Syracuse University Junior Panhellenic Council Reflects on Year of DEI Leadership and Community Mentorship Programs

Company: Syracuse Greek Council

Large group of youth and volunteers pose together in front of a wood-paneled wall.

Programming example

As the year comes to an end, I want to reflect on my time serving on the Junior Panhellenic Council at Syracuse University.Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to support the Panhellenic community and Syracuse Greek Council in a variety of meaningful ways.While on the council, I served on the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Committee, where I contributed to efforts aimed at fostering ongoing conversations around inclusion, belonging, and promoting Panhel love within the Panhellenic community. This experience strengthened my understanding of the importance of intentional action in building a more supportive environment, as well as the value of working collaboratively each week with members from all 13 chapters on campus. We participated in trainings and discussions with campus leaders and professionals focused on how to better support our chapters, encourage growth, and strengthen our community through education and shared learning.One of the most impactful initiatives I was involved in was our pen pal program with Woodland Elementary School in Syracuse, New York. Throughout the year, we exchanged letters with students, building consistent connections rooted in mentorship, where we served as role models for the children while also learning so much about their interests, goals, and personalities. At the end of the year, we had the opportunity to visit the school, spend the day with them, and participate in activities together. This served as the most meaningful event of the program, as it brought the relationships we had built throughout the year full circle, reinforced the importance of leadership through mentorship, and helped bridge the broader Syracuse community with Syracuse University in a tangible and lasting way.Overall, serving on Junior Panhellenic helped me grow as a leader, communicator, and collaborator, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Greek life at Syracuse University as well as the broader Syracuse community.

Communities

  • Generational

Formats

  • Career Development Event
  • Internal Event

Goals

  • Grow