Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Diversity, inclusion, and belonging (DIB) are foundational pillars that are essential for the vitality and success of any sorority. Embracing diversity means celebrating the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and identities of all members within Chi Omega. It fosters an environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their authentic selves. Inclusion goes beyond mere representation; it involves actively welcoming and engaging members from all walks of life. Belonging is the central part of Chi Omega and represents an ongoing commitment to not only including and honoring sisters from every background, but ensuring we all feel a sense that we are valued and belong in our community. A commitment to DIB not only enriches the Chi Omega experience by broadening perspectives and fostering mutual understanding but also prepares members to be inclusive leaders and advocates in their communities beyond Chi Omega's walls. By prioritizing diversity, inclusion, and belonging, we can cultivate a culture of empowerment, respect, and unity that strengthens the bonds of sisterhood and creates positive change within and beyond our organization.
Lyla Prass
Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Hi! My name is Lyla Prass and I am lucky enough to serve as the 2024 Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Director of Chi Omega Pi Beta. It has truly been an honor to serve our chapter and enrich sisters’ experiences through this role. In this role, I have the opportunity to host educational and fun events to foster our chapter’s growth in DIB, work with and support both the Executive Board and Cardinal Cabinet in their programming, panhellenic recruitment, and overall function, as well as be a resource for the broader chapter in struggles, successes, and questions surrounding DIB. I am proud of the growth I have seen with DIB and the work Pi Beta has done while also recognizing this work is lifelong.
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I hope to create an environment in Chi Omega, not just through this position, but through member attitudes and actions, that truly embodies diversity, inclusion, and belonging. To me, this looks like respectful and curious conversations about our unique histories, creating opportunities for our sisters to participate in aspects of our lives outside of Chi Omega, and understanding that DIB is in everything we do and bringing that mindset with us into every facet of our lives. Putting DIB into everything we do has been my main focus in my term thus far where I have collaborated with other members of the Cardinal Cabinet to host events that have brought elements of DIB to the forefront that are typically overlooked. For example, an event that highlighted both Campus Activities, another pillar of Chi Omega, and DIB to go to a UMN women’s hockey game for Women in Sports month. Another way I have furthered DIB in Chi Omega is by creating the opportunity for sisters to share aspects of their identities that are important to them either through speaking at our weekly chapter meeting or creating events for the chapter. At chapter meetings this could look like sharing about a holiday she celebrates, as a sister just did at the start of Ramadan, or planning and hosting a Pride event for the chapter.
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DIB has enriched my Chi Omega experience and my life greatly by practicing the skills of empathy, respectful curiosity, and seeking to understand. I know that our DIB work did not start with me and that it will most definitely not end with me. I am confident in Pi Beta’s commitment to enriching our vibrant community, including new members and ideas into our community, and ensuring that every sister sees themselves and feels like they belong in our community.
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LICO,
Lyla Prass
2024 Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging