Welcome to Mahjong Sisterhood! I’m Oleta Salyards, the founder of this community celebrating sisterhood, a topic I'm truly passionate about.

My sisterhood journey began early, not just with my own sister and childhood friends, but in college. My experience as a Pi Beta Phi and VP of Panhellenic Membership set the stage for development of deep lifelong friendships. The kind where you don't have to talk for months and just pick up where you left off. They offer the kind of reliable support in good and bad times that we all need in life. After graduation, I moved to a new city, big company and a first 'big job'. I often longed to have that kind of sisterhood nearby, where mentors could offer advice, perspective and show me the ropes on this new path. 

Since then, I’ve prioritized sisterhoods in many places -- work, church, children’s schools, and while sharing hobbies. When I began learning to play mahjong with a new group of neighbors, I recognized in the ebb and flow of talk and play that mahjong was a great conduit to sisterhood connections. Sure, we casually, yet fiercely compete, but we value our connection more than the competition.  In fact, these ladies have been a source of meaningful encouragement as I forged my vision for this Mahjong Sisterhood. 

For the Chinese originators, mahjong has served as a social activity that brings people together, fostering bonds, and preserving cultural traditions across generations. I've heard the same from countless women who found the same. I want you to experience this, in college and beyond. My hope is that this community helps you build your own sisterhood, encourages lifetime friendships, and inspires legacies that honor your connections.

If you have meaningful sisterhood stories to share, I’d love to hear them. Together, we can build a space for these narratives to connect us, one story tile at a time.

Whether you’re a Mahjong master or a curious beginner, there’s a place for you here.

Warmly,   Oleta