Carmen Namenek (Western Ontario)
Tell us your Gamma Phi Beta story. What first drew you to the organization, and how has it shaped your journey?
Prior to attending university, I was not very familiar with sororities and did not know anyone who was in one. During summer break, I worked with a few women who were in other houses, and they asked me to consider going through recruitment. I did, and while I loved seeing them in their house, my heart had already fallen in love with Gamma Phi Beta! The women there shared many of my passions and I instantly fell in love with the historic home and the sisters in it. I was thrilled when my friend and I both matched with Gamma Phi Beta!
As a Canadian, where sorority life is less common than in the United States, what inspired you to join Gamma Phi Beta, and how did that experience lead you to serve on the Foundation Board?
I was instantly drawn to the philanthropy of Gamma Phi Beta. I had spent most of my summers either attending camps or working at them from childhood to college. Knowing the women were raising funds, volunteering and even going to work at Camp Sechelt was so inspiring. I have always been involved in volunteer work in the non-profit sector. I worked as a director of development and have been involved in raising funds but also developing programs and being entrusted with philanthropic dollars in many of the programs and services I have managed over the years. In my years as a Gamma Phi Beta volunteer, I have seen the impact the Foundation has made on our membership from leadership development programing, loyalty grants for sisters in need and scholarships that help our members achieve their academic and professional goals. I was inspired to apply to be Foundation trustee to contribute to that work and feel honored they have chosen me to serve with them.
What has inspired you to remain actively involved with Gamma Phi Beta over the years?
The best part of my sorority experience has always been my alumnae experience. Moving from Canada to Southern California almost 30 years ago, I have spent more time with my local sisters and forged many of my dearest relationships here. It was through Gamma Phi Beta (and the old Sister Link program) that I attended my first alumnae event and have been serving ever since!
What message would you like to share with the members and programs that benefit from your generous support?
I am passionate about giving back! I did not grow up in a household that had income to just give away, even to the noblest causes. But my mother did emphasize service and giving what you could. My financial giving was slow and grew as I grew professionally and financially stable. It is important to just start giving, even small gifts together have a huge impact! I always believed when you got a raise or a bonus you should pay yourself first (retirement savings), then give to something you care about before you go on a spending spree. It might not sound as exciting in the moment, but trust me, the lasting impact of both will stay with you longer than a new outfit or a random purchase you splurged on.
What is your favorite Gamma Phi Beta memory?
I was fortunate to be on one of the 150th Celebration Committees and I met some incredible people through that experience. But getting to attend five of the events, including Syracuse and my hometown of Toronto, to connect back with some sisters I was in chapter with was incredible. It was a full circle moment for me, where our sisterhood began and where my Gamma Phi Beta story started.
Are there any additional thoughts, words of inspiration or reflections you would like to share with fellow sisters?
It is my honor to be a supporter of Gamma Phi Beta, both as a donor, but more importantly as a volunteer. I believe that I am fulfilling the pledge I made 35 years ago when I was initiated into our sisterhood.