gamma are truly family and like true family we have a bond that isn't broken by differences of opinion or petty grievences. I know that I can go to any of my sisters for help and none of them will say no. How many sororities can honestly make the same claim?"

~Marimar~

Marissa
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"The first time I realized there was a Latina Sorority on campus(UW), was at their first annual Pajama Jam. They looked excited and proud to be wearing their greek letters on their silk dark green pajamas. I hadn't heard anything about them since the dance until my friend Marissa (who is now my sister in GAO) forced me to go to an informational meeting. It was here I decided to become a gamma. The ladies had such a strong bond of sisterhood. I loved the passion and commitment they had for each other. I decided this was something I couldn't miss out on - I had to belong. Since I have been in gamma, the large hole in my life has been filled. Since then I have fallen in love. "

~Pollito~
Pio-Pio-Pio!!

Polly
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Kalani
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" I joined Gamma Alpha Omega to find a group of girls who could understand me for who I am because I come from a small town. I am Native American and when I came to the University of Washington I felt alone, but now, I have found a support group. We are all women of different ethnic backrounds, yet we share the same goals. I know that I can call on all of my sisters at any time. They are all my friends and family. And Most importantly they are all mis hermanas! "

~White Swan~

Francene
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" Gamma Alpha Omega has been a great influence in my life. From the first day, I knew I wanted to be a Gamma! In many ways, Gamma has been what has kept me going here at the UW, without the guidance of my sisters. I truly believe I would have lost sight of my goals and all that is VERY important to me. Upholding our pillars and taking pride in who I am and what I do has become so much more important to me. Thanks Gamma sisters I learned how to trust in myself and my capabilities. With my sisters I have learned to take honesty, integrity, leadership, scholarship, and unity to a whole new level and become an all around better person. "

***BeSoS***
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" I spend my leisure time writing things like this so you can check me out. What surprises people about me is when they meet me they can't believe it's me. Who's my biggest hero? ME!! Okay well enough about me what do YOU think about me? Why did a beautiful woman like me join Gamma? Well because look at us! We are all just so beautiful! Naa, but seriously I'm off the meat rack right? Well honestly I joined this organization for a variety of reasons and now I'm being serious. Gamma Alpha Omega caught my eye because the women who represented the organization made an effort to seek me out and sell me the idea of a Latina Sorority. I liked that. I like that they took an initiative. There are very few of us Latinas on this campus and the solidarity and Sisterhood sounded so appealing. Since I've joined I've met hundreds of women and have close ties to ladies all over the United States. I love that if I took a plane right now and flew to Houston, TX, or Milwaukee, WI or even anywhere in AZ I can have my girls roll up at the airport and pick me up and let me stay with them. That's what its all about. We can be black, blue, yellow, green and it don't matter because we're sisters to the CORE. I honestly can say that these girls will always have a lasting effect in my heart and soul. I have grown these last few years within the organization these women have seen me grow up from a young shy girl to a proud, outgoing, sure of myself woman! Shoot, I even got my future house colors picked out with Green and Blue" My girls are not just my Sisters they are my Comadres as well. Soy una Gammita Por Vida, y Quiero mis hermanas con todo mi corazon.

"You can sometimes resist temptation, but never mischief..."
~La Merenguera~

Lots of G-Luv and Special Sauce

Vero
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"For me, Gamma was a way of making life-long friends as well as giving back to the community. Through involvement in community service I knew I could benefit others in need. Also, coming to the UW with it being as large as it is, I wanted to find friends who I knew I could count on and relate to. It's very easy to get overwhelmed with school and other things, and I knew that Gamma would provide me with the support network I need.

~Boricua~
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"Initially what truely interested me about Gamma Alpha Omega was all the volunteer work they were recognized for. We not only say that we are community serviced based, but we actually do it. Within the short time that I have been affliated with Gamma I know that I have made an positive impact on others through our volunteer work."

"There is such a small Latino population on the UW campus that it is important for us to be united. The ladies of Gamma Alpha Omega share a special sisterhood. Each one is their own individual which makes us a beautiful diversified group."

~~Silent Strength~~

Maria
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"My name is Felicia Sanchez I was born and raised in Eastern Washington in a small town on the Yakima Reservation called Toppenish. I came to the University of Washington to receive a quality education with hopes to persue a career in a pre-health profession. I decided to join Gamma Alpha Omega with hopes to remain involved with the community and also to meet girls with the same aspirations and goals as I. Being apart of Gamma has helped me to establish a special link to the University as well as helping me to find friends with many diverse backgrounds. Together we form a group, Gamma Alpha Omega, of minority women who believe in making a difference in their community as well as at the University of Washington. Gamma Alpha Omega has become very important to me and a goal to keep this organization strong and to help establish other sororities at other Colleges."

~See No Evil~

Felicia
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Christine
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"My name is Cerise Barton, a.k.a Cookie, I've lived in Seattle all my life, but my family is from Trinidad. I enjoy sports, so that explains why I am a Sports Trainer at the UW. My major focus of study will be Athletic Training and Sports Medicine. I chose Gamma so that I can be part of something unique and special at the UW. The sisterhood and support that I have received from these girls has meant a world of difference. I will do anything for my girls....whateva...whenever you call!"

Love Ya-
Senorita Diva #3
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"I was born September 4, 1975 in Seattle, Washington. My ethnic background is Chinese/Mexican American. I have a younger brother who is a graduate from Garfield High School and will be attending Purdue University this fall. In 1993, I graduated from Rainier Beach High School and went directly to college. Originally, I wanted to be a veterinarian, but after interning at a veterinary hospital I decided that this occupation was not for me. Since then, I've changed my career path to the field of public relations. I have now graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelors of Arts in Communications. Currently, I'm on a massive job hunt and at the same time, trying to establish myself in the real world.

