Sister Spotlight

June Sister Spotlight: Nimisha Gandhi Ambati

Nicknames (if any):

Nim

Birthday:

February 6

What are you up to now?

I have my own start-up company, called Club Dine In!. Club Dine In! engages local businesses and producers to the community in a social setting, by hosting various events such as hikes with picnics, culinary tours, and cookbook potlucks. Soon, I will start giving nutrition lectures and teach people how to cook simple, healthy, fast meals. Club Dine In! has an active blog, also.

I am also an active member of Girls In Tech and Slow Food San Francisco. They are two completely different industries, but I am building a few social games and smart phone applications to merge them together.  Basically, I am working 24/7. Please show your support by subscribing to my site and joining the Facebook group! http://www.clubdinein.com

What is your most memorable SDS Moment?

Big Bear Retreat 2004. We had a terrible time getting up there; the road conditions were horrible, we were starving, and we couldn’t see anything in front of us. In the car, we ate cake or something that one of us had made for the retreat without utensils. We played ridiculous car games to keep ourselves entertained, which resulted in my SDS nick name. I won’t say what it was… The rest of the weekend was very beautiful.

What do you miss most about being an active member of SDS?

Seeing everyone and having organized community service events.

What do you look forward to as being an SDSAA member?

Networking and staying in touch with all of my friends! I truly want to build a stronger community of alumni in the Bay Area so we can support each other.

Do you have any advice for future SigDelts and alumni?

I have a few suggestions: 1. Stay connected and active with your sisters 2. Create a short-term bucket list and cross-off as many things as possible. 3. Spend quality time with the people you love. 4. It’s easier to get fit and stay fit the younger you set those good habits!

Name something that can always put a smile on your face.

Driving back into the city (San Francisco) after a trip and seeing the skyline.  The Ferry Building in San Francisco always makes me happy; a Mecca for foodies!

If you could drop everything and take a trip somewhere, where would you go?

AFRICA! I just want to immerse myself in everything the continent has to offer. I want to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, sleep in the safari tents with giraffes grazing nearby, help build self-sustaining communities, lay on the beaches of the Ivory Coast, and party in Cape Town.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

Oh, I have one on a weekly base!

Do you have any pet peeves?  What are they?

Slow cars in the fast lane, drinks being spilled on the dance floor, bad service, and the fog are on the top of my list.

What do you like to do on rainy days?

Watch reruns of Beverly Hills 90210 (the original, kids) or just laying in bed with my husband and talk about everything and nothing.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Fashion magazines, dark chocolate cake, and red wine, with The Kardashians playing in the background.

Describe yourself in three words.

Gregarious, ambitious, and nice.

What is your favorite book?

Anything by Paulo Coelho.

If given complete freedom to start fresh, what profession would you choose and why?

I really love what I am doing right now, so it is hard for me to think outside of nutrition and wellness. I would be a high-fashion model living in the Santa Monica hills or be a celebrity chef with my show (e.g. Padma Lakshmi). I enjoy the glamorous life and good food.

If you could have any super power what would it be?

I wish I could magically make the BP oil spill to have never have happened or any other man made disaster. What would that super power be called?

What is your most cherished childhood memory?

All and anytime I spent with my grandparents. From waking up at 5AM to have breakfast  and watch the My Little Ponies with my grandfather to my grandmother sewing me dresses for Barbie and Ken.

May’s Sister Spotlight: Angel Clarke

Nicknames (if any):

Angel, Angelina, Licious, CZ J

Birthday:

May 18th

What are you up to now?

I’m a clinical research coordinator at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in LA.

What is your most memorable SDS Moment?

My most memorable moment is winning the ‘Sister of the Year’ pen at our 2007 formal in Riverside.  I didn’t expect to win and felt so loved by my sisters.

What do you miss most about being an active member of SDS?

I miss seeing my friends so often and always having fun social events and community service events to look forward to weekly.

What do you look forward to as being an SDSAA member?

I love meeting alumni that I haven’t met before and building new friendships.  If you’re in the LA area, give me a call 🙂

Do you have any advice for future SigDelts and alumni?

