3 minute read
Empowered Women: Joyce Newcom O'Daniel
She didn’t “Go Greek” until her junior year, but that didn’t stop Joyce Newcom O’Daniel, Alpha Chi, from becoming Tri Sigma’s 15th National President at this year's National Convention.
While in her third year at Murray State, Joyce's roommate—a member of Alpha Omicron Pi—urged her to "rush," noting she would be a good addition to the Greek community. She decided to go through with it, and joined Tri Sigma soon after. She found a new community of friends and grew her natural recruitment and leadership talents as the chapter’s Panhellenic Delegate.
She joined Tri Sigma's Phoenix Alumnae Chapter a year after moving fromKentucky to Arizona. She wasn’t initially convinced to get involved, as her life was rapidly changing with a busy career in the financial sector, but she ended up volunteering in a variety of Panhellenic roles over the next few years.
In 1993, then Executive Council member Jeanne Johnson, Alpha Iota, approached Joyce to see if she'd be interested in becoming a National Recruitment Director. Joyce joyfully pivoted to recruitment and the extension efforts of new chapters.
Also during this time, her career flourished. She worked in mortgage brokerage after her son was born and later started her own company. She followed up that successful business with two more—one selling jewelry and another selling clothing. Still to this day, she attributes her recruitment experience as particularly helpful when it came to sales.
Joyce retired in 2018 and has since become involved in local government. She currently serves as a State Committee Representative for her legislative district. She feels convicted to help make her community a better place and enjoys building interpersonal relationships along the way. Between work, Tri Sigma, and volunteering with her church, she enjoys a broad network of friends across the country.
Perhaps her most beloved role is that of grandparent to her 3-yearold and 1-year-old granddaughters. She has also been known to spoil her dogs, Violet and Scarlet.
As a former National Vice President, Area Advisor and Alternate Delegate for NPC, her personal goals are to ensure the financial stability for the future of Tri Sigma and continue our great reputation within the NPC community. She is proud of the work already taking place surrounding the existing strategic plan and is confident it will continue to guide Executive Council, staff and volunteers toward an even brighter future.
