In an effort to highlight the people who are leading graduate chapters across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to the sorority sisters of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.’s Lambda Omega Sigma in Spring TX- Houston area and did an interview with Chanaé Jones the Basileus of the chapter.
The position of Basileus/president of a Black sorority chapter is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes. Jones, who is the owner of Dreamcatchers Therapy and a wellness/ pediatric occupational therapist, has been in the position of Basileus for 1 year.
We interviewed Chanaé Jones, who is a Spring 2008/ Gamma Pi Chapter/ Louisiana State University initiate of Sigma Gamma Rho and talked to her about her position, goals, future and what it means to hold this type of leadership position in the digital age.
Read the full interview below.
What motivated you to take on the role of alumni chapter president?
When we chartered the chapter, I knew I wanted to be the chapter basileus one day. I served as the 1st Rhoer Advisor, Epistoleus, and Anti- Basileus for 6 years. Last year, I decided that I wanted to run for chapter Basileus and possibly become the Lambda Omega Sigma Centennial Basileus.
What specific initiatives is your chapter heading up this year and how do you think they will improve the local community or the broader Black community?
This year and every year we have successfully carried out ALL of the National programs and initiatives. This year we will continue to do so, as well as focus on local initiatives such as the volunteering at the Manna Food Pantry, Bag a Lunch Initiative, Operation Big Book Bag twice this year, various health and wellness initiatives such as protect you mind, breast cancer awareness, and host our annual Blackout Charity Event on 11/11/23. All of our fundraisers and community events help the community by allowing us to pour into our community by providing resources, education, support, and much more.
What made you want to pledge Sigma Gamma Rho?
I am able to be me unapologetically, this sorority embraces who I am as a woman, friend, sister, mother, and individual as a whole. I wanted to be apart of a sisterhood that played the true part of sisterhood. When I met the ladies of the Gamma Pi chapter at LSU a “few” moons ago, they welcomed me with open arms and I felt at home. It’s been uphill since then.
Photo Credit: Shawn Biggers
What is it about your specific chapter that makes it so unique?
Well as a charter member, I am biased! Haha. But seriously, our aim in the Lambda Omega Sigma Chapter is to do what I stated this sorority does, play the true part of a sister. We are who we say we are, we do the work in the community, and we provide an environment that facilitates growth from Rhosebud to Rhoer to Philo to Soror.
How is your chapter providing for the undergraduate chapters you support?
We currently do not advise an undergraduate chapter, this is a goal of ours and has been since we chartered. We will continue to work on this goal. In the meantime, we support our Houston area sister chapters by volunteering and showing up for our younger sorors when needed at events and in the community.
How do you approach fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among alumni members, and what strategies have you found effective?
Unity within the greek family is crucial to the community being that all Divine 9 orgs play integral parts in the communities we serve. It is not only important to work as a united front within our chapter and sorority as a whole, but as fellow Greeks around the world. In a lot of cases, the change starts with us. We have to allow people, especially young people to see the change in us so that they want to be the change the world needs.
What advice would you give to aspiring leaders within your sorority who may aspire to take on roles of leadership within alumni chapters?
It’s work, but if you do the work, really do the work, you will see your chapter and the individuals of your chapter and organization flourish. The learning and the journey never ends, constantly learn and take in all of the information your sorors/brothers tell you. Some of them have been exactly where you are, take head to their advice.
How has mentorship helped you get to where you are today? Are there any specific people in your org who have made a significant impact on your life as mentors?
Mentorship within the sorority has definitely helped me grow as a soror and woman. My list is long, so many have been role models and mentors I don’t know where to start: Johnita Scott, Shannan Blount- Ryans, Chantel Ashley, Chanty Canty-Doyle, Deanna Ashley- Lemon, Miranda Moore, Karen Williams, Hope Hickerson, Alicia Joseph, Wanda Elliott( Omega Rho), Kirsten Berard, Melissa Bostick-Mack, Martinique Herlong, Tiffany Morris, Dr. Gaye Lang, Courtnay Holliday, Dorothea Richard, and so many more!
Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black greekdom?
Yes, it provides a look into greekdom. It allows people to see not only the “fun” aspect of being greek but the work we do in and for our communities.
Looking back at it, why do you love being a member of your org?
I love being a member of the Lambda Omega Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. because I am serving my community and chapter. To me, it’s not about who see the things I do but the impact I leave on the lives I have changed or helped. And my kids are watching, I hope that they see the impact I make in my community and want to do the same things as adults.
Lastly, what does sisterhood mean to you?
Sisterhood is , as I have mentioned before, playing the true part of a sister. There are so many people in organizations who don’t have their sisters best interest at heart. I love with my whole heart and would do anything I could for the people in my life and my community. A sister is an individual who wants nothing but the best for her fellow sister/ soror.
We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Chanaé Jones for her work as the Basileus of the Lambda Omega Sigma Chapter.
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