Alpha Beta Chapter of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Our organization was pioneered by leaders, women who saw a need on their campuses and initiated change. As undergraduates, they essentially laid the foundation of what our organization is today. They made an impact on their campuses and improved living conditions within their communities. More importantly, they built relationships with one another that would last a lifetime. Realizing that their c

ommitment to their respective communities was life-long, two courageous women, Carrie Waddell and Evelyn Velasquez-Iona, began their membership intake process after having graduated from the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz. Their dedication and hard work came to fruition in the summer of 1994 when they officially reached the Beta light and chartered the first alumnae chapter of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.: the Alpha Beta Chapter of New York City. Initially, Alpha Beta Chapter's function was similar, if not equal, to OPBSI's Alumnae Association. In actuality, the Alumnae Association started out as AB Chapter. With time, however, AB Chapter and the Alumnae Association became two separate entities. Today, the Alumnae Association serves as an administrative body. It oversees the activities and growth of our alumnae chapters, including AB Chapter, and serves as a national representative for all alumnae members. Their goal is to ensure that a sister support system continues beyond the undergraduate experience. Alpha Beta Chapter has since become a place where sisters in the NYC metro area can continue to participate on a chapter level beyond the undergraduate experience. It is also a place for graduate/professional women to seek membership into our organization. In October of 2004, four women, together known as Badi'a Nicanora, crossed into our organization via Alpha Beta Chapter as the first line to undergo the Professional Intake Process. It is our hope and goal to allow the same opportunity to many other professional women seeking membership in our organization who were, for various reasons, unable to seek membership during their years in undergraduate study but who seek to uphold the values, ideals, and beliefs of Beta women. Finally, in our continuing efforts to reach out to our communities, AB Chapter has continually participated in community service and fundraising events. Among some of the recent events or activities are: the Beta Book Club, Beta-ween, NY Cares, AIDS Walk NY, Breast Cancer Walk, Lupus Walk, March of Dimes and the Madrinas Mentoring Program, among many more...