Tri Delta recently received a photo circa 1944 of the Phi Chapter new member class at the University of Iowa for our archives—just in time to welcome Phi Chapter’s new member class of 2024!
e Fraternity respects the privacy of its members. Mailing lists are shared only with vendors of Executive Board-approved Fraternity programs. ese vendors sign an agreement prohibiting the sale of the mailing list.
The Trident of Delta Delta Delta, the offi cial publicati on of Tri Delta Fraternity, has been published conti nuously since 1891. Its mission is to refl ect the lifeti me membership experience while sharing the stories of our brave, bold and kind sisters. It also aims to provide a connecti on to Tri Delta for members of all ages, to bring the shared values of Tri Delta to life and to showcase Tri Delta as a premier women’s organizati on.
HOW TO RECEIVE THE TRIDENT Collegiate members receive The Trident through payment of Fraternity dues to their chapters. Individual copies are mailed to each undergraduate member’s permanent address, and one copy is sent to each collegiate chapter president. Alumnae members receive The Trident print editi on through payment of annual dues to an alumnae chapter, by being an Acti ve at-large member with Silver or Gold level benefi ts, or by being a Life Loyal member and adding Silver or Gold level benefi ts. All Golden Circle alumnae also receive The Trident print editi on.
HOW TO CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS
Visit tridelta.org, log in to My Tri Delta and edit your personal informati on. You may also call (817) 633-8001 or send by mail to Delta Delta Delta, 14951 North Dallas Parkway, Ste. 500, Dallas, Texas 75254.
HOW TO SEND A LETTER TO THE EDITORIAL TEAM
We welcome your comments, both positi ve and negati ve, about The Trident. Send letters to the editorial team at trident@trideltaeo.org or by mail. Please include your name, school and Initi ati on year.
The Trident reserves the right to publish any letter addressed to the editor. Letters may be edited for space and clarity.
HOW TO GET PUBLISHED
All Tri Deltas are encouraged to submit news and stories to The Trident. Tell us about your accomplishments, events and experiences, and please include photographs. Send stories and photos online through the Submit News ti le on My Tri Delta or via email or mail. If submitti ng photos online or by email, please submit as high-resoluti on.
Dear sisters,
e world today is signi cantly more complex than it was in 1888, and yet our open motto is just as powerful today as it was at our founding—our steadfast love for each other endures when so much else falls away. We celebrate each other’s successes and share in moments of joy, while also standing together with unwavering support during life’s storms and sorrows.
So much has changed since our founding, but our perpetual bonds of friendship are as important as ever.
While our Founders may not have fully realized the lasting impact of what they started 136 years ago, I believe they would be incredibly proud of how Tri Delta has grown into a strong and thriving sisterhood that extends far beyond the collegiate years. ey would marvel at the way we love and support each other today and how our bonds of friendship persist through reunions, alumnae chapter events and Conventions—but also through Zoom chats, social media posts and text messages. ey would see that while Tri Delta has changed and adapted with the times, it has always kept at its center the Purpose and ideals they so lovingly created.
It has been more than 30 years since I joined Tri Delta, yet I continue to be inspired by the story of our Founders and their clear vision and purpose. No matter where you are or which chapter you call home, we are united by this special shared history and the treasure of our Tri Delta membership.
As we celebrate our 136th Founders’ Day, let us pause to re ect on the legacy of steadfast love and enduring friendship our Founders passed down to us. Let their powerful charge to steadfastly love each one another continue to shape our lives and serve as an inspiration for generations to follow. As your Fraternity President, it is my sincere hope that the radiant glow of our special Tri Delta sisterhood will ll each of you with joy and shine brightly for all to see.
Delta Love, Elizabeth Howard DiMartino, Boston Fraternity President
Scan to read Elizabeth’s 2024 Founders’ Day Proclamation in full.
187 187
It was a recordse ing primary recruitment at the University of Arkansas, with 187 new members joining Delta Iota Chapter in fall 2024. That’s the largest new member class size in Tri Delta history!
Initiation for the founding class of our Epsilon Omega Chapter
Tri Delta established one new chapter in 2024 on the campus of Kenyon College!
Epsilon Omega Chapter was installed in the spring 2024 with a founding class of 33 members.
1 1
We are digging into the numbers with three fast facts about Tri Delta today.
91% 91%
Almost all the respondents to our 2024 collegiate membership survey say they plan to stay active in Tri Delta as alumnae members.
Young alumnae from Dallas, Texas, for an evening out together
Our 2024 Women of Achievement
is year, we are proud to have honored three exceptional Tri Delta alumnae— women who have made an impact in their communities, broken barriers in their careers and le a lasting mark on the world.
Maureen Kempston Darkes, Toronto, is a pioneering automotive executive, trailblazer and attorney. She has earned numerous honors and awards around the world, including induction into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame and the Automotive Hall of Fame, thanks to her distinguished career at General Motors.
Maureen is a long-time advocate for women. In 1983, she co-founded the General Motors of Canada National Women's Advisory Council. It serves as a forum for addressing women’s concerns about work-life balance and barriers to their success and to challenge the corporation to support women’s career advancement. Under her leadership, the Council has been instrumental in opening doors for women.
“I very much believe that corporations need to create an environment where everyone can fully contribute,” Maureen shared. “I think it's important that we create a culture within the company that no matter how similar or how different you are, you can really contribute to the fullest extent of your abilities.”
Sandy Beach Lin, Toledo, leverages 40 years of C-suite and global company operating credentials, a history of business achievement and a commitment to technology and innovation to successfully grow companies.
After what Sandy calls a “lightning bolt of inspiration” in high school as part of Junior Achievement, she committed to building a successful career—which she did in executive roles at Honeywell, Alcoa, Avery Dennison and Celanese and as Chief Executive Officer of Calisolar Inc. Her devotion to JA endures, serving many years on the national board and now on the board of the Achievement Foundation.
Sandy is also deeply committed to creating gender parity in all leadership levels of corporations. She is an original founder of the Paradigm for Parity Coalition. In their 8 years of work, they have built the coalition to 150 companies and organizations,
including Bank of America, Coca-Cola and Hershey, who have committed to creating gender parity in their leadership.
A dedicated Tri Delta volunteer, Sandy served on the board of Tri Delta Housing and three terms on Tri Delta’s Executive Board, an experience she calls “life-changing.” She brought her high-level finance expertise to Tri Delta as the founding chair of the Enterprise Finance Committee and continues to offer valuable advice to Tri Delta in financial and businessrelated matters.
Dedicated social entrepreneur, educator and HIV/AIDS advocate, Brooke Wurst, Pennsylvania, has pioneered impactful initiatives to empower communities worldwide.
Brooke is the founder of the TRIAD Trust, an HIV/AIDS education and training non-governmental organization operating in remote regions of sub-Saharan Africa and Haiti. She introduced RemoteID, a groundbreaking biometric-based mobile identity access management platform tailored for low-resource settings. It is a prime example of how technology, when used correctly, can be a facilitator of kindness within a community.
“Too often we think about technology dehumanizing interaction between two people, like a provider and a patient.”
Brooke explained. “Think of care as a subset of kindness: increasing that access is important because whenever we can remove barriers to care, it allows kindness to flow.”
In 2009, Brooke established Remote Harbor to scale the impact of RemoteID globally. Brooke holds patents for her inventions and actively champions equityfocused social impact. In 2022, she co-founded Raise Partners, an organization providing strategic and technical advisory support.
To nominate a Tri Delta for this recognition, visit the Distinguished Deltas page on tridelta.org.
EP. 147
ALPHA EPSILON, BRENAU
Sarah Ida Shaw Award 2024
Caroline “Callie” Heckman
NNamed after our beloved Founder, the Sarah Ida Shaw Award stands as Tri Delta’s most prestigious individual collegiate honor. Our recipients are not only leaders but also role models, both on their campuses and within their communities. They embody the core values of Tri Delta, demonstrating selfless leadership, fostering strong sisterhood bonds and promoting unity within their chapters.
This year’s Sarah Ida Shaw Award committee was impressed by each of the women who were nominated by their collegiate chapters. “It was inspiring to read about some of Tri Delta’s incredible young leaders, which resulted in confirming our pride in our membership and our excitement about the Fraternity’s future.”
In April at Collegiate Leadership Conference in Irving, Texas, we celebrated our 2024 Sarah Ida Shaw Award winner Caroline “Callie” Heckman, Georgia
Her outstanding leadership, academic excellence and unwavering commitment to community engagement make her a deserving recipient of the award.
Callie champions empathy as the cornerstone of her leadership approach. Following tragic events in the Panhellenic community at the University of Georgia, she dedicated herself to fostering a supportive environment within her chapter, implementing mental
ALPHA RHO, GEORGIA
Callie Heckman giving remarks to fellow collegiate officers at CLC 2024
" I make it abundantly clear that I am here f all the members, no ma er the time place.”
health education initiatives, providing a listening ear to members at any time and ensuring that every member feels supported and valued. She shared, “I have opened up my personal time to talk to members about anything that weighs heavy on their hearts— whether that is adjusting to college life, struggling with mental health or needing someone to just listen—I make it abundantly clear that I am here for ALL the members, no matter the time or place.”
