Meet Your 2024-26 Fraternity Council
During our 71st Biennial Convention, voting delegates elected the women who would lead our Fraternity over the next two years. Join us in welcoming the 2024-26 Fraternity Council!
Fraternity President
Dr. Amy R. Ayres, Alpha Iota-Oklahoma
Where do you live and who do you live with?
I live in the heart of the country, Oklahoma City with my two dogs, Lola and Murphy and a host of cats (too embarrassing to say how many).
Tell us about your career/profession:
I’ve worked in higher education for most of my professional career and currently serve as Vice President for Student Affairs and Title IX Coordinator at Oklahoma City University, a small, private, liberal arts institution. Previous to OCU, I spent time at the University of North Texas and the University of Texas at Arlington. I love witnessing college students find their way. And those ah-ha moments I see them experience are worth every moment in this space.
Tell us about your collegiate experience in DG:
Growing up in rural Oklahoma, I had little knowledge of sorority life. Thankfully, someone talked me into registering for recruitment on the last day. I can’t be more thankful because, to this day, Delta Gamma has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. At the time, my chapter was smaller, so I had the opportunity to live in our chapter house for all four years. And it was divine! Whether making late-night Taco Bell runs, rollerblading in campus buildings, driving around with the windows down and music up, or playing pranks on each other, we had so much fun. The bonds established during that time with my circle of friends are unbreakable. Even now, especially now, they are like family to me. And I owe it all to Delta Gamma.
Outside of Delta Gamma and work, how do you like to spend your time?
I love Sooner sports, especially football and softball. I’ve been a season ticket holder for OU football since the mid-90s and have had the same seats the entire time. I also love live music, so I’m a big concertgoer. Music fills my soul. And, while I find joy in all kinds of music, I truly enjoy being exposed to music that isn’t mainstream, particularly Americana. Finally, true crime podcasts. They are my jam. Feel free to send music and podcast recommendations!
Council Trustee: Collegians
Kristina Magovac, Delta Eta-Cal State, Sacramento
Where do you live and who do you live with?
I live in Sacramento, California with my long-term boyfriend Luis and our lazy roommate (cat) Leo.
Tell us about your career/profession:
I am currently a sales vice president for Paycor and have been in software sales for over a decade, prior to that I am also a licensed esthetician and makeup artist.
Tell us about your collegiate experience in DG:
I joined Delta Eta-Cal State, Sacramento as a junior in 2004 and took all the opportunities it provided to gain lifelong friendships and positions, including chapter president. My collegiate experience was filled with so many great memories and I was lucky to be in the chapter with so many amazing sisters that are still integral parts of my life.
Outside of Delta Gamma and work, how do you like to spend your time?
Outside of work and Delta Gamma, Luis and I love to travel and attend any and all sporting events. GO NINERS! In addition, we love putting time and effort into upgrading and working on our home.
Council Trustee: Alumnae
Dr. Melissa Thompson, Gamma Zeta-Louisiana State
Where do you live and who do you live with?
I live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with my boyfriend, Patrick, and goldendoodle, Tallulah.
Tell us about your career/profession:
In my day job, I am a partner at Success Labs, a consulting firm specializing in organizational development (succession planning, strategic planning, team building, etc.) and leadership development (executive coaching and leadership classes). Outside of that work, I also serve as an adjunct faculty member in the E.J. Ourso College of Business at Louisiana State University and as an organizer of TEDxBatonRouge.
Tell us about your collegiate experience in DG:
I joined the Gamma Zeta chapter of Delta Gamma on a hot and humid day all the way back in August 2002. Every year on Bid Day, I’m reminded of just how hot it is in late-August and wonder why we don’t celebrate indoors?! Little did I know back in 2002, but that Bid Day would change my world forever and for the better. I was incredibly lucky to make life-long friends, be mentored by the best adviser crew in all the land and develop my own leadership skills through various officer positions. My favorite office I held while in college was vp: membership. Recruitment at LSU is an incredibly stressful and rewarding process that proved to be one of the best professional development experiences of my life. I remain convinced to this day that if you need something to get done, tell a sorority woman the goal that needs to be achieved and then get out of her way.
Outside of Delta Gamma and work, how do you like to spend your time?
Outside of work and Delta Gamma, I enjoy volunteering for local boards and organizations. When I can find time to read, it is usually historical fiction or something work-related. My favorite days are ones spent playing in the backyard with Patrick and our dog Tallulah. We also love to cook at home, travel and spend lazy weekends on Lake Bruin where cell phones and Wi-Fi rarely work.
Council Trustee: Fraternity Programming
Shenea Stephenson Strader, Eta Iota-Nevada, Reno
Where do you live and who do you live with?
I live in Reno, Nevada with my husband, Chris, my twins, Siena and Silas, and my twin dogs, Cooper and Chloe.
Tell us about your career/profession:
I’m a certified Project Manager and Scrum Master and spent over a decade in the gaming industry. Now, I am the practice administrator and co-owner of my family business, High Desert Therapists, Inc. – a physical therapy practice, with four clinical locations across California and Nevada.