It is helpful to use the knowledge and experience of your sisters for networking.  I wouldn’t have my current job if it weren’t for fellow alumni (and close friend) Nichole’s recommendation.  Also, enjoy your youth and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way while you can.

Which sisters are you closest to?

Denisse (current roommate), Pantea, Nichole, Sangita, and Corina.

What one television character do you simply adore?

I love Martha Stewart!  She’s an expert at everything and is the perfect homemaker.  I hope to be as well-rounded as she is one day.

What is one life lesson you’ve learned over time that you wish you knew years ago?

I wish I understood the importance of patience and perseverance sooner.  If you work hard enough at something and truly want to achieve a goal, it will happen in due time.

How do you want to be remembered?

I hope I’m remembered as a fun, caring, well-rounded individual.

Name something that can always put a smile on your face.

The love I feel from my family and friends makes me smile.  Also, I love hearing a favorite song from back in the day when I least expect it…that always puts me in a good mood.

If you could drop everything and take a trip somewhere, where would you go?

I would go somewhere tropical like Fiji and have lots of adventures.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

There are way too many to name!  Recently a large wave knocked me off my surfboard and tore off my bikini bottoms! I’ll be wearing a wetsuit from now on…

Do you have any pet peeves?  What are they?

It grates on my nerves when someone mispronounces my name.  That’s why I go by Angel now, because most people mispronounce my full name.

What do you like to do on rainy days?

I love to watch TV and cuddle up in my blankets with hot chocolate.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

I’m a closet Britney Spears fan.  I know all of the words to her songs and sing along when nobody is around.

Describe yourself in three words.

WORK IN PROGRESS (haha!)  Outgoing, Patient, Loyal

What is your favorite book?

Way too many to name (I love to read!).  The books I’ve read over and over again are The Bible, The Catcher in the Rye, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Waiting to Exhale, Revolutionary Road

What do you do to cheer yourself up when you’re feeling sad?

I go for a run on the beach or watch a good movie or TV show

List one thing you wish you could change about yourself.

I wish I wasn’t so self conscious and could ignore what others think or say about me.

Name one thing you miss about being a kid.

I miss spending the day in the kitchen with my grandma on Fish Fridays and Gumbo Sundays.

April’s Sister Spotlight: Kety Steinitz

Nicknames (if any)

Kety, Ketyrific, Kate, Lisa (as in sister to Bart), Katrina-Bobina, Baby-doll, Babe, Honey & Hollywood (as labeled by my Ohio co-workers)

Birthday

September 3, 1986

What are you up to now?

About a year ago Carlos (my boyfriend of 6 years, or “pre-fiance” as he is now called-lol) and I picked up and moved from our hometown of Culver City, CA for the Midwest. We both work for a World-Wide Staffing & Recruitment firm called Adecco, where I am a Researcher and help recruiters find new ways to reach out to candidates and market their positions. We are currently in the final stages of purchasing our 1st house in Toledo, Ohio and look very forward to what’s to come next!

What is your most memorable SDS Moment?

Just reading that question sent my head into a tailspin of memories! 4 years was a long time… However, the one I hold nearest to my heart would be our retreats to Big Bear. I went my 1st year, and aside from nearly dying on the way up (yes, this is true) it was an amazing experience – especially when the senior girls started handing out nicknames. My girlfriend Sara & I were roommates & pledged together and were given the nicknames of Knicker & Knocker, named for a street we had passed on the way up, and for other reasons 😉 THEN our senior year we had happened to return back to Big Bear for a retreat and found that street & took our picture. It was so memorable because I felt like things had really come full circle.

What do you miss most about being an active member of SDS?

Everything! It was the only time in my life I ever looked forward to a Monday =)

What is your most cherished childhood memory?

My first kiss– It was 1st grade and it was a rainy day so we had to go see a movie for recess. Our teacher made us sit girl-boy & alphabetical order. This very strong minded boy next to me had the nerve to reach over and put his arm around me! At the end of the movie, we all got up and he quickly kissed me and ran! That boy turned out to be Paredes, as in Carlos =)

If given complete freedom to start fresh, what profession would you choose and why?

