Founding Sister Ginnette "Canela"
Resto-Ruth
Where I am now: I am currently an Active Duty
Army Officer in the Medical Service Corps stationed in Atlanta, Ga. I've been in the Army for 10 years and married to another Army Officer for 8 years.
We have 2 girls that keeps us extremely busy. We are enjoying life and traveling around the world!
Favorite Quote: Always take the
positive of every situation, and learn from it.
Sister Anh-kay "Misteriosa"
Pizano- Class of Spring 1999/2001
Where I am now: I currently reside
in Riverview, Florida with a beautiful daughter named Belize and my husband. My goal is to be healthy, happy and the best
mother I can be. I graduated in spring 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and spring 2001 with Master
of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in College Student Affairs. I am currently a Project
Manager at the Florida Mental Health Institute. I am also a member of the Tampa Bay Alumnae Association of SLG and on my spare
time I love to read, exercise and spend time with family & friends.
What SLG has done for me: SLG has afforded me the opportunity to polish my leadership skills.
There were many experiences during my years as an undergraduate that allowed me to serve the community and the sorority.
All of those experiences have contributed to how I handle challenges and spearhead projects in my current professional position.
Favorite Quote: "The secret
to happiness is a good sense of humor and a bad memory."
Sister Melisa "Bailarina"
Bratcher - Class of Spring 1999
Where Am I Now: I have a beautiful little boy and I also
am the Records Manager and Crime Analyst for a law enforcement agency in Palm Beach County. In addition, since
graduation I served on the National Board as the VP of Expansion, and am currently serving as the Chair of the Awards Committee
and a member of the Nominations Committee for Sigma Lambda Gamma.
What SLG has done for
me: Sigma Lambda Gamma has provided such an incredible support system AND family for me - I am an only child,
but for the last ten years of my life, I have not felt for one second that I was alone! I have also had the opportunity to
take on leadership roles that I might not have thought I could handle; serving on the National Board was an incredible experience
and played a significant role in obtaining my current professional position as a supervisor.
Sister Joycelin "Estrella" Rivera- Class of Fall 1999
Where I am now: I work at the International Academy of Design & Technology as an admissions
advisor; I've been working there for almost 5 years and love my job. I don't have kids yet but hope to have some soon
and I have 2 dogs and they're like my kids :-)
What SLG has done for me: On a personal
level I found lots of love, support and met so many wonderful and beautiful sisters. On a professional level; it gave more
confidence, networking and experience on how to be a leader and work with a large, diverse group of people.
Favorite Quote: "Things
happen for a reason"
Sister
Valeria "Fuerza" Garcia -Class of Spring 2000
Where
I am now: I currently work at
the University of South Florida working in the Provost's Office-Academic Affairs as a Data Analyst/Coordinator. I just
completed my Ph.D. in Leadership and Higher Education Administration through Barry University and am very excited to have
finished one more chapter of my life! I plan on continuing my career at USF and also begin teaching at
the university level to explore my options and future professional direction. On a personal note, I am not married yet but
happy in a serious relationship. I do not have children, although that is definitely on my list of life accomplishments! I
have two beautiful nieces and a goddaughter who keep me very busy and up-to-date on all the current kid trends =)
What SLG has done for me: Since becoming a sister in Fall 1998, I have continued to stay involved in SLG life, by supporting
undergrad, as well as from an alumnae perspective. While at FSU, I took on the charge of starting a colony/chapter and bringing
in the founding line at FAMU (Psi Beta Chapter). On the alumnae level, I was a part of the creation of the Southeast Alumnae
Association and a few years later, the Tampa Bay Alumnae Association. Creating an association has been a great way to stay
involved as a sister, yet in a manner that added meaning to my life as an older sister and as a graduate/professional.
