In the fall semester of 2002, Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. was considering the idea of beginning a metropolitan chapter in the Chicago-land area. They had a vision for this idea; to allow schools without formal Greek organizations on their campuses and give them the opportunity to be part of this organization. Laura P. Soria, Expansion Director at the time, began her search for the women that would later become Noble Founders of Iota Chapter.

Seven women from Columbia College Chicago, International Academy of Design and Technology, Illinois Institute of Technology, and Northeastern Illinois University, immediately found interest in this organization. They were all impacted by the sorority’s goals, since each and every one of those goals was of importance to them. The women later contacted members of the organization and concluded that the idea of a metropolitan chapter would be something they would dedicate themselves in achieving. They were willing to pursue and overcome any obstacle that they would encounter.

On January 31, 2003, the seven women began the journey that would eventually lead to the creation of Iota Chapter. Along the way, the obstacles that were headed their way, and the sacrifices they had to make, became more and more challenging. Three women decided to withdraw from the process leaving four strong women certain that they would someday achieve their goal.

Still involved was, Arlette Martinez, undergraduate from Northeastern Illinois University, who was introduced to Gamma Phi Omega by her biological sister Argelia Martinez who is a member of Epsilon Chapter. Ivonne Cari Bermudez, from Columbia College Chicago, desired to be part of the organization when Monique Gomez from Theta Chapter, expressed her fondness for Gamma Phi Omega. Veronica Rangel, from Zeta chapter, had her eye on a woman that would be the one to lead Iota Chapter into its destiny. That woman was Janet Martinez from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Janet knew that this endeavor would be in need of another determined woman. She shared the excitement of the upcoming journey with Mayra Martinez from the International Academy of Design and Technology.

As time went on these women grew respect for Gamma Phi Omega. They were brought together through loyalty and sisterhood under a swan’s wing, and on August 23, 2003, Janet Martinez, Mayra Martinez, Arlette Martinez, and Ivonne Cari Bermudez, had become the founding mothers of Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority’s Iota Chapter. Through her dedication and respect for her sorority, Mayra Martinez began pursuing official recognition on campus. In May of 2005, Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority’s Iota Chapter became a recognized organization at the International Academy of Design and Technology.