Collegiate Chapters and Collectives

Collegiate Chapters are recognized and chartered entities at accredited 4-year Colleges and Universities, typically composed of Undergraduate members. Collegiate Collectives are generally new entities that have not achieved a chapter charter with the Sorority. They are still fully recognized by, and operate in, accredited 4-year Colleges and Universities and are composed primarily of Undergraduate members.

If you wish to contact a Collegiate Chapter or Collective, you can email them at their [chapter name]@omegaphibeta.org (example: BetaAlpha@OmegaPhiBeta.org). You may also reach out to the Regional Vice President that oversees the region that the Chapter or Collective belongs to.

{* Note: Indicates the Chapter or Collective is currently inactive}
{** Note: Indicates the Chapter or Collective is currently dormant}
{*** Note: Indicates the Chapter or Collective is currently suspended}

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Region 1: Upper Eastern New York

Entity	College/University	Location	Est.
Alpha Chapter**	University at Albany, SUNY	Albany, NY	1989
Beta Chapter*	The State University of New York at New Paltz; Marist College	New Paltz, NY; Poughkeepsie, NY	1991
Gamma Chapter**	Union College	Schenectady, NY	1991
Sigma Chapter*	The State University of New York at Plattsburgh	Plattsburgh, NY	2001
Collective at STAC**	St. Thomas Aquinas College	Sparkill, NY	2010
Gamma Epsilon	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute	Troy, NY	2021

Region 2: Long Island/New York City

Entity	College/University	Location	Est.
Epsilon Chapter**	LIU Post (Long Island University, C.W. Post)	Brookville, NY	1993
Theta Chapter	Stony Brook University, SUNY	Stony Brook, NY	1998
Kappa Chapter**	Hofstra University	Hempstead, NY	1998
Lambda Chapter	Brooklyn College, CUNY	Brooklyn, NY	1998
Beta Alpha Chapter**	St. John’s University	Jamaica, NY	2002
Beta Gamma Chapter***	New York University	New York, NY	2007
Beta Delta Chapter**	Pace University, Pleasantville	Pleasantville, NY	2008
Beta Epsilon Chapter***	State University of New York College at Old Westbury	Old Westbury, NY	2008
Gamma Gamma Chapter**	Columbia University & Barnard College; City College of New York; John Jay College of Criminal Justice; Pace University NYC	New York, NY	2008

Region 3: Western New York

Entity	College/University	Location	Est.
Delta Chapter	Binghamton University – State University of New York	Binghamton, NY	1992
Zeta Chapter	The State University of New York at Oswego	Oswego, NY	1993
Eta Chapter	College at Brockport: State University of New York; Rochester Institute of Technology; University of Rochester	Brockport, NY; Rochester, NY	1994
Mu Chapter**	University at Buffalo, SUNY; Buffalo State College, SUNY; D’Youville College	Buffalo, NY	1999
Nu Chapter***	Cornell University; Ithaca College	Ithaca, NY	1999
Xi Chapter**	Syracuse University; Le Moyne College	Syracuse, NY	1999
Tau Chapter**	Utica College; Hamilton College	Utica, NY; Clinton, NY	2000
Beta Theta Chapter	The State University of New York at Cortland	Cortland, NY	2009
Beta Phi Chapter	The State University of New York at Oneonta	Oneonta, NY	2016

Region 4: New England

Entity	College/University	Location	Est.
Pi Chapter	Northeastern University	Boston, MA	1997
Beta Kappa Chapter**	University of New Haven	New Haven, CT	2010
Beta Nu Chapter	Johnson and Wales University	Providence, RI	2007
Beta Xi Chapter**	Rhode Island College	Providence, RI	2003
Beta Pi Chapter**	Yale University	New Haven, CT	2014
Collective at Merrimack	Merrimack College	North Andover, MA	2022

