Summer 2023 Issue

Theta’s

Sweet, Busy Summertime

BY: ISABELLA MARKOVSKI-DICKEY | ALPHA/DEPAUW

The summer between school semesters is shorter than ever, and we’re all trying to pack so much into this time: pool days, trips, family reunions, camps, sports leagues, and more. (It wasn’t always like this, right?!) As I write this, we’re right in the middle of summer, and what is gone has already flown by. You’ll receive this issue around the time summer is wrapping up. Despite all the things on your to-do lists, I hope that you have filled your summertime with friends, family, and happy memories.

This summer is busy as ever at Theta headquarters. We’re gearing up for Grand Convention 2024 and we have lots of new projects on our plates—of course, those in addition to the projects we usually have on our plates! We featured our 35 Under 35 award this year; we only execute this program in non-

Convention years. Additionally, we’re focusing our efforts on featuring more members’ stories, your stories. (Remember that in addition to the Theta Magazine, you can keep up with us on the Theta website and on our social media channels.)

This issue captures a great overview of what’s been happening at Theta in the summer: Theta travel stories throughout history in Ask the Archivist on page 10, our 35 Under 35 award recipients on page 12, lots of Snapshots starting on page 20, and a special member story in Share Your Theta Story on page 30. You also get to learn more about our Fraternity Housing Corporation (FHC) president, Leah Hartman, Nu/Hanover, on page 6, and this year’s Founders Memorial Scholarship recipients on page 8.

I hope your summer has been wonderfully fulfilling, no matter how you spent it. And I hope you’re feeling ready to jump into the fall because it’s right around the corner!

FRATERNITY PRESIDENT

Erica D’Angelo Ochs, Eta Nu/Lake Forest

CEO/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jennifer Broughton Schmaltz, Gamma/Butler

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER & EDITOR

Isabella Markovski-Dickey, Alpha/DePauw

LEAD CREATIVE

Claire Bowles White

GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN

Katie Carlsen, Epsilon Epsilon/Baylor

PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR

Lorie Larson Land, Alpha Chi/Purdue

THETA HEADQUARTERS

8740 Founders Road

Indianapolis, IN 46268-1300

Phone: 317.876.1870 | 1.800.526.1870

Fax: 317.876.1925

Email: info@kappaalphatheta.org

Website: www.kappaalphatheta.org

SEND COPY & CORRESPONDENCE TO:

Isabella Markovski-Dickey, Editor

Kappa Alpha Theta Headquarters, 317.876.8593 or 888.526.1870, ext. 106 Email: imarkovski@kappaalphatheta.org

SEND NOTICES OF DEATHS TO:

Kappa Alpha Theta Headquarters, Attn.: Executive Assistant 317.876.8593 or 888.526.1870, ext. 140

Email: amerk@kappaalphatheta.org

SEND CHANGES OF ADDRESS TO:

Kappa Alpha Theta Headquarters, Attn.: Data Entry 317.876.8593 or 888.526.1870, ext. 323 Email: info@kappaalphatheta.org

© 2023 Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from Kappa Alpha Theta.

NOTICES:

• Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity, founded at Indiana Asbury College (DePauw University), Greencastle, Indiana, on January 27, 1870, is the first Greek-letter fraternity for women.

• “Kappa Alpha Theta,” “Theta,” its coat of arms, its badges, and the Leading Women logo are registered trademarks of Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity.

• Because Kappa Alpha Theta is not an officially recognized student organization at Duke, Santa Clara, Georgetown, and Harvard, these schools prohibit using their names in any published reference to our Beta Rho, Eta Lambda, Theta Iota, or Zeta Xi Chapters. We designate those chapters with a tilde (~).

• While some terms used in telling members’ stories and personal experience are not currently in use, they were accurate at the time of these members’ college experiences.

The Kappa Alpha Theta Magazine (ISSN 0746-3529) is published by Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity for Women, 8740 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Postmaster: Send all UAA to CFS. Nonpostal and Military Facilities: Send address changes to the Kappa Alpha Theta Magazine, 8740 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Periodical-class postage paid at Indianapolis, IN, and additional mailing offices. Printed in the United States.

S

TUFFYOU CAN U S E NEWS, VIEWS , &

MAINTAINING CONNECTIONS

Each college chapter (active and inactive) has an alumnae contact officer (ACO). It is this volunteer’s responsibility to ensure that all the women from her chapter remain connected to Theta. She does this by finding lost Thetas: women for whom we no longer have a current address.

Technology has made the duties of this volunteer position easy to do from anywhere in the world. In fact, we have ACOs living in El Salvador and Germany! You can also be an ACO for a chapter other than your chapter of initiation. If you think this might be the volunteer role for you, check out the vacancies below and email volunteerengagement@kappaalphatheta.org.

Beta Phi/Penn State

Zeta Rho/UC San Diego

Eta Lambda/~

Theta Mu/Mines

Theta Omicron/UNC Charlotte

DAY OF SERVICE

Each year, Thetas all over give back to their communities on Oct. 19, Bettie Locke Hamilton’s birthday and Day of Service. Don’t forget to make plans to honor this special day and get involved with activities like volunteering at your local food pantry or picking up trash at your local park. Find more information on the Theta website > Events > Day of Service, and share with us how you spent your Day of Service by sending stories and photos to marketing@kappaalphatheta.org!

PLAN FOR GRAND CONVENTION 2024 NOW!

Grand Convention 2024 is set in the beautiful and historic National Harbor, Md., the perfect spot for a reunion with your closest Theta sisters or a fun-filled vacation with family. Experience nearby attractions like:

• Capital Wheel and National Harbor Waterfront, home to boutique shops, restaurants, and entertainment

• MGM National Harbor

• Water taxies for easy travel to Alexandria, Va.

