The History of Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. Zeta Chapter
"Loyola University Chicago, a Jesuit institution founded in 1870, stresses the importance of academic excellence and community service. Loyola University is very diverse, with students from all over the United States and other countries. One must only look into a classroom to experience the sense of diversity within Loyola. Loyola’s diversity is beautiful, however, the needs of several students were not being met. There were few organizations to allow Latina women, or those who love the Latino culture, to come together to share with one another. The few that existed did not fulfill the needs of three women in particular.

Marisa Cynthia “Ixtáci” Avila attempted to become part of the organizations that did exist at Loyola, but they did not meet her expectations. Marisa wanted something more personal where women would feel more comfortable approaching. Cyndi knew of an organization that would allow her to share her experiences with those who had the same in mind—academic excellence, community service, cultural awareness and sisterhood. This organization was Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority Inc. Cyndi knew of another woman Lizette “Ráyo” Guerrero who aimed for the same goals. Maggie “Húri” Rocha was the final woman to join Cyndi and Lizette. Maggie had always hoped to find others who ventured for the same objectives. She too was looking for an organization that would offer much more than the ones she knew of. The three women came together, each with different life experiences, yet similar traditions. Cyndi, Lizette, and Maggie were all essential in building Gamma Phi Omega’s founding line at Loyola.

In September of 1995, Yvette “Moska” Lopez from Beta Chapter knew of “Ixtáci’s” interest in bringing the Sorority to Loyola. She approached her and offered her support. The first interest meeting at Loyola was held on November 9, 1995. The letter of intent to the National Board was sent on November 27, 1995. The core group at Loyola began their membership process on January 28, 1996 at 7:35pm. After many struggles, lessons, and turbulences, the women were welcomed into the sisterhood of Gamma Phi Omega on June 30, 1996. The three essential links that created 3DESTINOS proved to be noble founders of Gamma Phi Omega. Finally, on February 3, 1997 Gamma Phi Omega’s Zeta Chapter was recognized by Loyola University Chicago as the first Latina-oriented Sorority at the university.

Three women, “Ixtáci,” “Ráyo,” and “Húri” came together with the same ambition in mind—to become part of an organization where women can integrate their past experiences with their future aspirations with other women who strive to do the same. They did not only want to experience this university that they had become a part of, “Ixtáci,” “Ráyo,” and “Húri” wanted other future women at Loyola to be able to have Gamma Phi Omega as an option during their college years. 3DESTINOS were very proud to bring the Sorority to the university and to provide future women at Loyola University Chicago an education leadership opportunity, a means to share in philanthropic activities, and most importantly, a means to grown together in sisterhood."