Celebrating 28 Years of Sisterhood

28 years ago today, a remarkable journey began. Nine Mujeres con Cultura, Fuerza, y Hermandad came together to lay the foundation of our beloved sisterhood, Sigma Pi Alpha Sorority, Inc. at UC Berkeley. Their vision has shaped generations of strong and empowered Sigmas.

Today, we stand on their shoulders, celebrating their legacy. We honor not only our Founding Mothers but also every Sister who has carried the torch forward.

And remember, this is just the beginning. Our story continues to unfold, chapter by chapter. With each passing year, we add new voices, new dreams, and new triumphs. So, my dear Sisters, hold your heads high, for the legacy of Sigma thrives within us.

SIGMA…YOU KNOW!!!

Save the Date: May 4th Anniversary Banquet

Join us in celebrating a double milestone – the founding of our sisterhood and the anniversary of our esteemed Alum Association’s incorporation!

We’re thrilled to share that, based on valuable feedback from our AA members, sisters are now welcome to bring two additional guests each! This means you can include your family, partner, friends, and more. Join us alongside your sisters and loved ones for an evening filled with reminiscing, reconnecting, and rejoicing in the bonds that unite us.

Date: May 4th
Location: Luminarias Restaurant and Special Events
Address: 3500 W Ramona Blvd, Monterey Park, CA 91754
Time: 7 pm

Please note that each sister must purchase a ticket for their guest’s entry. AA Members can purchase discounted tickets for their guests.

Kindly RSVP by March 31st. We look forward to seeing you there!

Buy your ticket today >>> https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/30d2b70d-99ff-4123-86bc-2fb56235fcde

Join Our Alum Association’s Upcoming Webinars For Professional Development

We are pleased to announce our Alum Association’s upcoming webinars hosted by Sigma Alums who are professionals in their respective fields.

2/7: “Financial Wealth: Annuities, 401K, Life Insurance, & more” with Gisselle Madrid IΛ#10
3/6: “Psychology & Psychiatry” with Dr. Lisette Sanchez IB#5 and Dr. Jessica Acosta ΓΓ#7
4/3: “Executive Assistant Edition” with Melissa Escobar BN#11
5/15: “Teacher, School Administration & Counselor Edition” with Aury Gutierrez-Zavala HΔ#1, Elsie Martinez HO#10, & Rachel Garvin EE#1

Join us and unlock the doors to knowledge and growth!

For further details, kindly reach out to our Alum Association’s Events Coordinator, Dr. Jovanna Radillo Eta Alpha #10, at @joviradillo_dvm_mppa or via email at alumassociationevents@gmail.com.

 

Sigma Alum Spotlight: Shining a Light on Leslie Valdivia HΘ#14, Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Vive Cosmetics

The Alum Association of Sigma Pi Alpha Sorority, Inc. takes immense pride in acknowledging the presence of highly accomplished Sigma Alums within our community. Today, we are honored to spotlight our sister, Leslie Valdivia Eta Theta #14!

Leslie Valdivia is the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants and farmworkers. She is an alumna of Sacramento State, where she received a bachelor’s degree in communication studies – making her the first in her family to graduate from college.

Leslie Valdivia is a communications professional and Latina entrepreneur. She has worked on national and statewide public education campaigns, ranging from campaigns to promote Cal Fresh and healthy foods options to building awareness about the 2020 Census, reaching disadvantaged communities and communities of color to create social change and more equitable communities throughout California and beyond.

Leslie is also the co-founder of Vive Cosmetics, a Latina-owned and operated beauty brand. Vive Cosmetics is creating space in the beauty industry for meaningful and diverse Latina/x/e representation by building a brand that truly reflects the community – from company leadership, brand development, product inclusivity, and more. Since launching in 2017, her company has been recognized by various national media outlets, including Oprah Magazine, Teen Vogue, Buzzfeed, CNBC, HuffPost, and many more.

In 2019, she was awarded the Latina Rising Estrella Award from the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for her contributions to business and the community. In 2017, Leslie was also recognized with the Rising Star Award from the Sacramento State Alumni Association, Latinx Chapter.

Our sisterhood takes great pride in Leslie’s remarkable accomplishments and invaluable contributions to both her community and the broader society. Her journey as a first-generation college graduate exemplifies resilience, determination, and a commitment to education that serves as an inspiration to many. The Sigma Pi Alpha Sorority, Inc Alum Association is incredibly honored to have Leslie Valdivia HΘ#14 in our ranks!

Visit this Sigma Alum’s business website at vivecosmetics.com
Follow Leslie on IG @leslievaldivia & Vive Cosmetics @vivecosmetics

 

Virtual Holiday Movie Night on December 22nd at 7pm

Attention all Sisters!

Get ready for a holiday movie night! Join us on December 22nd at 7pm for a virtual movie night in our Discord, where we’ll be watching the classic “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000).

It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind, share some laughs, and revel in the magic of the season with your Sisters.

To join the festive fun, simply drop us a message to request the Discord invitation link or feel free to reach out to our Discord Moderator Amy Manzinas IN#6 @manzinas for more info.

Let’s make this movie night one to remember!

Come Spread Holiday Cheer with Fellow Alums!

Attention Sigmas!

‘Tis the season to reconnect and celebrate the joy of the holidays! Join your Alum Association for a festive gathering that promises laughter, camaraderie, and a touch of merriment. Whether you’re an active sister, a pledge, or a cherished alum, you’re all invited to partake in the festivities.

