New Orleans, LA – September 4, 2019

Contact:
Brenda Lopez
Vice President of Community Relations
Community@omegaphibeta.org

Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (OPBSI) commemorated 30 Years of existence at our Anniversary Gala last month in the historic and beautiful city of New Orleans. This anniversary was marked not only through celebration with loved ones and acknowledging our sisters’ contributions but also through the renaming of two awards and creation of a new award by the Board of Trustees.

• The Sister of the Year Award was renamed the Marcy Lopez Sister of the Year Award, to honor the memory of our late and beloved sister Marcy “Apasionada” Lopez-Gonzalez. She exemplified the essence of a Beta Woman and demonstrated true sisterhood to so many who had the pleasure to interact with her.
• The Leadership Award was renamed the Elizaveta F. Cruz Leadership Award in honor of former National President, past Board of Trustees Chair and current Board of Trustees Treasurer, Elizaveta F. Reyes-Tome. Through her national service she helped to manage, guide and direct the organization to a higher level in various capacities.

The new award was an initiative led by Ana Verdejo, Dawn C. Torres, Maria Hernandez and Zahir Ynoa with the intent of honoring our Seventeen Founders and their vision for Omega Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated.  It is the first award accompanied by a monetary gift made possible with the donations of the OPBSI Alumnae Association and the Board of Trustees.

OPBSI is pleased to announce the 2019 Annual Sorority & Operational award winners:

 

Alumnae Member-At-Large (MAL) of the Year Award

Winner: Zahir Ynoa (Xi Chapter/Westchester Alumnae Collective)

Awarded to an Alumna or MAL who has contributed significantly to the organization and enhanced sorority life.

 

Marcy Lopez Sister of  the Year Award

Winner: Veronica Almeida (Alpha Epsilon Alumnae Chapter)

Awarded to a member who has exemplified the essence of a Beta Woman and has demonstrated true sisterhood, through sisterly behavior and sisterly thought, not only for one person but for the sisterhood as a whole.

 

Jessica P. Roman Dedication Award

Winner: Ladylaura Bueno (Gamma Gamma Chapter)

Awarded to a Soror who has committed herself to OPBSI, beyond the minimum required and has devoted numerous hours to help our sorority exceed to higher levels, despite her own personal obligations and responsibilities.

 

Outstanding National Service Award

Winner: Michelina Ferrara (Psi Chapter)

Awarded to a member who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the Sorority through her service in a national leadership role as a trustee, officer, committee member, or volunteer on a national project or initiative.

 

Philanthropist of the Year Award

Winner: Alpha Mu Alumnae Chapter (Los Angeles, CA)

Awarded to a member or entity that has demonstrated passion and dedication for eradicating Violence against Women and has made great strides in raising awareness of our national philanthropy.

 

Professional of the Year Award

Winner: Veronica Almeida (Alpha Epsilon Alumnae Chapter)

Awarded to a member who has committed herself to her work and exemplifies the meaning of a professional woman.

 

Trailblazer of the Year Award

Winner: Alpha Nu Alumnae Chapter (Long Island, NY)

Awarded to a newly formed entity, a collective or recently reactivated chapter in recognition of exemplary performance and extraordinary growth during the calendar year.

 

Undergraduate of the Year Award

Winner: Menorka Rodriguez (Beta Chapter)

Awarded to an undergraduate member that demonstrates outstanding leadership skills, excels academically, participates in extracurricular activities and works to enhance the sorority.

 

Most Improved Chapter/Collective of the Year Award

Winner: Alpha Gamma Alumnae Chapter (Washington D.C.)

Awarded to a chapter or collective to recognize its ability to strive, overcome obstacles and succeed in spite of earlier trials and challenges faced during the calendar year.  

 

Chapter/Collective of the Year Award

Winner: Alpha Zeta Alumnae Chapter (New Jersey)

Awarded to a chapter or collective to recognize exemplary performance during the calendar year.  

 

Jessica Morales Art of Excellence Award

Winner: Gabrielle Torres (Alpha Kappa Alumnae Chapter)

Awarded to an active member of the National Step/Stroll Team that has exemplified the principles of OPBSI through the pursuit of excellence in the art of performing.

 

Elizaveta F. Cruz Leadership Award

Winner: Alina Acevedo (Beta Nu Chapter)

Awarded to a member who has set a precedent to enhance Omega Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and has helped to manage, guide and direct the organization to a higher level that will only help the organization as a unifying whole.

 

Monica L. Miranda Image Award

Winner: 2018 Operations Team

Awarded to a member or entity that has exemplified the image of Omega Phi Beta Sorority Inc. by staying true to our national goals, motto, sorority creed and mission, no matter the circumstances faced.

 

Region of the Year Award

Winner: Region 7 – West Coast

Awarded to a region that has demonstrated exemplary joint performance (as an assembly of chapters and collectives) during the calendar year.

 

Turnesol Founders Award

Winner: Elizaveta F. Reyes-Tome

Honors a sister who is a National Officer/Leader who overcame adversity during her term to maintain the internal/external position of our organization. She has served and made significant efforts to continually support our sororities growth and development for our future. She has been able to deal with numerous setbacks and manage multiple responsibilities with grace. Her contributions have been an integral part to the achievements of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.