Academically, Callie has overcome significant challenges to maintain a 4.0 average while prioritizing the well-being of her peers. Transitioning to a new environment at school, she navigated feelings of isolation by building a network of friends. Through this experience, Callie learned the importance of prioritizing kindness, believing that academic success is inseparable from personal growth and community support.
Her chapter president wrote of Callie, “Her kindness does not discriminate as she leads with grace and humility; she is never boastful despite her incredible accomplishments.”
Callie studies economics with an emphasis in business analytics, consulting and public policy. She also has a certificate in legal studies and is minoring in classical culture. In her acceptance speech, Callie said, “The gift that Tri Delta has given us is a group of women to make the impossible possible, the complicated simple and foster the genuine female friendship that will keep us moving forward. It is up to us to continue to cultivate these precious relationships that will carve our path ahead. We must remind each other of all the reasons we are important to one another, emphasize just how loved we all are and celebrate the differences that fuel our individuality.
“It only feels right to end this with the same words I end every chapter meeting with back in Georgia: Be kind to yourself, be kind to one another and you deserve the love so many people are willing to give.”
Ernestine Block Grigsby Award 2024
e Ernestine Block Grigsby Award is presented by Tri Delta’s Executive Board each biennium to an alumna member who, through her loyalty and dedication to Tri Delta, has given outstanding service to her local alumnae chapter. is year’s winner has contributed innovative ideas and deep commitment to her chapter, even as a very young alumna, helping the chapter grow and thrive.
Katie Gentry became involved with the Phoenix Valley Arizona Alumnae Chapter right a er her graduation from the University of Denver. She has served in a number of leadership roles, improving the chapter and its processes in each role she has held. Among her accomplishments, Katie has upped their communications game considerably.
e chapter’s monthly online newsletter distribution list has grown by more than 300 people to a total of almost 1400 alumnae recipients, with an average open rate of 52%. In the fall of 2023, Katie created an email series to reach out to all Phoenix-area Tri Deltas, bringing the chapter 18 new members! Her nominator shares, “Katie is the rst person to do whatever she can to assist her sisters in every possible way! She truly is the heart and soul of the chapter.”
In her acceptance speech at Tri Delta’s 61st Biennial Convention, Katie remarked, “Receiving this award is not just a personal achievement, but a re ection of the collective e orts of everyone who has supported me. It is a reminder of the importance of giving back, of li ing others as we climb and of making a positive impact in our community. I am committed to continuing this legacy of service, leadership and excellence, and to upholding the values that Tri Delta represents.”
Congratulations to Katie and thank you to all our dedicated volunteers. Our sisterhood is better because of your self-sacri ce and friendship!
Katie Gentry and Fraternity President Megan Shaw James, Millsaps
Congratulations to Tri Delta on raising $100 million in 25 years!
Thank you, Tri Delta! We are proud to recognize you as our Official St. Jude Partner of Kindness.
Because of your legacy of dedication and support, families treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live. And together, we won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.
stjude.org/tridelta
St. Jude patient Adalyn
ARTICULATION
Uncovering the Good Girl Revolution
→ By Brandy Lane Darrow, Southern Methodist Sr. Director of Marketing and Creative
Women Rising is a media company founded by alumna Sara Hirsh Bordo, Texas Christian , creating award-winning documentary lms including “A Brave Heart: e Lizzie Velasquez Story,” “ProtectHer” and “Tightly Wound.” Highlighted in our summer 2019 issue, Sara is now devoting her energy and passion to delving into the “good girl revolution” and the current societal conditioning that o en silences women and discourages them from advocating for their health. She has seen rst-hand how vital empowerment is to women’s well-being, compelling her to continue her mission of women championing women in a unique way.
In 2019, Sara began to face her own self-neglecting, repressive conditioning from childhood, a er living with Hashimoto’s disease—an autoimmune disease—for over 17 years. Autoimmunity is described as the immune system attacking itself, unable to distinguish between the good and bad cells. Autoimmune diseases seem to be rising at a rate higher than those of breast cancer and heart disease combined, and with 100+ autoimmune diseases on record, women are consistently receiving 80% of the total diagnoses.
“My work as a documentarian and patient led me to attempt to identify my own underlying factors,” Sara shares. “During a relapse in late 2019, I began studying my own health history, including outside triggers and/or trauma and subsequent personal choices, as well as commonalities of fellow autoimmune-diagnosed women from focus groups and surveys I conducted independently. What I observed over and over again was that we had all been raised as ‘good’ girls, empowered to caretake, but disempowered to safely have and express our own needs.”
My work as a documentarian and patient led me to attempt to identify my own underlying factors.”
Without a single cure for any autoimmune disease, researchers are now attempting to identify potential underlying factors, with support from organizations like Sara’s. In 2023, Women Rising partnered with research rm Proof Insights to eld the very rst sociological survey that explores the intersection of empowerment and autoimmunity in American women.
Former United States Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona notes, “ is survey is a call to action for allies and the medical community alike, inviting us to listen, learn and advocate for a more equitable healthcare landscape for women. Li ing up women will a ect their health outcomes and those of their families. We are fortunate that Sara has taken on this exploration to inform us all.”
Study results—an enlightening look at how girlhood a ects the way women receive care, take care of themselves and advocate for themselves in womanhood— were released by Women Rising earlier this year.
“When I started to give myself permission to self-prioritize, I changed the course of my own health,” Sara re ects. She hopes the learnings from this research give other women the information, power and permission to take control of their own health and well-being.
Tri Delta’s 2024-2026 Boards Render Willing Service
The Tri Delta enterprise is led by the strategic visionaries serving on Tri Delta’s three boards. Their foresight and enduring support ensure Tri Delta’s vitality now and into the future. Tri Delta’s boards for the 2024-2026 biennium were nominated by the 2022-2024 Leadership Cultivation and Selection Committee (LCSC), and the Executive Board was ratified by the voting body at our 61st Biennial Convention in July of this year. As a body elected by Tri Delta’s membership, the LCSC recognizes how essential it is to listen to members about what they want to see in Fraternity leadership. This biennium, the LCSC gathered views from members, volunteers, staff and key stakeholders through a survey and many conversations about Tri Delta’s future needs, strategic goals and objectives.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Tri Delta’s Executive Board oversees all Fraternity operations. Comprised of Tri Delta members and structured to ensure that all viewpoints are considered in decision-making, our Executive Board is devoted to making sure the Fraternity continues to be a viable, premier women’s organization. The Executive Board is accountable for everything the organization is, everything it does and everything it achieves. The women who make up the Executive Board are called to exercise their responsibilities by having strategic conversations to position Tri Delta for success today and in the future.
Left to right: Catherine Hernandez-Blades, Louisiana/Lafayette ; Leah Clelland Jochim, Ottawa ; Vice Chair Sue Snell Gorman, Michigan State ; Fraternity President Elizabeth Howard DiMartino, Boston; Libby Leffler Hoaglin, California/Berkeley ; Stacey Dickenson Cox, Southern Methodist
FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Tri Delta’s Foundation is led by a dedicated Board of Trustees committed to assisting our members "in every possible way” by raising funds to provide scholarships, grant emergency financial assistance and support transformational programming.
Left to right: Michelle Popp Shimberg, Florida ; Lenora Oeters, Cincinnati ; Sandra Shook Fery, Idaho ; Ashley Baskerville, Cal State/Long Beach ; Vice Chair April Mathis Voris, Alabama ; Chair Dr. Diane Petersen, Ohio Wesleyan ; Treasurer Susanne Wasson, Oklahoma State ; Meg Bock Severino, South Florida ; Julie Coffman Doss, Texas A&M ; Crystal White Blaylock, Cal State/Long Beach ; Gayle Jennings-O’Byrne, Pennsylvania . Not pictured: Julia Sircar, Southern California.
We are thrilled with the addition of these leaders and look forward to “smooth sailing and clear skies” for all our boards in the biennium ahead!
HOUSING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Tri Delta Housing Board of Directors is responsible for mapping strategic direction and implementing action for Tri Delta’s properties across North America.
To refer yourself or someone you know for board service in Tri Delta, visit the Leadership Cultivation & Selection Committee page on tridelta.org.
Left to right: Deborah Rowe, Cal State/Long Beach ; Caroline Chin Goldwater, James Madison ; Dr. Tim Miller, Theta Chi Fraternity; Chair Nicole Hughes, Washington State ; Pamela Berra Swafford, Knox ; Stephanie McLemore Morris, Arkansas ; Lisa Lalande Heath, Louisiana State
Historically Speaking
Sarah’s Cousin Becomes a Sister
→By Beth Dees Applebaum, Texas Christian Fraternity Archivist
When Tri Delta’s eta Psi chapter was installed at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in 1938, its new initiates included an alumna with connections to Tri Delta’s founding. Helen Newell Davis, a patroness of the petitioning local group Omega Phi Delta, was one of the rst members initiated in honor of her support of the local group. But Helen had another connection to Tri Delta. She was a cousin of Founder Sarah Ida Shaw!
