Being Inclusive on Social Media Inspires a Career in Greek Life

Being Inclusive on Social Media Inspires a Career in Greek Life

Ever since she was in high school, Erin Huebner, Gamma Eta–High Point University, always knew two things: she wanted to be involved in Greek life, and she wanted to attend a college with a robust communication program. As Erin introduces herself, she adjusts the red and gold ring on her right hand, “I wear my Chapter President ring on my right, middle finger," she says. "My sister was getting hers and she wanted to size it for her right middle finger as well.” Erin recounts the number of sorority Chapter Presidents in her family. She is one of six that have held the title, her mother, two grandmothers, and great-grandmother held the title, and her sister is currently serving as Chapter President in the same chapter that Erin initiated in.

Rewind to the year 2020, Erin is the Chapter President at High Point University, and she is holding together chapter morale as her sisters venture through virtual recruitment for the first time ever. “My personal goal was ensuring that every sister had the same opportunity to fall in love with Alpha Gamma Delta, just like I did.” While Erin was the President during the onset of COVID-19, it provided an opportunity to talk to sisters about how to make them feel supported. I realized the impact that social media could have on our chapter. It seems silly, but it can mean the world to sisters to be posted on the chapter account. The purpose is to showcase all of the chapter — not just certain sisters. This lit a fire inside me to work with the rest of my Executive Council to be more inclusive of our entire chapter.”

Erin worked with the Vice President–Marketing to create a social media content calendar to ensuring every sister would be featured on the account. The goal of representing sisters and being more intentional about marketing Alpha Gam's values on the account was widely accepted by chapter members, and continues to be carried out. Having now completed her master's in communication, the value she placed on communicating and listening to her sisters created an impact that continues to inspire her.

“The sisters that were appreciative of the little things throughout my presidency, I will never forget. I remember one sister saying, ‘I have never felt as good about this organization as I do now. Thank you for not just saying that you're going to listen, but for really listening to people.’ And it was conversations like that that inspired me.”

Erin held onto that same vision of inclusion and love for her chapter, and it influenced her in the next stage of her life. After receiving two communication job offers after graduation, she was faced with a split decision. Either move to Boston and settle for a job near friends and close to home or move to Lexington, Kentucky, where she knew no one, to follow her passion for working in Greek life. According to Erin, the decision was simple. Now, she incorporates inclusion in her daily roles and responsibilities as the Coordinator of Communications for the Phi Gamma Delta organi- zation. Erin’s closest friends from her chapter were supportive of the move. Never in a million years did her sisters think that she would end up in Kentucky, but working for a Greek organization is the most fitting role for Erin.

“I learned the power of joy that inclusion on social media can create; now it translates into my job every day.” Erin oversees the Phi Gamma Delta’s social media account and manages to feature a different chapter in every collegiate post over eight months. “I track every post to ensure that I represent every chapter we have.” Ensuring everyone has a seat at the table makes a difference in more ways than one. The organization’s social media engagement has increased by 15% in the past month.