Omega Phi Alpha’s Emerging Leader Award recognizes individual members of the Omega Phi Alpha community who are the leaders of tomorrow. These individuals show promise and dedication and are eager to pursue friendship, leadership and community service opportunities in their chapter, district, and beyond.

Congratulations to this year’s winners, Taylor Outler and Mara Sigismund.

Taylor Outler (Alumni, Chi) 

Nominated by: Brittany Thornton

Taylor has made an incredible impact on Omega Phi Alpha as a whole not only as an active and alumni member, but more so in her role as Chapter Health Director. She has set up numerous systems to aid chapters and the Chapter Health Team to help them be successful and is a constant source of information, innovation, and support for our active chapters.

It is with great pleasure and unwavering confidence that I write this letter of recommendation for Taylor Outler, who has demonstrated exemplary dedication and leadership in her role as Chapter Health Manager for Omega Phi Alpha National Service Sorority. Taylor’s contributions over the past couple of years have been nothing short of extraordinary, and she has proven herself to be a vital asset to our organization. I wholeheartedly endorse her nomination for the Emerging Leader Award.

As the National President of Omega Phi Alpha, I have had the privilege of working closely with Taylor and observing her outstanding performance firsthand. The role of Chapter Health Manager is crucial within our sorority, as it involves overseeing all aspects of the chapter health program. This position serves as the first line of contact for chapters regarding deadlines, resources, and general support. Additionally, the Chapter Health Manager works diligently to improve chapter health and operations through Chapter Assistance Plans and ongoing training for collegiate members and chapter officers. It is a role that demands a high level of organization, communication, and empathy—qualities that Taylor embodies in abundance.

From the outset of her tenure, Taylor has approached her responsibilities with remarkable dedication and a proactive mindset. She has consistently gone above and beyond in her efforts to support our chapters, ensuring that they have the resources and guidance needed to thrive. Her ability to build rapport and trust with chapter leaders and members has been instrumental in fostering a positive and collaborative environment. Taylor’s exceptional communication skills and her genuine concern for the well-being of our members have made her a beacon of support and reliability within our organization.

One of Taylor’s most significant achievements as Chapter Health Manager has been her work on developing and implementing Chapter Assistance Plans. These plans are tailored to address the specific needs and challenges faced by individual chapters, providing them with a structured approach to improving their operations and overall health. Taylor’s meticulous attention to detail and her ability to assess and understand the unique circumstances of each chapter have been key factors in the success of these plans. Her commitment to continuous improvement is evident in the positive outcomes and enhanced performance of the chapters she has worked with.

In addition to her work on Chapter Assistance Plans, Taylor has also been instrumental in providing ongoing training for our collegiate members and chapter officers. She has organized and conducted numerous workshops and training sessions, covering a wide range of topics essential to chapter health and effective leadership. Her presentations are always well-prepared, informative, and engaging, reflecting her deep understanding of the subject matter and her passion for educating and empowering others. Taylor’s ability to convey complex information in a clear and accessible manner has been highly appreciated by our members, who consistently praise her for the valuable insights and practical advice she provides.

Taylor’s role as Chapter Health Manager is inherently people-facing, and her success in this position can be attributed to her exceptional interpersonal skills. She is approachable, empathetic, and always willing to lend a listening ear to those in need. Her genuine interest in the well-being of our members and her dedication to providing excellent customer service have earned her the respect and admiration of all who have had the pleasure of working with her. Taylor’s ability to build strong relationships and foster a sense of community within our organization has been a cornerstone of her success.

Beyond her formal duties, Taylor has also been a source of inspiration and motivation for her peers and colleagues. She leads by example, demonstrating the values and principles that Omega Phi Alpha holds dear. Her positive attitude, unwavering commitment, and tireless work ethic have set a high standard for others to follow. Taylor’s contributions have had a lasting impact on our organization, and her influence will undoubtedly continue to be felt for years to come.

In conclusion, Taylor Outler is a truly exceptional individual who has made significant and meaningful contributions to Omega Phi Alpha National Service Sorority in her role as Chapter Health Manager. Her dedication, leadership, and unwavering support for our chapters and members make her a deserving candidate for the Emerging Leader Award. I have no doubt that Taylor will continue to excel and make a positive impact in all her future endeavors.