Favorite Quote: "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it." Author: Unknown
Sister Azalia "Piragua" Miranda- Class of Summer 2003
Where
I am now: I am the
Rehab Director at an outpatient physical therapy clinic in Ellenton, Florida. I have been practicing in various settings since
graduating with my Masters in Physical Therapy at the University of Florida in 2005. I head all management aspects of the
clinic and treat everything from musculoskeletal to neurological injuries any patients may have. My focus is increasing quality
of life and assisting patients return to their lifestyles with decrease pain and improved mobility.
What
SLG has done for me: SLG led me to become the lady...
the woman I am today.... The lovely and immense sisterhood of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc. has meant family,
love and true bonds that continue throughout the years. Humility, respect, values and sacrifice are only a few of the life
aspects that I have grown to have more of. Where I have gone, what I have done.... all I have accomplished through those three
Greek letters and their history.... is part of who I am today. It is part of what I display in my professional atmosphere
and in my personal life. SLG opened a door of learning the truth about life outside of your immediate family, networking opportunities
and never ending friendships. These are the ladies that I stood on an alter with, as a married the man of my dreams. These
are the ladies that I will one day share my joy with, when I have my first born. These are the ladies that I will share my
joys and tears with, for they are my family.
Favorite
Quote: "The best way to prepare for life is to begin to
live" (Elbert Hubbard)
Sister Arlene "Garita" Rivera - Class of Spring 2004
Where I
am now: I am currently working at WTTA My TV
Tampa Bay. Yes, the old WB38… where I worked before... and I am really really happy to be back! Jamey and I bought
our first house and we now reside in Riverview, FL. We hope to travel and enjoy our lives as newlyweds for now, and no kids
yet… maybe in 2010. I am currently an active member of the Tampa Bay Alumnae Association, where I currently serve as
the Alumnae/Undergrad Liaison. On my spare time I like to visit family and friends, attend fun activities/events, or
just relax at home with the people I love.
What SLG has done for me: SLG truly showed me diversity and how strong and independent women can be. It showed me the beauty of
sisterhood, trust, and ever lasting friendships. It definitely opened a path for networking and memories to last a lifetime.
Favorite
Quote: "Success is never final.
Failure is never fatal. Courage is what counts.” – Sir Winston Churchill
Sister Janine "Tesoro"
Zambrano- Class of Spring 2004
Where I am now:
Even though I graduated in '04, my life in last year has had many changes, I believe for the better. I currently live
in the Ft. Lauderdale area, where I just accepted a promotion with my company as their Plant Accountant. With this promotion
it has given me the opportunity to pursue my Masters in Accounting which I will be starting in the upcoming Fall.
As always, I continue to travel, exploring new places and returning to old ones so I may spend time with my family
and friends. Even though I don't know where my choices in life will lead me, I know I will enjoy the journey
getting there.
What SLG has done for me: Slg has made me the person I am today. It has taught me how to stand up for
myself and voice my opinion yet also to be humble and listen to others. It has given me the knowledge to know what I
want from life and how to acheive these goals. It has helped expose me to cultures I was not aware of and let others
see and accept me for who I am. I couldn't imagine my life with having the experiences SLG has given me and the firends I
have made throughout the years.
Favorite Quote: "I don't break the rules; I merely test there elasticity" (unknown)
Sister Nicole "Pétalo" Pabon- Class of Spring 2004
Where
I am now: I am currently still residing
in Tampa, Fl. I work in the sales
support division of DHL Express. I am pursuing my Masters of Management in Human Resources at the University of Phoenix. I
am currently single and am looking forward to meeting the love of my life.
What SLG has done for me: SLG
has allowed me to meet so many phenomenal women with whom I have formed lifelong bonds. I have so many memories that I hold
dear to my heart. SLG has allowed me to break down barriers against people and I know that I have a sister that I can
count on almost anywhere I go.
Favorite Quote: "Sometimes you need to forget what you love and remember what you deserve"
Sister Millie "Oro"
Dehoyos - Class of Spring 2004
Where I am now: I currently reside in Tampa, FL. I graduated
in Spring 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology. I am currently a Claim Representative for State Farm Mutual Automobile
Insurance Company. I am in the process of completing an insurance desgination and then it is off to graduate school.