Tell us about your collegiate experience in DG:
I’m an establishing member of Eta Iota–Nevada, Reno and pledged in the fall of 2001. As a collegian, I served as director of public relations, director of songs (for four years!), and vp: membership. I made some of my very best friends during my collegiate years and learned a tremendous amount about leadership and even more about myself.
Outside of Delta Gamma and work, how do you like to spend your time?
I love traveling and experiencing new things, especially with my family. I almost always have at least one trip I’m working on planning at any given time. Lake Tahoe is my happy place, and I spend as much time there as I can.
I enjoy volunteering at my kids’ school, both in the classroom as well as on the Parent Faculty Association. Additionally, I enjoy being a member of many different organizations, several of which I volunteer in leadership roles for, including the University of Nevada Alumni Council, the University of Nevada Foundation, the Junior League of Reno, the Rotary Club of Reno and Soroptimist International of Sierra Reno.
Council Trustee: Membership
Natalie Cooper Grindle, Gamma Sigma-Houston
Where do you live and who do you live with?
I live in Houston, TX, with my son and a small zoo. I am a proud native of Texas, having grown up in a small town called Bay City. I graduated with honors and two bachelor’s degrees in marketing and management from the University of Houston, and for the most part have called Houston home since the early 2000s.
Tell us about your career/profession:
I am a seasoned energy professional with over fifteen years of experience in energy trading and marketing. Throughout my career, I have worked with a diverse range of energy products, including liquefied natural gas, natural gas, power, and environmental products. I currently work for Williams as Director of Business Development. In this role, I unlock portfolio value by coupling Williams's pipeline infrastructure prowess with our gas marketing expertise. I have been blessed to always work in a commercial, customer-facing space and frequently get to travel throughout the United States.
Tell us about your collegiate experience in DG:
I joined Delta Gamma through COB in spring 2004. The previous fall, I had decided I was not the sorority type. The truth is I would never have gotten myself through the formal recruitment process, and I knew it was not how I could put my best face forward. BUT, I knew I wanted the community Greek Life offered, and I missed the meaningful connections of a close network of friends. By the spring of my freshman year, I had gotten close with several DGs through other campus activities, so it felt very natural saying “yes” when they invited me to a UH basketball game. I convinced my friend to go with me, and I guess the rest is history. After what seemed to be a casual dinner, we were both extended bids and later joined. I have never looked back! ...and I have loved every part of my journey.
Within a month I was appointed vice president: Foundation. I then served two terms of vice president: membership, which started my lifelong love affair with all things recruitment and membership. After graduation, I spent a year traveling as a CDC for Delta Gamma, and I consider my time on the road to be the single largest contributor to my human development and personality. My other DG roles have included advising locally, Collegiate Recruitment Consultant, PSS, RCRS, RCS and a facilitator for various programs offered by DG.
Outside of Delta Gamma and work, how do you like to spend your time?
Outside of work, I am a devoted mother to my son, Cooper, and enjoy caring for my other four-legged children. I have three dogs: Teddy Rex, Lola and Vada, and I have two turtles – Stevie & Tina. I have a keen interest in interior design, fashion, antiques and theatre. I indulge in these hobbies whenever possible. In my free time, I can often be found watching Cooper play baseball, traveling with friends and family, enjoying live music, and exploring new culinary experiences.
Council Trustee: Communications
Samantha McQuaig Siffring, Epsilon Nu-James Madison
Where do you live and who do you live with?
I live just outside of Denver, Colorado, with my husband, Stuart, our three kids, Reid, Oliver and Lila, our sheepadoodle, Chloe, and cat, Greta.
Tell us about your career/profession:
I am a business and marketing coach, podcast host and author. My sister, Brenna, Delta Kappa-South Florida, and I run a business serving women-owned small businesses.
Tell us about your collegiate experience in DG:
I joined Delta Gamma through continuous open bidding (COB) during spring semester of my junior year and I graduated in December of my senior year, meaning I was only a collegian for a calendar year! I fit a lot into that time, serving as the junior member of Honor Board, playing Elle Woods in our recruitment skit, and being the chauffeur for the CDCs and CRCs that visited our chapter.
Outside of Delta Gamma and work, how do you like to spend your time?
I love to travel with my family and friends, read (romance novels only), hunt for antiques and watch basketball (my team is the Denver Nuggets!).
Fraternity Treasurer
Susan Meyer Kornegay, Eta-Akron
Where do you live and who do you live with?
I live in Knoxville, Tennessee, with my husband Jerry and our 5-lb toy poodle, Hannah.
Tell us about your career/profession:
Prior to my retirement in 2022, I had a 38-year career as a financial advisor/planner, branch manager and consultant/coach to financial advisors across the country.
Tell us about your collegiate experience in DG:
I attended the University of Akron planning to become a high school French and English teacher. As a collegiate member of Eta-Akron, I was elected as my chapter’s treasurer, and it changed my life, leading to a career pivot into financial services.
Outside of Delta Gamma and work, how do you like to spend your time?
My husband Jerry and I are active in our local church and enjoy University of Tennessee theatre productions, RV road trips and family time with our son Adam, daughter-in-law Amy and grandchildren, Abby and Ben.