Family ties
e connection begins with two sisters, Eliza and Sophia Poynton, who made the long sea journey from England to the United States in 1858. e two then traveled from New York to Missouri, joining family friends in St. Louis and supporting themselves as seamstresses. In 1863, both sisters married: Eliza to Edwin Shaw and Sophia to John McCowan. A few years later, Eliza and Sophia both had daughters: Eliza and Edwin’s daughter, Sarah Ida, who would later found Tri Delta, and John and Sophia’s daughters, Helen and Leila.
Edwin Shaw moved his family from St. Louis to Boston in the 1870s to join his father’s growing construction business. John, a St. Louis grocery store owner, passed away in 1869, leaving Sophia to raise her two girls. Her daughter Helen married George Newell, and the Newells made their home in El Paso. ough distance made visits di cult, cousins Helen and Sarah kept in touch with frequent letters.
store Newells and frequent
A new chapter is chartered
Eliza and Sophia Poynton entries on the ship manifest for their arrival in New York. (NARA image from Ancestry.com)
Invitation to the reception honoring Theta Psi’s
In 1925, Esther Darbyshire MacCallum, Baker, helped found the local sorority Omega Phi Delta with two other Tri Delta alumnae at what is now UTEP with the hopes that the group could eventually petition the Fraternity for membership. When Esther recruited patronesses for the sorority, she included her friend Helen Newell Davis, daughter of Sarah’s cousin Helen. Davis, who had attended Texas Woman’s University, was delighted to help sponsor the new sorority.
e group was one of the rst sororities on campus and was extremely successful over the next 13 years. In April 1938, Omega Phi Delta received word that their recent petition to Tri Delta for membership was granted as Tri Delta’s 50th Anniversary Chapter! Helen Davis was one of three alumnae initiates when Omega Phi Delta was installed as eta Psi Chapter of Tri Delta on May 7, 1938. e chapter received a congratulations letter from our beloved Founder, who also expressed her joy that her cousin’s daughter had become a member of the organization she held so dear. dear.
Helen Newell Davis, cousin of Founder Sarah Ida Shaw
Mary Kelly Quinn, chapter faculty sponsor, and Helen Newell Davis, patroness, were two of the alumnae initiates at Theta Psi’s installation. With them is Frances Smith Stevens, Hollins , from Tri Delta’s El Paso Alumnae Chapter.
installation.
→By
Lisa Feren, Content Writer I trations by Jenny Boehme
WDiscover how to help them see the value of sorority membership.
hen you think of “sorority,” certain images might come to mind: groups of women who look, think and act alike, tting into easily de ned categories. But, when a woman joins Tri Delta or another Greek organization, we believe she is looking for more than just a place to “ t in.” She is looking for a place to belong.
As we move forward with Tri Delta’s 2024-2026 enterprise strategic plan, fostering a deeper sense of belonging is essential for the long-term health of each of our chapters and the entire organization. By creating compelling experiences that attract, engage and retain both collegians and alumnae, we can make a greater impact and ensure a vibrant, inclusive community for years to come.
Plus, as young women in Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, continue their time on our college campuses, higher education faces growing issues of shrinking enrollment, rising costs, changing demographics and concerns around mental health, connection and more. To attract this generation—and the coming Generation Alpha—we must make crystal clear the value and relevance of the Tri Delta experience in their lives.
Lo y goals require bold action.
Researching the Next Generation
To better understand how to attract and retain future members, the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence (FFE) has undertaken extensive research, supported by funding from individual donors and National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) organizations including Tri Delta. e FFE supports those of us who are focused on developing the next generation of fraternity and sorority leaders.
e Amplifying Sorority Campaign kicked o research to study and understand the young women who could and would become our members in the coming years. Conducted by Culturati Research & Consulting, they set out from Nov. 2023 through Jan. 2024 to build a picture for our organizations of the aspirations Gen Z women have for their collegiate years and their motivations for their college experience.
Conducted in two phases, Culturati connected with 830 female high school students across the United States, aged 15 to 18. All were attending high school as sophomores, juniors or seniors, and had plans to attend a four-year university within two years for graduating from high school. eir research focused only on those who were open to joining a sorority in college, and any early respondents who said they would “never join a sorority” were not included.
Initial Insights
is Sorority Market & Persona Research uncovered 1.9 million potential sorority joiners (as of Jan. 2024) among 3.7 million prospective female college students and provided valuable insights into Gen Z’s needs, priorities and perceptions, helping us understand what makes sorority life appealing—or not—to them. ere were six key insights gathered from the focus groups and surveys, taken directly from the March 2024 Sorority Market & Persona Research Toolkit prepared by the FFE:
1
Gen Z women are hell-bent on creating a fool-proof future. They seek out people, places and resources that dot the lines to success and tune out potential risks/ distractions. They prioritize academics and career development over socializing/having fun and look closely at cost/affordability. This strong sense of responsibility was likely shaped by experiencing the Great Recession of 2009 and the COVD-19 pandemic—all at a young age.
2
Our branding problem is bigger than we thought. Only 1 in 4 Gen Z prospects surveyed are extremely/very interested in joining a sorority. Sorority interest lags personal hobby groups, community service and academic/professional groups. Almost 2/3 of women surveyed cite too much drama as the top barriers; a judgmental environment and cost are other primary barriers. Lack of first-hand knowledge as well as societal and pop culture references are reinforcing negative sorority stereotypes.
3
Gen Z can't see the forest for the trees. Sororities have what Gen Z women need (and want)—they just don’t know it yet. They are fixated on finding academic and career development, not realizing that can be achieved via sororities, along with many other collegiate
priorities, like leadership development, professional networking, a safe place to live and helping their community.
4
Fully structured recruitment has become our Frankenstein. One of our greatest creations that enabled thousands of women to efficiently make connections (and helped members grow and connect) is now scaring off some of our best prospects. The perceived judgmental environment, high costs and long process make potential new members (PNMs) concerned about recruitment. Recruitment is only one part of the experience, yet it is driving the barriers.
5
We can (and must) be the mentor on the Gen Z women’s hero journey. We know Gen Z’s goals and their struggles; their determination to achieve and do well may be coming at the cost of their mental health. We can guide Gen Z to realize how the sorority experience is part of the solution.
6
Gen Z is not a monolithic group; true connections will come from understanding the subsegments. Over half of prospective female college students are potential sorority joiners; we just need a deeper understanding of sub-groups to properly address needs, barriers and concerns. Differences among ethnic/racial groups confirmed the opportunity to further explore nuances within Gen Z.
The Big Question: Is sorority still relevant for Gen Z women, and how can we ensure it remains so for the next generation—Gen Alpha—and beyond? ese six insights highlight and re ect the attitudes and general feelings of Gen Z women with the research revealing both the challenges and the opportunities we face. Now that we have this information, what do we do with it?
Focused on selfdiscovery and growth 30% 26% 24% 20%
Introducing the Gen Z Personas
rough their analysis, Culturati developed four distinct subsegments or personas within Gen Z. Each persona has unique needs and concerns, and understanding these allows us to tailor our messaging and experience more e ectively. is insight helps us connect with each group in a way that resonates with them.
A persona groups individuals based on common beliefs and behaviors and helps us understand how to connect with and reach them. Personas allow us to hone our approach to potential members by understanding their fears, expectations, and needs. In the study, researchers grouped women according to their priorities and the experiences they value most.
Using these subsegments allows us to evaluate Tri Delta’s membership journey, from recruitment to new member education and throughout the membership experience. By identifying our potential new members early—even during high school and before stereotypes solidify or during recruitment— we can successfully convey the bene ts Tri Delta o ers to meet the needs of each persona.
Focused Achievers
Driven by academic success
Comfort Seekers
Prioritize familiarity and stability
Memory Makers
Strive for balance between academics and social life
Identit y Explorers
Focused Achievers
Focused Achievers have a strong drive for accomplishment, prioritizing academic achievement and new experiences, good choices of living options and academic quality. This persona seeks esteem and is most likely to want to change the world and do something meaningful. With generally negative perceptions of sororities, they are most concerned about judgment from members.
WHY SHE MIGHT JOIN:
Forming close friendships, finding people with similar values and interests, finding a safe space and support system, meeting people they like
WHY SHE MIGHT NOT:
Snobby members, too much drama, too expensive
Introducing them to people with similar interests, as well as focusing on activities that make a difference and help them achieve their long-term goals, can be helpful in capturing this group. Recruiting these women as upperclassmen, through year-round recruitment and by building relationships, will be more effective than traditional recruitment.