• National Air and Space Museum

• International Spy Museum

• Six Flags

• Trolley service to downtown Washington, D.C., for tours of the Capital Region and national monuments

You can also treat yourself to a day at Relache Spa, located in the beautiful Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, which is also the location for Grand Convention.

As you begin planning your trip to National Harbor, keep in mind that Grand Convention will officially begin Friday, July 12, and end Saturday, July 13, after the Grand Convention banquet on that evening. Attendees will begin arriving Thursday, July 11, with informal activities planned for that evening.

We can’t wait to see you next summer!

QUESTIONS WITH ONE THETA

LEAH HARTMAN NU/HANOVER

SINCE 2021, LEAH HARTMAN, NU/HANOVER, HAS SERVED AS THETA’S FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION (FHC) PRESIDENT AND LEADER OF THE FHC BOARD. IN THE PAST, LEAH HAS SERVED THETA ON MULTIPLE COMMITTEES, AS WELL AS FRATERNITY COUNSEL FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS. WE’RE HONORED LEAH FOUND TIME THIS SUMMER TO ANSWER OUR 10 QUESTIONS!

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE FHC PRESIDENT ROLE?

The part of this role I am most proud of is working with the FHC board and staff to fulfill our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our college members. A fun part of this role is seeing how effective our FHC property managers and designers are in making the facilities a place to call home and promote sisterhood. Each campus is different, and, certainly, one structural and interior design does not fit every chapter. FHC staff strives to highlight our common bonds as Thetas, as well as celebrate what makes each chapter unique.

WHAT’S ONE THING THAT REALLY MAKES YOUR DAY?

After my morning mug of espresso coffee?? Having my dog greet me with his tail wagging.

WHAT DO YOU VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?

So many things! Friends not only celebrate the good things in life but help bolster you during the rough patches (and we all have them!). In spite of not being together regularly, particularly as Theta sisters are scattered across the globe, our friendships remain strong and meaningful.

CATS, DOGS, OR HOUSE PLANTS?

I have one dog, Henri, aged 14. However, our family had cats for many years. House plants for me are at SERIOUS risk, but outdoor gardens are enjoyed!

WHAT’S A QUALITY OR SKILL OF YOURS THAT DISTINGUISHES YOU OR THAT YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?

I’ve learned so much from Theta’s staff and volunteer leaders over the years, and I am very, very thankful. I’m willing to stand up for the benefit of others, within Theta, my work, and my community, and even if it is not a popular stance. Thank you, Theta, for building my skills and confidence to pursue the widest influence for good.

TELL US ABOUT A LIFE LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED, OR SOMETHING YOU KEEP CLOSE TO YOUR MIND AND HEART AS YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE.

We all hit potholes in the road of life. How one navigates out of the hole safely and productively is the lesson. I believe that asking for help, communicating

with others, and having multi-generational friends are the keys to getting out of a pothole. While sometimes it is really hard, don’t get stuck; push forward.

“LOOKING AT ME, NO ONE WOULD GUESS”

I wanted to be an electrician when I was eight.

WHAT’S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE?

Good coffee, dark chocolate, and letting my dog sleep on the bed.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THETA MEMORY SO FAR?

This question is tough as there are so many! A sentimental one is coming together in Indianapolis for Theta’s sesquicentennial ahead of the COVID-19 shutdown. There were so many Life Loyal members and multi-year volunteers in attendance, many of whom had retired, and most of the former presidents were also in attendance. I firmly believe that the spirits of our four founders were present. The continued commitment to ensure that Theta would remain a viable enterprise and offer a relevant college experience for future generations was incredibly strong.

Another standout memory to me: In my former role as volunteer Fraternity counsel, I participated in the transformation of Kappa Alpha Theta’s governance from committee representation on Grand Council to an effective governance model followed by the evolution of “one Theta,” with Theta’s three entities (Theta Foundation, FHC, and the Fraternity) working more closely together and synergistically to ensure the current and future success of Theta and its members.

WHAT DOES THE CONCEPT OF “WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN” MEAN TO YOU?

A solid foundation is based on women recognizing and celebrating their commonalities as well as their differences. If we were all the same, we would share the same strengths AND weaknesses. Diversity among friends shores us up; it makes us more capable of successfully navigating our lives. Following that, I’m co-opting what Theta’s chief executive officer (CEO), Jenni Schmaltz, previously shared in the Summer 2022 issue’s 10 Questions because she so completely captured it. (Find the Summer 2022 issue of the magazine and all past issues at archive.org/details/ kappaalphathetaarchives!)

1.

7.

8.

9. 10.

6.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Meet the 2023 Founders Memorial Scholarship Recipients!

The Founders Memorial Scholarships are Theta Foundation’s most prestigious awards, valued at $12,000 each. Awarded to the top four junior applicants every year, the recipients are intentionally matched with a specific founder based on their shared accomplishments and characteristics.

Hanna is already putting her classroom knowledge to good use through her internship at Fusion Builders and her volunteer work with Alleluia Baskets. Each role has given her handson experience within the realm of marketing. During her internship, she developed a strategic marketing plan that helped the company gain clients and kept viewers engaged through social media. Hanna currently serves as president of Kappa Chapter, and it has helped her prioritize valuing the authenticity of each member.

As a fourth-generation grass seed and hazelnut farmer, Hannah wants to be a part of her family’s legacy. Being a longtime member of Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H, she has held several leadership positions, which have taught her the meaning of hard work. Through her studies, she aspires to bridge the urban-rural divide and promote agricultural advocacy. Hannah also serves as president of her university’s alpine ski team, which gives her the opportunity to serve as an officer and continue to compete in a sport much beloved by her and her family.

