Convention Recap

Convention Recap By Robyn Sarette, National Treasurer

Convention 2022 marked 1,098 days since our last in-person event. A very long 1,098 days for everyone in so many ways, not just Kappa-related. For so many, it was their first Convention, including our active membership, alumni, and board members. A lot of sisters did not know what to expect, but it all was a pleasant surprise.

The morning started with the return of the Chapter displays where Chapters showcase their uniqueness, philanthropic work, and school pride. While all of the Chapters do an outstanding job, the top three are given awards. Everyone looks forward to not only creating their displays but seeing and interacting with our fellow sisters’ displays.

The board meeting highlighted several things but kicked off with the announcement of the upcoming change in leadership.

During the President’s and Treasurer’s opening statements, we learned that Amanda Antaki (KX), our President at the time, and Alex Nestro (KX), our Treasurer at the time, were stepping down from their roles and from the National Board. Although they ran for a two-year term, both had made the difficult decision to resign due to personal reasons. Because their term had not yet ended, it meant the remaining voting board members would have to appoint replacements for their remaining terms.

In addition to their departure, voting board members Victoria Hogan (KAA), Marysa Mitrano (KY), Robyn Sarette (ΚΣ), and Courtney Stevens (KY) were not re-running for their positions. This left the door open for four new voting board members. We heard speeches from Rebecca Fransman (KI), Jayley Handley (KL), Andrea McKevitt (ΚΣ), and Nicole Randsen (KY). All of the candidates were voted in for their term to start at the Spring Board meeting. Also at the Spring Board meeting, Marysa Mitrano and Robyn Sarette were appointed to the openings left by Amanda Antaki and Alex Nestro. During that meeting, Voting Board Member, Christina Rose (ΚΑΓ), stepped down to participate as an associate board member, and Lily Gibbons (KAO) was voted in as her replacement.

Next, the Certificates of Merit were awarded to five sisters who were nominated by their Chapter. The award is given to a sister who goes above and beyond her call of duty. It is a way to show positive reinforcement within the chapter and National Sorority. The winners were Julianna Joseph-Whyte (KAO), Madeline McCambridge (KAN), Hannah Patrignani (KY), Alyson Ratcliffe (KAXi), and Alyssa Renaud (KO).

The presentation of Gifts of Love is one that is near and dear to our hearts. At Summer

Leadership Retreat, each chapter is assigned a different chapter to present a gift of love to at Convention. This year we saw sisterhood bonding activities, paddles, decor, and Kappa swag all dedicated to a chapter. This reminds us that we are more than our chapter, we are an organization built on sisterhood.

And last but certainly not least, Kappa Alpha Omicron chapter was presented with their charter and flag. While they officially became a chapter during the pandemic and had their announcement made over zoom, it was important that they were recognized in front of the entire organization. There were several happy tears, hugs, and congratulations to go around. We are all so proud of the work they put in to be where they are today. Congrats again, sisters!

The afternoon offered four breakout sessions for active sisters to choose to attend. The first option was to learn about the AFSP straight from our representative. Sisters discussed ways to raise awareness, fundraise, and spread resources for those in need. The next option was the alumni panel so sisters could learn about life after Kappa. Kappa leadership explained how to continue your Kappa journey with the national board or join your local or national alumni association. Another option was mindful leadership where a presentation was given on how to communicate effectively and respectfully. Lastly, members could join the strategic planning session to learn how to plan for success. This group talked about how to plan for the future and set realistic goals.

To kick off the awards ceremonies, brothers and sisters came together in our formal attire to present the ΚΔΦ and ΚΔΦ NAS Black & Gold Awards Gala. It started with dinner and drinks and ended with our highest honors being presented to both the active membership and national board. We presented our check to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for $21,000 and celebrated a renewed partnership with them. The night wrapped up with the ΚΔΦ and ΚΔΦ NAS Black & Gold Dance.

Convention is a massive event for our organization that takes months to plan. Thank you to everyone involved and we can’t wait to see you in the spring!

Scan to check out the chapter displays and find more videos on our TikTok at @kdp_nas