Outlining the Changes and Rationale for Delta Gamma Fraternity’s BEID Statements and Anti-Discrimination Policy 

The value of belonging, equity, inclusion and diversity (BEID) in our society has garnered significant importance over the past several years. As our communities evolve and grow into more inclusive environments, it is imperative for the survival of any organization to recognize the importance of all individuals feeling valued and respected. This is not only of moral importance, but it is strategically crucial for Delta Gamma to prioritize belonging, equity and diversity (BEID) to build a prosperous and sustainable future.  

Upcoming generations are looking for a place to belong. They expect diversity because they come from diverse households. They expect empowerment because they feel empowered by technology. They expect an individualized, personal experience because they believe that well-being is a community responsibility. They expect to experience multiple perspectives because they are globally minded. Delta Gamma’s priorities must strive to reflect the future. This ensures that future generations will continue to seek community and belonging within Delta Gamma Fraternity.  

In response to this imperative, Delta Gamma Fraternity has taken several steps to create a strategic framework for a more equitable and inclusive organization. In 2019, Delta Gamma did the work of examining and reflecting upon its history. Between 2019 and 2024, Delta Gamma partnered with Social Responsibility Speaks (SRS) to conduct an assessment which led to the creation of the Organizational Equity Assessment (OEA) recommendations, created a strategic plan to address some of the recommendations, had SRS to overlay the strategic plan with the recommendations to acknowledge and address gaps, established Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Commission (DEIAC), created the volunteer position of Director: Belonging, Equity, Inclusion and Diversity, created the staff role of assistant director for belonging efforts and endorsed the creation of the Organizational Equity Commission (OEC) to further the work of the former DEIAC with a new charge. To reflect the organization’s commitment to inclusion, Delta Gamma released a positional statement of inclusivity.  

In April 2024, Fraternity Council amended the positional statement on inclusivity. The amended positional statement aims to clarify the Fraternity’s commitment to belonging, equity, inclusion and diversity, welcoming all people to freely reflect their true, authentic selves. Delta Gamma reinforced its commitment to continuous dedication to BEID, devotion to an equitable and open community, contextual understanding of oppression, breaking down structural barriers of oppression and cultural humility.  

The Council also endorsed a new anti-discrimination policy. The new policy acknowledges the significance and intersectionality of identity. Intersectionality is the idea that different aspects of a person's identity can lead to overlapping forms of discrimination and marginalization. The anti-discrimination policy recognizes that various identities such as ability, age, color, creed, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, native language, race, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, social class and veteran status are exposed to oppression. This policy is to affirm that all members of Delta Gamma, including nonbinary and trans members and anyone who identifies as a woman will be treated with dignity and respect.  

It is important to note that for Delta Gamma Fraternity, the ideas around belonging, equity and diversity are not just cultural buzzwords. These are fundamental principles that are essential for building a more just, equitable and inclusive organization. By prioritizing these principles within our Fraternity, we solidify our commitment to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment that fosters our core values of belonging and connection. 

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.  

Council Comment | May 2024

Fraternity Council recently came together for their last in-person meeting before Convention in Palm Desert, California. During this meeting, they received updates from staff and volunteers collaborating to advance the Fraternity’s Strategic Plan, launched earlier in the biennium. The plan represents three strategic directions:

1. Ensuring Relevance
2. Cultivating Authentic Sisterhood
3. Realizing Our Future

Based on each of these, Council developed action arenas and aligned existing Fraternity initiatives with new initiatives. Nine action arenas were created, each led by a committee of staff and volunteers. There has been tremendous progress on many fronts, and Council shares below what they are most excited about.

"Revising our Honor Board processes to better reflect our Culture of Care is something that really speaks to me. The committee reframed the tone and language of the formal hearing and notice of rights to make it to make it more transparent and easier to understand."

Dr. Amy R. Ayres, Alpha Iota-Oklahoma, Fraternity President

"I am most excited about our revised Fraternity Standards. The update simplifies and clarifies the areas chapters can focus on to have the most successful, fun and rewarding membership experience."

Joanna Rosenow Shook, Alpha Upsilon-Southern Methodist, Council Trustee: Collegians 

"I am most excited about the cross-generational programming and the increased focus on meaningful programming for our alumnae. Dawson Institute gave great feedback, and I hope it continues because more of our members need to experience the impact of that program! "

Vanessa Milara Alzate, Epsilon Psi-Rutgers, Council Trustee: Alumnae

"I'm most excited about integrating our fostering brave connections strategic plan focus into the Dawson Institute curriculum. The alumnae who attended shared how transformative it is to engage bravely and connect in person at our institute. Their stories prove how powerful brave connections can be! Thanks to the Foundation and our donors, I'm excited that we continue nurturing genuine, authentic sisterhood through our Fraternity programs."

