Naomi Philip - National Board Spotlight

What are you doing today and how did joining Kappa Phi Gamma Sorority, Inc.

prepare you for this?

I'm currently an Officer in the United States Navy and work on a ship in Norfolk, VA. I joined Kappa Phi Gamma Sorority, Inc. the spring term of my freshman year. I looked forward to joining a sorority to get outside my comfort zone of just hanging out with the guys while doing the NROTC (naval reserve officer training corps program). Being in a military program while in college, helped evolve my leadership style and character traits of discipline and motivation. It was these traits that I wanted to bring to the sorority and to my chapter. After becoming a Sister, I jumped right into various leadership roles such as Intake director, Rush director, and President. All of these positions allowed me to mend my two parts of my life: military and sorority into one. I was able to mold Sisters and leave the Chapter better than how I entered it.

What were your biggest challenges and struggles?

Some challenges I faced was always pushing myself to do better. Always striving for perfection can take a toll on your self-esteem and just overall health. A big challenge that comes with that is giving too much of yourself to help others. I really felt this when I was in undergrad, because I was always willing to help my friends or Sisters out with anything they needed. But, I never took the time for myself to just enjoy my own time. Doing this allowed me to see who were people that were equally offering themselves to me in friendship and in work.

What is your favorite part of your position/career/field?

Getting to wear the uniform everyday and see the direct impact I have as a leader for my Sailors is very rewarding. It can be very challenging, but at the end of the day it's amazing to see how much responsibility I can take on and manage. Everyday I go into work and think how I can make the most of my time to prepare myself and my Sailors for success.

What is your work/life balance?

I am always running around doing something whether it's my work schedule or just doing things around my neighborhood. I really focus on my work when I'm on the ship. I give my 100% to the guys that work for me and to my own career path. Being able to balance the hectic and erratic schedule I have with the Navy can be a lot, but I use the Sorority and other hobbies as outlets. Doing something that's different from what I do at work allows me to still engage but not get mentally exhausted.

What do you perceive are the benefits of joining Kappa Phi Gamma Sorority, Inc.?

Networking and life long friendships are two big benefits of joining this Sorority. Your membership in this organization is what you make of it. Sisters just join to join, others join to make a change, and others join to socialize. For me, I really incorporated the principle of NATIONWIDE sisterhood into my time as a Sister. Being able to talk to alum and new Sisters everywhere is such a great experience. Everyone has such amazing stories, personalities, and backgrounds; all together creating a unique Sisterhood. Something no other organization can mimic. I believe networking within the Sisterhood really allows you to travel around the country and always have someplace to call home.

What advice do you have for women that are attempting to follow your career path?

Be confident and strong. Mentally and physically strong. Being in the military means a lot

of responsibility right from the beginning. You may not know what you're doing, but you need to be smart enough to ask questions and always use your resources. Being a leader is not hard. Being a great leader is the challenge.

How do you measure your success?

I live by a motto I came up with in the 5th grade: The next generation must do better than the last.So as long as I am doing better than my parents whether it be socioeconomically, education, family, friends, etc.

Do you have a website/social media you'd like us to promote?

Instagram: @presidentnaomi