Region 5: Upper Mid Atlantic

Entity	College/University	Location	Est.
Upsilon Chapter	Rutgers University	New Brunswick, NJ	2002
Chi Chapter**	Seton Hall University	South Orange, NJ	2003
Beta Rho Chapter*	Ramapo College of New Jersey	Mahwah, NJ	2010
Beta Upsilon Chapter	Stevens Institute of Technology	Hoboken, NJ	2016
Gamma Beta Chapter	Rutgers University – Newark	Newark, NJ	2018
Collective at UMBC**	University of Maryland, Baltimore County	Baltimore, MD	2003
Washington DC Collective**	Georgetown University	Washington, DC	2015
Collective at CMU**	Carnegie Mellon University	Pittsburgh, PA	2016
Collective at FDU**	Fairleigh Dickinson University	Morris County, NJ	2018
Gamma Delta*	Rowan University	Glassboro, NJ	2021

Region 6: Lower Mid Atlantic

Entity	College/University	Location	Est.
Iota Chapter	University of Virginia	Charlottesville, VA	1998
Omicron Chapter**	Duke University	Durham, NC	2000
Beta Lambda Chapter	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	Chapel Hill, NC	2011
Beta Chi Chapter	University of North Carolina at Charlotte	Charlotte, NC	2014
Beta Psi Chapter**	Old Dominion University	Norfolk, VA	2015
Collective at CSU**	Charleston Southern University	North Charleston, SC	2008
Collective at Elon	Elon University	Elon, NC	2023

Region 7: FL, GA, AL & MS

Entity	College/University	Location	Est.
Beta Zeta Chapter	Florida State University	Tallahassee, FL	2010
Beta Eta Chapter	University of South Florida	Tampa, FL	2010
Beta Sigma Chapter**	Florida International University	Miami, FL	2015
Beta Omega Chapter	Georgia State University	Atlanta, GA	2016
Collective at Valdosta	Valdosta State University	Valdosta, GA	2022
Collective at Kennesaw	Kennesaw State University	Kennesaw, GA	2023

Region 8: Midwest

Entity	College/University	Location	Est.
Rho Chapter**	Michigan State University	East Lansing, MI	2001
Psi Chapter	DePauw University	Greencastle, IN	2006
Beta Beta Chapter***	University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign	Champaign, IL	2006
Beta Iota Chapter**	Northeastern Illinois University	Chicago, IL	2010
Beta Omicron Chapter**	Purdue University	West Lafayette, IN	2011
Beta Tau Chapter	Indiana University Bloomington	Bloomington, IN	2015
Gamma Alpha Chapter	Illinois State University	Normal, IL	2015

Region 9: Texas

Entity	College/University	Location	Est.
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Region 10: Northern California

Entity	College/University	Location	Est.
Beta Mu Chapter**	University of California at Berkeley	Berkeley, CA	2011

Region 11: Southern California

Entity	College/University	Location	Est.
Phi Chapter**	University of Southern California	Los Angeles, CA	2003
Collective at Chapman	Chapman University	Orange, CA	2023

Alumnae Chapters and Collectives

Alumnae Chapters and Collectives are comprised of post-graduate members and are typically linked to major cities or metropolitan hubs, also known as Professional Chapters/Collectives. Alumnae Chapters and Collectives allow members to participate in Sorority life beyond College in formal and significant ways.

If you wish to contact an Alumnae Chapter or Collective you can email them at their [chapter name]@omegaphibeta.org (example: AlphaBeta@OmegaPhiBeta.org). You may also reach out to the Regional Vice President that oversees the region that the Chapter or Collective belongs to.

