Meet Our Sisters at Upsilon

Advisor

Gina Geck
Nickname: Cool Gina G….not official of course!
Alpha Chapter, Eta Class
Initiated: Fall 1992
Born: Los Angeles
Raised: Cobb Mtn.
Major: Ethnic Studies
Graduated: 1997, CSU Chico
Favorite color: Blue
Hobbies/pastimes: Die hard sports fan! If I’m not at the game, I’m watching it on TV! Go Raiders! Go A’s! Go Lakers! I also LOVE to dance! And of course my favorite thing to do is spend time with my sisters!

ALPHA CLASS

Eileen Rose Auton
Nickname: Shimmer #1
Born and raised: San Jose, CA
Major: Psychology
Graduation date: May 2006
Favorite color: Pink and Orange
Favorite animal: Ducks
Hobbies/pastimes: I love road trips, spending time with my sisters, family and friends and I’m addicted to soap operas and novelas
Biggest pet-peeve: I don’t like the silent treatment, cheaters and haters! Oh, and I hate when people clap to songs that don’t need to be clapped to….weird, I know, but I can’t stand it!



Gabriela Barajas
Nickname: Valor #2











Lizett Camacho
Nickname: TrIuMpH ^3
Born and raised in Oakland. Yeah!!! Yeah!!!
Major: Criminal Justice and minor in Psychology
Graduation date: May 2006
Favorite color: Black
Favorite animal: Dogs
Hobbies/pastimes: I dance to anything. Also, spending quality time with my son and sisters.
Biggest pet-peeve: Tags hanging out on people’s clothing and when hair is down and gets in people’s way.

I am a young, Chicana woman, mother, sister, and daughter, trying to get educated to be a triunfadora like my nickname (Triumph), so I can make a change within the criminal justice system and/or prison system. I am all about justice and peace in this world. My future goals are to graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and minor in Psychology and hopefully make it to Law School. I also hope God will guide me to be the best mom to my lil’ man Roberto and the best sister of Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc., Upsilon Chapter. What motivates me the most is to know that I still have my mother who encourages me to strive for the better. Also, My Lil’ man Roberto means the whole world to me, he gives me the strength to follow my dreams and goals.
Favorite quotes: " It is better to die on your feet than to live a lifetime on your knees." -Emiliano Zapata (1879-1919) Mexican Revolutionary
"No real social change has ever been brought about without a revolution...revolution is but thought carried into action." -Emma Goldman (1869-1940) American Writer & Women's Rights Advocate

Betzy Chávez
Nickname: Glo #4









Mónica Mora
Nickname: Caramelo #5
Born and raised in the ghetto streets of L.A.
Major: Chicano Latino Studies
Graduation date: May 2006
Favorite color: Baby Blue
Favorite animal: None (Not an animal person)
Hobbies/pastimes: Spending time with my sisters whenever I am not working, going out to eat and watching movies.
Biggest pet-peeve: Not having food in the fridge.

I am the oldest of four. I have two sisters and one brother. My mom and dad came from Mexico and have always worked hard to give my brothers and I as much as they could. They are the primary reason why I wanted a higher education. My mom always told me that in this country there are many opportunities that I should take advantage of and most importantly, that I could do anything I wanted. Moving from the city to a small town has been a good change for me. I am so glad that I joined this organization because it has reinforced the strength that I knew I had. Also, my wonderful sands that have always been there for me, que hubiera hecho sin ustedes. Gracias. I also want to add that the newest member of my family is Fusser Reyes, my baby that was born on March 14, 2005. He has brought a new light to my life.



Guadalupe Navarro
Nickname: N'Vogue #6
Born: Berkeley, CA
Raised: Oakland (Oaktown baby!)
Major: Sociology
Graduation date: December 2004
Favorite color: Purple, and of course: Silver, Burgundy, and White
Favorite animal: Monkeys
Hobbies/pastimes: Reading, Drawing, and Aztec Dancing

I am the middle child of my family; I have two older sisters, and a younger brother and sister. Both of my parents are from Michoacan, and I love them both, and am very attached to my family. Whenever I am not busy with work, schoolwork, or volunteer work, I tend to go home a lot or spend the day with my lovely Lambda sisters. Otherwise, I enjoy drawing (with charcoal), reading (just finished Rain of Gold and 13 Senses), or attending practice or performing with “Grupo Coyolxauqui de Sonoma”(Aztec Dancing). My mother is my motivation in life, my guide, and a friend. She is the one who has always believed in me, and the one who has taught me to appreciate the struggles of life and to learn how to overcome them. It is because of my mother, and support and friendship from my sorority sisters that I have been able to accomplish, many, many things as a student and employee of Sonoma State University.



Cándida Ramos
Nickname: Vibrant #7
Born and raised: Sonoma, CA
Major: Women & Gender Studies –Double minor in Spanish and Theater Arts
Graduation date: Spring 2005
Favorite color: Blue (all shades)
Favorite animal: Panda Bear
Hobbies/pastimes: Dancing, listening to music. I love to dance and have fun with my sisters!
Biggest pet-peeve: People tail-gating when they're driving.

