West Coast Flyness
October 2013
Pi Zeta Chapter
Yes, the earth may shake every so often, but it rarely rains in the Golden State. The City of Angels aka the entertainment capital of the world aka LaLa Land aka the originator of the Shirley Temple is home to movie stars, producers, and over 100 movie studios. It houses Chinatown, Boyle Heights, Long Beach…the list goes on. It is has been the setting of protests demanding change and recognition of Latinos. You may have heard Snoop Dogg or the Black Eyed Peas make references to “April 29, 1992”, the day that South Central made its presence known to the world.
Yes, this is LA. And it is home to the flyest West coast chapter--Pi Zeta.
Being thousands of miles away from all other regions, we hope to use this newsletter as a venue to provide La Hermandad with insight on Pi Zeta's whereabouts and upcoming events!
What's in this Newsletter?
- La Historia - Pi Zeta Chapter's history
- Las Mujeres - Chapter members
- La Comunidad y Nuestra Hermandad - Upcoming events!
- Honorary Latina - Evelina Fernández
- Pi Chi Baby Announcement
- Calling all So-Cal Hermanas
Y ahora, adelante!
La Historia
In 2007, they branched out from Los Angeles and expanded their efforts to include all of Southern California including Marilyn Espitia from San Diego. The chapter was complete with the addition of Jazmin Cameron in 2009. These four dedicated Hermanas came together agreeing on building upon their Hermandad in order to lay a strong foundation for the organization in the west. On March 30, 2010, Pi Zeta was founded, bringing Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/ Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. to California.
Las Mujeres
Cielo Castro
~ Kelis, "Bossy"
E-Board Position: Professional Development Advisor
Nu Chapter, Fall 2000 ~ H. Kuectliashe
Boston University '01
Kuectliashe is a SoCal native, born in East Los Angeles, and raised in the City of Norwalk. Most recently, she was in Washington, DC serving as a Special Assistant in the Office of Community Planning and Development at HUD in the Obama Administration. She continues to serve in federal government, and has advocacy experience after working with the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) and the National League of Cities. Cielo and her spouse Jesse recently purchased a home in the City of Los Angeles, finally planting roots after 12 years -- and six addresses -- of moving.
Irene Rodriguez
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all, when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all and I stood tall and did it my way."
~ Frank Sinatra, "My Way"
E-Board Position: Intake Coordinator
Cornell University '11
EnyÇa'el is a Southern California native who was born and raised in Oxnard, CA. She takes great pride in her Mexican roots and is consistently inspired by the strength of her community. EnyÇa'el is a self-proclaimed coffee addict and music lover. Balancing work life and grad school makes for one interesting and chaotic lifestyle, but on the rare occasion that she has spare time, she enjoys exploring different cuisines, volunteering, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.
Jazmin Eunice Cameron
~ Jillian Scott, "Womanifesto"
E-Board Position: President & Programming Chair
Alpha Chapter, Fall 2005 ~ H. A'xeÑari'q
Cornell University '08
A'xeÑari'q was born and raised in Tucson, AZ. She spends most of her time working and volunteering with organizations that focus on bridging education inequality and providing educational resources to students in undeserved areas of LA (Si se puede!). She finds Hollywood/celebrities to be overrated, superficial and strange. She loves discovering hidden gems throughout the City of Angels, which range from unique coffee shops, hole in the wall cumbia spots that remind her of México, and local businesses that provide gang members with a second chance. She loves boxing, dancehall music, and DJ Quik concerts.
Luivette Resto
~ "Wonder Woman" (Theme Song)
E-Board Position: Vice President & Community Service Chair
Alpha Chapter, Fall 1996 ~ H. Ilanisiw
Cornell University '99
Ilanisiw is the proud mom of three kids who she calls The Revolutionaries because ever since they were born they have taken over her life in the best way possible. She proudly hails from the Bronx. That is why she always says, "I live in LA, but I am from NY." One thing most people may not know about her is that she loves to bake and create menus for small dinner parties. Her second poetry collection, Ascension, just came out this past April. Check it out on Amazon ;)
Paola Gomez-Birenbaum
"No I, I could never follow
Well, I never seem to do it like anybody else
Maybe someday, someday I'm gonna settle down
If you ever want to find me I can still be found
Taking the long way"
~ Dixie Chicks, "The Long Way Around"
E-Board Position: Treasurer, Historian, Administrative Chair
Kappa Chapter, Spring 1998 ~ H. Micalia
(Chapter Founder)
Duke University '00
Micalia is a Jersey girl who settled out west to find a way to save the planet one piece at a time. To say that she marched to a drummer that only resides in her head is an understatement. She enjoys being able to show people that living outside of the status quo is just as exciting and fulfilling and sometimes even more interesting. Honestly, how many Latina Dukie Trojan Mama EcoWarrior Geologists do you know?
La Comunidad y Nuestra Hermandad
AIDS Walk Los Angeles
Please contact PiZeta@lambdapichi.org if you are interested in joining our team.
This even is open to all Hermanas (active & inactive).
Sunday, Oct 13, 2013, 08:30 AM
Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA
Paint 'n Pour with the Pi Chis
Hermanas can register by calling (424) 247-0336. Slots are limited. For more information, please visit http://www.paintnpourrb.com.
This even is open to all Hermanas (active & inactive).
Friday, Nov 15, 2013, 06:30 PM
Paint 'n Pour, Artesia Boulevard, Redondo Beach, CA
Project Angel Food - Divine Design
This volunteer opportunity is open to active Hermanas only.
Sunday, Dec 1, 2013, 06:00 PM
9900 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA
So-Cal Hermana Holiday Party
This even is open to all Hermanas (active & inactive).
Saturday, Dec 7, 2013, 06:00 PM
17026 Yukon Avenue, Torrance, CA
Honorary Latina: Evelina Fernández
Award-winning actress. Playwright. Chicana.
[Evelina Fernández in Contemporary Plays by Women of Color]
In honor of Hispanic Heritage month, we'd like to highlight the work of fellow Angeleno, Evelina Fernández. Evelina was born and raised in East Los Angeles and is a founding and board member of the Latino Theater Company. She made her debut in the play, Zoot Suits, which portrayed the zoot suit riots in Los Angeles in which military servicemen attacked and discriminated against African-American and Mexican-American youth during World War II. She has won various awards highlighting her acting and writing talents. Evelina expresses her love for her community by visiting local schools and community centers and offering youth and adults words of encouragement and motivation.
In an industry and a city like Los Angeles, where women are easily pressured to change their looks or alter their bodies to fit the industry's definition of "beauty," it can be difficult to come across women who have become successful while sticking to their guns. Evelina is an example of empowerment and originality and her past teaches us that as a Latina, you do not need to mold yourself into the role that society expects you to play. Evelina is not only awesome because she is Latina, but she has managed to make her mark in a male-dominated industry without losing herself or her roots.
Tell it like it is, Evelina.
Pi Chi Baby Announcement
Hermana Micalia, along with big brother Maxwell and Proud Dada Steve, would like to welcome the newest member of Casa Birenbaum. Amelia Sage was born August 27, 2013 at 2:21 pm. Welcome to the future Pi Chi!
Calling all So-Cal Hermanas!
If you have any questions regarding dues or chapter expectations, please contact PiZeta@lambdapichi.org.
Additionally, if you are an Hermana who is visiting the Los Angeles area, please feel free to reach out to us!