Molly Peirano, Epsilon-Ohio State, Council Trustee: Fraternity Programming

"I am most excited about the new collegiate communications roles. By reframing these roles, we’re aligning the positions with the social media and digital file management that collegians are already doing."

Dr. Stephanie Latza Brown, Delta Pi-Southern Mississippi, Council Trustee: Membership 

"I am excited about the progress and feedback of our Fostering Brave Connections action arena. Adding that curriculum to our leadership programs helps us develop even stronger, authentic bonds."

Corey Santel, Zeta Phi-Harvard, Council Trustee: Communications

"I love that we’re exploring more opportunities to work across functional areas and subject matter experts (SMEs) to enable us to better understand and support chapters of concern and their members. I’m also excited to see the launch of the career mentoring program pairing collegians and alumnae. We can learn so much from each other."

Susan Meyer Kornegay, Eta-Akron, Fraternity Treasurer

Introducing the 2024-25 Organizational Equity Commission (OEC) 

The Organizational Equity Commission (OEC) is formed to help guide and inform Delta Gamma’s efforts around belonging, equity, inclusion and diversity to achieve our goal of ensuring Delta Gamma is more equitable, more inclusive and more diverse, creating a sense of belonging amongst members who hold identities that have been marginalized.

OEC CHAIR & FRATERNITY DIRECTOR: BELONGING, EQUITY, INCLUSION & DIVERSITY 

Wendy Faust, Epsilon-Ohio State (she/her)  
Wendy currently serves the Fraternity as Director: Belonging, Equity, Inclusion and Diversity, as well as the Chair of the Organizational Equity Commission. She is also a former Fraternity Council member and a former Foundation Board of Trustees member. Wendy is a longtime community and legislative advocate for marginalized individuals in Ohio, working with organizations such as Equality Ohio and Starhouse. In her professional career as a commercial interior designer, she has focused much of her work through a lens of accessibility for all. She is passionate about creating environments where everyone will be valued for exactly who they are and know they belong. 

Sofia Augenstein, Zeta Zeta-Boston (she/her)  
Sofia Augenstein is a student at Boston University studying health science with a minor in biology. When she is not in class, she is passionate about leading diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training for my sorority, Delta Gamma. Sofia enjoys constantly learning from different perspectives, situations, and individuals discussing DEI initiatives. She is also an avid yogi and enjoys running when it is warm outside. 

Jason Fitzer, Ph.D. Phi Delta Theta Fraternity (he/him)
Dr. Jason Fitzer has worked as a student affairs educator focused on helping students become involved and engaged for over a decade. A California native, Jason grew up in Northern California and graduated with a bachelor’s of science in business administration from California State University Chico. At Chico State, Jason joined the California Xi chapter of Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity. Following graduation from Chico State, Jason obtained a master's of education in college student affairs administration from the University of Georgia and later a Ph.D. in counseling and student personnel services. His research focused on topics of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Jason currently serves as an Assistant Dean in the Office of Student Life, supporting campus climate and basic needs initiatives. 

Wynde Jones, Delta Pi-Southern Mississippi (she/her) 
Wynde Jones firmly believes in the transformative power of education both inside and outside of the classroom. Her over 30 years in higher education are grounded by her passion for making a difference in students' lives.  

Wynde is an instructor in the School of Leadership and Human Resource Development at Louisiana State University. She retired in May of 2022 as the Assistant Vice President for Student Connections at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she gained valuable experience supervising Fraternity/Sorority life, Multicultural Programs, Center for Community Engagement, Transition Programs and Leadership and Student Involvement. Positions as the co-chair of the behavioral intervention team and member of the Title IX investigation team allowed her to serve students in important ways. Wynde has additional experience with crisis management, student leadership and social justice.   

Wynde has a diversity and inclusion certification from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in human capital development from the University of Southern Mississippi. She has held various positions on boards of directors, councils, coalitions and committees where she has served others. Wynde has been an involved alumna with Delta Gamma for nearly thirty years as a collegiate adviser, house corporation officer and regional volunteer. 

Ollie Kress, Alpha Lambda-Drake (she/her) 
Ollie is completing her music business degree at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and will graduate in May 2024. In her time as a collegian, she has started a feminist advocacy group on Drake’s campus where she served as President, served Alpha Lambda as the director of Anchor Splash, director of recruitment records and director of primary recruitment, in addition to serving on the 2023 Collegiate Advisory Board. Ollie is passionate about advocacy and education and will have her undergraduate research (officially!) published in May on the impact of instructor feedback on students’ feelings of self-determination. Presenting her research at various conferences has “filled her cup” by sharing what she has learned through her study and having the opportunity to speak about it.  