Alice Allen Brant: The Learner Hannah Glaser, Beta Theta/Idaho Agriculture Economics

Bettie Locke Hamilton: The Leader Hanna Wroblewski, Kappa/Kansas Marketing & Finance

Kimberly is currently setting herself up for success toward her dream of becoming an education lawyer. As a clinic caseworker with the Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC) Student Legal Clinic, she has provided free tax return preparation for low-income and limited English-speaking clients. She hopes to provide a sense of security to marginalized communities. Through her roles as chapter president and risk manager, she has learned effective ways to promote collaboration and leading with empathy.

Save the Date for #GivingTuesday on Nov. 28!

Each year, GivingTuesday provides the opportunity for Thetas to unite in support of a cause about which we are all passionate: empowering and supporting Thetas for generations through the Theta Forever Fund. Since 2018, $1.3 million has been raised in our GivingTuesday campaigns. On Nov. 28, Thetas and friends around the globe will again honor our sisterhood by making a gift to Theta Foundation. Mark your calendars and watch for more information about this year’s giving challenges and volunteer ambassador roles. We look forward to celebrating #GivingTuesday with you this year!

Jordon has immersed herself in activities that will benefit her personally and professionally. As a member of the varsity softball team, she serves on the mental health and diversity, equity, and inclusion committees to provide educational opportunities and wellness tips to her teammates. She also is a lifelong volunteer for the Special Olympics, which has reinforced her interest in working with patients with developmental disabilities upon becoming a physical therapist.

Bettie Tipton Lindsey: The Doer Jordon Manworren, Eta Pi/Case Western Reserve Neuroscience & Physical Therapy

Hannah Fitch Shaw: The Motivator Kimberly Bajarias, Omega/UC Berkeley Political Economy & Education

TRAV E LING

By: Staff Archivist Noraleen DuVall Young | Alpha Chi/Purdue

Summer o en dictates planned trips, vacations, and all kinds of traveling. In the archives, we have some great images that have been submitted by etas over the years documenting their travels: to and from Grand Convention, meeting up with other etas for various trips, or meeting a eta by chance at a location far from home.

etas have traveled by planes, trains, cars, buses, boats, and occasionally by horse and buggy! Whether they are traveling together or meeting other sisters, etas travel the world.

Pictured are two members attending Grand Convention 1936, held at Glacier National Park in Montana.

Kristin Wymore Meyer, Alpha Mu/Missouri; Jennifer Allen Isdell, Alpha Mu/Missouri; Emily McDaniel Barrett, Zeta Lambda/Charleston; and Cassandra McKarnin Hentschel, Alpha Mu/Missouri, shared a gondola ride in Venice in 2010.

Early on, Thetas shared news of their travels. In fact, in the very first issue of the Theta Magazine in June 1885, Anna Robertson’s, Epsilon/Wooster, travels were reported: “After visiting points of interest in Great Britian and France, [Anna] located for the winter in Dresden, Germany, where she studied German and French. In February she departed for Italy, making Rome her temporary home, while she visited Southern Italy. She passed a week in the little island of Capri … She expects to revisit Paris before returning home ... She says she wears her badge everywhere, thinking she might come across a sister.”

Do you have a photo of your Theta-related travels? Please share it and the story with us! Send it to marketing@kappaalphatheta.org.

Margaret McGaughey Stoner and Catherine Tillotson McCord, both Alpha/DePauw, age 93 at the time of this trip, rode camels in Egypt in 1990.

Grand Convention delegates and visitors sailed around the Bahama Islands during Grand Convention 1966.

Pictured are members of Delta Lambda/Utah on a chapter trip, circa 1967.

In 2017, Kappa Alpha Theta announced the 35 Under 35 Award. Since then, the recipients of this award have been recognized for various distinguished achievements. They are members committed to Theta’s values and they are members who are influential in their professions and communities. This award is presented in non-Convention years.

We’re so pleased to honor this year’s 35 Under 35 winners who exemplify absolute excellence and are taking the world by storm.

THETA’S 35 UNDER 35

Taylor Allin, Beta Chi/Alberta: Taylor is a recreation therapist who has developed and implemented virtual wellness programming to help clients who struggle with opioid use disorder, specifically ages 12-18. Her programs provide overall wellness and lifestyle support to clients who face a variety of barriers in accessing in-person care by offering support entirely virtually. She has spent the past two years developing and implementing virtual programs to help support the recovery of clients from across Alberta.

Jordan Barton, Alpha Omicron/ Oklahoma: Jordan is the floral manager at Curbside Flowers in Oklahoma City, a social enterprise started by fellow Theta sister Ranya Forgotson O’Connor, Alpha Omicron/Oklahoma. The flower shop employs people transitioning out of homelessness and trains them to work in the full-service, retail flower shop. By purchasing flowers at Curbside Flowers, customers can become a small part of the solution to the multi-faceted problem of homelessness in Oklahoma City.

Ashley Bartley, Lambda/Vermont: As a Vermont state representative and a human resources professional, Ashley has focused her initiatives on the financial sustainability of the state for young families such as her own. Ashley has been a champion for women’s issues, seeking to expand breast pump coverage under Medicare and advocating for stronger childcare initiatives. She is a recipient of Vermont Business Magazine’s 2022 Rising Stars award and was recognized as one of 20 Outstanding Women in 2023 by Hannaford Supermarkets and 98.9 WOKO-FM.

Brianna Borri, Gamma/Butler: Brianna previously received her master’s degree in clinical psychology and is currently a clinical psychology doctoral student in the PsyD program at University of Indianapolis. She has spent the past three years in the program interning as a therapist at various practicum sites ranging from a college counseling center, to a private practice, to hospital settings, to an intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization program for eating disorders.

Kristen Cagadas, Psi/Wisconsin: Kristen Cagadas is the self-published author of the children’s book, Elsie with the Great Smile: A First Look at Williams Syndrome Since its release, Elsie with the Great Smile has had a global impact on the disability community through its powerful message of inclusion, kindness, awareness, and advocacy. Inspired by her daughter’s diagnosis, Kristen wrote and produced the first book of its kind in an effort to improve the lives of individuals who have disabilities.

