Leadership Highlight

Leadership Highlight: Jordan Philyor The President of Sigma Gamma Rho at the University of South Florida

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 women of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.’s Theta Upsilon Chapter at the University of South Florida and did an interview with Jordan Philyor the 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. 22-year-old Jordan Philyor 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 Marketing major and talked about her position, goals, future and what it means to hold a leadership position on campus in the digital age.

Read the full interview below.

What does it mean to be a chapter president to you?
Being chapter president means the world to me, honestly, especially because I’m a transfer student. I am so honored that my sorors believe that I will not only represent our chapter well and make sure the business aspects are handled, but also continue to elevate the chapter image.

What made you decide to attend the University of South Florida for undergrad?
I chose to attend USF because not only is the campus beautiful and close to home, but I admire the celebration of diversity on campus.

What specific initiatives is your chapter heading up this year and how do you think they will improve the campus/surrounding community?
This year, Theta Upsilon will be focusing on women’s empowerment as an initiative. We will be doing this by hosting programs that have to do with uplifting women in the community as well as supporting various women’s groups in the Tampa Bay area.

What made you want to pledge Sigma Gamma Rho?
I’m actually a third generation legacy, however, that isn’t the sole reason i joined Sigma Gamma Rho. I believe that it’s initiatives and member’s values most closely align with mine, and I was made to feel at home with it’s members even before joining the organization.

What is it about your specific chapter that makes it so unique?
Theta Upsilon is so unique because it’s comprised of women of every different background and personality type, but despite all of that, we come together to create something bigger and better than ourselves.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think undergraduate chapters across all orgs need to do to represent themselves online in 2018?
Undergrad chapters are at such an advantage in this day and age. I think all chapters should work to develop their chapter brand (i.e. logos and flyer style). By building a brand, they increase their ability to be recognized, as well as minimize the risk of negative misrepresentation.

What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership to me is being able to develop a vision for the betterment your organization, and be able to and inspire and develop your member to carry out that vision.

Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black greekdom?
I think Watch the Yard is important to black greekdom because it takes the time to highlight the good things Black Greeks are doing across the nation beyond just posting viral pictures and videos.

What does sisterhood mean to you?
Sisterhood to me is supporting your sister no matter what the situation may be, and always having your sisters’ best interest at heart.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?
After graduation, I plan on attaining my Master’s of Business Administration with a focus on Marketing.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Jordan Philyor for her work as the president of Theta Upsilon Chapter which has a long legacy that spans back to 1981.