Umm, professional ice cream taster? I’m pretty sure they exist, and I would really be good at it. In fact, I already consider myself an expert.

If given the choice to skip work for a day, how would you spend that day?

Canada is about 40 minutes away from where I live now, and yet I have still never been. So I would take my passport and finally make the time to cross the darn border!

What is the funniest prank played on you or by you?

Well, last year for April fools day I posted on Facebook that I was pregnant =) I thought it was hilarious at the time because everyone believed it and seemed to completely forget that it was April 1st. However, when people started pouring out their love and happiness for us–then I just felt like crap-lol. But it was still funny.

If given a choice, which animal would you want to be and why?

Umm, one guess…A penguin!!! Why!?! Because penguins make me happy, and I would be a penguin, therefore I would always make myself happy! =)

Who was your first crush ever and what happened?

Way to bring up bad memories, question! His name was Scott Cohen and he was the MOST gorgeous and popular boy at my elementary school. It was 3rd grade and I wrote him a letter to tell him how I felt and said PLEASE don’t show this to anyone- that day at recess, I saw the huddle of boys with my letter and needless to say I spent the next few recesses hiding away in the girls bathroom. It’s all good though –I went on to date his 2 best friends =)

Where did you spend New Years Eve?

At a ski resort called Boyne Mountain in Michigan with Carlos & my Toledo family. There was an amazing fireworks display on the top of the mountain, and the staff of the mountain came down, like a parade, with flares in their hand–to be followed by champagne & lots of hugs & kisses.

Name a song that makes you happy.

My cellphone ringer is the music from Fantasmic! And it makes me smile every time someone calls =)

Name one thing you love about being an adult.

I’ll let you know when I am one.

What was your favorite thing about your undergraduate college town?

The people who lived in it!!

What do you look forward to as being an SDSAA member?

The SDSAA is amazing. I love being able to stay “in-the-know” about actives & alumni and having occasional opportunities to gather and reminisce. It feels good knowing that I am forever and always a part of an amazing group of women and can enjoy not just being an alumni, but being an “active” again in another branch of SDS.

Do you have any advice for future SigDelts and alumni?

In our 10+ years, I don’t think any one year has been impervious to “The drama!” (lol).To past, present & future sisters- Let us all make great effort to check the drama at the door =) We all have fantastically differing opinions and thoughts, and that is what makes us as a sisterhood so strong and diverse. Remember though that you can be strong, but always be open and you will have the happiest time in SDS =) We are all sisters and go through the same torturous and fabulous things for a reason: to earn mutual respect – without some good r-e-s-p-e-c-t, you have nothing. Respect each other, and the love with follow ❤

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Sister Spotlight 2009

December’s Sister Spotlight: Kristen Kido

We’re proud to present the December SDSAA Sister Spotlight: Kristen Kido

Nicknames (if any):

Krissy, Kris, Caboose, Slowey… Mu class nick name was Bunny haha

Birthday:

5/12/86

What are you up to now?

I am a Museum Educator at the J. Paul Getty Villa. I get to teach people about art and antiquity every day. It’s pretty amazing.

What is your most memorable SDS Moment?

V-E-G-A-S

What do you miss most about being an active member of SDS?

I miss ALWAYS having the opportunity to hang out with amazing people. Seriously, you’re given a piece of paper each week that is basically a list of where and when you can have a great time with friends that week. Take advantage of that because once you graduate you actually have to plan things to have fun!

What do you look forward to as being an SDSAA member?

Seeing what new and exciting things future sisters do with this growing organization!

Do you have any advice for future SigDelts and alumni?

(See above) and keep in touch with each other!

Which sisters are you closest to?

Erin. Duh.

What one television character do you simply adore?

I really really really love Dr. Kelso from Scrubs. I don’t know why.

Name something that can always put a smile on your face.

When someone reads your mind… like when, for example, you’re really craving a muffin (or something) and then your friend shows up with a muffin. That’s always great.

If you could drop everything and take a trip somewhere, where would you go?

I’d go back to Thailand… or somewhere else in SE Asia I suppose. It’s the most wonderful experience ever.