Delaney Carlisle, Zeta Lambda/Charleston: Delaney is currently a graduate student receiving her Master of Science in Child Life at the College of Charleston. She aspires to be a certified child life specialist, a career focused on aiding the development and coping techniques of children. She has presented at the Annual Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP) Convention, presented research on program development in the International Healthcare Setting, and serves on the executive committee for a community organization.

Dr. Katie Cox, Eta Pi/Case Western Reserve: Katie Cox, MD, is a pediatric resident at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. She is currently planning to specialize in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition, with an emphasis on global health. Since starting her career as a physician, Katie has been involved in various research projects regarding pediatric liver disease and global health initiatives. She is proud to have recently established a free pediatric clinic for underserved children in the border town of Agua Prieta, Mexico.

Dayana

Florida: As the first in her family to attend college as a Latina with Cuban roots, Dayana chose University of Florida. She is a dynamic global leader with a proven track record of driving impact and success in the technology/ media industry. Dayana’s business development mindset and digital marketing background has been instrumental in accelerating her efforts to create equal access to opportunity for the next generation.

Julia Dekker, Alpha Gamma/Ohio State: Julia is a director of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for Johnson Controls. She leads the DE&I strategy and initiatives for its Global Products and Global Supply Chain businesses, guiding the council of director-level leaders and workstream volunteers to implement strategy for more than 33,000 employees. She designed and deployed a four-part DE&I workshop series for leaders, launched a DE&I channel on the organization’s Learning Experience Platform, and led a Women in Engineering Chapter of the Women’s Global Network Business Resource Group (BRG).

Brooke is involved in a variety of philanthropic efforts across the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex. In addition to being a CASA advocate, she is part of the Dallas CASA Young Professionals Council, and recently was on the board for the largest event of the year, CASAblanca. Brooke completed the Community Foundation of Texas’ 2022 Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy cohort.

Brooke Donelson, Beta Sigma/SMU:

Falcon, Delta Theta/

Dallece Elena Curley, PhD, Epsilon Nu/Virginia Tech: Dr. Curley completed her BA in Clinical Neuroscience from Virginia Tech, followed by a post-baccalaureate fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. Afterwards, she earned her doctorate in Neuroscience from Brown University by the age of 25. As an advisor at Eli Lilly, Dr. Curley continues to shape the future of genetic medicines, combining her expertise, passion, and innovative thinking to improve lives.

Catherine Coughlin, MD, Eta Psi/Tufts: Catherine is a pediatric emergency medicine fellow at Boston Children’s Hospital. She is a board-certified pediatrician with an interest in health disparities. She is passionate about health services research and how medical care can be changed to provide more equitable care for our most vulnerable children. A leader in clinical care, research, and her professional organization, Catherine is committed to lifelong scholarship and service.

Kimberly Fiock, Zeta Upsilon/ UT Dallas: Kimberly Fiock, PhD, is a staff scientist and PhD-trained neuropathologist at the University of Iowa. Kimberly uses donated human brain tissue and cells to better understand why individuals develop one neurodegenerative disease over another. When she’s not in the lab, Kimberly does outreach in the community and on her social media platform, The Path PhD, to educate about the field of neuropathology.

Jordan Maya Green, Theta Iota/~: Jordan is a manager in Pricewaterhouse Coopers Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Strategy practice with a focus on the retail and consumer packaged goods (CPG) sectors. Jordan is a passionate advocate for social justice, corporate citizenship, and climate change mitigation, topics which would go on to become the primary focus of her book, It Took a Crisis: How a Pandemic Made Social Disruption Go Viral

Emily Friedman, Omicron/USC: Emily Friedman is an international development professional currently living in rural Western Nepal working on healthcare and education access. Before her time in Nepal, Emily spent three years at Pricewaterhouse Coopers, working in diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy for Fortune 500 companies. She is set to start her master’s program at Georgetown University in Global Human Development in the fall of 2023 where she will further her focus on intersectional poverty associated with climate change, gender, healthcare, economic mobility, and more.

Erica Taylor Jones, Gamma Omega/

Auburn: Erica is a Harvard Law graduate and litigation attorney at Proskauer. She works in defense of securities class actions, derivative suits, and white-collar criminal matters involving investigations by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and state attorneys’ offices. Erica also advises on antitrust matters involving allegations of price fixing, supply restraint, monopolization, group boycott, bid rigging, and collusion. She is an associate trustee with the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs and has been recognized on the D.C. Courts’ Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll.

Ansley Howze, Eta Phi/Belmont: As executive director of the American Heart Association of the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) and Southern Coast, Ansley drives the mission of being a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives in Georgia and South Carolina through growing research funding, training individuals in lifesaving CPR, and championing equitable health. She enjoys actively volunteering for Theta, Association of Junior Leagues International, and the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC).

Natasha Houshmand,

UT Dallas: Dr. Natasha Houshmand is a general surgery resident at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md. She attended medical school at the University of Texas (UT) Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Tex. She plans to pursue a career in trauma surgery, specifically advocating for victims of violent crimes and the critically ill. Additionally, she is passionate about medical education and mentoring young women to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated surgical specialties.

Katie Hovell, Eta Rho/James Madison: With extensive experience teaching elementary and preschool students, Katie fosters creativity, curiosity, and joyful learning in her classroom. Honored as an Outstanding First Year Teacher in her district in 2014, Katie’s impact extends beyond her classroom. Katie presents educational workshops at Get Your Teach On conferences, empowering teachers with research-based strategies to implement in their classrooms and promoting playful learning experiences for all children.