Brown Elephant Gift Exchange:
Prepare for the gift-giving fun with our Brown Elephant exchange! Bring a wrapped gift with a value ranging between $10 and $15. It’s the perfect opportunity to share a bit of humor, creativity, or something downright delightful.

📍 Event Details:

SoCal Gathering:
Date: December 17, 2023
RSVP by: December 10, 2023
Location: Craft House, 7007 Friars Rd Suite 347, San Diego, CA 92108
RSVP to: Dr. Jovanna Radillo HA #10

NorCal Gathering:
Date: December 4, 2023
RSVP by: December 1, 2023
Location: Tasty Kitchen, 335 F St, Davis, CA 95616
RSVP to: Dr. Jovanna Radillo HA #10

💵 Cash Convenience:
To ensure smooth sailing, please bring CASH to make settling the bill a breeze. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Let’s make this holiday season extra special by coming together, sharing stories, and creating lasting memories. The more, the merrier!

🎄 Hope to See You There! 🎄

Warmest Wishes,
Sigma Pi Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alum Association
Executive Board 2023-2024

Sigma Alum Spotlight: Celebrating Excellence with Sara Rosales AΞ#1, Founder and CEO of Mujerex Enterprise

We are incredibly proud to introduce our next Sigma Alum Spotlight, which shines brightly on Sara Rosales Alpha Xi#1. She is the Founder and CEO of Mujerex Enterprise LLC, a passionate and dedicated group committed to empowering minority-owned businesses. Sara is a shining example of a sister who has achieved remarkable success, and we’re thrilled to share her story with you.

Sara Rosales is a proud Latina, hailing from the vibrant community of Oceanside, California. Her journey began in humble surroundings, where she lacked exposure, resources, and opportunities for entrepreneurship. However, from an early age, she recognized the profound cultural impact of collective community support.

In 2011, Sara Rosales graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, earning a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies. She continued her educational journey, receiving her Juris Doctorate from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. With each step of her academic and professional journey, Sara’s dream has remained unwavering – to pay it forward, one small business at a time.

In 2020, Sara had a visionary idea – to establish a company that would invest in, encourage, support, and uplift her community. Her mission was clear: empower other women and minority business owners and entrepreneurs with the same tools and knowledge leveraged by large corporations to succeed in the competitive business world.

Drawing from her experience managing legal corporate compliance for companies with assets exceeding 5 million dollars, Sara understood that large corporations often thrive because they operate by a distinct set of rules. She firmly believes that all business owners, regardless of their background, deserve an equitable share of the pie.

Sara’s mission is straightforward but powerful: to elevate women and minority business owners to the next level of their entrepreneurial journey through empowerment, education, and a sense of community. Her goal is to equip like-minded business owners with the resources, support, and information they need to make strategic decisions and invest back into their communities.

Sara Rosales is an exemplary alum of our Sigma community, demonstrating the power of determination, vision, and community support. Her dedication to empowering minority-owned businesses is truly inspiring, and we are proud to celebrate her as our latest Sigma Alum Spotlight. Sara’s story is a testament to the incredible impact that our sisters can make in the world, and we look forward to following her journey as she continues to make a difference in the business world and beyond.

A Memorable Weekend: Sigma/ELLA Retreats Hosted by Iota and Alpha Chapters

Recently, our sorority embarked on a remarkable journey as we came together for our Sigma/ELLA Retreats, hosted with utmost warmth and hospitality by our Iota Chapter at UC San Diego and Alpha Chapter at UC Berkeley.

These retreats provided us with the perfect opportunity to strengthen the bonds of sisterhood, learn, and grow as individuals. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to both Iota and Alpha Chapters for their dedication and hard work in organizing such a fantastic event.

Additionally, a special shoutout to our Sigma Alums who graced us with their presence and shared their wisdom on the alum panels. Your guidance and unwavering support continue to inspire us, and we are immensely grateful for your contributions to our sisterhood. Thank you for making this weekend an unforgettable experience!

Sigma Alum Spotlight: D. M. Stevens M.S. NA#1

I recently had the pleasure of diving into “The Essentials of Personal Finance for Teens and Young Adults: Master Money Management, Gain Financial Literacy, & Lay The Foundation For Success” a phenomenal personal finance book tailored specifically for teens and young adults. Authored by one of our very own sorority sisters, UCI alum Domonique Marie Stevens M.S. (Nu Alpha #1), this book is an absolute gem that strikes the perfect balance between engaging storytelling and practical financial wisdom.

From the moment I opened its pages, I was captivated by the relatable anecdotes and real-life examples that effortlessly guide readers through the often daunting world of personal finance. Our sorority sister’s writing style is not only approachable but also empowering, making it easy for readers of all backgrounds to connect with the concepts and feel inspired to take control of their financial futures.

 

What truly sets this book apart is its relevance to the unique challenges faced by young adults today. From budgeting tips for managing college expenses to insightful guidance on starting to invest early, this book covers all the essential bases. It equips readers with the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions about their money, setting them up for success in the long run.

As a Sigma, I couldn’t be prouder of our sister for sharing her expertise and passion for personal finance in such a compelling manner. “The Essentials of Personal Finance for Teens and Young Adults: Master Money Management, Gain Financial Literacy, & Lay The Foundation For Success” isn’t just a book; it’s a valuable tool that empowers us to navigate the financial landscape with confidence and clarity. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone, whether you’re just starting out on your financial journey or looking to enhance your money management skills.

Kudos to our amazing sister for making a positive impact with this insightful read!

Janette Galaviz Alpha Iota #3
Finance Chair 
Sigma Pi Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alum Association