“Throughout my undergraduate studies in criminology and literature at Florida State University, I have been intentional about filling my resume with extracurricular activities and experiences that align with my goal of attending a prestigious law school. Coming into my university, I knew that I wanted to join a sorority for both the advantages of creating friendships with women and furthering my scope of networking for future opportunities.
Only 16% of this group is extremely or very likely to join a sorority
“Joining Tri Delta has propelled me toward success, it provided me with a network of accomplished peers and leaders within my chapter. I am fortunate to be a part of the Alpha Eta Chapter, where many members are highly involved in various aspects of campus life, particularly within student government. Inspired by their leadership and mentorship that was given to me during my freshman year, I decided to dedicate my time and efforts to student government, where I’ve had the privilege of representing my chapter across multiple branches, always with the support of my sisters.”
—Tatiana
Coll, Florida State
“The persona I resonate with most is Comfort Seeker. I find myself searching for stability and connection in all aspects of my life. My parents were miles away and everything was so new and uncertain in college. I felt joining a sorority would bring the connections, friendships and security I needed.
“Joining was the best decision I could have made! Tri Delta offered a genuine sisterhood and a space where I could truly be myself. Through Tri Delta, I found this comfort but also the chance to grow, lead and forge lifelong friendships. It was the supportive sisterhood I needed, and it allowed me to face my fears, connect with others and thrive in a community that welcomed me with open arms.”
—Leena Petry, Texas/Dallas
Comfort Seekers
Comfort Seekers prioritize familiarity in their college experience. This group is the most anxious about the transition to college and needs a safe support system. They typically choose college locations close to home where they may know friends from high school. They prioritize academic quality while balancing cost and financial aid. This persona is more likely to join a sorority if they know someone and if the process is straightforward.
WHY SHE MIGHT JOIN:
Forming close friendships, connecting with people, finding a safe space and support system, someone she knows is a member
WHY SHE MIGHT NOT:
Too much drama, snobby members, too expensive
Addressing their perception of drama is important, as it directly conflicts with their need for comfort. Engaging with this group through high school outreach, campus tours or year-round recruitment is a great way to introduce them to Tri Delta.
Only 12% of this group is extremely or very likely to join a sorority
Memory Makers
Memory Makers want to be involved. They thrive in traditional college settings with football games, student government and sorority life. They seek balance between a lively community and social opportunities with academics and a quality education. Confident and enthusiastic, they are less concerned with the typical barriers to joining sororities compared to other personas.
WHY SHE MIGHT JOIN:
Forming close friendships, meeting new people, feeling like family, having fun
WHY SHE MIGHT NOT:
Too much drama, snobby members, too expensive
To engage a Memory Maker, our Tri Delta chapters should highlight the unique memories, experiences, relationships, and opportunities we offer for skill development.
46%
of this group is extremely or very likely to join a sorority
“I am a Memory Maker. After losing the last half of my senior year in high school to COVID, I felt isolated and I needed connection and a fresh start in college. Growing up in a small town outside of Fort Worth my friend group had been the same since kindergarten so starting at TCU was exciting and daunting for me. I knew I needed community and social opportunities and I couldn’t wait to find my group—my people—and create memories that would shape my college experience.
“During recruitment even on Zoom, I saw how genuine the members [of Phi Lambda Chapter] and their interactions were with each other. The sisterhood and the way everyone spoke to each other reminded me of the bond I have with my own sister. Tri Delta exceeded my expectations in every way. The network I've built through Tri Delta has opened doors to incredible opportunities, from internships to working with the organization itself. It gave me a purpose beyond academics, through philanthropy and I formed truly meaningful and lifelong connections.”
Leighton Shumate, Texas Christian
“I identify with the Identity Explorers persona. I was really looking to find the ‘traditional college experience’ where I would be able to establish myself on campus as a successful academic, great friend and role model for others. I was driven to join a sorority because I was searching for a place where I could test out my passions while ensuring that I would have an incredible college experience.
“Tri Delta has exceeded my expectations as I have been able to explore my passions, learn about myself, grow in ways I never thought possible and become a person that I am proud of."
— Ari Collins, Lake Forest
Identity Explorers
Identity Explorers also thrive in the traditional college experience with football games, student government and sorority life. However, this persona is looking for specific academic programs rather than broad opportunities, as they are focused on growth and selfexploration. They are drawn to belonging— forming close connections and prioritizing long-term benefits. While most would be considered introverted, they are adventurous and open to new experiences.
WHY SHE MIGHT JOIN:
Forming close friendships, looking for safe space and a support system, feeling like family, career development, networking and leadership skills
WHY SHE MIGHT NOT:
Too much drama, too expensive, snobby members
To appeal to this persona, Tri Delta should offer additional support during recruitment to help them overcome shyness and anxiety. Providing optional or flexible events can help them explore their interests, build close connections and offer opportunities that promote mental and physical health, allowing them to develop social skills, network and volunteer.
27% of this group is extremely or very likely to join a sorority
Three Key Takeaways
What Gen Z Shares
All four personas have mentioned similar concerns—unnecessary drama, a snobby atmosphere and high costs. While some of their concern is driven by stereotypes in movies, television and social media, the fact remains that perception is reality. Tri Delta continues to help our chapters create welcoming environments where real connections come rst and guide them to keep costs a ordable and transparent. Volunteer and sta support, along with collegiate programming for our members, play crucial roles in overcoming these Gen Z barriers to membership.
We also have learned that among the similarities, Gen Z women:
It’s about showing that Tri Delta is the support system they’re looking for and making sure we communicate that e ectively. Understanding these self-re ections of Gen Z helps us connect with potential new members by showing them how Tri Delta aligns with their goals and concerns. We want them to see that life in Tri Delta is not just another activity but a transformative experience that supports their growth, passions and overall health and wellbeing.
Say Goodbye to One-Size-Fits-All
Gen Z is a dynamic, intricate, and deeply diverse generation, with each individual uniquely shaped by their own hopes, fears, interests, traits and dreams. ey defy cookie-cutter labels, bringing a wide range of perspectives and experiences to the table.
To truly engage with Gen Z, we must recognize and respect their complexity, valuing each person for the unique qualities they bring. Understanding these insights allows us to re ne our messaging and outreach e orts.
For alumnae, sharing the authentic Tri Delta experience is vital. Whether it’s mentoring, volunteering or simply sharing your own journey, your voice can help shape the narrative that reaches potential new members.
Tackle the Perception Problem: Each potential member surveyed believes sororities are filled with snobby women and drama. Take every chance—in person and online—to share your own authentic experiences! Talk about the sisterhood, fun and lifelong friendships that you have found in Tri Delta. Truth and reality from an actual member will help combat misconceptions and stereotypes.
Tri Delta Is the Foundation for the College Experience: Sorority membership isn’t just one activity or club in college, similar to student government or a service organization. It’s the foundation that supports the entire collegiate experience. Spread the message that membership in Tri Delta offers and/or enhances academics, personal and professional development, philanthropic opportunities, leadership skills, socializing and friendships.
All campaign data cited from Sorority Market & Persona Research by Culturati Research & Consulting, funded through the Amplifying Sorority Campaign. cite life satisfaction and happiness as their top life goal cite anxious as a personality trait
What’s Next?
Staying relevant for Gen Z—and Gen Alpha to come—means evolving and updating our messaging to match our reality. We need to embrace a more exible approach to recruitment including year-round recruitment and other more casual methods of recruitment, connecting with women before they even step foot on campus to foster comfort and continuing to share the real, authentic experiences Tri Delta o ers.
Meet PNMs Where They Are: We have to be open to sharing Tri Delta with potential new members in non-traditional ways. Pre-recruitment opportunities to foster familiarity and confidence can help this “try before you buy” generation. Plus, yearround recruitment and other unique pathways to membership may help overcome barriers to membership.
As Tri Deltas we have the tools and insights to connect with the next generation, but it starts with each of us—from our alumnae network to our collegiate chapters—engaging with Gen Z on their terms. And as this generation moves through their collegiate years and into our alumnae chapters, we must continue to communicate with them in new ways and o er them a membership experience tailored to their needs.
We play an essential role in connecting Tri Delta’s legacy to its future by helping the next generation see the value in sorority membership. Your engagement is crucial in ensuring Tri Delta remains relevant and thriving for years to come. We will write Tri Delta’s story together, making it an organization that future generations will be proud to join.
Story Interior Design
Sisterhood Sparks a Thriving Business
→By Lisa Feren, Content Writer
We aim to create homes that re ect our clients’ stories, places that feel like they truly belong to them.
— Ragan Crawford Magness, Vanderbilt
When Karen Spinosa Seelig, Mississippi, Whitney Pettey Joiner, Mississippi, and Ragan Crawford Magness, Vanderbilt, first met while working at an interior design firm, they could never have imagined that a few years down the line they would be running their own successful company. They knew they got along well, but their bonds were solidifi ed upon discovering that they were all Tri Deltas. For these ladies and their fourth partner, Laura Davis, a member of Chi Omega, knowing the values of truth, self-sacrifi ce and friendship that they share made starting a business together a natural.