I am also a member and the Treasurer of the Tampa Bay Alumnae Association for Sigma Lambda Gamma. Marriage
and children are definately in the stars. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, jet skiing, shopping
and doing pretty much anything in good company.
Favorite quote: If God will bring you to it, He will bring you through it.
Sister Dianne "Enigmática"
Frankel- Class of Spring 2004 (BS) /2006 (MPH) /2008 (MS)
Where
I am now: I have
been accepted into Lake Erie College of Medicine,
and will graduate in 2012 as a DO. I plan on working in Internal Medicine specializing in Infectious Disease. Besides
living at school, I enjoy working out, reading, hanging out with family and sisters. I love traveling, I just came
back from Italy, and plan to make
many trips domestically and internationally.
What
SLG has done for me: SLG has given
me not only friends but life long sisters.
Favorite
Quote: "To lead the people, you have to love
the people. To save the people, you have to serve the people." Dr. Cornel
West
Sister Daisy Ileana
"Gema" Antonsanti - Class of Summer 2004
Where
am I now: I am currently employed with the James A Haley VA Hospital as a Program Support Assistant in the Human
Resource Department. I am planning a February 2009
wedding with the man of my dreams and helping my family raise my two nieces. I am also a reborn Christian and am working on nourishing
my relationship with my creator as well as my friends and family.
What SLG has done
for me: Sigma Lambda Gamma continues
to help me grow in many aspects of my life. It was the first step in my professional career. Being a part of SLG taught
me how to communicate with other professionals efficiently, it taught me how to step away from the shadows and take
leadership positions while at the same time teaching me how to work collectively in a group for a common goal of success.
Sigma Lambda Gamma has also given me the opportunity to
build strong relationships with other empowering women; friendships that I could not live without.
Favorite Quote: Change occurs when one becomes what she
is, not when she tries to become what she is not. (Ruth P. Freedman)
Sister Yaritza "Sazón"
Jefferson- Class of Spring 2005 (BA) /2008 (MA)
Where I am now: I
recently married my HS sweetheart (March 8th) and we spent our honeymoon in exotic Punta Cana, DR! We
now reside in Wesley Chapel, Florida. We both work with children and love it. We plan to travel this year and we enjoy spending
time with our familiy.
What SLG
has done for me: SLG
is a significant part of my life and more than any thing else I cherish the relationships I have built with sisters. I enjoy
calling on my sisters when I put events on at my job and they are able to attend. They have been there and continue to
support education which is what I cherish most.
Favorite Quote: "All Things Are Possible Through Christ
Who Strengthens Me" Phil 4:13
Sister AnaMaria "Gallega" Fals- Class of Summer 2005
Where I am now: After graduating from USF, I moved back to my hometown in Miami, FL. I currently work
as an Optician/ Optical Manager for a private practice in Coral Gables. I will start my MBA in Health Administration
in the Fall. I own a great condo with my boyfriend, Raymond. Luckily I live 1 minute from my mom, which
works out great for those days I open my fridge and have no food! In May I will be an aunt for the first time, to a baby boy,
Christopher Alexander Fals. I can’t wait, I will be his Tia Cha Cha.
What SLG has done for me: SLG taught me how
to become an adult. I learned social skills needed in “Corporate America”. I learned how to put on events, how
to approach sponsors, how to become a volunteer. SLG gave me best friends, that will be with me forever. I
think most of all SLG taught me about ME. I learned so much about my capabilities, strength, and weakness by being an active
member of SLG
Favorite Quote: "Stand up for what you believe in, even if you are standing alone" (unknown)
Sister Jennifer "Auténtica"
Guevara- Class of Fall 2005
Where I am now: I am currently still living here in the Tampa
area. I have worked at Bank of America
for 5 years now. I work for the company's Human Resource Department as a Recruiting Coordinator. I love my job! It keeps
me busy and I enjoy every minute of it. In a few months I will be returning to school for my Masters in Human Resource Management.
