Serving as a Kappa Delta Leadership Development Consultant (LDC) is more than just a post-grad job — it’s a launchpad for success. From developing essential skills in leadership, communication, strategy and project management to gaining firsthand experience in working with diverse teams, the LDC role sets the stage for an incredible professional journey.  

Five former LDCs share their unique paths and how the lessons they learned as consultants helped shape their careers. Whether they’ve gone on to excel in business, education or beyond, their stories demonstrate the lasting impact of the LDC program. 

Abbey Hall
Kappa Delta LDC 2010-2011
Principal Attorney at Butler Sevier Hinsley & Reid, PLLC

If I had to choose one experience that had the biggest impact on my life, it would be the year I traveled as an LDC. 

My journey started when I met the LDC who visited my chapter — I was hooked on the idea of traveling to KD chapters, helping members improve their chapters and furthering the mission of Kappa Delta. It was all that and so much more! I made lifelong friendships, explored places I never thought I’d visit, learned to manage budgets and led women who were striving to become their best selves.  

I deferred my acceptance to law school for a year so that I could serve as a LDC, which I have never regretted for a moment. After my second year of law school, I interviewed at my dream law firm for their summer clerkship program. When the interview panel asked about why I deferred my acceptance to law school, I explained that I had taken a year to travel as a consultant for Kappa Delta and elaborated on all the knowledge that I gained from that experience. A woman at the end of the table lifted her head and said, “I traveled as a consultant for Zeta Tau Alpha, if you can do the job of a LDC, you can do anything.”  

I am now a principal attorney at that very firm, where I have worked for 10 years. That Zeta Tau Alpha is now my co-worker and every chance we get, we take time to reminisce on the days we got to travel for our respective sororities, and we share stories about that special chapter of our lives and how it continues to impact us to this day. 

Karen Gonski 
Kappa Delta LDC 2022-2023
Assistant Director of Student Engagement – Rhodes College 

I owe so much to Kappa Delta, especially when I think about where I am today. My time as an LDC was incredibly enriching—I built lifelong friendships, traveled and supported KD members with everything from event planning to recruitment and conflict resolution. It was a year of tremendous growth. 

After my time as an LDC, I joined KDHQ’s operations team and helped plan KD’s 65th National Convention. Shortly after, I accepted the role as the assistant director of student engagement at Rhodes College. As I reviewed the job responsibilities, I realized how much my LDC experience had prepared me; advising student leaders, fostering inclusion and event management were all things I’d done as an LDC. Without KD’s training and the confidence I gained, I’m not sure I would’ve had the courage to take on this new chapter in my career. 

Laura Orman
Kappa Delta LDC 2013-2014
Retail Talent Acquisition Manager – Kendra Scott 

My mom used to joke that I should major in Kappa Delta, and honestly, I wish I could have! When my Chapter Advisory Board suggested I apply to be an LDC, I had no idea how much it would shape my life. Former National President Beth Langford always said, “If not for KD…” and for me, if not for KD and the LDC program, I wouldn’t have my best friends, my job, or even my husband (yes, I met him during LDC training trip!). 

During my time as an LDC, I re-established the Delta Iota Chapter at Murray State University. This opportunity gave me experience recruiting hundreds of women; building university and community partnerships; event planning our recruitment, bid day, sisterhood events, socials, and installation weekend; and of course, budget management.

When I applied for my first role at Kendra Scott, I laughed with the recruiter that if I could convince over 100 women to invest in joining a sorority, I could definitely sell jewelry! That experience helped me get the job, and eventually, I moved into a recruiting role at Kendra Scott, where I’ve referred over 10 full-time employees — many of them KDs I met through my LDC journey. To put it simply, the skills and network I gained as an LDC have been invaluable in my career. 

Emily Escobosa
Kappa Delta LDC 2010-2011
Director of Operations – Kappa Delta Sorority

My experience as an LDC gave me avenue to put my leadership skills to work immediately after graduating. Where most post-grad roles are entry level, the LDC role places a special amount of trust and responsibility in you to ensure our chapters are providing the best member experience possible. The confidence and professionalism I gained allowed me to stand out from other applicants after my year of travel. 

After I completed my year as a Leadership Development Consultant, I volunteered on National Leadership Team for six years while I pursued my master of education degree and worked for an education technology startup. Then, an opportunity opened in the housing department at Kappa Delta Headquarters. I have not looked back since. Kappa Delta has continued to provide me countless opportunities to learn new skills and grow professionally. 

These stories are just a glimpse into the profound impact of the Kappa Delta LDC experience. From launching careers to building invaluable networks and developing lifelong skills, the role is so much more than a job — it’s a foundation for success in any field.  

Whether you dream of excelling in business, education or another path, being an LDC gives you the confidence, tools and experiences to make it happen. So, if you’re ready to start your leadership journey now with a role that empowers you to make an impact, don’t hesitate — apply to be a 2025-2026 Leadership Development Consultant today.