Let's Talk Tri Delta

Tri Delta’s Theta Zeta Chapter at the University of Texas has been hard at work with efforts on diversity, equity and inclusion, starting with eliminating preferential treatment of legacies during recruitment. Before Tri Delta made this organizational change, collegiate chapter president Ainslee Harrison was leading the charge for her chapter. Theta Zeta is eager to eliminate barriers in the recruitment process to make a more inclusive experience to welcome members to Tri Delta sisterhood. Ainslee also discusses how her chapter began utilizing a third-party reference for potential new members during recruitment. As DEI leaders in the Texas Panhellenic community, Theta Zeta hopes that that more accessibility will soon make campus sororities truly reflect the university population.

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Alicia Russell, Furman, has been singing as long as she could sit still in church. Coming from generations of singers, Alicia found early passions for the stage through musical theater performances. After being encouraged to pursue opera, she quickly discovered what would become her career. Having served as a resident artist at companies around the country, Alicia has also been able to promote arts education to young people and introduce them to the world of opera. She has been able to showcase BIPOC professionals in the arts and participate in telling more diverse experiences through her art. Alicia offers great advice on staying flexible in your life and career in an ever-changing world. 

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This episode explores an important organizational policy change. Tri Delta’s Executive Board has unanimously voted to eliminate collegiate chapter legacy policies, effective July 31, 2021. For many of our sisters this comes as a welcome change, as chapter-level legacy policies have caused a great deal of confusion and have been a barrier to membership for some. And for many of our sisters, we understand that this decision may cause concern and disappointment as these are cherished relationships that we look forward to sharing with our family members.

Tri Delta acknowledges that this is more than just a policy change, but an organizational cultural shift to be more kind alike to all. Jenni Oaks, Stacey Cox and Karen White each share personal connections and stories about the legacies in their lives and how this change allows for a more equitable recruitment experience. They discuss how removing barriers to membership also opens doors to enable more diversity and opportunity in Tri Delta. 

Following their conversation, we hear from Ainslee Harrison, collegiate chapter president of Theta Zeta Chapter at the University of Texas. Theta Zeta has recently removed preferential treatment of legacies from their policies and the chapter is leading the way with exciting initiatives on diversity, equity and inclusion on the UT campus. 

Kara Barnett, Duke, is an arts leader, an innovator and Broadway producer who is making waves in the world through her work as Executive Director of the American Ballet Theatre. She discusses her work and shifting priorities to provide arts entertainment in a virtual world, extending reach across the globe. Kara speaks about the representation of women and diverse voices within arts and how ABT has created space for elevating and championing those voices and talents. She reflects on key areas of “honestly, humility and hope” in DEI by making courageous moves to create a better world together. 

Read more about Kara and Tri Delta’s 2021 Women of Achievement.

Following a successful career on Wall Street in banking and corporate philanthropy, WOA recipient Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne, Pennsylvania, found a new passion for becoming a champion for women of color in the tech industry. The daughter of one of the “hidden figures” of Silicon Valley tech world, Gayle founded her own venture capital firm, WOCstars, to help fund tech business by women of color. 

She focuses on the powers of empathy and listening in allowing voices to be heard in any realm and shares how Tri Delta empowered her as a Black woman in any industry. Gayle also shares a powerful concept of “plus one” on inviting your “plus one” to important conversations and experiences.

Read more about Gayle and Tri Delta’s 2021 Women of Achievement.

Learning to fly at a young age was the “winning ticket” for Carol Hallett, Oregon, who has had a storied career in aviation and government. She encourages all young people, especially young women to find something unique about yourself to draw attention … which can only lead to success. Carol played a pivotal part of the aviation industry on 9/11 and discusses unification as a common goal when presented with a major crisis. Having served as U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas and a counselor to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, she gives a glimpse into her lifetime of service, often as one of few women leaders in the room. 

Read more about Carol and Tri Delta’s 2021 Women of Achievement.

Dr. Katie Hoge, Wake Forest, is featured on this episode of Let’s Talk Tri Delta’s series on our 33 Under 33. A physician at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Katie is known for her work with children who have encountered serious health consequences – Vulnerable Child Syndrome. Her work has led her to partner with a mentor in creating a resource and therapies for parents, empowering them to address their thoughts and behaviors to assist in their child’s development. She discusses her admiration for Tri Delta’s commitment to wellness and mental health and how we have been a leader in this movement. Never afraid to ask questions, she gives strong advice on trusting your judgment. 

An activist and social media expert Jaelin Palmer, Cal State/Northridge, serves as Director of Advocacy at Fight Like a Warrior, where she uses her more than 10 years battling illness to unite, empower and advocate for others in similar situations. With a spark to change the world on a large scale, Jaelin puts her passions first, knowing her illness can’t defeat her. She talks about her Tri Delta experience as an officer and how it has taught her to better manage people in her professional career. We also hear about how she and her sister co-founded her city’s first LGBTQ+ advocacy group, as featured on “The Today Show!” Jaelin gives powerful advice for young professionals on negotiating your salary and how Tri Delta is contributing to closing the gender pay gap. This conversation inspires all to stand up and use our voice.

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AAUW Start Smart Salary Negotiation Workshop

Our next podcast featuring Tri Delta’s 33 Under 33 is one of our few collegiate recipients! Alexa Young, Florida, is a promising senior who recently completed her term as Panhellenic President at UF. Through her trailblazing year serving more than 4,000 Panhellenic women, she learned how to adjust planning during a pandemic and lean into the leader she didn’t know she was. Alexa credits Tri Delta with creating lofty goals, which guided her in laying the groundwork for diversity, equity and inclusion work in the Panhellenic community. Having served as the first Black Panhellenic President, she discusses the importance of being the first, but not being the last and why steps to inclusion mean challenging traditional narratives. Hear Alexa’s amazing story and be proud of her opening doors for new generations of leaders at Florida.

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For Tri Delta’s St. Jude Month, we are pleased to showcase our partnership with St. Jude, focusing on how our members are inspiring a new generation of supporters. Kristy Hurley, Arkansas, has been a lifelong Delta Iota Chapter volunteer. She has shared her passion for St. Jude with her three sons, who now use their own spotlights to support the cause. Kristy’s son Sam started making YouTube videos as a child and has grown into a social media sensation – with nearly 4 million followers on TikTok! Sam has become a St. Jude supporter, visiting the hospital and providing gifts to more than 200 patients last holiday season. Sam discusses the power of giving back and how he highlights that through his platforms. Kristy and Sam share their love for St. Jude and how our members contribute to a cause bigger than themselves – finding cures and saving children. 

Read more about Sam, Kristy and St. Jude!

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