{* Note: Indicates the Chapter or Collective is currently inactive}
{** Note: Indicates the Chapter or Collective is currently dormant}
{*** Note: Indicates the Chapter or Collective is currently suspended}

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Region 1: Upper Eastern New York

Entity	Area	Location	Est.
Alpha Pi Chapter	Regional	Middletown, NY	2019

Region 2: Long Island/New York City

Entity	Area	Location	Est.
Alpha Beta Chapter	Metropolitan	New York, NY	1994
Alpha Nu Chapter	Regional	Long Island, NY	2017
Alpha Xi Chapter	Regional	Westchester County, NY	2018

Region 3: Western New York

Entity	Area	Location	Est.
Alpha Delta Chapter	Metropolitan	Rochester, NY	2004
Alpha Eta Chapter**	Metropolitan	Buffalo, NY	2007

Region 4: New England

Entity	Area	Location	Est.
Alpha Epsilon Chapter	Metropolitan	Boston, MA	2007
Alpha Kappa Chapter	Metropolitan	New Haven, CT	2013

Region 5: Upper Mid Atlantic

Entity	Area	Location	Est.
Alpha Gamma Chapter	Metropolitan	Washington, DC	2004
Alpha Zeta Chapter	Regional	Northern New Jersey	2007
Alpha Rho	Regional	Southern New Jersey	2019

Region 6: Lower Mid Atlantic

Entity	Area	Location	Est.
Alpha Lambda Chapter	State-Wide	Raleigh, NC; Durham, NC; Chapel Hill, NC	2016
Charlotte Alumnae Collective	Metropolitan	Charlotte, NC	2020

Region 7: FL, GA, AL & MS

Entity	Area	Location	Est.
Alpha Theta Chapter**	Metropolitan	Orlando, FL	2007
South Florida Alumnae Collective**	Metropolitan	Miami, FL	2015
Alpha Omicron Chapter	Metropolitan	Atlanta, GA	2016

Region 8: Midwest

Entity	Area	Location	Est.
Alpha Iota Chapter**	Metropolitan	Chicago, IL	2011

Region 9: Texas

Entity	Area	Location	Est.
Alpha Sigma	State-Wide	Texas	2021

Region 10: Northern California

Entity	Area	Location	Est.
Bay Area Alumnae Collective	Metropolitan	Oakland, CA	2023

Region 11: Southern California

Entity	Area	Location	Est.
Alpha Mu Chapter	Metropolitan	Los Angeles, CA	2011

Honorary Members

The Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Phi Beta is reserved for Honorary members. It provides an honorary sisterhood opportunity for professional women who exemplify OPBSI’s mission, vision, goals, and values to be inducted into our organization. Honorary membership is one of Omega Phi Beta’s highest honors and our honorary members are a source of pride for the organization, pioneers in their professions and women who strongly believe our responsibility is to serve our communities.

Dr. Blanca Ramos

Blanca Ramos was one of Omega Phi Beta’s earliest advocates at the University at Albany during our founding days. She was initiated as an honorary member in Spring 1990. Dr. Ramos’ scholarly interests are centered on cross-cultural social work, gerontology, and domestic violence with a focus on US Latinos. Dr. Ramos holds an affiliate appointment in the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Studies at University of Albany. She teaches courses on clinical social work, diversity, immigrants, Hispanic cultures in the U.S., and research in Latino communities. Her international work includes partnership building with higher education institutions and communities and with the national association of social workers in Peru. Dr. Ramos serves on a variety of local, regional, and national boards and commissions and has extensive experience as a practitioner and community organizer. Blanca Ramos is past First Vice President of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and has served in the National Board of the Institute for the Advancement of Social Work Research. She is a current member of the editorial board of Social Work and the NASW National Committee on Inquiry. She is originally from Lima, Peru.