Today, Story Interior Design is celebrating its third anniversary, built upon these values and a common purpose. Just as their collegiate experiences taught them to navigate challenges and celebrate successes, these women have applied those lessons to the business world, finding strength in their sisterhood. Now, they have hit their groove and are designing their business and life on their own terms!
From Collegiate Bonds to Professional Partnership
Though Karen, Whitney and Ragan didn’t know each other well at first, their shared Tri Delta background created an instant connection. The trio quickly realized they had complementary strengths and similar values. Changes in their company, along with their mutual vision for doing design differently, sparked these women to venture out on their own—together. Story Interior Design was born out of a desire to create a more personal, family-oriented approach that makes each client feel truly at home.
“When we found out we were all Tri Deltas, it felt like such a happy surprise,” Karen recalls. “There was this instant feeling of familiarity and trust that reminded us of our [collegiate] sorority days.”
The Story Behind the “Story”
When it came to naming their business, the partners knew they wanted something that refl ected their mission to create meaningful, personal spaces. “The name ‘Story’ came from our initi al meeti ngs with clients,” Karen explains. “We spent a lot of ti me listening to their stories—what they were moving towards, what they wanted their
Starting this business was scary, but doing it with these women has made it feel like we’re not alone ... a safe space to take risks, learn and grow together.
— Karen Spinosa Seelig, Mississippi
When we were building Story, we knew that our relationship had to be the foundation. If we didn’t trust and support each other, the business wouldn’t work.
new space to feel like. It just felt right to make that the core of our business—helping people create a new chapter in their lives through design.”
Story Interior Design continues to stand out due to their uniquely personal approach. It’s not just about creating beautiful spaces but about understanding each client’s journey and weaving that into their designs. “We aim to create homes that reflect our clients’ stories, places that feel like they truly belong to them,” Ragan shares. Their focus is heavily residential, and their commitment to maintaining a collaborative environment sets them apart in a competitive industry.
Interestingly, all four partners have a background in finance, which has been an important asset in running the business smoothly. “Having that financial understanding really helped us in making strategic decisions, managing budgets and staying organized,” Whitney explains. “It’s allowed us to focus on growing the creative side while ensuring the business remains stable and profitable.”
“Tri Delta taught us the importance of communication and sisterhood,” Whitney adds. The women said that their experiences mirror the collaborative nature of their collegiate sorority days, where they learned to take on projects, work as a team and rely on one another. “When we were building Story, we knew that our relationship had to be the foundation. If we didn’t trust and support each other, the business wouldn’t work.”
They offer this advice to anyone considering going into business with friends and sisters: prioritize clear communication and ensure you share a similar work ethic. It’s also important to keep things light and not too serious. Incorporate shared values and faith, avoid competitiveness and focus on what benefits everyone.
Their Monday morning meetings are more than just business check-ins— they’re a time to regroup, align their goals and ensure that they are all on the same page. Open and honest communication is key. “There’s no whispering—if something’s on our mind, we talk about it,” Ragan says.
Finding Inspiration
The creative spark for Story Interior Design is a team effort, born out of collaboration and shared experiences. “We’re constantly bouncing ideas off each other,” Whitney explains. “We get a lot of inspiration from our vacations—sharing photos from the places we visit and exploring design markets together. Seeing things in person, taking pictures and brainstorming on the go really keeps our creativity fresh.” Whether they’re finding trends in the latest interiors or drawing from their own life experiences, each partner
TIPS FROM THE STORY DESIGNERS
Powder Rooms
Story loves designing powder rooms. Why? Powder rooms are the perfect place to make bold design choices— think graphic wallpaper, stunning lighting, cool mirrors and unique floor patterns. It’s the ideal space to express your personality and have a little fun!
TIPS FROM THE STORY DESIGNERS
Mudrooms
Mudrooms are working overtime with the kids back in school! Here are a few of tips from Story Interior Design to make your mudroom work for you.
Maximize Storage: A well-designed mudroom is all about functionality. Incorporate plenty of storage options like builtin cubbies, hooks and baskets to keep everything organized and within reach.
Use Durable Materials: Mudrooms are high-traffic areas, so choose durable, easy-to-clean materials like tile or concrete floors and wipeable paint finishes to handle the wear and tear of daily life.
Add a Personal Touch: Make your mudroom inviting with personal touches like custom cabinetry, a cozy bench with cushions, and stylish lighting. It’s the perfect space to combine practicality with a bit of personality!
brings something diff erent to the table, ensuring every project is both excepti onal and meaningful.
One of the most rewarding aspects of their business journey has been witnessing each other’s growth, both personally and professionally. They’ve celebrated milestones like a daughter’s wedding, supported each other through life’s hardships and cheer each other on daily. “Starti ng this business was scary, but doing it with these women has made it feel like we’re not alone,” Karen refl ects. “It feels like a second sisterhood, a safe space to take risks, learn and grow together.”
The Tri Delta Connection
The values insti lled during their ti me in Tri Delta sti ll resonate today. Story Interior Design’s success is rooted in the same principles the women learned as collegians. From hiring Tri Delta sisters in their company to engaging with alumnae networks, the organizati on’s infl uence has been a constant in their journey.
“We’ve been blessed to work with so many Tri Delta clients,” Whitney adds. “It’s been a huge advantage to have that shared history and understanding. The sense of community that starts in college truly lasts a lifeti me.” The women look forward to giving back to Tri Delta by serving as a resource and mentor for sisters considering going into the interior design fi eld or starti ng their own business.
Looking Ahead
As they look toward the future, Karen, Whitney and Ragan are excited about the growth and opportuniti es on the horizon. They have created a welldeserved reputati on in the Memphis, Tenn., area from word of mouth alone, branched out into several new markets and recently relocated to a new, larger offi ce space—one they designed themselves, of course.
But through it all, the heart of Story Interior Design remains the same: a close-knit group of women who share a vision, a deep friendship and a commitment to uplift ing one another, both in business and in life. For them, it’s about more than just creati ng
beauti ful spaces; it’s about creati ng a legacy of sisterhood that will carry on for years to come.
In many ways, Story Interior Design is the perfect example of how Tri Delta sisterhood extends far beyond college. For these women, the bonds they formed through shared values and experiences have evolved into something even more meaningful— lifelong friendship, a successful business and a network of support that they conti nue to cherish. As they move forward, they do so with the confi dence that comes from knowing they’re not just business partners, but sisters in every sense of the word.
Get more inspirati on and ti ps from Story Interior Design on Instagram @story_interiordesign
PHOTO COURTESY OF
SARAH
VOIGT PHOTOGRAPHY
Perpetual Bond of Friendship
Shared Values and a Shared Vision
PSI, PENNSYLVANIA
In the spring of 2021, slated as the new president of Psi Chapter at the University of Pennsylvania, Samantha Delman set out to make prioriti es for her ti me in offi ce. Alumnae relati ons were at the top of the list, and she launched a monthly presidenti al newsletter called “The Delta Digest,” which
provided updates on chapter acti viti es, events and philanthropic eff orts to their alumnae network.
“Through my work with our alumnae programming, I had the pleasure of meeti ng many remarkable Tri Deltas, including Gayle, who had recently been honored as a 2021 Woman of Achievement,” Samantha recalls.
Psi Chapter alumna Gayle JenningsO’Byrne, Pennsylvania, is a venture capitalist who launched the Wocstar Fund in 2018 to make early-stage investments in women entrepreneurs of color. It has since given rise to the Wocstar Media Foundati on. As of this summer, Gayle (pronounced: Gay-lä) is bringing her passion for supporti ng women and her more than 30 years of Wall Street experience to Tri Delta’s Foundati on as a trustee for the 2024-2026 biennium.
Samantha’s devoti on to Tri Delta caught Gayle’s attenti on, and her eff orts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the chapter sparked conversati on between them. As chapter president, Samantha had the chance to nurture her passions for alumnae outreach and DEI initi ati ves, along with the opportunity to gain skills in networking, fundraising and marketi ng.
“Tri Delta has been instrumental in shaping my life—providing leadership skills, lifelong friendships and a strong professional network. Gayle and I have a vision for sharing our stories as Tri Delta sisters dedicated to supporti ng women and diverse entrepreneurs, ensuring everyone has a seat at the table,” Samantha shares.
The connecti on between these Psi Chapter sisters proved strong—and profoundly impacted Samantha’s personal and professional trajectory. Gayle invited Samantha to join her Wocstar team, first as a freelance writer and now as their full-time marketing and communications manager. We can’t wait to see what’s ahead for this duo and how far shared values, shared interests and a shared passion for helping others will take them both.
Samantha and Gayle (far right) with Wocstar teammates
PORTLAND, OREGON ALUMNAE CHAPTER
A Golden Afternoon
It was a lovely June day when the Portland, Oregon Alumnae Chapter gathered for their largest-ever Golden Circle Milestone Ceremony and Pansy Brunch to celebrate five members marking 50 years in Tri Delta (below): Susan Rosso Trotter, Portland State , Patricia Wells Thompson, Oregon, Ann Tonsager, Cornell, Julianne Keith Nichols, Oregon, and Barbara Smartt MacIntosh, Oregon.