Do you have any pet peeves? What are they?

I don’t like when people don’t push in their chairs when they get up from a table… to name one, lol.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Modern Art (don’t kill me, Suleena.)

Describe yourself in three words.

Eccentric, Global, Curious.

What is your favorite book?

The Awakening

What do you do to cheer yourself up when you’re feeling sad?

Either go on a shopping spree (I know, I know, I’m a horrible person) or I cook something. Cooking is really therapeutic!

What is one life lesson you’ve learned over time that you wish you knew years ago?

“it’s not the end of the world.” Because it’s really not… J

November’s Sister Spotlight: Dandan Tang

We’re proud to present the November SDSAA Sister Spotlight: Dandan Tang

Birthday

April 16th, 1984

Pledge Class and Years Active

Iota Class (Active 2003-2006)

SDS Board Positions Held

President (2005-2006), Treasurer (2004-2005)

What are you up to now?

I am currently living in LA working in finance in the entertainment industry. I love movies and now I get to see what goes into making one. Not as fun as watching them, but still pretty interesting.

What is your most memorable SDS Moment?

There’s so many, where do I start? I would have to say walking back from Denny’s. Yup, you know what I’m talking about. I remember at that moment I was asking myself what I got myself into, but the next three years in the sorority turned out to be such a wonderful experience. And that night everyone in my pledge class bonded. It was the beginning of a wonderful journey and I am thankful to share it with such an amazing group of sisters.

What do you miss most about being an active member of SDS?

I miss the girls and the community service events. Nothing beats volunteering with people you enjoy spending time with.

What do you look forward to as being an SDSAA member?

I am looking forward to getting to know all the alumni as well as the active sisters of the sorority.

What is one life lesson you’ve learned over time that you wish you knew years ago?

Enjoy the little things. We spend so much of our time planning for the future or thinking about what we could have changed from the past that we forget to live in the present. Enjoy every moment, once it’s past, you can never relive it.

Name something that can always put a smile on your face.

Hugs (I love hugs). Candy (did I mention that I love sweets?). Disneyland (brings back wonderful memories). Seeing my friends and family happy (happiness is one of those contagious traits).

What do you like to do on rainy days?

Ideally I would like to sit by the fireplace with a thick blanket, a nice hot cup of cocoa, and a good book.

Describe yourself in three words.

Compassionate. Spontaneous. Passionate.

What is your favorite book?

Right now it’s The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch, very inspirational and really makes you appreciate life. But Harry Potter is also on that list.

What do you do to cheer yourself up when you’re feeling sad?

I go to my favorite beach in Malibu. It’s usually a pretty quiet beach so I enjoy sitting in the sand listening to the waves.

What is one thing you never thought you would do, but did this year?

I started dancing again. Dance had been such a big part of my life, but because I’ve been so busy with college and now with work I’ve been away from it for a while. Going back to dance reminded me why I loved it so much in the first place. Hope you girls can reconnect with one of your old passions before this year is over.

If given complete freedom to start fresh, what profession would you choose and why?

I don’t think I would choose anything different. I like what I do right now.

If you could have any super power what would it be?

The ability to read minds. It will be quite interesting to see what people are thinking.

October’s Sister Spotlight: Pantea Tahbaz

We’re proud to present the October SDSAA Sister Spotlight: Pantea Tahbaz

Birthday
05-14-85

Pledge Class and Years Active
Iota 2003 – 2007, 4 years!

SDS Board Positions Held
Judicial Head, Vice President, & President

What are you up to now?
Vice President of College Works Painting in New England (MA/CT/RI/NH). CWP is a leadership and development organization that focuses on the advancement of high level college students non-academically during their college years.

What is your most memorable SDS Moment?
Being around my friends. The people that I met through SDS, the relationships that I developed over time.

What is one life lesson you’ve learned over time that you wish you knew years ago?
I use quotes as different benchmarks in my life…
-Do what you have to now, so you can do what you want to do later.
-Each man is questioned by life and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life; to life he can only respond by being responsible.