As a first generation to go to college in my family, I feel very proud of my accomplishments and myself. After graduating from Sonoma State University, I plan to continue my education and receive my Masters (followed by my Ph D.). My goal is to work in a non-profit organization assisting women who have been sexually assaulted, battered or abused. I thank my sisters for keeping me motivated throughout these difficult years in college. I love you chicas! Once a Lambda, Always a Lambda!!! I will never forget.



Magali Télles
Nickname: Crescendo #8
Born: Los Reyes, MICHOACAN,MEX.
Raised: I was brought up in FRESNO!!!
Major: Sociology
Graduation date: May 2005
Favorite color: Pink
Hobbies/pastimes: Music, movies, theatre, dance, trying to learn how to play the guitar since my 15th birthday.
My favorite quote comes from the great Emiliano Zapata who said “It is better to die on your feet, then to live on your knees”.

Quick Fantastic Facts About ME:
My favorite book is The Grapes of Wrath
Favorite play: “A Streetcar Named Desire”
Favorite movie: “The Godfather”
Favorite actor: Marlon Brando
Favorite venue for live music is S.F.’s Bottom of the Hill
Favorite band/artist/future husband is Connor Oberst a.k.a. “Bright Eyes”
What keeps me motivated: La RAZA-my culture, my family, my religion, music and of course my friends.

BETA CLASS

Ana Luisa Carrillo Morales
Nickname: Hana #1
Born: Mexico City, Mexico
Raised: Philo, CA
Major: Environmental Studies with a Minor in Biology
Graduation date: May 2006
Favorite color: Dark Purple
Favorite animal: Dolphins
Hobbies/pastimes: Reading, going to the beach, recycling, sleeping, playing video games, watching anime, dancing, talking to my friends, working, swimming, writing stories or in my journal, listening to music, traveling, relaxing, watching TV, watching the stars, getting to know people, drawing.
Biggest pet-peeve: : Hypocritical people, liars, eccentric people, recyclables not being recycled, and people who mistreat others.

I am the oldest girl of six brothers and sisters. Like one of my sisters and my two older brothers, I was born in Mexico City. We moved to the US when I was eight years old to Philo, CA. My parents were my inspiration to go to college. They work hard for their kids. Up to a year ago, my family moved to Las Vegas, NV. I am young, easy-going, calm, beautiful, and shy. I believe in following your heart. I am also involved in MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chican@ de Aztlan). I care about people, and this planet a lot. I hope to someday help both at the same time. I love my country, my raza, and my culture. I dream of someday visiting Japan, and learning the language as well as traveling everywhere. I also love to meet new people anywhere in the world.



María Gámez
Nickname: Azucar #2
Born: Guanajuato, México
Raised: Willits, CA
Major: Business Administration
Graduation date: May 2006
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite animal: Dogs
Hobbies/pastimes: Spend time with my family, boyfriend (when I have one), and my sisters, the lovely ladies of Upsilon Chapter, going shopping, dancing, & to the movies.
Biggest pet-peeve: When people interrupt me! (Just kidding) When people
can’t admit they’re wrong, or that they’ve made a mistake and won’t admit it.




Fabiola García-Almonaci
Nickname: Radiante #3
Born: Guanajuato, México
Raised: Sebastopol, CA
Major: Double-major in Business Administration and Spanish, with Double-Concentration in General Management and Finance
Graduation date: December 2005
Favorite colors: Pink and Dark Red
Favorite animals: Turtles and butterflies
Hobbies/pastimes: Reading, dancing, painting, traveling, and hanging out with my boyfriend, family, and sisters

Although I have lived here in the U.S. for most of my life, I love my Mexican culture and my indigenous roots. I became a Lambda primarily so that I could meet other Latinas and ladies with other ethnic backgrounds. During my first year in the sorority I was awarded the highest undergraduate GPA award at our 2004 National Convention. I owe this accomplishment to my parents who have taught me to be hard-working and to always try my best. I hope to someday be able to give back to the Latino community by helping them overcome language and discrimination barriers. Being in the sorority has helped me appreciate life and those around me so much more. We have our whole lives ahead of us and with each other’s support we can help change the world.



Lucía García-Almonaci
Nickname: Devoción #4
Born: El Jaral Del Refujio, Guanajuato, México
Raised: Sebastopol, CA
Major: Spanish, Psychology Minor
Graduation Date: May 2004
Currently in Masters in Counseling Program at SSU.
Master's Graduation date: May 2006
Favorite color: Pink
Hobbies/pastimes: Art projects, writing and taking walks to enjoy nature.
Husband: Marcos Rosel-Castro
Married since: April 7, 2001

My parents brought me to the U.S. when I was 2 years old. My dad has worked in the vineyards since then. I didn't learn English until I started kindergarten. I have 2 younger sisters and a brother. I am the eldest of the children. I am the first person in my family to graduate from college and pursue a Master’s Degree. I have been able to accomplish this with the help of my family, husband and sisters which I love with all my heart.