Left: Leading the ceremony were Karen Hoppe Storment, Oregon , Caitlin Kruell Gemmill, Loyola Marymount , and Alumnae Chapter President Susan Bailey Di Piazza, Whitman
BETA OMICRON, ILLINOIS STATE
Pursuing Excellence
The Illinois State University Greek Gala was a special event for our Beta Omicron Chapter as they were awarded the Chapter Excellence Cup (sorority of the year), along with Outstanding Scholarship Program and Outstanding Week of Events awards for their St. Jude Philanthropy Week.
ALPHA PI, MARYLAND
Volunteer Spotlight
Recruitment rules, unanimous agreements, quota and Total, extension—Panhellenic policies and procedures are certainly some of the most misunderstood parts of sorority life. That’s why we are thankful for the experienced, dedicated Panhellenic coordinators who guide and advise our collegiate chapters, like Krystal Clark, Maryland
“I think it’s our responsibility as alumnae to give back to Tri Delta. Volunteering is a key part of the membership life cycle and enhances the lifetime membership experience. If I can help a chapter leader by providing clarity, support and compassion then I feel like I’ve been successful in this role,” Krystal reflects.
There’s a Champion Among Us
The Cincinnati Cougars won the 2024 Women’s Football Alliance D3 National Championship, thanks in part to starting defensive end Taylor Dore Terry, Maine. The game was played at the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on July 26, and the Cougars came away with the 48-26 win over the New Mexico Banitas. Congratulations to No. 42 and all the women of the WFA!
EP. 151
“We're excited to be a part of the [momentum behind women's sports]. We're hoping that we follow the same trajectory, that people are going to want to come to games and support us.”
ALPHA KAPPA, MAINE
A Sweep at OSU
Tri Delta’s Nu Chapter at the Ohio State University were big winners (huge, in fact) at the April 2024 Sorority and Fraternity Life Awards. The chapter walked away with academic, service and community relations awards, along with the prizes for Outstanding Chapter Leadership, Excellence in Member Development and William H. Hall Chapter of the Year. Alumnae volunteers were recognized as Outstanding House Corporation and Outstanding Chapter Advisor (Christa Serluco, Allegheny). Individual chapter members also took home awards for Outstanding Citizen, Jessica Lebowitz; Outstanding New Member, Sofia Ross; and Member of the Year, Lana Saqer.
100 100
Happy Birthday, Sister Delta!
ST. LOUIS ALUMNAE CHAPTER
When the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Luncheon Group gathered earlier this summer, it was more than a typical meeti ng. It was the celebrati on of the 100th birthday of one of their very own, Loris Burnette Cliff ord, Millikin !
A RecordLastingof Her Values
Inspired by her great aunt Kay, Simi Wilhelm Shah, Ottawa, (above) became a member of Tri Delta’s Heritage Society right out of college. “When she passed and her will was read, a list of organizati ons she had supported—and benefi ted from during her lifeti me— were named as benefi ciaries. The list was a testament to a life well lived and served as a lasti ng record for the family of what she valued.”
Not only was she honored by her Tri Delta sisters, but her hometown of Manchester, Missouri, also declared Loris Cliff ord Day to recognize her century of “enriching the lives around her,” years of service to the community and 82 years of membership in Tri Delta! Mayor Mike Clement shared, “Her human spirit, daily, refl ects happiness, joy and zest for life.” That sounds like the perfect blueprint for a long life, well-lived!
Below: Members of the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Luncheon Group and guest of honor Loris Burnett e Cliff ord, seated center.
Looking for more alumnae chapter news?
Visit The Trident online at tridelta.org/ trident.
Simi, too, wants to communicate what she values most to her loved ones, and that’s why she has designated Tri Delta’s Foundati on in her will. “It is important to me to give back to Tri Delta because the organizati on has given me so much.” She advises her fellow Tri Deltas, “Everyone should check to see if their employer holds an insurance policy for them and if so, to name a secondary or additi onal benefi ciary. I named Tri Delta before I had dependents and now I include both!”
PI, CALIFORNIA/ BERKELEY
Inspiring SMU’s
Graduates
Megha Trivedi Tolia, California/Berkeley, (right) and her husband were the featured speakers at Southern Methodist University’s May 2024 Commencement. Megha, president and COO of television production company Shondaland, and Nirav are the co-founding directors of the William S. Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership in SMU’s Cox School of Business. In their words of inspiration, they stressed the power of community in both their personal and professional lives and urged the university’s more than 3,000 graduates to “build a community, because together we can do anything.”
CANADA DELTA, OTTAWA
BONUS PRO TIP:
Alumnae grants are available for the full miniMBA through Tri Delta’s Foundati on.
ree Ways to Advance Your Career in the New Year
→Maryn Gier Taylor, Texas, Vice President of People and Operations
Are you looking to take your career to the next level? We consulted with our own HR expert for three (of course!) areas of focus for the new year. Embrace one—or all—of them and work toward growth, development and success in 2025.
1. Technical Skills
Keeping current on technical skills is essential in today’s technologydriven world, and it doesn’t have to be daunting. Start by thinking about the key tools and soft ware that you use in your job, whether it’s mastering Excel for data analysis, learning basic AI functionality or becoming proficient in design soft ware. Online courses, tutorials, and certifications are accessible resources that can help you build these technical skills at your own pace.
“Gaining tech skills can boost confi dence and provide women with more opportuniti es to infl uence decision-making in their careers and in their communiti es,” shares Erika Loen Beatt y, Minnesota.
Bite-size content can make learning feel more accessible. Short-form videos on platf orms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube can give you just the right amount of understanding to get you started trying something new. Staying curious and challenging
yourself to learn new technology will help you stay competi ti ve in your current role and as you look ahead to future roles.
2. Business Acumen
To set yourself apart as a leader, develop a deep understanding of your organizati on’s industry, competi ti ve landscape and strategic goals. The most eff ecti ve leaders understand this big picture and demonstrate how their work contributes to their organizati on’s goals.
Ray Reilly, a professor of business administration at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, consults with corporations and has reported his surprise at how few executives know what business acumen is or why it’s important. He describes one with business acumen as someone who understands the key things they need to know to make a decision, to synthesize complex and apparently unconnected data, and react positively to events when they do not happen as expected.
By learning the language of business, you’ll be able to communicate eff ecti vely with senior leaders. This includes fl uency in business terminology, fi nancial statements and key performance indicators (KPIs) that drive your organizati on. Tri Delta off ers our members—and their friends and family—the miniMBA in collaborati on with Miami University’s Farmer School of Business. You can build your business acumen with this completely online, self-paced program that covers the essenti als of a full 2-year MBA at a fracti on of the cost. This fl exible learning opportunity culminates with a course badge and professional certi fi cate of completi on to show off the investment that you’ve made in yourself.
3. Strategic Leadership
Strategic leaders understand the factors that infl uence learning, create moti vati on and shape behavior within organizati ons. Start by looking beyond your immediate challenges to consider the broader organizati onal impacts of your work. Engage in conti nuous learning, whether through leadership workshops, mentorship or reading about strategy and leadership.
By strengthening your ability to be a strategic leader, you’ll use those skills to inspire and guide others toward creating impact.
Seek to learn about diverse viewpoints, as this will help you get new perspecti ves on challenges and opportuniti es. Tri Delta’s diversity, equity, inclusion, access and belonging (DEIAB) resources, found online at tridelta.org, are a starti ng point for fi nding materials that will challenge your thinking and give you new ideas. By strengthening your ability to be a strategic leader, you’ll use those skills to inspire and guide others toward creati ng impact.
The Chain of Kindness
→By Avery Sadler Hill, Mississippi Housing Development Manager
ore than 135 years ago, Sarah Ida Shaw founded Tri Delta as a society that would be kind alike to all. But what did she mean? And would she have imagined the many ways—as profound as supporting a sister in need or as simple as sharing a smile—Tri Deltas are living out her vision of kindness today?
KINDNESS IN THREE WAYS
In 1987, less than 100 years a er our beloved organization was founded, Tri Delta’s Foundation was o cially formed. Driven by the mission of sisters helping sisters, the Foundation created a way for our members to invest in each other through needand merit-based scholarships, emergency nancial support and transformational programs to help our collegians and alumnae thrive.
Academic scholarships continue to be a visible sign of kindness to our sisters, and the rising costs of education make them critical for our members each year. For the 2024-2025 academic year, we have awarded scholarships to 221 Tri Deltas totaling more than $645,000—helping them live out their dreams and reach their academic and leadership goals. ank you to all of you who have so generously shared your kindness through Tri Delta’s Foundation. If Sarah Ida Shaw were still with us, she would be proud that her sisters took her vision of a “society that would be kind alike to all” to heart in such a big way.