Ollie is grateful to the members of Alpha Lambda for their continued support and for her fiancé, who has grown to love the Hannah doll, too. 

Qy’Darrius McEachern, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (he/him)
Qy'Darrius Z. McEachern is a national speaker and consultant who strives to make his audiences feel positively uncomfortable during speaking engagements and consultations, as he believes that this is a learning feeling that drives growth and change. He also serves as the Program Manager at Code 2040, a nonprofit focused on addressing racial inequities in the tech industry. 

In addition, Q’s audiences feel empowered and educated as a means of creating sustainable change within their organization, leading to higher retention and better organizational morale overall. Q helps organizations take meaningful steps towards fostering true belonging through justice-focused work. 

Madeline Nachtman, Alpha Lambda-Drake (she/her) 
Madeline works in the Alumni Relations department at her alma mater, Drake University. Madeline holds a bachelor's degree in law, politics and society. She is passionate about accessibility. She previously worked at The Harkin Institute at Drake University, where she helped manage event accessibility and was able to support a project focused on access to services for individuals with disabilities in Iowa. Madeline serves as an alumnae group officer for the Des Moines alumnae chapter and is the employment committee chair for Alpha Lambda's house corporation. 

Matthew Phister, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity (he/him)
Matthew Phister has been Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Utah since July 2022. Matt previously served as a Resident Director in Housing and Residential Education at Utah beginning in June 2018, until joining the Fraternity and Sorority Life staff in January 2021 as the Assistant Director and Interfraternity Council Advisor. Matt is originally from Northeast Ohio and attended the University of Akron, earning a BA in political science and later an MA in student affairs administration from Michigan State University. Before attending graduate school, he worked at an academic non-profit in Washington, D.C., managing academic internship programs for undergraduates and law students for nearly three years. Matt is a proud member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.   

Outside of work, Matt enjoys visiting local restaurants and breweries, spending time with his rescue dog, Sophie, and has a growing interest in tattoos, golf and axe throwing. 

Dr. Becca Rampe, Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity (she/her)
Dr. Becca Rampe is a clinical psychologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology. She started at UAB in 2021, primarily offering clinical services to adults who carry developmental trauma and/or traumatic grief as some of their lived experiences while training graduate students and psychiatry residents in psychotherapy. She worked in university counseling centers for 12 years before UAB working to create prevention and outreach spaces for positive mental health engagement. Becca identifies as a Hispanic-white, heterosexual, able-bodied, with English as her first language, cis-gender female from a poor/working-class background, and has no current religious affiliation with neurodiversity connected with her own childhood adversity. All aspects of her identity are meaningful to her in a unique way with her finding it important to allow people to share their stories, lens of viewing the world, and learn about their lived experiences. As a Zeta Tau Alpha, she is the inclusion advisor for Delta Psi at Samford University and Inclusion Chair for the Birmingham alumnae chapter striving to provide education and spaces for reflection and healing for members. She also serves as a health and wellness facilitator for DG. She is excited to serve on the OEC to create trauma and neuroscience-aware spaces for connection, belonging, and learning for members and the DG community. 

Katie Seuntjens, Gamma Iota-DePauw (she/her)  
Katlyn (Katie) Cornelius Seuntjens is a member of Delta Gamma Fraternity. She was initiated at DePauw University, where she received a biology degree and a French minor. Professionally, she is a Senior IT Project Manager at Be the Match, where she has worked for the past 11 years and is a member of their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Katie also serves as a member of Gamma Phi Beta’s Belonging, Equity and Inclusion committee. She has extensive facilitation experience, including Sigma Kappa’s Emerging Leaders, Tri Delta’s BodyImage3D and AAUW Start Smart programs, and Delta Gamma’s Lewis Institute, along with several other Delta Gamma programs. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her husband, two kids and several pets. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, crafting and running. 

Jonathan Ng, Sigma Nu Fraternity (he/him)

Jonathan oversees the fraternity and sorority community at UC Santa Barbara. With almost a decade of experience in Fraternity/Sorority life, Jonathan brings an unbridled passion for student development, transformational leadership and change management strategies to the work he does with others in support of students and student organizations. In this role, he supports Fraternity/Sorority operations, assesses deficiencies and opportunities for growth and manages crises while developing individuals to lead others and create a legacy built on accountability, values-informed practices and inclusion. He is passionate about spending his days in community with student leaders and engaging in a challenge and support model of advising for student leaders to identify who they are, who they want to become and how to best achieve that goal.

Louis Green Assistant Director of Belonging Efforts | EO Staff Liaison