Wendy Giselle Zepeda
Nickname: ¡Viva! #5
Born: Los Angeles, CA
Raised: El Salvador, Central America
Major: Psychology
Graduation date: May 2005
Favorite color: Red
Favorite animal: Dogs (especially my dog Louie). Es mi consentido
Hobbies/pastimes: First and foremost I consider myself a social activist for peace but I also enjoy reading, me encanta bailar salsa and merengue, and practice yoga.
Favorite quote: “ If you tremble with indignation at every injustice, you are a comrade of mine” –Che Guevara

Hola Gente Linda del Mundo! I will try to keep it short. I am very interested in psychology, specifically in the areas of multicultural counseling, social psychology, and child development. My goal is to become a Marriage and Family Therapist. I am currenly involved in Psi Chi Honor Society and other research projects on campus. I am also involved in the FMLN-San Francisco Committee, a Salvadorian youth group that emphasis on political education, culture, and traditions of El Salvador. As many of you know I like to be “La Voz de los Sin Voces.” I am an advocate for peace. The people of the world are my motivation; my family, friends, sisters, homeless, our abuelitas and abuelitos, and of course our future generations, nuestros niños, o como decimos en El Salvador, las Cipotas y Cipotes. I am thankful for my sisters… I love you all dearly…and I mean it! Remember you will all be Madrinas for my wedding, jijijijji (whenever that happens).

GAMMA CLASS

Veronica Galarza
Nickname: Aziza #1
Born and raised: San Jose, CA
Major: Criminal Justice
Graduation Date: May 2007
Favorite color: Blue and purple
Favorite animal: Dolphins
Hobbies/pastimes: Playing volleyball and chilling with my sisters
Biggest pet-peeve: I hate conceited people and when people flake

In the future I hope to be a juvenile probation officer because I want to help people. I like to watch sports, especially hockey. Go Sharks! And I like to just laugh and have fun.



Maria Garcia
Nickname: Jubilant #2
Born and raised: Michoacan, Mexico
Major: Kinesiology
Graduation Date: May 2007
Favorite color: Red
Favorite animal: Puppies
Hobbies/pastimes: Cooking, working out, hanging out with my sisters
Biggest pet-peeve:People with road rage and people who think they are better than everyone else or who are fake

I was born in Mexico and I have nine siblings that I love and respect so much. My parents are my biggest inspiration because of how much they have given and sacrificed for their kids. Being part of this organization has been the best thing that ever happened to me.



Paola Ramirez
Nickname: Raizel #3
Born and raised: Mexico City
Major: Chicano and Latino Studies
Graduation Date: May 2006
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite animal: Dolphins
Hobbies/pastimes: Reading

DELTA CLASS

Gesel Guerrero
Nickname: Incendio #1
Born: Redwood City, CA
Raised: East Palo Alto, CA
Major: Biology & Spanish
Graduation Date: May 2008
Favorite color: Red
Favorite animal: Bears
Hobbies/pastimes: Talking on the phone, watching novelas and spending time with my family and friends, watching football "GO 49ers!!!" and baseball "GIANTS!!!"
Biggest pet-peeve: Slow drivers

I am a Latina, born in Redwood City, California and raised in East Palo Alto. My family is from Aguililla, Michoacán. I have two older siblings and one younger. It is because of my parent's motivation that I am attending Sonoma State trying to better myself by pursuing my dreams to get my Ph D. and become a Geriatric Doctor.


Marisela Sedano
Nickname: Aradia #2
Born: Santa Rosa, CA
Raised: Sonoma County
Major: Criminal Justice
Graduation Date: May 2008
Favorite color: Blue
Hobbies/pastimes: Hanging out, dancing, painting, shopping, jogging, eating, sleeping and procrastinating.
Biggest pet-peeve: Slow drivers, fake people, stuck-up, two-faced and flakers!!!

EPSILON CLASS

Marybel Beltran

Nickname: Fortaleza #1
Born: "I come 4rm East Oakland where the youngsters gettin hyphy” – too short
Major: Undeclared, maybe Psychology
Favorite color: I have a new one every week
Favorite animal: Tigers and turtles (I have a turtle named Dude)
Hobbies/pastimes: I live to text… and drive. I like to watch movies and listen to music…

Hey peoples, well, I was born and raised in Oakland. When I'm feelin blue all I need is music and vanilla ice cream and I'll feel better. I live my life by…
“It’s better to have loved and lost then never to have loved at all” umm what else can I say… forget the 49ers and the giants it's all about the RAIDERS and the A’s… everyone knows it… yup yup…


Natalie Saenz
Nickname: Vivid #2

Major: Communications

Favorite Color: Green

Favorite Lambda Phrase: Sandz por Vida!!YE YE