Kappa Delta volunteers are our foundation. They give their time, energy and expertise to keep Kappa Delta moving forward, and our organization would not be the same without them. Every month on the Emerald Edit, we’ll highlight one of our many incredible volunteers to showcase the impact they have on our members. 

Kaitlyn Callahan (Alpha Theta-Vermont) has been volunteering with Kappa Delta for the past seven years as the Alpha Theta Chapter Advisory Board (CAB) chair. She spends about two hours a week guiding the advisory board and chapter leadership, helping them grow and succeed with the right support. Her focus is on mentoring, keeping communication open and making sure the chapter stays true to Kappa Delta’s values. 

As Alpha Theta celebrates its 10-year anniversary, Kaitlyn is especially proud. 

“Being a founding member of this chapter gives me a unique perspective. Watching women continue to love and grow the chapter my sisters and I founded brings me so much joy.” 

For Kaitlyn, it’s just as important to create a space where members feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them. She believes the best lessons often come from challenges and loves being able to offer encouragement and reassurance along the way. “It’s so rewarding to watch them develop their leadership skills and take ownership,” she says. 

We caught up with Kaitlyn to hear why she volunteers with Kappa Delta and what it means to her! 

What’s been your favorite part of the CAB Chair role since you joined Alpha Theta’s CAB? Having the opportunity to work alongside such motivated and passionate women; from collegians to advisors. Seeing collegians grow into their roles as leaders and helping them navigate challenges has been incredibly fulfilling. I love being able to guide and support them as they develop not just as strong women within the chapter but as individuals preparing for life beyond their college years. Our advisors are some of the smartest and strongest women I have had the pleasure to work alongside. The energy and enthusiasm they bring to everything they do is contagious, and it’s a joy to be a part of that journey. 

Do you have any advice for volunteers just starting in the CAB Chair role? Focus on guiding rather than leading. The role of a CAB Chair isn’t about making decisions for the chapter, but rather empowering the women to make their own choices and trust their instincts. It’s important to provide the support and resources they need to explore different solutions but allow them the space to come to their own conclusions. By guiding them through the decision-making process, we help them build confidence in their leadership abilities, which strengthens the chapter. It can be tempting to step in with solutions but giving them the autonomy to solve issues helps them grow. 

What’s the most rewarding part of advising? Watching the growth and development of the chapter members. Over time, you see these young women gain confidence, take on new challenges and develop the skills they need to succeed both within and outside of the chapter. It’s amazing to be part of their journey, whether it’s helping them resolve a tough issue or simply offering encouragement when they need it. Knowing that I’ve played a small role in their success is incredibly gratifying.  

Interested in volunteering with KD?  

There are so many opportunities to share your time and talent. From working with a local collegiate chapter on a chapter advisory board or house corporation board to serving on a foundation committee like the scholarship review committee, we are grateful for the thousands of alumnae who give back to KD. Join us!    

Visit kappadelta.org/volunteer to browse opportunities and learn about next steps.    

Know a sister who should be a featured volunteer?  

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