How do you want to be remembered?
Well behaved women rarely make history

Name something that can always put a smile on your face.
-Childhood “nerdy” pictures.
-Ice-cream
-Great companionship
-Winning

If you could drop everything and take a trip somewhere, where would you go?
Vacation: Bora Bora!!!
Exploration: South Africa!!

What’s your guilty pleasure?
-signing and driving
-dancing and driving
-singing, dancing, and driving

Describe yourself in three words.
Passionate, pragmatic, caring

What is your favorite book?
Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coehlo

If given complete freedom to start fresh, what profession would you choose and why?
Great question…I always wanted to be a doctor. I have a lot of people in my family pass because of cancer. I wanted to be the person who found a cure. Long shot, worthy attempt. As much as I joke about “hating” people, I love people. I love helping people even more….as long as I am interacting with people and positively impacting them, I have done my job.

If given the choice to skip work for a day, how would you spend that day?
At home

List one thing you wish you could change about yourself.
I wish I was a baller, a little bit taller….

Name one thing you miss about being a kid.
Having scheduled recess and nap time…super clutch.

Name one thing you love about being an adult.
Making all own decisions and living with the consequences.

Do you have any advice for future SigDelts and alumni?
Impossible is Nothing

August’s Sister Spotlight: Alina Chachra

We’re proud to present the August SDSAA Sister Spotlight: Alina Chachra

Nicknames:

A-Dawg

Birthday:

June 29, 1986 (astrology sign: Cancer)

What are you up to now?

Financial Analyst in the San Francisco Bay Area for a Computer Software Company.

What is your most memorable SDS moment?

When my pledge class, which was the first class at UCR, finished and crossed over to the SDS Sisterhood. I realized then that these friends of mine were actually my sisters for life through thick and thin, good and bad, every change we would go through, we were always going to be Sisters!

What do you miss most about being an active member of SDS?

Spending quality time with the sisters, outside of the logistics we had to do to remain active.

What is your favorite book?

“Your Best Life Now, 7 Steps to Living at your Full Potential” by Pastor Joel Osteen.

Would you consider yourself more of an introvert or extrovert?

Extrovert for sure.

If given a choice, which animal would you want to be and why?

A pug because pugs are cute and adorable.

Who was your first crush ever and what happened?

Will Smith. I listened to his song at the time, “Welcome to Miami” and watched Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and memorized all the lyrics, but now I forgot them all.

What is your most cherished childhood memory?

Making my first 3 pointer at the age of 8 with a regulation size hoop in my backyard.

What is one thing you never thought you would do, but did this year?

I am currently involved with a ministry that assists pregnant women recovering from drug/alcohol addiction. I pray with them and help them with their career planning (i.e. resumes). I never thought I would be so comfortable in reaching out to women who live completely different lives then me.

If you could have any super power what would it be?

The power to read minds, so I would know if I am being misunderstood by people, and to relate to them more because I always have good intentions.

What one television character do you simply adore?

Claire Bennet from the television show, “Heroes” because she is an indestructible high school cheerleader and to me every strong female is indestructible.

What were the last music lyrics ringing in your head?

“Right Stuff” by New Kids on the Block (shhh don’t laugh it was on the radio) haha.

What do you look forward to as being an SDSAA member?

To sustain my relationships with existing sisters and to be a positive connection for the future SigDeltas. Even though I live in the Bay Area, I am in Southern California every month and half or so, so I would love to keep in touch with my sisters when I am available.

Do you have any advice for future SigDelts, members and alumni?

I would like to give the future SigDeltas, members, and alumni this advice that I follow from the late great rapper, Tupac Shakur, “I know it seems hard sometimes but remember one thing. Through every dark night, theres a bright day after that. So no matter how hard it get, stick your chest out, keep ya head up…. and handle it.” Having said that ladies, I believe we can do anything we put our mind to and we can overcome any obstacle, no matter who tells you that you can’t do it, prove them wrong. Also, please remember life’s too short to be upset at anyone, especially a sister, so make peace.  ~Much Love, Alina

July’s Sister Spotlight: Sonya Gupta

Nicknames (if any):

Sonu, Sona, Sonj, Soniye

Birthday:

May 25, 1983

SDS Positions held and years:

Treasurer 2001-2002, Vice President 2002-2003, President 2003-2004

What are you up to now?