Arielle Faye Kimbarovsky, Eta Chi/ Boston: Arielle is a marketing leader and brand builder who deeply cares about her community. She has spent the last eight-plus years helping companies big and small reach their marketing goals, mentoring young professionals, and coaching those who want to grow in their roles, find balance, or navigate a transition. Currently, Arielle is the head of marketing at Balsamiq and owner of Arielle Faye LLC.

Zeta Upsilon/

Alexa Lienhard, Alpha Omicron/Oklahoma: Alexa manages internal business clients collaborating on marketing campaign strategies, print or digital, and fulfilling customers’ needs at Love’s Travel Stops. She works alongside the design team to create content that provides a service or offer to customers, which can be seen in over 600 stores across the nation. Alexa has served in a variety of roles for the Oklahoma City Alumnae Chapter and currently serves Alpha Omicron Chapter as recruitment advisor.

Mary Myles, Beta Delta/Arizona: Mary is the COO of digital marketing at BlackRock where she leads strategy and operations for a global team of designers, developers, product owners, and data science experts. Prior to her career at BlackRock, Mary was a Teach for America teacher in Dallas, Tex., and in Harlem, N.Y. Her passions for education and mental health have led to her involvement in the KIPP Foundation Council in New York. Mary received her MBA from Columbia Business School and her master’s in education from Johns Hopkins University.

Caroline M. Rhodes, Delta Kappa/LSU: As a senior program coordinator – surgery education, Caroline works with surgery residents, students, fellows, and faculty in training the next generation of medical professionals. She passionately works as part of the equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) team in finding and creating opportunities for underrepresented populations in medicine, and creating community inclusion, representation, and equity in medicine.

Abby Melvin, Gamma Kappa/George Washington: At the age of 19, Abby started working for the United States Air Force. As a junior, she participated in the Air Force Premier College Intern Program (PCIP) for contracting at Hanscom Air Force Base. Following college graduation, Abby became a contract specialist at the F-35 Joint Strike Program part of COPPER CAP. Abby is currently in a specialized U.S. Department of Homeland Security MBA program at George Washington University and is an active member of the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA).

Emalee Moore Morley, Nu/Hanover: Emalee is a results-driven young professional in Louisville, Ky., with a management and fundraising background and a passion for community engagement. Emalee has raised more than $5 million for various causes, ranging from health initiatives to the U.S. Senate. Her goal is to make Louisville and Kentucky a better place for all while focusing on spreading the widest influence for good.

Mickayla Zinsli Rosard, Alpha Pi/North Dakota: Mickayla is the first female partner at Groove Capital, an early-stage venture fund and angel network. With Mickayla’s leadership, Groove has invested in 50+ startups, of which 41% have been femaleled and 37% are minority-led teams. Mickayla’s passion is using her platform to welcome new angel investors into the fold, especially those who have traditionally not had a seat at the investors’ table.

Arielle Anderson Schneider, Eta Omicron/North Florida: As the privacy officer for the Virginia Department of Elections, Arielle works at the intersection of law and cybersecurity. She is deeply passionate about ensuring election security through integrity, transparency, and privacy. She holds multiple security and privacy certifications including the CIPP/ US, CC, and CISM. In her spare time, Arielle serves as a CASA volunteer, mentors young security professionals, and loves to ski and snowboard.

Rachel E. Sharpe, Nu/Hanover: As the head coach of men’s and women’s track & field at Hanover College, Rachel provides student athletes the opportunity for a positive experience and climate in which they can achieve their academic, athletic, and personal goals. Winning championships, going to the NCAA Division III National Meet, and earning Athlete of Meet awards are amazing accomplishments; however, Rachel believes that the best accomplishment as a coach is watching athletes grab life by the reins, learn how to face adversity, and achieve their goals.

Della Xu, Zeta Chi/Johns Hopkins: Della is an investment professional at Greenbacker Capital, specializing in sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy. She has been instrumental in originating, evaluating, and executing 450+ megawatts of equity and financing transactions focusing on solar, wind, and energy storage. She also manages strategic partnerships with stakeholders in the climate innovation space. She volunteers with local NYC urban farms, is a pro bono consultant with Net Impact, sits on Greenbacker’s Corporate Social Responsibility committee, and is an active mentor/mentee in numerous women in clean tech and sustainability organizations.

Katie Verra, Gamma Zeta/Connecticut: Katie serves as chief of staff and general counsel to Massachusetts State Senator John Velis. As a graduate of Suffolk Law School’s inaugural accelerated JD program and the University of Connecticut, Katie focuses on the advancement of public policy. In her current role, she is responsible for the successful operation of the Senate office and for the progression of mental health, substance use, and veteran legislation through the legislature.

Melissa Zigrang, Eta Upsilon/ San Francisco: Melissa currently serves as a judge advocate in the United States Army, working in practice areas such as administrative law, legal assistance, operational law, national security law, and criminal justice. She is also passionate about family law and preventing domestic violence and child abuse. Melissa recently completed her training to be a CASA volunteer and advocate for the rights of children who have been abused and neglected.

Jaz Tudor, Alpha Lambda/Washington: Jaz is a Black female designer whose ambition is to use anti-racist design practices to advocate for a more equitable and inclusive world. Her creative approach—no matter the medium—is to push inclusivity and social impact through design. For the last three years and currently, she works at HubSpot as a senior product designer on the growth team. In her free time, Jaz loves to freelance for BIPOC startup founders as well as mentor BIPOC designers who would like to break into the product design industry.

Alexandra Thomson, Beta Upsilon/British Columbia: Alexandra is a neurophysiology technologist at Vancouver General Hospital and regional director for Health Sciences Association of British Columbia (HSABC). In her clinical role, she performs diagnostic tests to identify the seizure focus for brain surgery candidates with epilepsy, provides intraoperative monitoring to help prevent neurological deficits, and provides technical interpretations of electroencephalographs to identify abnormal brainwave activity. She participates on the BC Federation of Labour’s (BCFED’s) Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Committee. In her union leadership role with HSABC, Alexandra helps to amplify workers’ voices, advocates for change, and supports social justice.

