Leadership Highlight: Orielle Caudle the Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho at the University of Alabama at Birmingham

In an effort to highlight the young leaders who are leading undergraduate chapters across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to the sorors of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.’s Xi Mu Chapter at University of Alabama at Birmingham and did an interview with Orielle Caudle the Basileus/president of the chapter.

The position of president of an undergraduate chapter of a Black sorority is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes. 21-year-old Caudle has used the position to gain new leadership experience, improve the lives of other students on campus and help the community around her.

We interviewed the Biology major and talked about her position, goals, future and what it means to hold a leadership on campus in the digital age.

Read the full interview below.

What does it mean to be a chapter president to you?

Being a chapter president means that I get the honor and privilege to represent a sisterhood that has given so much to me. It gave me the opportunity to give back to an organization that has made an amazing and lasting impression on my life.

Photo Credit: @shekeydrah

What made you decide to attend the UAB for undergrad?

I decided to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham because of the resources available to me in the medical field. With a campus that has hospitals within walking distance, it makes opportunities for research that much more accessible. I was also drawn to the the specific curriculum that is offered to those majoring in biology.

What specific initiatives is your chapter heading up this year and how do you think they will improve the campus/surrounding community?

We have several initiatives that we are heading up such as Operation Big Book Bag, Pink Topps, and Project Cradle Care. I believe that these initiatives will better the campus and surrounding community by supplying classrooms with much needed school supplies through Operation Big Book Bag. We will bring awareness to Breast Cancer, while helping the environment through supporting Pink Topps. The Project Cradle Care initiative will greatly impact mothers by supplying baby items for their children.

Photo Credit: @1217_mike

What made you want to pledge Sigma Gamma Rho?

I decided to pledge Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. because the initiatives and standards that the sorority possesses matches with mine. It was a chance for me to serve the community as well as form a sisterly bond with individuals that also had my same passion.

What is it about your specific chapter that makes it so unique?

The X-Hilarating Xi Mu Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc is unique because each individual has a different area of expertise, which makes the chapter extremely well-rounded.

Photo Credit: @shekeydrah

We now live in a digital world, what do you think undergraduate chapters across all orgs need to do to represent themselves online in 2019?

The biggest thing undergraduate chapters need to do to represent themselves online is have a clear mindset of what message they want to present to the world. The digital world doesn’t forget anything. Once it’s out there it’s hard to get rid of. Therefore, every undergraduate chapter should be mindful of what they post.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership means being selfless to a degree by constantly thinking about what is best for the whole rather than yourself. Keeping those that I lead in mind is a special component of leadership.

Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black greekdom?

Watch The Yard is important to black greekdom because it serves as a platform for us to express the virtue that resides within our organizations.

What does sisterhood mean to you?

Sisterhood means pushing each one of your sisters to be the best version of themselves. A sister reaching her goals is not just an accomplishment for her but for all of us.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

I plan on furthering my education, and obtaining my PhD in the field of epidemiology.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Orielle Caudle for her work as the president of Xi Mu Chapter which has a legacy that spans back to 1996.

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