Favorite Quote: "What will not kill you, will only make
you stronger"
Sister Olga "Tairona" Rivera
Cadavid - Class of Spring 2006
Where I am now: I currently reside in Westchase Tampa, and work as a Media Coordinator at FKQ Advertising & Marketing in Clearwater. I’ve also been helping my boyfriend with marketing ideas for his Tech company and have enjoyed the new challenge.
Because of this, I've been considering taking some extra courses to obtain a minor in Marketing or starting a masters
program, I haven't decided at this moment. I am not married, nor do I have any
children, but I enjoy spending time with friend’s babies and being a part of life changing events as well as traveling
to see my family and spending quality time with them.
Favorite Quote:
“No hay mal que por bien no venga, Dios sabe porque hace sus cosas.”
Sister Luz "Atómica"
Paniagua- Class of Spring 2006
Where I am now: I have recently graduated from the University of South Florida with a Master of Education in College
Student Affairs. I am currrently employed at the University of Miami as the Asst. Director of Multicultural Student
Affairs. I absolutely LOVE my department and everything we do. Needless to say, everything is going according to
God's plan and I am LOVING it! I plan to further my education by enrolling in a Higher Education Doctoral program within
the next 2-3 years. I have continued my involvement with SLG through the South Florida Alumnae Association where
I am currently the Vice President of Programming. Through this membership I have gained new friendships with sisters
from all over the state and the nation. For now, I am enjoying my life as a graduate and a professional.
What SLG has done for me: Sigma Lambda Gamma is the true definition of an organization of Women of Distinction! SLG and the sisters
within the chapter and across the nation instilled in me that there are no obstacles in life; instead there are
challenges which can only help an individual grow. Through the sisterhood I've made deep connections with women
that I would have never met if it wasn't for SLG. The organization has given me the opportunity to grow
as a woman, a leader, a sister, and individual. It has afforded me the chance to network, travel, and most importantly
become a sister to the most amazing individuals I have ever met.
Favorite Quote: "Life is like a picture; we use the negatives to
develop" & "Be concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really
are; your reputation is what others merely think of you.'
Sister Rachelle "Fugaz"
Wood- Class of Spring 2006
Where I am now:
I work at Rasmussen College as an Admissions Representative. At the beginning of this year I started training in the Chang Moo Kwan style of Tae Kwon Do at Yung Ho Martial Arts. Tae Kwon Do has
allowed me to recognize a stronger spiritual and physical aspect of my existence. Most of my time is spent in work and Tae
Kwon Do training, however when the weekend comes I enjoy spending time with my family, close friends and sisters
of course!
What SLG has done
for me: Sigma
Lambda Gamma allowed me to realize that I am a natural leader and motivator. I also realized that no matter
how difficult life becomes it does get better. There are always going to be hurdles and bumps in the road but being strong
in your mind is the only thing that is required to survive this journey. I have been able to maintain a disciplined lifestyle
change that I truly deserved and if I hadn't been taught what I was taught by this illustrious organization,
I would have given up on many dreams that have come true for me.
Favorite Quote: "The only thing I know for certain is that I know nothing
at all." (Socrates)
Sister Christine "Dichosa"
Gordian - Class of Spring 2006
Where I am now: I currently reside in NewTampa.
I am working as a Fraud Analyst at Citi
in the Securities & Investigative Services Department. I am currently taking classes to become a certified Crime Scene
Investigator and also have intentions obtaining my masters degree in Criminology soon after. I have been serving
as the Chapter Advisor for the University
of Tampa since the beginning of fall 2007. I am not married yet, and have no kids, but my two godchildren keep me busy and my pockets empty. Until then, on my spare I go to
the gym frequently, travel, paint and help support the undergrad chapters and help out in any way I can.