Jessica Calderon
BETA ETA, BOISE STATE
“I wanted to grow with a group of ambitious women. ”
Jessica describes herself as a trailblazer. A fi rst-generati on college student, she is now pursuing a master’s degree in social work. In 2021, Jessica’s father passed away from COVID, and she found herself experiencing tremendous grief while also trying to manage her challenging, ti me-consuming school work and the expense of graduate school.
Jessica knew she didn’t want to conti nue feeling alone, so she sought out groups of strong women to be a part of. On July 15, 2023, she joined Tri Delta because, in her own words, she “wanted to grow with a group of ambiti ous women” like herself. The opportuniti es for professional and personal development, service projects and social events have meant the world to her, and the chance to receive a graduate scholarship from Tri Delta’s Foundati on has been lifechanging. Jessica shared, “There are no words to describe how much it means to know I have an army of sisters behind me and supporti ng me.”
Jessica plans to earn her clinical license in social work and hopes to own her own practi ce one day. The scholarship Jessica received thanks to donors to Tri Delta’s Foundati on will help her conti nue to spread kindness to all she encounters in the future—just as Sarah envisioned.
Jacqueline Renaud
MU, WISCONSIN
“I don’t need to s ess about many things now that I have the supp t of Tri De a and Tri De a’s Foundation ”
Jacqueline is paying her own way through college at the University of Wisconsin, almost 2,000 miles from her hometown in California. Tri Delta became Jacqueline’s home away from home in Madison. She says her favorite thing about Tri Delta is that she knew she could be herself among other women who also want to live out their dreams. She shared, “The wonderful thing that sets Tri Delta apart is that the women genuinely care about each other.”
Jacqueline feels that kindness and care deeply as a recipient of an undergraduate scholarship from the Foundati on. She told us, “I don’t need to stress about many things now that I have the support of Tri Delta and Tri Delta’s Foundati on.”
Because of this scholarship, Jacqueline is able to spend more ti me involved in the chapter and currently serves on Mu Chapter’s executi ve team as the vice president of operati ons (VPO). She is studying management and human resources with a minor in consulti ng, and she hopes to pursue a career in sales or recruiti ng following graduati on and eventually open her own business.
St. Jude’s Official
Partner of Kindness
Living out Sarah’s dream doesn’t stop within Tri Delta—our kindness knows no bounds!
There is an undeniable passion that Tri Deltas have for changing the way the world treats and defeats childhood cancer, and this year we have been celebrating 25 years of partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Members of all ages joined together this summer in Memphis, Tennessee, to celebrate our latest fundraising milestone: $100 million!
Thousands of Tri Deltas over the years have sent letters through Sincerely Yours, flipped pancakes at Delta House of Pancakes DHOP) events and hosted other on-campus fundraisers to reach this incredible amount. It was not a feat accomplished by a few large donors, but rather by the consistent dedication of our collegians and help of our alumnae. This partnership has created generations of philanthropists among us, who carry on this kindness throughout their lives.
Next up? We have committed to raise $100 million for St. Jude by 2038 just in time for Tri Delta’s 150th birthday. In recognition of our ongoing partnership and commitment, we have been named St. Jude’s Official Partner of Kindness!
We know Sarah is beaming with pride.
Stars & Crescent Society
Tri Delta’s Stars & Crescent Society is comprised of 375 loyal members and generous donors who invested in our sisterhood with gifts of $1,000 or more to Tri Delta’s Annual Fund in the 2023-2024 fiscal year. By joining the Stars & Crescent Society, you are providing sisters with essential support for educational programming, scholarship and leadership development.
Tri Delta would like to recognize these members with a sincere and heartfelt thank you. We are sisters helping sisters!
ADELPHI
Eileen Murtagh Lueder
ALABAMA
Milla Kennamer Averett
Faye Alexander
Stockard
April Mathis Voris
ARIZONA
Alex Gibson
Tess Holcomb
Lucinda Weller
Marcello
ARIZONA STATE
Tracie Pendleton Blaser
Ferne Osman Burney
Lisa Farrell
ARKANSAS
Michelle Bates
Lane Fuller Coleman
Stephanie McLemore Morris
Carolyn Meek Nelson
AUBURN
Lori Sims Baxter
Krystee Edwards
Lori Sharpe Peck
Laura Tarne
Gwenn Smith Wynn
BAKER
Marilyn Biggerstaff
Suzanne Richardson
Teel
BALL STATE
Debbie Adams
BAYLOR
Courtney Culver Baker
Jana Earnshaw
McCarver
Jenni Stork Oaks
CARNEGIE MELLON
Christi Ann Guzik
Megan Yee
CENTRAL FLORIDA
Beth Anne Branch Cuda
Kara Collins Gualtieri
Cindy Cook Hornbaker
CENTRE
Melissa Booth Hall
CHARLESTON
Krista McDonald
DeLong
Kitty Jones Reid
CINCINNATI
Jennifer Gill King
Janice Kroger Timmel
CLEMSON
Wendy Miles Malaspina
COE
Chrys Grafrath Hyde
Laura Ege Walsten
COLORADO
BOSTON
Marcia Copenhaver
Barrere
Elizabeth Howard DiMartino
Janice Parker
BUTLER
Joyce Taylor Jackson
Tracey Berg Teich
CAL POLY
Erica Roa Walton
CAL STATE/ LONG BEACH
Ashley Nicole Baskerville
Crystal White Blaylock
Deborah Rowe
CAL STATE/ NORTHRIDGE
Carol Chapman Benson
Agnes Sapa Foos
CALIFORNIA/ BERKELEY
Diane Harwich Falconer
Libby Leffler Hoaglin
CALIFORNIA/DAVIS
Heidi Uhrig Guest
Gaby Jackson Renstrom
Kate Gundlach Roberts
CALIFORNIA/IRVINE
Thia Christensen Cochran
Melissa Rhone
CALIFORNIA/LOS ANGELES
Maddy Alfano
Sandy Jacobson
Suzy Kennedy Keller
Pam Williams Stearns
FLORIDA STATE
Donna Kirkconnell Bailey
Cecelia Bonifay
Laura Krueger Brock
Madge Clements Buschhorn
Andrea Fuller Cooper
Nancy McDonald Griggs
Nan Casper Hillis
Charlotte Robinson Roberts
Jill Holler Rogers
Gale Waldon
FRANKLIN
Linda Drake Kenny FURMAN
Christine Caputo Winn
GEORGIA
Lynn Noetzel Charbonneau
Linda Hecht Conger
Betty Johnson Hudson
Regina Stamm Miano
Ann Clarke Webb*
Mai Alamar
Karen Metzger Parry
Nancy Reisher
COLORADO STATE
Barbara Peterson Bull
CORNELL
Judith Barth
Barbara Carpenter Hannah
DENISON
Susan Davis-Gillis
Kristi Anderson Horner
DEPAUW
Liz Purdy Porter
DICKINSON
Amy Shook-Perez
DUKE
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*Deceased
A Home for Today’s College Student
→By Kelley Schillig, Vice President of Housing
SATURDAY, AUG. 10, 2024, BEGAN A NEW ERA FOR Tri Delta at the University of Kansas. Or, as eta Omega Chapter coined it, that’s when they started their “ninemonth sleepover.” On this day, 1630 Oxford Road looked very di erent than ever before as Tri Delta welcomed its rst residents into a brand-new home that accommodates up to 72 residents and spans over 23,000 square feet.
While all the e orts culminated into a successful movein day for the home’s very rst residents and their families, the real spirit of the home came together with the feedback and support of the collegiate chapter. ree sets of chapter executive o cer teams spoke into plans throughout the course of the planning process, ensuring that their new home was designed with thoughtful and deliberate intention for today’s college student.
ROOM FOR ALL
Because every sorority house must rst meet the needs of the chapter, the new home includes space not only for residents but also for chapter operations. e beautiful, light and airy foyer welcomes all guests, and the formal living room sets
the tone for the home, providing a traditional and updated place of comfort. e den provides a place to cozy in and stay a while, perhaps to enjoy a movie with sisters, and includes a small study room tucked o of it. A showstopping library draped in the beautiful Benjamin Moore Mysterious paint rounds out the rst oor before you enter into a multipurpose chapter and dining room, a place where the chapter can meet and eat together, equipped with state-ofthe-art technology to support hosting recruitment, events and chapter meetings.
Beyond the needs of the chapter, it’s the comforts that matter most to today’s students and set this new home apart from other houses on campus. As a housing project spans many years, many teams of chapter leadership welcomed the opportunity to help design and create a space that would stand the test of another century for eta Omega. ese comforts re ect themselves proudly on the second and third oors of the home, dedicated to the residents with a unique balance of communal living and privacy required for students in 2024. How does all of that come to life? “Lots of meetings” they’ll tell you! Each executive o cer team
The showstopping library at the new Theta Omega chapter home at the University of Kansas.
Above left : 1630 Oxford Road looks very diff erent than ever before as Tri Delta welcomed its fi rst residents into a brandnew home that accommodates up to 72 residents and spans over 23,000 square feet.
