Omega Phi Beta () is a

sorority Fraternities and sororities are social organizations at colleges and universities in North America. Generally, membership in a fraternity or sorority is obtained as an undergraduate student, but continues thereafter for life. Some accept gradua ...

founded on March 15, 1989 at the

State University of New York The State University of New York (SUNY, , ) is a system of public colleges and universities in the State of New York. It is one of the largest comprehensive system of universities, colleges, and community colleges in the United States. Led by ...

Albany, New York Albany ( ) is the capital of the U.S. state of New York, also the seat and largest city of Albany County. Albany is on the west bank of the Hudson River, about south of its confluence with the Mohawk River, and about north of New York Cit ...

by seventeen women of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. It is a member organization of National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO). The sorority has undergraduate and alumnae chapters and colonies predominantly based on the East Coast. The organization has expanded into the Midwest, California, and South East in the recent years. The organization's goal, as its motto ("Serving and Educating Through Our Diversity") implies, is to create an outlet for all women through its emphasis on

multiculturalism The term multiculturalism has a range of meanings within the contexts of sociology, political philosophy, and colloquial use. In sociology and in everyday usage, it is a synonym for " ethnic pluralism", with the two terms often used interchang ...

. The organization also concerns community service and sisterhood. OPBSI is Latina-oriented, not Latina-based, further emphasizing its dedication to diversity. The main archive URL i
The Baird's Manual Online Archive homepage

Philanthropy

Omega Phi Beta concerns overcoming the injustices and oppression of women in society. It celebrates the success of past women, recognizes the accomplishments of women today, and promotes to uplift future generations. Recognizing that violence against women hinders progression, it has broadened the scope of its National Philanthropy to include all forms of violence affecting women, including but not limited to:

domestic violence Domestic violence (also known as domestic abuse or family violence) is violence or other abuse that occurs in a domestic setting, such as in a marriage or cohabitation. ''Domestic violence'' is often used as a synonym for '' intimate partn ...

sexual assault Sexual assault is an act in which one intentionally sexually touches another person without that person's consent, or coerces or physically forces a person to engage in a sexual act against their will. It is a form of sexual violence, which ...

sexual harassment Sexual harassment is a type of harassment involving the use of explicit or implicit sexual overtones, including the unwelcome and inappropriate promises of rewards in exchange for sexual favors. Sexual harassment includes a range of actions fr ...

, sexual mutilation,

stalking Stalking is unwanted and/or repeated surveillance by an individual or group toward another person. Stalking behaviors are interrelated to harassment and intimidation and may include following the victim in person or monitoring them. The term ...

and

human trafficking Human trafficking is the trade of humans for the purpose of forced labour, sexual slavery, or commercial sexual exploitation for the trafficker or others. This may encompass providing a spouse in the context of forced marriage, or the extr ...

. Through its broadened National Philanthropy, Raising Awareness of Violence Against Women, Omega Phi Beta will continue to dedicate themselves to community while making a commitment to women's rights. It believes that its partnership with Amnesty International (established June 2005) will assist this. It has helped to raise over ten thousand dollars towards

AIDS Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a spectrum of conditions caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a retrovirus. Following initial infection an individual ma ...

research and

Domestic Violence Domestic violence (also known as domestic abuse or family violence) is violence or other abuse that occurs in a domestic setting, such as in a marriage or cohabitation. ''Domestic violence'' is often used as a synonym for '' intimate partn ...

Awareness initiatives, created youth mentoring groups such as S.O.U.L. (Steppin’ Off to Unite Latinas) and the Madrinas Program, created various scholarships such as the Reach For the Gold book scholarship, and was the first Latina sorority to participate in and win Step Correct, a traditionally NPHC competition (January 1, 2007).

Omega Phi Beta Foundation

Omega Phi Beta Foundation (OPBF) has been organized to operate exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the scope of Section 501 (c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Omega Phi Beta Foundation (OPBF) is a national, philanthropic organization committed to providing leadership, academic & community development opportunities, through educational, fundraising & grant-making initiatives, that support individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing women's rights in STEM/STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math). OPBF's mission is to implement and support initiatives for women and girls that strive to build a safe and equitable world for all via leadership and educational programs for communities nationwide. The organization was created in response to the ongoing need for role models and leaders in the community.

Awards & Recognitions

*2003, 2004, 2005 - LatinosStep Annual Summer Step Show - National Champions *2006 - LatinosStep 5th Annual Silk and Smooth Stroll Champions *2007 - StepCorrect National Step Competition Champions *2007 - MTV True Life - I'm Stepping - Featuring the journey of the Soul Steppin' Divas National Step Team compete *2011, 2012, 2013 - Art of Stepping - RISC Step/Stroll Championship - National Step Champions *2012, 2013 - RISC Step/Stroll Championship - National Stroll Champions *2014 - Art of Stepping (AOS) Inductees to the Art of Step/Stroll Hall of Fame Notable Members: Eve Torres, Caridad De La Luz 'La Bruja', Jessica 'REMO' Saul, Founder of the Art of Stepping, World of Step & World of Step Media; Monica Rivera, Author; Dr. Ariana Curtis; Dr. Cassandra St. Vil; Cindy Chu, writer, producer and actor in Queens

Chapter List

References

External links

Omega Phi Beta homepage
{{National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations Student organizations established in 1989 Student societies in the United States National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations Hispanic and Latino American organizations Latino fraternities and sororities 1989 establishments in New York (state)