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.
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. 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!)