In 2018, after my sophomore year, I had the opportunity to attend Theta’s Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI). It was an experience that expanded my understanding of Theta’s connection and community. I was amazed at how quickly a group of strangers became friends through shared experiences and mutual connections.
The program united members across chapters with the purpose to learn about and invest in ourselves so that we could lead and strive for the greater good in our communities. The curriculum emphasized that everyone has potential to lead and dove into the dynamic and relationship-based foundations of leadership. To be a good leader, you need to know and work toward every individual's best interest. Through discussions about chapter and personal challenges, I learned how to lead with empathy, purpose, and authenticity, which are skills that have stayed with me beyond college.
Jumping forward to 2025, I hadn’t been engaged with Theta following my graduation and was feeling lost. I saw a social media post about the new Alumnae Leadership Program and knew it was a chance to reconnect with the organization, once again invest in myself, and discover who I am as an emerging professional.
With the cohort spanning a range of ages and walks of life, conversations naturally expanded beyond our collegiate adventures. We explored the roles of vulnerability, privilege, and values in our lived experiences as discussions were guided by Brené Brown’s book, Dare to Lead. Her philosophy preaches that strength comes from community and connection, and that we need to open ourselves up and share our perspectives to be positive change makers. These reflections helped me not only identify areas for growth but also learn how to confidently talk about my strengths in professional and personal settings. The atmosphere of openness, growth, and lifelong learning was an empowering reminder that our strengths and leadership skills evolve with us though life.
My biggest—and maybe the most meaningful—takeaway was the sense of connection and community I felt through both programs. Having not stayed near my university nor joined an alumnae chapter, it was refreshing to reengage with the Theta sisterhood. Despite our different lifestyles and chapter experiences, our conversations emphasized the reach of our community and support we can provide for each other. Between ELI, the Alumnae Leadership Program, and my time at Delta Iota Chapter, I’ve grown through every opportunity to learn, reflect, and connect. These experiences confirm that Theta’s network and values continue to shape who I am and how I lead—no matter the season of life.