I wholeheartedly recommend Taylor Outler for the Emerging Leader Award and urge you to recognize her outstanding achievements and contributions. Thank you for considering her nomination.

Mara Sigismund (Active, Alpha Zeta)

Nominated by: Self

The impact I hope I had so far on my chapter is that I have inspired and motivated my sisters to step up and take on leadership roles themselves, no matter how hard it might look or how scary it can be. By demonstrating a strong work ethic, commitment, and passion for our chapter, I hope to have set a positive example for others to follow. I also would like to think that my efforts have contributed to the overall success and growth of our chapter, fostering a sense of unity, collaboration, and dedication among our members. I have worked hard to lead by example and to support and encourage others to reach their full potential, so that our chapter can be the healthiest it has ever been.

I am writing to express my deep desire to be considered for the “Emerging Leader” award based on my service both within Omega Phi Alpha and outside of it. I have been involved in various leadership roles within the organization and have dedicated myself wholeheartedly to serving my Chapter, campus, and community.

As a member of Omega Phi Alpha, I have consistently strived to uphold the values and principles of our organization. During my time as new member class president, I made sure we grew as sisters, participate in as many service projects as possible, and go beyond the requirements. I sat down with the E-board and discussed difficulties and miscommunication between the class and the Chapter. I also worked tirelessly to ensure that each member felt supported, empowered, and valued, which earned me the honor of the “Outstanding New Member” award.

In my first active semester, I was elected as the Vice President of Alpha Zeta. As my Chapter worked through difficulties and changes in leadership, my sisters entrusted me with this challenging and important role. I worked alongside the President, setting goals and picking up any work that was too big to handle alone, whether it was planning for our “Puppy Kissing Booth” service event or our sisterhood retreat. I took over some of the New Member Chapters and ensured with the Membership Director that our NM’s are on the right track to activate. I worked hard with CSB to motivate struggling members to actively engage in service projects and created plans for them to still fulfill their obligations and point requirements. Together with CSB, I handled confidential information and issued fines according to our constitution. This semester, I have been awarded not only “Sister of the Month” but have earned 54 service hours, and been awarded the service, sisterhood, membership, and fundraising award of my Chapter, as well as “outstanding officer.”

I am proud to say that my dedication and hard work were recognized by my sisters more than once, but they showcased their trust in me again as I was recently voted in to be the next President of Alpha Zeta for the 2024/2025 academic year. In this role, I am striving to lead my Chapter with integrity, compassion, and a vision for the future in which we grow and become a healthy hive. I am working on building a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and excellence within our Chapter. I will continue to push my fellow sisters to think creatively, act boldly, and to not only make a meaningful impact on our campus and community but also become the best version of themselves they can be.

Outside of Omega Phi Alpha, I have worked for years on demonstrating a strong commitment to service and leadership. I have worked for my previous University’s library, helping the student body by creating meaningful events such as a “blind date with a book,” Halloween parties, and making goodie bags during midterms and finals. I organized service events before Thanksgiving and Christmas and encouraged visitors to write “letters against isolation,” which is a collaboration with a meaningful organization that sends handwritten letters and cards to senior living homes across the world to help the elderly not feel lonely during the holidays. Together with my supervisor, I created safe spaces for students to decompress and have a quiet place to be when the world gets too loud to think. As library student assistant, I have demonstrated strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. I have worked with many different people, from custodial staff needing help with the computer systems, to faculty needing help finding books and resources for their students, or fellow peers needing help with their papers. All these situations helped me to navigate complex challenges and work under pressure. They also taught me how to collaborate with different types of people. I have consistently exceeded expectations, delivered results, and earned the trust of staff and peers alike.

I have been involved in various campus organizations, such as the International Student Organization, and have served as a mentor, a tutor, and a role model to my peers. As an international student myself, I know how hard it can be to move to a new country and start over. With this in mind, I am always striving to help create a supportive and empowering environment for all students on campus, no matter their background or story.

Overall, I believe my service and commitment both within Omega Phi Alpha and outside of it have showcased my qualifications for this award. I am confident that my dedication, passion, and commitment to service and leadership make me a deserving candidate for this recognition. I am proud to be a member of Omega Phi Alpha and I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences this organization has provided me.

I am excited about the possibility of being awarded this honor and representing my Chapter. I look forward to continue to serve and lead with excellence in the future.