Xavier welcomes first Latina-founded sorority: Gamma Alpha Omega
For most Musketeers, the best memories of Xavier go beyond the classes; its the friends and community they remember the most – Gamma Alpha Omega, Xavier’s first Latina-founded, multicultural sorority, plans to be that for Xavier students.
Founded in spring 2024 by Xavier alumna Madeline Mercado (‘24), the sorority focuses on empowering women from underrepresented backgrounds and encouraging them to excel in their educational, professional and personal lives through leadership and service opportunities.
Mercado, alongside Gabriela Salazar (‘23), played a key role in bringing Gamma Alpha Omega to Xavier. They spent months connecting with Gamma sisters and meeting with University staff to discuss the impact this new addition could bring to Xavier’s campus.
“Coming from a big and diverse city, a lot of the people I went to high school with went to big schools and instantly immersed themselves in Hispanic/Latina Greek life,” said Mercado. “I saw all their posts about meeting sisters and going to events. They posted about going to important occasions for one another and being a part of a big support system. I yearned for the same kinds of connections. I knew Xavier had Greek life, but I wanted something related to the community and heritages I belonged to.”
Going into her junior year at Xavier, Mercado reached out to a lot of staff at Xavier and asked whether bringing a Hispanic-founded sorority was even possible.
“Then, I was met with reassurance and hope from Sam Terry (Director, Center for Diversity and Inclusion) and Ivy Banks (Vice President, Institutional Diversity and Inclusion). From that conversation, the journey of bringing Gamma to Xavier began," she said.
The journey to establishing Gamma Alpha Omega had its challenges. Despite receiving approval to begin recruitment in February 2024, the chapter had to instate its founding line by the end of April 2024 — a tight timeline. The process also demanded a lot of travel, with sisters traveling from as far as Wisconsin and Arizona to help bring Gamma to Xavier.
Mercado graduated in spring 2024, leaving behind two sisters in Gamma Alpha Omega. As of Sept. 19, the chapter's members were Scarlin Beltran, serving as president, and Diana Ferra Villalobos, serving as vice president.
The sorority is currently open to recruiting new members, and while it is Latina-founded, it is a multicultural sorority.
“We hope to find people who are truly dedicated to our mission and eager to get involved,” said Beltran. “We love seeing a genuine interest in community service and a passion for helping out, along with a respect for diversity and a commitment to creating an inclusive environment.”
Although Gamma Alpha Omega is new to Xavier, they have made a significant impact with the events they have organized.
A few months ago, the ladies of Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority Inc. ran a 10k to support Caracole, a nonprofit organization based in Cincinnati that provides HIV/AIDS-related services.
This semester, the sorority held a self-defense course with Xavier’s Police Department.
“Our goal was to provide girls with the opportunity to learn self-defense, which builds their confidence and awareness, helping them feel more secure in their environment. Additionally, it fosters their independence and resilience, which are essential qualities for navigating college life and beyond,” said Beltran.
As the sorority looks to the future, it aims to strengthen its legacy on Xavier's campus. The sisters are committed to promoting inclusivity on campus and ensuring Gamma Alpha Omega continues to thrive and support women for years to come.
The chapter's establishment at Xavier University marks a significant step forward in creating a supportive environment for Latina women and those who share a zeal for community service and personal growth. As they grow and evolve, the sorority promises to make a lasting impact on the University's Greek life and beyond.
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