What SLG has done for me: SLG has given me the opportunity to grow tremendously
personally, mentally and professionally. I have never had so many role models to look up to. It has opened the door to an
extended family, being that I am the only child. It has molded me into the goal oriented and determined individual I am today.
Favorite Quote: One is not a true
believer until she wishes for others what she would want for herself.
Stephanie
“Afortunada” Morge - Class of Summer
2006
Where
I am now:
I currently reside in Tampa off Memorial Highway, and work as a Subcontract Adminstrator at Power Design,
Inc.in St Petersburg.
I recently received a promotion and will soon be working as an Internal Auditor. I enjoy spending time with my sister, who
also lives in Tampa, as well as my dog and my two cats - my babies!
What SLG has done for me: SLG has done a myriad of things
for me, from networking and socializing, to creating lasting friendships and most importantly, helping me learn about my strengths
and weaknesses. This organization has allowed me to see that there are no limits to what you can achieve and overcome, or
what you can accomplish if you work hard. I truly valued my undergraduate experience with SLG and look forward to
a lasting sisterhood in the years to come.
Favorite
Quote:
“Dance like no one's watching, love like you've never been hurt, and live as if heaven were tomorrow.”
Sister
Leandra "Espiga" Bence - Class of Fall 2006
Where
I am now: Hello, I am currently working with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay as a Mentor Manager. I’ve
been working here for about a year now. I live in a small town called Wimauma but will be moving to the Plant City/North Lakeland
area with my boyfriend, future husband. I am currently expecting a little boy in June of 2008, my first child. I do plan on
returning to the University of South Florida and enroll into a dual degree program, receiving a Master’s degree in Social
Work and Public Health. My goal is to be in school Spring 2009. I also plan on going to school to become a Sign Language Interpreter.
I spend most of my free time shopping for my little boy, taking child birth class, and reading many books about pregnancy
and labor. I am very excited on becoming a mother. I am also very excited to be a part of this organization; this organization
has helped out in many ways.
Favorite Quote: "Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Dream,
Today is What Counts"
Sister Kristine "Arroz"
Ferrer- Class of Fall 2007
Where I am now: I recently moved back home to Kissimmee, Florida
to save money and work while I undergo the graduate application process. My future plans are to go back to school, hopefully
USF, for my Master's in Public Health with a focus toward the Global Health sector. If God wills I plan to serve
in the Peace Corps after my Master's. I would really love to travel the world for a year and do some missionary work before
I settle down with a career and a family. SLG has really helped me in finding what I really want to do in life and I encourage
you all to find what it is you are passionate for as your career instead of settling for a something you are not as passionate
for just because of the benefits it brings.
Favorite Quote: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares
the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.'" - Jeremiah 29:11
Sister Una "Audaz" Bilic - Class of Fall 2007
Where am I now:
Since I graduated in December I have moved back to Orlando and am enjoying spending
time with my family while saving money to go back to graduate school. My plan is to return to the University of South Florida
within the following year and pursue my masters degree in Global Health. Once graduated, my goal is to work with a global
health agency such as the United Nations.
I am currently spending a lot of my free time with the Iota Beta chapter at UCF which is a perfect example
that our sisterhood never ends.
What SLG has done for me: Becoming a member of Sigma
Lambda Gamma was the best decision I made throughout my collegiate career. Not only have I grown
professionally while holding positions in the chapter, the growth and maturity I experienced personally can not be described.
Sigma Lambda Gamma also open many doors for me with other organizations such as becoming a USF Ambassador, participating as
a member of Greek Week committee, and partaking in all Volunteer USF events. Having the opportunity to educate two lines
was the most rewarding experience and now seeing those ladies taking charge of chapter makes me so proud! What became as a
sorority sisterhood turned into life long friendships which I will always value. As Madea said, some people are leaves, some
branches and some roots, my sisters were all my roots throughout college!
Favorite Quote: "Difficult
takes a day, impossible takes a week"
