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)