2024 First Quarter Members of Impact
Delta Gammas do incredible things every day—whether in their careers, through volunteer work or just by being awesome humans. The Member of Impact program selects honorees quarterly to celebrate our members and tell their inspiring stories. We are excited to share the next group of sisters receiving this recognition.
Learn more about the Member of Impact program here, or nominate a sister for next quarter here. For questions or more information, please contact Fraternity Director: Alumnae Engagement at engagement@deltagamma.org.
Jessica Farris Salonus, Gamma Zeta-Louisiana State, practices special education law and handles claims arising under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). She also handles matters related to the abuse of children by schools and cases involving retaliation against parents and teachers for advocating for children with special needs. A former client shared about Jessica: "She battled for my child's rights and got a settlement that is life-changing for my child. She was more than our attorney; she was our friend and stood by us when we were going through an event that traumatized my child. I will be forever grateful to Jessica for all she did to get our lives back.” Jessica lives in Jackson, Tennessee, with her husband, Graham and two sons, Grey and Jack.
Leslie Jones, Epsilon Eta-Indiana University of Pennsylvania and member of Las Vegas alumnae chapter, consistently demonstrates a commitment to do good within the Las Vegas community. Her faith is her foundation, and she volunteers as a prayer hotline operator through 24-Hour Church, offering support to those in need. Recently, Leslie founded Every Mile Matters, a faith-based running community for women who want to run their life’s race with confidence. Her work in the non-profit sector includes a decade of fundraising for Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation and opening the first preschool for blind children in the state’s history. Leslie’s service has earned her several awards, including Delta Gamma Foundation’s Catherine Stuart Schmoker Principled Leadership Award and Las Vegas Weekly’s 40 Under 40. Leslie lives in the wild desert of Las Vegas with her restaurateur husband Kelley and their rambunctious son Ryder.
Emily Kittle Morrison, Beta Chi-Denver and member of Tucson alumnae chapter, has served Delta Gamma from her first days at the University of Denver in 1962. As a member of the Tucson alumnae group, she has held many officer positions and served as an adviser for Alpha Pi-Arizona. In her role as president of the alumnae chapter, she created the Anchor Auction, an event that raises approximately $5,000 each year to support the Delta Gamma Foundation. Outside of DG volunteer work, Emily has devoted her time and talents to other organizations, including the Junior League of Tucson and her high school alumni association. Two causes dear to her heart are Tucson's Youth on Their Own, a resource for youth in the foster system who need help transitioning to independence upon turning 18, and the African American Museum of Southern Arizona, which just celebrated its first anniversary. Her generosity, leadership, and commitment to serving others garnered her many community-wide awards, including the Delta Gamma Catherine Stuart Schmoker Principled Leadership Award in 2016 and the Junior League of Tucson Leadership Award, induction into her high school's Hall of Fame, and the Tucson Alumnae Panhellenic Athena Award, their version of a “Woman of the Year” award.
Sarjenka Kuryliw, Beta Beta-Alberta and member of Alberta alumnae chapter, works in a predominantly Indigenous population as a middle school and high school teacher. She is a champion for Indigenous culture, hand-making ribbon skirts, baking bannock, participating in feasts, pipe ceremonies, round dances and smudging at the school. Sarjenka is Mohawk, and most of her students are from Cree nations. Sarjenka helps these youth feel seen, heard and validated, all while assisting them in navigating the world. Her approach of empathy and understanding for where they are at makes truly a world of difference for the youth.
Mallory Lussier, Beta Beta-Alberta and member of Alberta alumnae chapter, has served in various positions, including collegiate chapter president and local and distance chapter adviser. On top of her many contributions to Delta Gamma, she also supports her local Panhellenic association, facilitating executive retreats and speaking to students as part of the Greek Leadership Collective. Mallory was recently selected to act as an Area Panhellenic Advisor, working with several American chapters. She is also a single mother to two beautiful girls under the age of six and works full-time as a teacher and high school counselor. Mallory has been tasked with single-handedly supporting her entire school community in addressing opioid-related concerns, as well as supporting staff and students after several students died by suicide. Her dedication to her students, especially in times of trouble, is admirable.
Abby Myette, Beta Zeta-Denison and member of Boston alumnae chapter, recently started a new podcast called Loud Women Podcast. In her own words, it is "a place where I can share the stories of women in history and today, bringing a new lens or perspective. It’s time we stop apologizing for being loud and start reframing the characteristics of women in a positive light." Her commitment to researching the subjects, sometimes with super obscure or not well-known facts, and telling their stories is inspiring. One episode even featured the story of fellow Delta Gamma Alison Levine that invited listeners to reconsider fear and what they can do in spite of fear. The podcast has become a creative and inspirational outlet for Abby, and she is able to encourage women to proudly embrace who they are and who they strive to be.
Laura Sabia, Epsilon Theta-Tampa and member of Connecticut Westchester alumnae chapter, founded two magazines – Greenwich Lifestyle Magazine and Darien New Canaan Lifestyle Magazine – that are free community resources to help local business owners connect to the community. Laura is also a published author, and her book, "You Can Thank Me Later," serves to help aspiring business owners get started in the field of entrepreneurship. Her book draws on the experience she gained while managing her business portfolio, which includes three different Pure Barre locations in Fairfield County, CT. Laura has attributed her success in the business world to the leadership opportunities in Delta Gamma.
Carla Williams, Delta Zeta-Memphis and Sandhills alumnae association, has taken her passion for caring for others and applied it to every facet of her life. Growing up with a dentist for a father, she volunteered in his practice when she was in high school and college. This led to her completing the coursework and practicum to become a registered dental assistant. After earning additional business degrees and changing careers, she retired from serving in high-level human resources positions. She took on even more volunteer roles, including one position that allowed her to return to the world of dentistry. She now serves as the vice chair of the St. Joseph of the Pines (SJP) Board and chair of the Mobile Dental Unit Committee. SJP secured and outfitted an 18-wheeler to provide free dental care for underserved adults in the community. The Mobile Dental Unit team has performed over 2500 free dental procedures and recently celebrated serving their 1,000th patient.
Kristin Wing, Tau-Iowa and Greater Kansas City alumnae chapter, serves on the board of Madam President Camp, a nonprofit summer camp program designed to help girls understand civics, find their voice in our community, learn leadership skills and prepare for a future in leadership. She also spends her time on the board of the Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to identifying, training, and supporting women running for office. This past election cycle, Kristin’s organization financially supported 23 women running for office and 18 were elected! She is also involved with UnitedWE, an organization focused on improving the lives of women and families. After Kristin’s husband had a kidney transplant in 2018, she became involved with Gift of Life, a Kansas City-based organization that educates our community and supports families going through organ transplants and organ/skin/eye donation. Kristin also serves on the University of Kansas Health System’s Center’s Patient and Family Advisory Board, where she brainstorms with the medical staff and a volunteer board to find ways to address a better patient care experience. She also chairs the Tau-Iowa house corporation board.