I moved back to my hometown of Cupertino about 2 years ago, after being in the LA area for 7 years.  I’m working at Lockheed Martin right now as an engineer and enjoying life in the Bay Area living close to my family and friends.

What is your most memorable SDS moment?

There are waaaaay to many. Probably the most memorable has to be driving to a retreat in Lake Havasu, AZ… the drive was supposed to take 4.5 hours from UCLA, but it took us SDS girls about 12 hours, no joke.  Oh, and playing the “I’ve never” drinking game… the things we all learned about each other 🙂 Oh, and volunteering at the Downtown Women’s Center… the impact a little bit of our time made on these women was remarkable.

Name something that can always put a smile on your face.

Thinking about the amazing friends and family I have in my life.

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Loyal, compassionate, hard-working

What do you do to cheer yourself up when you’re feeling sad?

Listen to a really upbeat song really loud on my Ipod in my room or car.

If you could drop everything and take a trip somewhere, where would you go and why?

Spain.  I just went to Barcelona a year ago and I loved it.  The culture and atmosphere was amazing and I felt very peaceful there.

Do you have any pet peeves? What are they?

Yes, I cannot stand when people don’t do what they say they will or people who are not organized.

If you could have 3 wishes granted what would they be?

I would want to see my Dad again.  I would want to see my good friend, Raja Das, again.  I would want everyone to be honest and speak their mind.

What do you miss most about being an active member of SDS?

I miss our weekly Monday meetings.  Haha, j/k.  I miss all the retreats, they were awesome and definitely very memorable!

What do you look forward to as being an SDSAA member?

I look forward to connecting and networking with other girls that I have lost touch with (although most of my best friends that I have now were all a part of SDS) and meeting some of the new alumni.

Do you have any advice for future SigDelts and alumni?

My advice to future SigDelts is to really enjoy college life, like everyone tells you to.  You don’t realize what people mean when they tell you to really enjoy college, until you look back and realize that college is the only time that you will ever feel so care-free in your life.

Birthday
05-14-85

Pledge Class and Years Active

Iota 2003 – 2007, 4 years!

SDS Board Positions Held
Judicial Head, Vice President, & President

What are you up to now?

Vice President of College Works Painting in New England (MA/CT/RI/NH). CWP is a leadership and development organization that focuses on the advancement of high level college students non-academically during their college years.

What is your most memorable SDS Moment?

Being around my friends. The people that I met through SDS, the relationships that I developed over

Do you have any advice for future SigDelts and alumni?

Impossible is Nothing

What is one life lesson you’ve learned over time that you wish you knew years ago?

I use quotes as different benchmarks in my life…

-Do what you have to now, so you can do what you want to do later.

-Each man is questioned by life and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life; to life he can only respond by being responsible.

How do you want to be remembered?

Well behaved women rarely make history

Name something that can always put a smile on your face.

-Childhood “nerdy” pictures.

-Ice-cream

-Great companionship

-Winning

If you could drop everything and take a trip somewhere, where would you go?

Vacation: Bora Bora!!!

Exploration: South Africa!!

What’s your guilty pleasure?

-signing and driving

-dancing and driving

-singing, dancing, and driving

Describe yourself in three words.

Passionate, pragmatic, caring

What is your favorite book?

-Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coehlo

If given complete freedom to start fresh, what profession would you choose and why?

Great question…I always wanted to be a doctor. I have a lot of people in my family pass because of cancer. I wanted to be the person who found a cure. Long shot, worthy attempt. As much as I joke about “hating” people, I love people. I love helping people even more….as long as I am interacting with people and positively impacting them, I have done my job.

If given the choice to skip work for a day, how would you spend that day?

At home

List one thing you wish you could change about yourself.

I wish I was a baller, a little bit taller….

Name one thing you miss about being a kid.

Having scheduled recess and nap time…super clutch.

Name one thing you love about being an adult.

Making all own decisions and living with the consequences.