Nilda Estrada

Nilda Estrada was introduced to Omega Phi Beta through her daughter Monica who became a member as a college senior and soon after graduation joined National Leadership. During this time Ms. Estrada supported the work of the organization and assisted with expansion efforts to Lambda Chapter at Brooklyn College. Ms. Estrada has a strong history in fighting Domestic Violence, aligning with OPBSI’s philanthropy. Ms. Estrada was one of five women to establish the first DV shelter for women and children in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Equipped with a degree in Education, Ms. Estrada dedicated her life to family counseling and particularly working with non-traditional students in higher education. She has been a Professor of Psychology at Touro College for nearly 25 years and spent 10 years as Dean and mentor to Latino students at Touro. She has also taught at NYC College of Technology as a professor and advocate for women and children conducting workshops on Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, and School Violence. She established a daycare center and after school program which she has been operating for close to 20 years. Ms. Estrada’s passion for the organization, life experiences, and work in her community aligned with many of OPBSI’s own goals and values and in Fall 1999 she was inducted as an honorary member of the organization.

Christina Vargas

Omega Phi Beta was first exposed to Christina Vargas and her amazing work through our Theta Chapter at Stony Brook University where she had an impressive career as Director of Diversity, Affirmative Action and EEO. From 2008-2009 Ms. Vargas served as President of Stony Brook University’s Alumni Association and is one of the founders of the Black and Latino Alumni Group. She serves on the Board of Directors for ERASE Racism, Inc. (Education, Research, Advocacy and Support to Eliminate Racism). Her many contributions have earned Ms. Vargas multiple awards and recognition including the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service, and the Suffolk County Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for Meritorious Service. Ms. Vargas holds a Master of Science degree in Management and Policy from the Harriman School for Management and Policy at Stony Brook University, and a B.S. in Business Management from Stony Brook University. She also holds a Diversity Management Certification as an Advanced Practitioner from Cornell University, School of Industrial and Labor Relations. She became an honorary member of Omega Phi Beta in Summer 2006.

Rita S. Smith

In 2006 Omega Phi Beta’s Director of Community Service, Betty Diaz, enlisted the help of Rita Smith in bringing a deeper understanding of Domestic Violence Awareness (DVA) to the membership of the sorority. Ms. Smith graduated from Polk State College an AA degree in Psychology in 1974. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Michigan State and shortly after began working as an advocate for battered women in Colorado. In 1993 she became the Executive Director of the National Coalition against Domestic Violence (NCADV), a national non-profit that works at the grassroots level to end violence in the home, and remained in that role for 23 years. She has been interviewed by hundreds of newspaper reporters, appeared on many local and national radio and television news shows, including the Washington Post, USA Today, People Magazine, NPR, The Today Show, Good Morning America and Oprah Winfrey Show. She has co-authored several articles, manuals, and book chapters on her work and experience in DVA and advocacy. In December of 2011 she was named Distinguished Alumnus of Polk State College, and in November of 2013 she was chosen by the Association of Florida Colleges for the LeRoy Collins Lifetime Achievement Award. In September 2014 she was asked to serve as a senior advisor to the NFL (National Football League) to share league policies on domestic violence and sexual assault. The partnership that Ms. Diaz and Ms. Smith forged in 2006 grew and extended beyond their shared philanthropic work to sisterhood. In Summer 2009 Ms. Smith was inducted into the Alpha Alpha Chapter as an honorary member.

Rhina Valentin

Rhina Valentin’s fire, passion, and activism brought this award-winning actress, producer, emcee, dancer, and writer to cross paths with Omega Phi Beta. In 2012 Ms. Valentin and OPBSI collaborated philanthropically in efforts to raise awareness of domestic violence through the Love Walk, which she co-created, and the Milagros Day Worldwide Walk. “La Reina” Rhina Valentin is truly one of the performing arts’ most versatile women. Ms. Valentin, a New York native and graduate of the William Esper Studio, has been dubbed “Diva” by The Village Voice and “La Diva Del Barrio” by Siempre Newspaper—and rightly so. This Jane-of-all-trade has performed at some of New York’s most renowned locations, such as New World Stages, The Nuyorican Poet’s Café, The Puerto Rican Traveling Theater and Lincoln Center Out of Doors.  She has been featured on HBO and in nationally syndicated commercials, written, choreographed and performed critically acclaimed pieces for dance and theater, and currently serves as the beauty, brains and the bronze behind her rapidly growing production company, La Reina Del Barrio, LLC. She also hosts a regular talk show on BronxNet.TV, a public access network in the Bronx. She was inducted as an honorary member in Spring 2014 at OPBSI’s 25th Anniversary Gala.

