Phenomenally Us: Dr. Crestcencia Ortiz-Barnett: From Unseen to Unstoppable—A Story of Sisterhood, Identity, and Legacy
At 14 years old, Dr. Crestcencia Ortiz-Barnett didn’t yet know the power of mentorship or the life-changing force of sisterhood. She was just a young girl attending a Latino Family Services youth program when she met Darilis Garcia, co-founder of Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Inc. What seemed like an ordinary introduction would become the first step in an extraordinary journey—one marked by academic excellence, cultural pride, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others. Now, as a leader, mentor, and advocate, she continues to embody the essence of Phenomenally Us, using her story to inspire and empower those who follow in her footsteps.
Finding Her Path: Mentorship and Identity
Growing up as an Afro-Latina, Crestcencia often navigated spaces where she felt different—where she had to fight to prove she belonged. But in Darilis, she found not just a mentor, but a role model, someone who showed her what was possible. Darilis and other women of Delta Tau Lambda surrounded her with wisdom and encouragement, shaping the way she viewed herself and her future.
One defining moment remains vivid in her memory: she and Darilis in a canoe, Crestcencia rowing while Darilis lay back, smiling. It was a simple, quiet moment—but for Crestcencia, it symbolized trust, support, and the strength of the bonds she was forming. With mentors like Darilis and Madeline guiding her, she learned to embrace both her Afro-Latina identity and her ambition, paving the way for her next big leap—college.
Building a Legacy: Founding Gamma Chapter
As the first in her family to attend college, Crestcencia faced new challenges, but she refused to let them define her. She sought out a community where she could fully embrace all aspects of herself—Black, Latina, first-generation student, and ambitious leader. When she couldn’t find that space, she built it herself with the help of her soon to be sister, Donney.
Determined to bring Delta Tau Lambda to her historically Black college, Crestcencia faced skepticism from those who questioned the need for a Latina-founded sorority at an HBCU. But she saw the bigger picture and tried bringing it to other local colleges, being met with the same fate. She knew that Afro-Latina women like herself needed a place where they didn’t have to choose between identities—a space where they belonged fully and unapologetically. Through perseverance, she founded Gamma Chapter, leaving a lasting impact for future generations of women searching for the same sense of belonging she once sought.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Despite her accomplishments, doubt lingered. Crestcencia excelled academically, but imposter syndrome whispered otherwise. She often questioned whether she truly belonged in certain spaces. Even as she pursued multiple degrees, the feeling persisted.
“The women of Delta Tau Lambda had been telling me this forever,” she reflects. “I was so worried about where I fit. How could I relate?”
It wasn’t until she pursued her Ph.D. that she finally confronted these feelings head-on. The journey was grueling, but also transformative. She came to understand that her struggles weren’t signs of weakness—they were proof of her resilience. And through it all, her sisters stood beside her. Unlike many who watch their sorority sisters defend their dissertations, Crestcencia was the one being supported, surrounded by the unwavering love of the women who had always believed in her.
True Sisterhood: More Than Words
For Crestcencia, sisterhood isn’t just a title—it’s an action. It’s the countless moments of support, the quiet reassurances, and the grand gestures that prove the bond is real. She doesn’t just talk about sisterhood; she embodies it. In one of the most selfless acts imaginable, she once donated a kidney to a soror’s husband—a testament to the depth of her commitment to the people she calls family.
“This is a true sisterhood,” she says. “You always have someone to lean on.”
Academic Excellence as a Tool for Change
Crestcencia didn’t just pursue education—she mastered it. Holding multiple degrees, she turned her academic success into a vehicle for empowerment:
AA in Education
BA in Theatre
MA in Theatre with a concentration in African American Theatre
MFA in Theatre Directing
Ph.D. in Education (Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction)
Education was never just about personal achievement for her. It was about breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and showing others that they, too, belonged in spaces that often felt off-limits. Just last year, she put on a fully funded main stage production—an achievement witnessed by the very sisters who had supported her since the beginning.
A Legacy That Transcends Borders
Today, Crestcencia is a professor, a writer, a mentor, and a visionary. She turned her passion for storytelling into tangible resources, authoring Learning with Savannah, a children’s book born out of a desire to connect with her bonus daughter while teaching her about the world. She also created journals for theater artists struggling with imposter syndrome, offering them a space for self-reflection and growth.
But her impact is about to extend even further. As she prepares to embark on a Semester at Sea, representing North Carolina A&T University as an assistant professor of theater, she is laying the groundwork for an international theater exchange program.
Recognizing that HBCUs lack advanced theater degrees, she is determined to build a pipeline for students who wish to pursue MFAs having to leave spaces where they feel seen and valued and aiming to guide them to programs that have the resources to support students of color.
The Journey Continues
Crestcencia’s story is not just one of personal triumph—it’s a testament to the power of resilience, mentorship, and community. From the young girl in the Latino Family Services youth program to the powerhouse woman shaping the future of theater and education, her journey has been defined by the people who lifted her up—and the countless others she now lifts in return.
As she embarks on her next chapter, one thing is certain: her impact will continue to grow. And for every young woman searching for a place where she truly belongs, Crestcencia’s story will stand as proof that the path is theirs to create. Through it all, she remains the embodiment of Phenomenally Us, proving that true sisterhood and leadership know no limits.
