Olivia Howland attended the REAL Leadership Academy after being elected chapter president of her Gamma Phi Beta sorority. At the academy, she found inspiration from being around other passionate chapter presidents. She learned how to focus on her members' needs rather than just administration. The academy also helped her address tough issues like punitive actions through sessions on courageous conversations. Olivia is grateful for the leadership opportunities through Gamma Phi Beta that have helped her grow and learn about herself.

1. SUMMER 2016 • THE CRESCENT • 13
After 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.
TheCrescent:Finishthissentence.PeoplewhoknowmesayI’m…
OliviaHowland:Bubbly, quirky, compassionate, optimistic
and dedicated.
Whoinspiresyou?
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.
ListthreetraitsGammaPhiBetahashelpedyoudevelop.
OH: Open-mindedness, confidence and compassion.
My REAL
Leadership
Journey
By Olivia Howland
(University of Washington)