Karen T. Udoh, Theta Kappa/ Louisville: Karen is a recent medical student graduate from the University of Louisville with a Distinction in Global & Public Health. Prior to matriculating into medical school, she was a Fulbright Scholar conducting research in Greece. Currently, she is the founder of Future Healers, a gun violence prevention program centered on building better bridges between the healthcare community and youth most impacted by gun violence.

Brooke Knudtson Stroud, Zeta Upsilon/UT Dallas: Currently serving as a policy consultant at the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), Brooke provides invaluable guidance to more than 100 school districts, develops training materials, and maintains strong relationships with stakeholders. Previously, Brooke worked for a U.S. congressman and Texas state representative, where she excelled in managing complex projects and engaging with constituents.

Joan Stevens “Stevie” Eller, Beta Delta/Arizona, was inducted into the 2022 University of Arizona Greek Hall of Fame. As one of the Arizona Greek Community’s highest honors, the Order of Omega Greek Hall of Fame Award recognizes alumni members whose exemplary life achievements have brought great honor and prestige. It recognizes alumni in the areas of service to their local and/or national fraternity, to their local community, the university, the state, and the nation.

Natalie Cobaugh Lewis, Alpha Mu/Missouri, celebrated her 90th birthday in June of 2022. At her birthday celebration were ten other etas, including her two daughters. Pictured are Lynne Heiser Dickens, Alpha Mu/Missouri; Rosalie Meluney Jornayvaz, Alpha Mu/Missouri; Natalie Cobaugh Lewis; Ellen Pfannenstiel Gates, Alpha Mu/Missouri; Connie Chesmore Pearson, Beta Omega/Colorado College; Dana Schultz Carter, Alpha Mu/Missouri; Kitty Wilson omas, Alpha Mu/Missouri; Emily Partin Sitomer, Alpha Eta/Vanderbilt; Cindy Lewis Sitomer, Alpha Mu/Missouri; Kristin Lewis Brickey, Alpha Mu/Missouri; and Patty Gee Nicholson, Alpha Mu/Missouri. Needless to say, eta has been an integral part of Natalie’s life.

Members of Kappa Chapter at University of Kansas enjoyed Founders Day together.

Beth Nitschke Stevener, Alpha eta/ Texas, and Lucy Nitschke Biggs, Gamma Psi/TCU, enjoyed Founders Day together in Fort Worth, Tex.

e 1971 and 1972 new member classes from Alpha Nu Chapter at the University of Montana celebrated the 50th anniversary of their initiation at the Colorado Chautauqua National Historic Landmark in Boulder, Colo. About the gathering, Virginia Murphy Ellison, Alpha Nu/Montana, said, “We have gathered for our reunions at places all around the country. What remains constant is the excitement of getting together, the wonderful feeling of spending time with lifelong friends and the love we have for each other. We share a powerful bond of being members of Kappa Alpha eta.”

Members of the Palos Verdes Alumnae Chapter snapped this group picture in March.

Monica Davidson Gustafson, Alpha Pi/ North Dakota, traveled to Columbus, Ohio, to celebrate Founders Day. She said, “It was a very special day as I was celebrating my 50th [membership] anniversary and my daughter, Kari Gustafson, Alpha Pi/North Dakota, was celebrating her 25th. Kari and I were honored to give the speech that day on how eta has impacted our lives.”

e Cincinnati Alumnae Chapter and the Dayton Alumnae Chapter held a Founders Day event together earlier this year. ey had 28 members and two CASA representatives in attendance!

e Columbus, OH eta Lunch Bunch enjoyed the butter y exhibit at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in March. Pictured are Blair Charles Adams, Alpha Gamma/Ohio State; Julie Rains Nusken, Alpha Gamma/Ohio State; and Michele Montavon Hoyle, Gamma Upsilon/Miami.

Riley Wychock, Mu/Allegheny, shared her story about why she joined eta with us: “I joined eta because of the comfort and love I felt when talking to etas during recruitment. Every member I spoke to was so passionate about the chapter, and I got to see just how much love eta has for CASA. I had never thought of myself as a leader before joining eta, however since then I have served as Mu Chapter’s chief panhellenic o cer (CPO) and even president. Having the opportunity to help my chapter grow and thrive is one I will forever be grateful for.”

eta headquarters sta members Adam Bantz and Liz Sinnock Drake, Beta/ Indiana, hosted a casual gathering for bluegrass area alumnae in Lexington, Ky., in February. Alumnae in attendance represented ve di erent college chapters!

e Baton Rouge Alumnae Chapter held a Founders Day event in March. At the event, they celebrated three 50-year etas: Carol Ellis Shirley, Jeannine Gerald Schutte, and Margie O’Connor, all Delta Kappa/LSU.

Members of the Olympia Alumnae Chapter enjoyed each other’s company for Founders Day.

e Lincoln Alumnae Chapter held a Founders Day celebration in February. ere were more than 150 in attendance! e day following the event, four 75-year etas met halfway between Omaha and Lincoln: Nancy Miller Darst, Joanne Noble Berkshire, Phyllis Haley Koch, and Nancy Porter Long, all Rho/Nebraska.

During their 50th class reunion at Duke University, Beta Rho Chapter alumnae enjoyed a tea with several current members of Beta Rho Chapter. Pictured are Lynn Donaldson Neu, Sindy Wiley McCrystle, Sammie Seewald, Emma MartinezMorison, Lily Babcock, Cathy Angell, Sue Mizell Pickel, Donna Mothershead Manson, Anne McQuilkin May eld, Sophie Smith, Cora Pensyl Brown, and Holly Chambers, all Beta Rho/~.

