SUMMER 2016 • THE CRESCENT • 13 Aſter being elected chapter president and hearing about the opportunity 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. These chapter leaders influence thousands of other women across the country and consistently live out their values and sacrifice their 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. Getting accustomed to a whole new routine and figuring out how to manage and maintain the overall wellbeing of the chapter was difficult 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 the same page. By helping the member in question reflect on her actions, 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, my chapter and about the amazing women who fill it. I truly 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: My mom is one of the strongest, most selfless women I know. 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, confidence and compassion. My REAL Leadership Journey By Olivia Howland (University of Washington)