On a Sunday evening during chapter, a new member raises her hand with an idea for philanthropy week. Her idea is simple, but is a fresh start for philanthropy week. For her it is the start of her leadership journey.
“I wanted to be able to both become more involved in the sorority and gain more leadership skills for the future,” said Isabel Weinberg, the financial vice president.
She oversees and helps with purchasing anything that is needed for events and approving the budgets for the different departments.
Gamma Phi Beta emphasizes those small steps. Members learn to speak up, manage projects and resolve conflicts. These skills directly translate into the workplace, where employers value confidence, collaboration and empathy.
“The best thing about being a leader is proving to myself that I can really accomplish my goals in this position, even when it gets hard,” said Adrian Recar, the membership vice president.
She oversees everything recruitment wise for the sorority, like tabling, the primary rush that happens in the fall time, and continuous open bidding also known as COB.
Leadership is not always about holding the highest office in the chapter. Sometimes it begins with volunteering for a task, offering a new idea or simply encouraging others to participate.
Gamma Phi Beta’s leadership often begins with moments like that Sunday evening. A raised hand, a willingness to step forward.
Gamma Phi Beta’s philanthropy, Girls On The Run, offers another avenue for developing responsibility. Members volunteer at 5Ks, working stations like Happy Hair or Bib Decorating. At the finish line, they hand out medals to the young runners and their buddies.
Through philanthropy, Gamma Phi Beta members learn how to lead with empathy. They see the impact of their work on young girls, reinforcing the idea that leadership is about service as much as it is about authority.
Leadership doesn’t end at graduation. Gamma Phi Beta alumni extend the network into professional life, offering mentorship and career support.
Melissa Scott, education manager at the international headquarters, said the organization helped her grow as a leader even though she was a part of a different sorority in college.
“Gamma Phi Beta has allowed me to become a better leader by allowing me to be a part of leading the Real Leadership Experience,” Scott said. “Which allows for the newest members to learn about leadership and how they can adapt what they learn for their chapter and their future jobs.”
Stephanie Carriere, the international president of Gamma Phi Beta was able to help facilitate the Real Leadership Experience this past summer.
“These skills can be used in school, work and your personal life,” said Carriere. “Additionally, I think that by better understanding the lessons taught through the Leadership Challenge, participants gain a greater amount of confidence by sharpening their leadership practices.”
The Real Leadership Experience hasn’t been held since 2022 and was recently brought back in the summer of 2025. It touched on the Leadership Challenge that was created by James Kouzes and Barry Posner. In the retreat it follows the five guidelines that are set up by Kouzes and Posner. These guidelines are modeling the way, inspiring a shared vision, challenging the process, enabling others to act and encouraging the heart.
The Real Leadership Experience is one of the several programs that is designed to connect collegiate members with alumni. Through workshops and mentorship, members learn how to translate chapter leadership into career skills.
Becca Urman, a sister of the Delta Psi chapter of Gamma Phi Beta, at the University of California-Santa Barbra was able to go to RLE this past summer.
“RLE was so helpful because not only did I learn a lot of valuable leadership skills, but I also had other girls there with me to help me through the process.”
Later on in life, that same member will be going in for a job interview. She carries more than just a resume, but also the support of the Gamma Phi Beta alumnae. Across industries, alumni share job postings, offer mentorship and open doors.
“I get to help people and be an example. I don’t just get to lead, I get to lead with the group, not just take charge of everything,” said Weinberg.
Even those who weren’t members in college can connect with Gamma Phi Beta later. Opportunities exist to work at the international headquarters or volunteer with programs. The organization emphasizes that leadership development is lifelong.
For the members of Gamma Phi Beta, having alumni that can help you out is just a small part of what the organization is. It is more than just a sorority, it is a lifelong sisterhood.
