In 2019, Gamma Phi Beta introduced The Clara Project (TCP), a series of long-distance learning opportunities for members seeking to enhance their board-level competencies and develop high-level leadership skills.
The Clara Project offers leadership development and educational opportunities for our alumnae members, in addition to preparing interested members for high-level committee and board service inside and outside of Gamma Phi Beta. This commitment to our members represents our desire to continue to empower, educate and support the leaders of today and tomorrow within Gamma Phi Beta.
Over eight sessions, participants in The Clara Project will engage in online educational modules, small group work and self-assessments all while gaining exposure to current and past Gamma Phi Beta leaders and current International Council initiatives.
Who can participate?
Any alumna member in good standing (current on payment of annual international alumnae dues or a Life Loyal member) is welcome to apply. We are seeking alumnae members who are familiar with non-profit volunteer and board service who want to enhance their leadership skills as they look to future volunteer and board level service in Gamma Phi Beta. Leadership skills gained through TCP will also be applicable to a member’s professional development and volunteer service outside of Gamma Phi Beta.
Am I a good candidate for this program?
If you meet more than one of these criteria, you may be a good candidate for TCP!
- I can demonstrate skills and experiences that support current Sorority needs.
- I have engaged with a Gamma Phi Beta program or volunteer opportunity within the past five to 10 years.
- I feel that I could serve within the next two to four years in a leadership role for the organization.
- I have significant outside leadership development experiences.
How can I share this info if I know a good candidate?
If you know an alumna sister who is a great candidate, refer her.
When and where does tCP take place?
The Clara Project is an eight-week virtual learning opportunity delivered during September and October annually. Exact dates and times are subject to change. Check this page often for upcoming session info.
Anyone interested must be able to commit to all session dates, as the success of the program relies on group interaction and participation. Participants are also expected to complete learning opportunities between sessions as assigned within the curriculum. We estimate a total time commitment of 30 hours throughout the course of the program.
Testimonials
Katherine Pezzella (Colgate) is a proud Gamma Phi Beta volunteer at the local and international levels, an educator, student affairs administrator and fraternity professional. She is also a past participant of TCP. “It can be hard for women to achieve positions in nonprofit and for-profit leadership at the highest levels. Often, it's a situation where one needs previous experience with board service to be selected for board service. Whether you have experience or not, TCP is a unique, practical, outcomes-based program that will help you further develop skills you likely already have so you can be confident in communicating what you bring to the board table.”
Selina Ruiz (Pepperdine) is a community leader, volunteer and former educator. Selina shares the following about her experience in TCP: “The Clara Project was a great opportunity to practice board level case scenarios with a team of diverse thinkers. Being able to facilitate within the same year provided me a bird's eye view of just how talented our sisters are and what the future could look like for Gamma Phi Beta. We should count ourselves lucky to be in the company of such talent.”
Amy Sensiba (Southeast Missouri State) is a special education leader with 25 years of experience, a Special Olympics coach, a proud member of Gamma Phi Beta and a mom and wife. When reflecting on her TCP experience, Amy shares, “Through the engagement with my cohort of sisters and the constant support from my mentor in TCP, I developed my leadership skills and increased my knowledge of board-level competencies. The TCP experience truly prepared and empowered me to reach for my goals both inside and outside of Gamma Phi Beta.”
Dr. Ashley Lang (Northern Iowa) is a leader in higher education, coaching, Gamma Phi Beta, Girls on the Run of Eastern Iowa, Cedar Valley Roller Derby, Junior League of Waterloo-Cedar Falls, and her family. Ashley shares the following about her experience as a TCP facilitator: “Facilitating TCP has been so rewarding! I've had the opportunity to witness the (re)engagement of some of our most outstanding sisters and their hunger for growth of themselves and our organization. While the journey is personal to each participant, it's amazing to bear witness to the transformations that occur for future leaders of our sorority and community.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
The application for the fall 2025 TCP cohort is slated to open summer 2025. Check this page often for application information.
What if the dates don't work for me?
TCP is a cohort-based leadership program. As such, participant learning is strongly impacted by the contributions of other TCP participants. Therefore, it is expected that TCP participants engage in all eight virtual sessions.
If you are unable to participate in the upcoming session dates, you can wait to apply for a future session of The Clara Project or you can explore other opportunities offered by the Leadership Development Committee (LDC) throughout the year.