Adriana V. Cusumano

Adriana Cusumano has long supported the efforts of Omega Phi Beta and its members and has been like a sister to several members of the organization. She is a New York native of Colombian descent who graduated from Cornell University with a BA in Psychology. She is a Vice President in the ACCE Product Development Group at JP Morgan with a career background in product development, operations, and regulatory change. She leads diversity and women’s imitative networks at JP Morgan in an effort to better home community. She has also taken a role in supporting programs of the Art of Stepping Foundation (AOS Foundation) and the Bowery Mission. She firmly believes that “it is important to change the world for the next generation of women leaders, the same way our predecessors paved the way for our generation.” Ms. Cusumano was inducted into the Alpha Alpha Chapter in Summer 2015.

Dr. Emily A. Daniels

The Sigma Chapter at SUNY Plattsburgh has long called Dr. Emily Daniels an advisor, a mentor, an advocate, a friend, and now a sister. Dr. Daniels grew up in New York, California, and Colorado. She earned her BA in Intercultural Studies at Simon’s Rock College of Bard, her MA in Social Justice and Intercultural Relations at the School for International Training, and her Ph.D. in Teaching, Curriculum, and Change from the University of Rochester. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor of Teacher Education at SUNY Plattsburgh in upstate New York. Her life experiences have brought her closer to her passions: education, advocacy, diversity, and inclusion. She has presented in her areas of expertise all over the country and published, written, edited, and co-written many works including her book “Fighting, loving, teaching: An exploration of hope, armed love, and critical urban pedagogues” (2012). Dr. Daniels was inducted to the Alpha Alpha Chapter in Summer 2015.

Dr. Jessica Guzman-Rea

Jessica Guzmán-Rea is a native of Rochester, located in upstate New York. Dr. Guzmán-Rea is an expert in Social Work and Education having participated in various study abroad programs, fellowships, and internships in the fields as well as volunteered her time to community initiatives and organizations supporting young people. Currently, she is the Director of the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center at the University of Rochester and an adjunct and contributing professor in Education and Social Work. Dr. Guzmán-Rea received a bachelor’s degree from Case Western Reserve University, and a master’s in social work from Columbia University. She earned her doctorate in Education at the University of Rochester, Warner School of Education and Human Development in 2010. She speaks both Spanish and Portuguese. Her experience with Omega Phi Beta began at the U of R working with colleagues who are members of the organization and mentoring and guiding the women of the Eta Chapter. Her passion for the empowerment and advancement of students of color in higher education aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and motto. She was inducted as an honorary member in Summer 2016 at the National Convention in Virginia Beach.

Ivelisse Pimentel-Tuttle

Ivelisse Pimentel-Tuttle has over 20 years of experience in Higher Education and is the Senior Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Advisor at SUNY New Paltz where has worked vigorously with young college students to assist them in their academic, social and emotional development through mentorship and guidance. She was nominated by our Beta Chapter at SUNY New Paltz due to her unwavering commitment to student success and the invaluable support she has lent to the growth of the Chapter and its members over the past 15 years. Ms. Pimentel-Tuttle earned her BA in Sociology from Hamilton College and MS in Education from SUNY New Paltz. She is of Dominican descent and was inducted to the Alpha Alpha Chapter in Summer 2018.

