Clemson University’s Greek community is more than 6,000 students strong. It represents approximately 27 percent of the undergraduate population.
A few handfuls of those students are striving to make a difference through a delegated organization known as Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) DEI Ambassadors.
“These students are very passionate about their work coordinating programs for our Fraternity and Sorority Life community through educational conversations,” says Graduate Assistant Makala Nelsen, the organization’s adviser. “Our students have done a lot in a short amount of time, doubling membership in two years and gaining representation from three of the four governing councils. It’s exciting to see our students grow as leaders.”
Two of those leaders that have been significantly involved with FSL DEI Ambassadors are Mia Sumera and Leah Terry, current and past president, respectively. Sumera is a junior microbiology major and Maryland native and member of Sigma Kappa sorority. Terry hails from Michigan and is studying political science while serving as DEI director in Kappa Delta.
The initial cohort of FSL DEI Ambassadors was recruited in Fall 2020. The organization was largely represented by students in the College Panhellenic Association, but demographics have shifted to represent a more diverse group. This year, four women from National Pan-Hellenic Council sororities — primarily comprised of students of color — are FSL DEI Ambassadors.
“We’re trying to figure out our sphere of influence and how best to serve all four councils,” says Sumera. “Our ultimate goal is increasing members’ knowledge of available resources.”
Terry says typical programs designed for Greek organization members include trainings on microaggressions, implicit biases and cultural appropriation awareness events. She says the group holds theme nights, such as trivia or movie gatherings. They’ve collaborated with FSL Wellness Advocates, the NAACP student chapter and Council on Diversity Affairs with Clemson Undergraduate Student Government. Attendance has increased across the board.
Like Sumera, Terry relishes opportunities to grow as a leader through the FSL DEI Ambassador program.
“I’ve had great opportunities,” she says. “It’s a great community of students to be around. We’re all interested collectively in making the FSL and greater Clemson community a better, more welcoming space.”