In April, several members visited Washington, D.C., for the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition (FGRC) Capitol Hill Visit. Pictured are Rachel Hall, Kappa/Kansas; Madison Motley Nash, Alpha Omicron/Oklahoma; Laura Ware Doerre, Delta Xi/North Carolina; Sarah Tata, Eta Psi/Tu s; Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Gamma Chi/Fresno State; Gabi Vela, Epsilon Epsilon/Baylor; Rainey Sewell, Alpha Omicron/Oklahoma; Kappa Alpha eta Chief Executive O cer (CEO) Jenni Broughton Schmaltz, Gamma/ Butler; Ana Ellis Schwab, Lambda/Vermont; and Mackenzie Grace, Gamma Kappa/George Washington.

Michelle Crowell Coburn, Alpha Iota/ Washington-St. Louis; Mary Bess Corbin, Epsilon Epsilon/Baylor; and Christine Locke, Eta Phi/Belmont, snapped this photo at the Nashville Alumnae Chapter’s Founders Day event in February.

Karen Campbell Wilkinson, Alpha Gamma/ Ohio State, and Patricia “Trish” Zamstor Erickson, Psi/Wisconsin, attended the NaplesMarco Island-Bonita Springs Alumnae Chapter’s Founders Day celebration.

Joan Clayton Jenkinson, Alpha Omicron/ Oklahoma, wrote Flying with Finn, a book for children to learn about 12 virtues and how to apply them in real life.

Jenni Avery, Gamma Phi/Texas Tech, wrote e Dumb Blonde’s Guide to Divorce. e book is aimed to help women through the divorce process and includes everything Jenni wishes she knew before she herself started the process.

Julie Stimpson Lewis, Alpha Lambda/ Washington, has written a memoir Still Positive, along with Jenny Koenig. Julie is a 39-year AIDS survivor, and mother to Grammy Award winning music producer Ryan Lewis. She was infected with HIV in 1984 but was not diagnosed until the early 1990s when she was given 3-5 years to live. A er years of silence about her disease, she found an unlikely community of friends to ght alongside and began using her story to make a di erence. Her experiences as a woman living with AIDS o er insights about grief and loss, caregiving, spirituality, and the importance of community amid tragedy. All the book’s net proceeds are donated to organizations focusing on healthcare access and equity through the 30/30 Project Legacy Fund; 30/30 Project is an organization launched by Julie to positively impact the lives of other women, girls, and families who don’t have the same access to the healthcare opportunities that she’s had.

Jennifer Englert Fliss, Psi/Wisconsin, authored As If She Had a Say, which is her second collection of short stories. It uses an absurdist lens to showcase characters— predominantly women—plumbing their resources as they navigate misogyny, abuse, and grief.

Curious About LIFE LOYAL?

When you become a Life Loyal member, you help fund educational, communications, and personal development programs for all Thetas. By becoming Life Loyal, you receive every printed issue of the Theta Magazine, Fraternity dues payments for life*, a handcrafted lapel pin, a personalized wallet card, and more. Here’s how to enroll:

Online

Simply go to thetalifeloyal.org to join and pay online.

Mail Print the enrollment form available at thetalifeloyal.org and mail the completed form with your check or credit card information to:

Kappa Alpha Theta attn: Angela Merk 8740 Founders Road Indianapolis, Indiana 46268

Phone Call Theta headquarters, 800-526-1870 ext. 140, to provide your contact and payment information over the phone.

*Not including alumnae chapter dues.

Life Loyal

Unsure about joining Life Loyal but want to support the next generation of Thetas? Pay your annual alumnae dues! Learn more at kappaalphatheta.org/ members/alumnae/support-the-next-generation

BECOME A Life Loyal THETA!

These women enrolled between February 1 and April 30, 2023.