Three sets of executive officer teams were engaged in the planning of the house and helped make various decisions that contributed to their house becoming a home.
that was engaged in the planning of the house got to help make various decisions that contributed to their house becoming a home.
BUILDING A BETTER BATHROOM
In the early planning stages, bathrooms were a hot topic. While many students are accustomed to communal bathrooms in sorority houses, how could that be reimagined in our new home? What if we didn’t have to accept the status quo? Could we design a place to get ready together, balanced with the privacy that is not only desired but required?
With the chapter leadership’s vision and an architectural team on board to help re ne it, that very idea came to life for eta Omega. As they settle into living on the second oor, residents can head over to a small vestibule area with vanities, mirrors and only the best “getting-ready” lighting. Consider this a perfect place to brush your teeth, touch up your makeup or curl your hair. Looking for a little more privacy? Tuck yourself back into a private bathroom stall providing
Left : The new home includes a multi purpose chapter and dining room, a place where the chapter can meet and eat together, equipped with state-of-the-art technology to support hosti ng recruitment, events and chapter meeti ngs.
Below left : Many things have changed for students over the last few years. Multi ple, small zen rooms were incorporated to provide a quiet, private space for whatever need may arise, such as an exam, a virtual meeting with your academic advisor, a private appointment or a place to meditate or even do yoga.
you private access to a sink, commode and shower—a perfect balance for a home like a sorority house.
QUIET SPACES FOR PRIVATE TIME
Once the bathroom design was settled, the next opportunity bubbled up. And that opportunity took the form of a “zen” room. Many things have changed for students over the last few years—things like proctored exams, online classes, virtual meetings and even just life that is best accomplished without the potential for interruption. Multiple, small zen rooms were incorporated to provide a quiet, private space for whatever need may arise, such as an exam, a virtual meeting with your academic advisor, a private appointment or a place to meditate or even do yoga. With no detail too small to consider, each zen room has a whiteboard to allow for reserving the room and a lock showing vacancy of the space so as not to disturb a sister.
SERIOUS SCHOOL SPIRIT
With plenty of common space to support a chapter of almost 300
Embracing the future, preserving the past
Can you design a home for today’s college students while cherishing and showcasing the past? We sure think so! Here are a few ways the chapter’s history, former home and success found its place in Theta Omega’s new home.
Chapter composites were digiti zed, restored, reprinted and framed. They adorn the residenti al hallways for alumnae to scour when visiti ng the home.
An archival gallery welcomes you to the chapter and dining room, capturing Theta Omega’s unique story and showcasing signifi cant alumnae members.
Copper Delta letters and a leaded glass Delta Delta Delta window were preserved from the old house, lovingly restored and added to the main stairwell of the new house at each landing.
The bay window in the living room? Even it is a nod to a bay window that sat in the living room from the old house. Made even better, the chapter’s piano made the move and comfortably rests in this space. Right: The den provides a place to cozy in and stay a while, perhaps to enjoy a movie with sisters, and includes a small study room tucked off of it.
members, there was also a room, distinctly tucked up on the third oor, that needed a purpose. e gables of the exterior made it unique, with sloped ceilings and a window looking out over Oxford Road. With meeting and conference space covered, a residential lounge, zen rooms for privacy and kitchenettes on each oor, what could ll a nearly 330 square foot space? Turn to the chapter and they’ll tell you, “Let’s make it KU themed!” It’s now a room dedicated to the institution and its successful athletic history, called the “Rock Chalk Room,” and it’s complete with a neon sign or two, a large sectional and a big screen TV. It’s sure to be the perfect place to watch the next away basketball game or cheer on the Jayhawks during March Madness! e room is tastefully decorated in the school’s colors with art capturing notable locations on campus.
The study room off the den.
FEELING THE CHAPTER’S INFLUENCE THROUGHOUT
You can’t forget about the décor either! e chapter leaders had the opportunity to review the furnishings and fabrics throughout the journey. ose pops of blush in the den? e Laura Park pillows in the residential lounge? Yep, go ahead and coin these leaders as “in uencers.”
Said best by current chapter leaders as they embarked on their new positions earlier this spring at Collegiate Leadership Conference 2024, “We’re ready to showcase our sisterhood once we step through the door of our new house. It’s a chance for us to truly embody what it means to be Tri Delta. It’s reassuring to know we have such a strong support system behind us. Being in this position, with alumnae and peers believing in us, gives us the con dence to achieve great things. Our home will be fully accessible and inclusive, and we are excited to reinvent what it means to be a chapter facility at KU.”
e chapter leadership also shared their gratitude for alumnae. Alumnae have shown them that Tri Delta is a lifelong journey, and it makes them more con dent that when they graduate, they will stay connected. A home like eta Omega’s is not possible without the generous support of alumnae. In fact, as of Sept.1, 2024, 169 donors have successfully raised $788,678 to ensure eta Omega’s legacy for generations to come.
We can’t wait to see what the incredible, thoughtful women who call this new house their home will accomplish in the coming years at 1630 Oxford Road—and wherever life takes them a er!
now come take a tour! Step into the new Tri Delta home at KU with our virtual tour.
Left: The beautiful, light and airy foyer welcomes all guests.
Residential lounge
The formal living room sets the tone for the home. It provides a traditional and updated place of comfort, with nod to the bay window that sat in the living room of the old house — made even better, the chapter’s piano.
Brave, Bold & Kind
Elizabeth Howard DiMartino
At Convention 2024, Elizabeth Howard DiMartino, Boston , became our 37th Fraternity President. She brings nearly three decades of dedication and love of our sisterhood to her new role, and she recently shared a few of her favorite personal memories of her lifelong membership so that we can all get to know her better.
What is your favorite Tri Delta college memory?
It is so special to think that my Tri Delta journey started right where Tri Delta was founded. I cherish the many great memories from my collegiate days where Boston served as a backdrop for our activities and events. One of my favorites was having a chapter picnic on the Boston Common in the shadow of Park Street Church. Strengthening our bonds of sisterhood in
SILVER, GOLD OR BLUE?
Blue (Cerulean, of course!)
BRAVE, BOLD OR KIND? Kind
PLANE, TRAIN OR AUTOMOBILE? Plane
CHOCOLATE, VANILLA OR STRAWBERRY?
Chocolate, but only when it’s paired with peanut butter!
BEACH, MOUNTAINS OR CITY?
Mountains … and because of that I’m so excited for Convention 2026 in Denver!
that historic place felt like exactly what our Founders dreamed of for Tri Delta.
Q: What has been your favorite volunteer experience in Tri Delta?
With more than 25 years of volunteer service in Tri Delta, it’s hard to name just one! Each volunteer role has been unique and special, and whether serving as part of our collegiate team, chairing a standing committee or helping to cultivate Tri Delta’s future leadership, I have learned so much along my volunteer journey. I can confidently say, however, that the absolute best part of volunteering for Tri Delta is always the incredible friendships that I make while serving!
Q: What is your favorite Tri Delta symbol?
Although the dolphin was not listed as one of our official symbols when Tri Delta was founded, it was of great interest to Sarah Ida Shaw and is beloved by so many of us today for its association with clear skies and smooth sailing. The playful, empathetic and social nature of dolphins reminds us to find joy in all things, care
deeply for each other and work together for the betterment of the whole group. What a powerful message for Tri Delta members!
One of my favorite [memories] was having a chapter picnic on the Boston Common in the shadow of Park Street Church.
Q: Who is the Tri Delta Founder you most identify with?
It was Sarah Ida Shaw who sparked the flame that continues today when, with conviction, she said “Let us found a society that shall be kind alike to all.” I have always loved this clear and powerful statement of inclusivity right from the very beginning. Though it would have gone against the norms of the society in which she and our other Founders were born and raised, Sarah’s vision laid the groundwork for an organization that would value the inherent and unique qualities of each individual above all else … a charge that is as important today as it was 136 years ago.
BUTTON
Whimsical yellow fl owers and vines are the background of this fun button, a perfect stocking stuffer or addition to your jacket or backpack
$6.00
Shop Silver, Gold and Blue
They’re every Tri Delta’s favorite shades! Visit shoptridelta.com to fi nd the largest selecti on of silver, gold and blue merchandise to give as gift s or choose for yourself.
FIVE-STRIPE CREWNECK
Fleece that’s perfect for the season meets sporty style with embroidered deltas and stripes in fi ve shades of blue
COAT OF ARMS CAP
HOODIE
Customize this low-profile hat featuring our coat of arms by choosing your own color—from navy blue to butter yellow
$24.95
Stay cozy during football season with this yellow hoodie, complete with a front kangaroo pocket to keep your hands warm
$48.99
BEADED BRACELET
Pick silver or gold in this beaded bracelet to complement your everyday look or to elevate a date night, interview or Deltas Only outfit
BACKPACK
Show off your love for our sisterhood with this artistdesigned yellow backpack
