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SUMMER 2016 • THE CRESCENT • 13
Afterbeingelectedchapterpresidentandhearingabouttheopportunity
to attend REAL Leadership Academy, I was very excited. Being in the
same room as all of the other chapter presidents of Gamma Phi Beta
– who are equally as passionate about this organization as I am – was
inspiring.Thesechapterleadersinfluencethousandsofotherwomen
acrossthecountryandconsistentlyliveouttheirvaluesandsacrificetheir
time in order to make sure others can do the same.
Starting my term as president was a huge transition – not only
within my chapter, but also with how I operated on a day-to-day basis.
Gettingaccustomedtoawholenewroutineandfiguringouthowto
manageandmaintaintheoverallwellbeingofthechapterwasdifficult
at times. REAL Leadership Academy not only helped me see the
overall vision of Gamma Phi Beta, but also refocused my attention to
my individual members and how I can be a voice for them instead of
focusing on the administration side of the job.
I attended smaller breakout sessions at REAL Leadership Academy
including one called Courageous Conversations. This session focused on
how to address the tough conversations such as punitive actions that can
arise in chapters. The main takeaway I got was to fully understand the
member’s situation and get the rest of the executive council members on
thesamepage.Byhelpingthememberinquestionreflectonheractions,
it not only helps reach a common ground and understanding, but
discourages a similar situation from happening in the future.
I also attended the REAL Leadership Experience (RLE) – Gamma
Phi Beta’s leadership event for emerging leaders – last summer in Texas
and met some amazing women with whom I grew close in a short
time. Three of the women who attended RLE also ended up being
chapter presidents for their respective chapters, and REAL Leadership
Academy allowed us to grow closer and see one another in this new stage
of our lives.
I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunities Gamma Phi Beta
has given me to grow and learn about myself even more over the past
year. With each personal development event I learn something new about
myself,mychapterandabouttheamazingwomenwhofillit.Itruly
believe that I can only achieve my full potential by understanding the
women who I am leading, and I am grateful for the opportunities that
have allowed me to realize this.
Get to Know Olivia Howland (University of Washington)The Crescent asked Olivia a few questions to get to know her
a little better.
The Crescent: Finish this sentence. People who know me say I’m…
Olivia Howland: Bubbly, quirky, compassionate, optimistic
and dedicated.
Who inspires you?
OH:Mymomisoneofthestrongest,mostselflesswomenIknow.She
has done everything she possibly can to get my brother and me to the
places we are in our lives – and all without asking for anything in return.
List three traits Gamma Phi Beta has helped you develop.
OH:Open-mindedness,confidenceandcompassion.
My REAL Leadership JourneyBy Olivia Howland (University of Washington)