Gamma/Butler

Rachel Adkins

Lisa Bauserman

Paige Finley Berry

Sarah Boeckmann

Abby Filter

Verna Heyne

Omicron/USC

Leslie Cole

Upsilon/Minnesota

Haley Miller

Psi/Wisconsin

Toni Millan

Alpha Theta/Texas

Nancy Sellingsloh Bertin

Shannon Taliaferro McCarroll

Alpha Iota/ Washington-St. Louis

Candace Ward Hinshaw

Eta/Michigan

Kit Hollway Wills

Alpha Omicron/Oklahoma

Sydney Patterson Farris

Alpha Tau/Cincinnati

Patty Hallett Forsberg

Beta Gamma/Colorado State

Elizabeth Thomsic Hilliard

Beta Zeta/Oklahoma State

Debbie Payne Craine

Casey Tippens Delaney

Lexie Stadler Jones

Beta Theta/Idaho

Timari Shirts Kulm

Beta Mu/Nevada

Kelsey Pratt Rising

Beta Nu/Florida State

Colleen Brown Newcomer

Beta Omicron/Iowa

Linda Baez Bendorf

Beta Sigma/SMU

Dawn Estes

Shannon McCutchin Finucane

Pam Loaringclark Graham

Beta Omega/ Colorado College

Jenny Miller Karber

Gamma Theta/ Carnegie Mellon

Liz Brode Diachun

Gamma Pi/Iowa State

Diana Martin-Gruenler

Gamma Tau/Tulsa

Haley Johnson

Gamma Phi/Texas Tech

Jill Odom Weller

Gamma Omega/Auburn

Cheryl Norman Akerman

Karen Bowen

Delta Eta/Kansas State

Kylie Sturgis Massman

Delta Theta/Florida

Marcela Andrade Monti

Zoe Vann

Delta Omega/Texas A&M

Sarah Grace Krog

Phi deuteron/Stanford

Fabi Arredondo Rolfe

Epsilon Zeta/Mississippi

Megan Alford Baker

Kimberley Drummond Hawthorne

Epsilon Eta/Centre

Diane Greenblatt Carter

Epsilon Lambda/Dickinson

Jenny Dotts Miller

Epsilon Pi/Bucknell

Ginna Freehling

Zeta Theta/Cal Poly

Jennifer Hall

Molly O’Brien

Zeta Xi/~

Grace Wang Mellis

Zeta Omicron/Wake Forest

Erin Rhodehamel

Eta Mu/Occidental

Ashley Quintana

Amanda Perez Serna-Leon

A Life-Changing Call: Lily’s Be The Match Story

By: Lily Sandblom | Epsilon Epsilon/Baylor

Be The Match helps save lives by connecting patients battling life-threatening blood cancers or other blood disorders with matching donors for marrow transplants. Their registry is the most diverse one in the world, including both adult donors willing to donate to a stranger in need and stored cord blood units. Be The Match also provides patients and their support systems with education, guidance, and support before, during, and after transplant. Initially featured as a blog on Theta’s website, Lily Sandblom, Epsilon Epsilon/Baylor, shared her experience with Be The Match.

ife seems to change in the blink of an eye when you start college. You are painfully aware of how drastically your life has just changed, and you know that so many new experiences are right around the corner. Little did I know how much my life would change when one day on campus, I decided to stop by the Be e Match tent at Baylor University. I had recently joined Kappa Alpha eta and was the type of student who was always looking for more ways to be involved. As I approached the tent, I re ected on what had brought me to this point. I always told myself that one day I would be brave enough to sign up for Be e Match. I wanted to be sure that if I received the call, I would be ready to say, “Yes,” without hesitation. I signed up for the registry that day with a simple cheek swab kit. at was in the spring of 2017.

Fast forward to January 2021. I received a call that I let go to voicemail. Upon checking the mailbox, I learned that Be e Match had called letting me know I had been selected as a match. Be e Match had called me once before, and I was the match for the same patient back in January 2020, but before I

could donate, the pandemic shut down all Be e Match donations. With that second call, I learned that the same patient from the year prior was still in need. We had learned so much in a year about the pandemic, and the operations for Be e Match had resumed, continuing to bring hope to patients and families. When asked, my answer was, ”Yes.” I was about six months into my rst year of medical school in Arizona, about to begin my classes in hematology and oncology, almost uncanny timing with my Be e Match donation. e day of the donation, I walked in with some nerves, but mostly with a grateful heart. e process could not have gone smoother, and I am so grateful for the team that took care of me that day.

I hope that, by reading my story, you feel prepared to answer the call. ere are few opportunities in our lives when we can truly partake in something that is much bigger than ourselves, and I rmly believe that this is one of those times. A deed like this isn’t for you. is is for a fellow human in need. You are quite possibly the only person on the planet who could help. And what an honor that is.

To join the Be The Match registry, follow these steps:

1. Go to https://my.bethematch.org/Thetas or text Thetas to 61474.

2. Click “Join” on the home page.

3. Fill out your information.

4. Receive the cheek swab kit in the mail.

5. Provide your sample and mail back your cheek swab kit.

6. Wait to see if you are a lifesaving match for a patient in need! You stay on the registry until your 61st birthday.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THETACONNECT?

We’ve reached 10,000!

Victoria Flowerree, Epsilon Upsilon/Columbia, ThetaConnect’s 10,000th user, shares why she joined the platform.

Why did you join ThetaConnect?

I joined ThetaConnect to connect with fellow Thetas and explore career opportunities that aligned with my personal values.

What are your favorite sections?

My favorite section is the Jobs area because it is practical, simple, and not as daunting as LinkedIn or other similar sites.

How can ThetaConnect best serve you?

ThetaConnect can help me explore goals that are both personal and professional. I can expand my Theta network and navigate the work world in a more familiar way.

We’ve created several short videos to show you how to navigate the platform, including:

• How to find a mentor

• How to upload an event

• How to post (and find) a job

• How to schedule a meeting

• And many more!

Log in to ThetaConnect and visit the Resources area to view the training videos.

Sign up for the 1870 Club today and you will have access to these iconic labels and so much more!

Two new labels will be available in the coming weeks, both paying tribute to eta and our love of singing.

Open a bottle of Remember the Black and Gold (red wine) and make a toast to the lifelong friendships found in Kappa Alpha eta. en, grab ree Cheers for eta (chardonnay) and raise a glass to all the fun memories you share with your eta sisters.

blackandgoldnapa.com

Voices

I hope that, by reading my story, you feel prepared to answer the call. There are few opportunities in our lives when we can truly partake in something that is much bigger than ourselves, and I firmly believe that this is one of those times.

Lily Sandblom Epsilon Epsilon/Baylor

(See page 30.)

A fun part of [being Fraternity Housing Corporation (FHC) president] is seeing how effective our FHC property managers and designers are in making the facilities a place to call home and promote sisterhood. Each campus is different, and, certainly, one structural and interior design does not fit every chapter. FHC staff strives to highlight our common bonds as Thetas, as well as celebrate what makes each chapter unique.

Leah Hartman Nu/Hanover

(See page 6.)

We’re so pleased to honor this year’s 35 Under 35 winners who exemplify absolute excellence and are taking the world by storm.

“Theta’s 35 Under 35”

(See page 12.)

Thetas have traveled by planes, trains, cars, buses, boats, and occasionally by horse and buggy! Whether they are traveling together or meeting other sisters, Thetas travel the world.

“Ask the Archivist”

(See page 10.)

I hope your summer has been wonderfully fulfilling, no matter how you spent it. And I hope you’re feeling ready to jump into the fall because it’s right around the corner!

Isabella

Markovski-Dickey

Alpha/DePauw

(See page 3.)