8 minute read
With Purpose
by TriDelta
Volunteer Spotlights
Mavungu (Alba) Kambu, Ottawa Operations Advisor
Alba was initiated in 2014, and during her time in the chapter, she served as the vice president of finance. After graduating with a degree in electrical engineering, Alba now works as a technical consultant and continues to give back to Canada Delta Chapter by serving as the operations advisor.
Shortly after circling out in March 2017, our alumna advisor (AA) at the time mentioned about how she was looking for more volunteers to look over different areas of the collegiate chapter and to gather more alumnae involvement through volunteering. Although I was nervous to join because I just went through Circle Degree at the time, I went into this thinking that it would be an insightful experience to go through and to learn new things.
What do you get most out of volunteering?
Volunteering for Tri Delta has allowed me to build connections with other volunteers and members that I would not have had the chance to meet otherwise. As someone who started volunteering right after Circle Degree, it was another way to continue my personal growth and development and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to begin my volunteer experience so early. It has also encouraged me to stay up to date with all the amazing initiatives that Tri Delta has in store.
What has been the most rewarding experience?
Overall, the most rewarding experience so far as a collegiate advisor is seeing the collegiate members grow throughout their time in the chapter and seeing them graduate as strong and passionate young women. Seeing it firsthand and knowing that I can be a part of their growth and development is a reward in and of itself. “As someone who started volunteering right after Circle Degree, it was another way to continue my personal growth and development and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to begin my volunteer experience so early.” Alba Kambu
Laura Stenovec
Laura Stenovec, Denver Collegiate Crescent Fund Chair
An accomplished leadership coach, mentor, and Beautycounter Managing Director, Laura is passionate about team development, philanthropy and healthy living. Having started her professional career in the nonprofit sector, she is committed to building community and supporting it through service.
Laura has served in a variety of volunteer roles with Tri Delta, including house corporation treasurer, collegiate district officer (CDO), collegiate chapter coordinator (CCCo), extension committee, alumnae chapter president and, now, the chair of Tri Delta’s Foundation Collegiate Crescent Fund.
I had so many wonderful alumnae role models when I was in college that saying “yes” to volunteering for Tri Delta was a no brainer. I knew I wanted to do it as soon as I was able.
I believe greatly in the importance of giving back to an organization that has given me so much. I find myself referencing my collegiate Tri Delta days often in my professional life. Tri Delta is where I learned to be a leader and I will be forever grateful for that. I would not be where I am today professionally without the experiences I got leading in Tri Delta.
What do you get most out of volunteering?
I always say “every day is an opportunity to make a new friend.” I LOVE the friends I have met through volunteering. I cannot imagine my life without them in it.
Professional development is important to me. I love growing and learning both as a person and as a leader. I’m grateful to Tri Delta for all that I have learned through its alumnae programming.
What has been the most rewarding experience?
I’m still in touch with some of the collegiate members I worked with when I was a CDO and CCCo. I love staying in touch with them as they advance in their careers and life.
Joni Saquilayan Malina, Arizona Phoenix Valley Alumnae Chapter Secretary
After graduating from the University of Arizona, Joni served Tri Delta as a chapter development consultant (then known as field consultant) in 2007-2008. She then went on to attend medical school at Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. Now board-certified in internal medicine, Joni is currently an academic physician/ hospitalist at St. Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center. She has served as an officer of the Phoenix Valley Alumnae Chapter since moving back to Arizona, including having served as events committee co-chair, membership chair, treasurer and now secretary.
I first heard about volunteering for Tri Delta as a new member of Phi Beta. Not only did I learn about lifetime membership and ways to remain involved after graduation during my new member education, I immediately witnessed the dedication of the local, regional and national volunteers. When I became collegiate chapter president, I became even more aware and appreciative of our volunteers and knew I wanted to volunteer after graduation.
Two volunteers in particular stood out: 1) Longtime University of Arizona Alumna Advisor Kathy Damstra who attended every chapter meeting, standards meeting, and several other events and mentored us despite having a full-time job and other outside responsibilities. And 2) Linda Purkapile who visited our chapter as a representative of the Fraternity during a time of chapter need. Both served as mentors, advisors and role models for me, and now I’m proud to consider both of them as friends to this day.
What do you get most out of volunteering?
What I get the most out of volunteering is being able to give back to this organization that means so much to me. I must admit when I joined Tri Delta, I didn’t fully understand what I was getting myself into. I just thought it would be a good way to get involved on campus and meet some friends. Little did I know that this organization would shape me into the woman I am today. I joined Tri Delta as a reserved freshman who didn’t realize my full potential. I was shocked when I was slated to be our chapter secretary as a freshman and president as a sophomore. I was terrified and actually almost asked to be removed from the slate both times. But I trusted my sisters who pushed me to succeed and grow both personally and professionally. I discovered that I could be a leader and team-player and be able to work with different types of people of different backgrounds. I can confidently say that my experiences through Tri Delta, from collegian to alumna, have directly prepared me for my career as a physician.
What has been the most rewarding experience?
The most rewarding experience has been contributing to the successes of Tri Delta and watching her continue to grow and flourish. I am proud to be able to continue Tri Delta’s legacy to benefit collegiate and alumnae members alike.
Meredith Green, Southern California Theta Xi House Corporation President
After earning degrees from the University of Southern California (USC) and the UCLA Interior Design Program, Meredith launched her design firm, Meredith Green Designs LLC, in 2004. She uses her talents as an interior designer for the Theta Xi house at USC, where she serves as house corporation president.
I first heard about volunteering for Tri Delta from one of my closest USC Tri Delta friends. She was in grad school at USC at the time and decided to volunteer herself and asked if I wanted to help out with the chapter. At first, it was just a great opportunity to spend time with a wonderful friend! Then as I got to know some of the other volunteers I was invited to a house corporation meeting. It was at that first house corporation meeting that I realized perhaps there was a way for me to use my talents as an interior designer to give back to USC, the chapter, and our beautiful historical home.
What do you get most out of volunteering?
Our beautiful house is the constant backdrop of the USC Tri Delta experience. A lot of time and effort goes into maintaining this 124-year-old home, and I learn something new every day. Whether we are redesigning an entire space, salvaging a small historic architectural detail, or a new year has introduced a new “must have” technology, I am constantly learning. I love working with our volunteer team of dedicated, talented and knowledgeable women to help save a small piece of Los Angeles’ architectural history.
What has been the most rewarding experience?
The USC Tri Delta house is not just a place to live, but a place to grow as women. Under its roof, generations of Tri Deltas have developed friendships, achieved their academic goals, and honed their leadership skills. The house continues to play a prominent role in the collegiate living and learning experience, and the house corporation strives to create an environment where our chapter members can flourish. Knowing that my design work and I are a part of that history is extremely rewarding.