Nicole Madonna, LCSW

Nicole Madonna is the Director of Counseling Services at Johnson and Wales University in Charlotte, NC.  She provides resources in the areas of identity, privilege, sexism, racism, and oppression to students studying in the mental health field. She has a very extensive background in community activism and justice for underserved communities, particularly with supporting victims of violence. This passion to help others is what led Ms. Madonna to receive her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Fordham University. She has long supported community organizations and volunteers on the Board of Transcend Charlotte. Ms. Madonna was nominated by the Beta Chi Chapter at UNC Charlotte because she has been a major asset to the Chapter and the Charlotte community at large. She is an intersectional feminist consistently trying to engage and empower different communities, specifically communities of color. She was inducted as an Honorary Member via the Alpha Alpha Chapter in Summer 2018.

Eternal Members

The Omega Chapter of Omega Phi Beta is reserved to memorialize our Eternal members, sisters that have passed away, and is their everlasting home.

On October 9, 2000, our Radiant Light, Founder Renee “Encanto” Padilla, was in a tragic car accident on her way to the airport in the Dominican Republic. From that day forth OPBSI designated October 9th of each year as our national Remembrance Day when we honor the life, laughter, and memory of Founder Encanto and all other Eternal members. Current and prospective members gather worldwide on this day to commemorate their lives and share stories of sisterhood and love.

Founder Renee “Encanto” Padilla

Founder Renee “Encanto” Padilla was born August 21, 1970, and was of Puerto Rican descent raised in the Bronx, NY. She attended the University at Albany, SUNY, where she and a group of radiant and resilient women founded Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated (OPBSI). During her time at SUNY Albany she was involved in Fuerza, the Student Council, and ASUBA. She graduated in May 1992. She was known for her laughter and unwavering spirit. Her sister name, Encanto, is of Spanish origin and translates to “charm or delight”. It is an homage to her Puerto Rican roots as the island is often known as “la isla del encanto” (the island of enchantment) and is also a perfect description of her personality and the way she enchanted everyone who knew her. Renee passed away in an accident on October 9, 2000, in the Dominican Republic. She was laid to rest in Mount Hope Cemetery at Hastings in Hudson, NY.

Soror Marcy “Apasionada” González

Marcy “Apasionada” González (López) was born in the Bronx, NY on August 13, 1979, to Puerto Rican parents. She joined OPBSI as the #4 of the Spring 1999 class Bi’ Guatu’ at Cornell University, making her one of the Chartering Members of OPBSI’s first Ivy League Chapter: Nu Chapter. She was also one of our earliest legacies, having followed in the footsteps of her older sister, Amaris (Ramos) DeDona (Alpha Chapter, Spring 1993). She graduated from Cornell with a BA in Sociology and a concentration in Latino Studies. She later obtained a Master of Public Health from Columbia University and worked for various nonprofits benefiting the lives of our communities. Her sister name, Apasionada, is of Spanish origin and means “passionate”, perfectly describing her fire and drive and her radiant laugh. Marcy served on various leadership roles including the Executive Director of the Sorority from 2003-2004. She passed away on December 29, 2018, in Florida surrounded by her family.

Soror Lori Ann “Aguila” Rodriguez

Lori Ann “Aguila” Rodriguez was born on February 18, 1972, of Puerto Rican descent. She joined Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated through our Alpha Chapter at the State University of New York at Albany in the Spring of 1991 as the #3 of the Alpha class “Genesis” – making her and her line sisters the first class that crossed into the sorority after our Founders. Her sister name “Aguila” of Spanish origin meaning “Eagle” speaks to Lori’s character. When asked about why she chose that name she would always reply “Because I soar above the rest”. She was spiritual, grounded, and inspiring messenger, and just like the eagle, those guided by her were resilient. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the State University of New York at Albany. She then pursued her Masters of Social work at New York University and was a certified Social Worker (CSW) within 6 months of her graduation. Lori’s passion and dedication did not end there. She was a highly esteemed Social worker for 20 years. Her latest endeavor was serving as a Program Manager for Children’s Crisis Services at Visiting Nurse Services of New York. On November 28th, 2020, God called Lori home. She will be eternally cherished and loved as a mother, sister, mentor, and friend. We will never forget her kindness, caring, selflessness, and adventurous soul.