Volunteer Spotlight: Carrie Stafford and Natalie Zepeda

In each issue of The Lyre, we highlight the exceptional work of our volunteers. Read about the experiences of two Delta Pi (University of Tennessee, Knoxville) alumnae who are back serving with their chapter – Carrie Stafford (pictured right) as recruitment information advisor and Natalie Zepeda (pictured left) as recruitment and membership programming advisor.

HOW DID YOU START VOLUNTEERING?

Carrie: January 2023, more than 60 Delta Pi chapter members from the 90s had gathered in Franklin, TN to celebrate the life of our sister, Jessica Lea Beasley, after she passed away. After the event, we received an email that the chapter was trying to fill some advisory board positions. There’s not a visit to the Alpha Chi house where Jessica doesn’t cross my mind in some way. She is 100% the catalyst for my becoming an advisor.

Natalie: My good friend and former colleague asked me to consider joining the advisory board for Delta Pi while I was volunteering at Collegiate Growth Academy. When I heard there was an opening to give back to the chapter that has given me so much, I knew I had to say yes!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF ADVISING?

Carrie: Being an advisor means I get to listen, share my thoughts and watch it happen. I’m honored to spend so much time with these chapter members.

Natalie: I love working with the new officers and seeing them develop their leadership skills and increase their confidence. Acting as an unofficial mentor is so much fun!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF RECRUITMENT?

Carrie: I love seeing the friendships created and strengthened during pre-recruitment week. Our chapter is so large that even after a full year, we hear repeatedly about our women meeting someone new and finding a new best friend.

Natalie: My favorite part about recruitment is what it does each year for the active members. Women who haven’t yet met spend two weeks together talking about why they went Greek, why they chose Alpha Chi and planning for a future of sisterhood.

WHY SHOULD ALUMNAE VOLUNTEER?

Carrie: Volunteering comes in so many shapes and sizes. Start small and help your local alumnae chapter with Hall of Commitment. Or go my route and jump in headfirst! If you have just one meaningful conversation or teaching moment, you’ve done your job.

Natalie: You have an opportunity to see the organization in a new way and experience all of the joys of sisterhood with a new cohort of sisters. Serving the organization as a volunteer can open the doors to a renewed love for the organization.

IF THIS ARTICLE INSPIRED YOU TO SERVE, LOG IN TO MEMBERS.ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG AND SELECT “PROFILE” AND THEN THE “VOLUNTEER INTEREST” TAB TO FILL OUT YOUR VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM!