California Zeta B.J. Hinchman Landers is one of the founders of the Southlake, Texas Alumnae Club and has been an officer for many years including serving as President for two years. “It takes a village — everyone helps out a little bit,” B.J. said. “We work well together and have a wonderful group of women. Giving back is important to me.”

As she has learned through her years in leadership roles, the activities of the alumnae club are always changing. There are their regularly scheduled meetings and philanthropic efforts, but there are often opportunities for networking and connections within the club, too. The networking within the club goes beyond the basics — alumnae have given each other suggestions on the best restaurants in town, the best pre-school for their kids and even made them aware of job opportunities.

A few years ago, B.J. received the bad news of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Of course, her Pi Phi sisters asked how they could help her; she simply asked for their prayers in support of her during this difficult time. To her surprise, she was given the gift of “What’s Cookin’ at B.J.’s Diner” — a book with menus from various local restaurants as well as gift cards donated from her Pi Phi sisters. B.J. was speechless.

B.J has four children, so instead of worrying about preparing a meal for the day, the kids could simply call in what they wanted. It was such a joy to not have to worry about cooking when she didn’t feel well and also to have the support of so many people around her.

B.J. would look at the book every day and feel the love generated by the people around her. “That’s sisterhood,” she thought.