Sigma Omicron Epsilon, Inc. (), ''also known as SOE,'' is a Native American sorority founded in 1997 at
East Carolina University in
Greenville, North Carolina.
It is one of eight fraternities and sororities across the United States that is considered historically Native American.
History
Sigma Omicron Epsilon was founded on March 30, 1997, on the campus of
East Carolina University by seven Native American women.
Its founders envisioned a sisterhood that promoted Native American culture and education, as well as a network for its members.
Any women with an interest in Native American culture are eligible for membership.
The sorority's founders were Deidre Arlene Jacobs-Blanks, Jolena Bullard, Berna Linette Chavis, Cabrina Lynne Cummings, Candance Holona Hammonds, Patrice Henderson, and Una Gail Locklear.
Symbols
Sigma Omicron Epsilon's colors are blue, white, and yellow.
Its flower is the yellow rose and its symbol is the butterfly.
Activities
The sorority's national philanthropy is
breast cancer awareness
Breast cancer awareness is an effort to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of breast cancer through education on symptoms and treatment. Supporters hope that greater knowledge will lead to earlier detection of breast cancer, which is assoc ...
and education.
Its members participate in the
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
Susan G. Komen (formerly known as Susan G. Komen for the Cure; originally as The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation; often simply as Komen) is a breast cancer organization in the United States.
Komen focuses on patient navigation and advo ...
and a variety of fundraisers.
It also offers a scholarship to a female student attending its chapter institutions. In 2019, the ''East Carolina chapter'' co-sponsored the My Culture is Not a Costume campaign. The chapters also bring Native American speakers to campus.
Chapters
See also
*
Cultural interest fraternities and sororities Cultural interest fraternities and sororities, in the North American student fraternity and sorority system, refer to general or social organizations oriented to students having a special interest in a culture or cultural identity.
Although racial ...
*
List of social fraternities and sororities
Social or general fraternities and sororities, in the North American fraternity system, are those that do not promote a particular profession (as professional fraternities are) or discipline (such as service fraternities and sororities). Inste ...
References
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Native American organizations
Fraternities and sororities in the United States
Native American women's organizations
Native American history of North Carolina
East Carolina University
1997 establishments in North Carolina
Student organizations established in 1997