As a member of Gamma Alpha Omega - Gamma Chapter, I have found the true meaning of Sisterhood. Even though I became a member in my senior year and now an alumnus, I know that these ladies will always be there for me. Now that I am moving on as a graduate, I leave behind my seeds of knowledge, strength and passion to "mis hermanas" whose tears of joy and struggle will rekindle and preserve the everlasting bond we have as hermanas de Gamma Alpha Omega."

~~#2 Amistosa~~
~~Gamma Class In Da House~~Yoo Knooow!~~
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"Coming to UW was a big change, not only did I leave my family behind but I also left my friends. When I arrived I had to start all over I didn't know anybody and was really homesick. As time progressed things got a little better but I still felt that I didn't know many people, so when one of the Gamma actives talked to me about the group and said I should think about it, I knew right away that I wanted to be a part of this great organization. Gamma not only give me the opportunity to have support from the sisters to better my self but I also have the oportunity to give to others through community service."

~Xena~

Cristina
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Cheryl Mesplie is a member of Gamma Alpha Omega,
Gamma Class at the University of Washignton.

" The reason I joined Gamma Alpha Omega was because of the community service aspect of the sorority. I think it is important to help out with the community and it's a reward in itself. Another reason why I joined, most importantly, is for the sisterhood. Just knowing that I can count on all of my sisters for anything is something special that I hold dear to me. Being an active of Gamma Alpha Omega is all new to me right now, because I recently crossed, but I know in my heart that I feel very strong about Gamma and it is something that has become an important part of my life. I really want to contribute all that I can to Gamma and the community. I am really excited for the upcoming year and I am looking forward to bonding closer with all of my beautiful Gamma sisters. I am very proud to be a part of Gamma and I believe that together as sisters, we can represent as a strong group of young Latina women."

"United We Will Grow"

Love your sister always,
Cheryl Lee Mesplie a.k.a. "Elegante"
Gamma Class #1
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" I joined gamma because coming here from out-of-state I didn't know anyone, and it was hard to meet new people. So when I heard about gamma I decided to check it out. At the informational meeting the ladies in gamma were so friendly and welcoming. The bond that they had between each other was so strong and I knew that I wanted to be a part of that bond. I wanted to have a family away from home."

~Dulce~

Lily
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Minty Jeffrey, Honorary Member of Gamma Alpha Omega - Gamma Chapter of the University of Washington.

" I never considered pledging until I was well into my twenties, had three children, a husband, a career and my community involvement.

Although I did not need another item on my plate, I did want the networking and support system that I saw with my other friends in Greek-lettered organizations.

I started researching very carefully. I looked at the couple of organizations I thought were best reflective of my own values and ethics. Although I was impressed and I had endorsements of friends within those organizations, I still did not feel completely comfortable. That was before I had the opportunity to meet the ladies of Gamma Alpha Omega. The Gammitas were exactly what I had envisioned for a sisterhood in which to pledge my lifelong commitment.

I was struck at the obvious closeness of the women, who were diverse, welcoming and warm. I was in awe of the life struggles that so many of these women used to strengthen their life's journey. When I talked with individual women of GAO, I was equally impressed with their devotion and loyalty to this small, newer sorority.

I was also happy to learn that in this Latina-founded and community service-based sorority, women of all backgrounds and ethnicities are embraced and accepted. There were women of Native American, African American, Asian/Pacific Islander and mixed race backgrounds who all found a home in Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority.

I worried that I was too old to decide to join a sorority now, but the Greek-lettered organizations of color have women and men of all ages joining, making new lifelong bonds, committing to our communities with renewed energy, and finding professional and personal contacts that have enhanced our lives. Indeed, I am one of the older ladies of my sorority, but I have only felt that my life experience was valued and appreciated by my younger sorors.

I have learned a tremendous amount of life lessons since my two years in Gamma Land. I have learned that someone's age does not hinder one's ability to teach, as well as learn. I have learned that my sisters' love for me is stronger than I ever thought possible. I have learned that the commitment to improving our communities and mentoring our young people is far more rewarding than any amount of money I could make in my career --- and that having others share in that commitment makes the effort even more rewarding.

Most importantly of all, I have learned that the pillars of Honesty, Integrity, Leadership and Scholarship are the strongest tools to instill in my children --- and that they are the ties that bind our sisterhood tightly to one another.

Nos Una Crescemus!

*Guiadora*!
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~Estrella~
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"I have never felt like such a minority until i came to UW. I needed a group to help me feel that i belonged. Gamma Alpha Omega did that for me. To know that there was a sorority based opn supporting women of color like myself peaked my interest. And the fact that they were a service sorority made it even better. I am always up for helping others. Community Service helps me feel better about myself, and makes me feel closer to my lord."

"Feed the hungry! Help those in trouble! Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you shall be as bright as day...."

~La Palomita #
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"I came to Seattle University (SU) to receive an education in engineering and to become the first in my family to abtain a college degree. At my school there is a very small haspanic population, and not support group. An administrator from SU (Minty Jeffery) informed me of Gamma and several things impressed me about this organization she belonged to. Such things as honesty, intergrity, leadership, scholarship, unity, and giving back to your community. I joined Gamma so that I could be part of a family that offered a support group and to attain life long relationships. But most importantly to be with other minority ladies trying to attian the same goal as I, and this has focused me more and given me the drive to suceed. I have come to love what Gamma stands for and all of my sisters. Gamma has made me the person I am today."

~Preciosa~
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Yours Truly Juraca'n #1
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*~Pura Peruana~* #2
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