Throughout International Women’s Friendship Month this September, Kappa Delta has celebrated the incredible power of friendship by sharing stories that highlight the lifelong bonds formed within our sisterhood. As the month comes to a close, we’re wrapping up with five stories of friendship that wouldn’t exist if not for KD. These stories are a testament to the deep connections we build as sisters, connections that uplift us, empower us and remind us that no matter where life takes us, we always have each other to lean on. 

Ashley Flores and Erica Brown 

Zeta Alpha-Texas Tech 

Ashley Flores and Erica Brown (Zeta Alpha-Texas Tech) met during recruitment in fall 2014 and later became big and little sisters. The two were inseparable—from football road trips to movie nights—they made the most of their college years together. 
 
After college, even though the two lived 400 miles apart, they stayed close. They talked weekly and visited each other often. They’ve been best friends for 10 years, but this past year has been the most special. 
 
“Starting our families wasn’t easy for either of us—we both struggled with infertility,” explained Erica. “In December 2023, Ashley called me, holding a positive pregnancy test. I was beyond excited for her!” 
 
“A week and a half later, I got to call her back with the news that we were expecting our second child, with due dates just weeks apart,” recalled Erica. “Our boys were born just six days apart, both a little early!”  

“Life is so much richer with my big sister, Erica, by my side,” said Ashley. “She is the most intentional friend who has supported me through all of life’s hills and valleys. She has cheered me on through grad school, stood by me at my wedding, and walked alongside me through pregnancy. Now we are entering my favorite season together, motherhood, with baby boys.”
 
“Going through pregnancy and postpartum together has been a dream,” said Erica. “Neither of us knew that meeting 10 years ago would lead to such a beautiful, shared journey. We’re so grateful for the lifelong friendship Kappa Delta gave us!” 

Laura Mahaffey and Chloe Thomas Mahaffey 

Epsilon Tau-Clemson 

Sometimes, Kappa Delta connections extend far beyond campus, as Laura discovered when her son introduced her to Chloe, a fellow Kappa Delta, who would become not just a daughter-in-law but a lifelong friend. 

“I first met Chloe Thomas in 2019 when she started dating my son at Clemson,” Laura shared with a smile. “She was a member of Kappa Delta’s Epsilon Tau chapter—the very same one I had joined back in 1985. From the moment I met her, I was drawn to her energy. She was always smiling and as a sorority sister, she was friendly, enthusiastic and welcoming to everyone.”

As time went on and Laura got to know Chloe better through tailgates and when she and Matthew would visit home, her admiration for her only deepened. “I came to love Chloe not just as someone my son was dating, but as a loyal, empathetic and caring friend. She’s the kind of person who loves you exactly as you are—no judgment, no expectations. Her faith and her passion for people makes life brighter and more fun when she’s around.”

Now that Chloe is officially her daughter-in-law, Laura couldn’t be happier. “I know she will always be my friend, my Kappa Delta sister and my daughter in the truest sense. I’m beyond blessed to have her in our family.” 

Emmy Schubert and Autumn Treml 

Omicron-Illinois Wesleyan 

Emmy found more than just a big sister in Autumn—she found a constant source of strength and inspiration, especially in moments when she needed it the most. 

Autumn has always been a source of inspiration, encouraging Emmy to be more confident and involved in the community. 

One memory Emmy will never forget is when Autumn came to support her during a big annual event she planned for the campus Pride Alliance as part of the executive board. “That year, we faced several roadblocks, including a credible threat that made everything feel even more intense,” Emmy said. “At intermission, I spotted Autumn in the crowd, and her presence immediately made me feel more confident and supported.” 

Knowing Autumn was there helped Emmy push through the challenges and finish the show on a high note. 

“Her unwavering encouragement made me feel truly loved and gave me the strength to keep going, despite the obstacles,” said Emmy. 

Izabella Schenck and Alea Ferguson 

Eta Delta-Wright State 

For Izabella, her bond with Alea began with an authentic conversation during recruitment, and over time, that bond deepened into a friendship that has seen her through some of life’s most important milestones. 

“I met Alea Ferguson during recruitment in 2020,” said Izabella Schenck. “We had an incredible conversation, and she made me feel comfortable expressing my true self. When I received my bid from Kappa Delta, I was so excited to get to know her as a sister.” 

In the following weeks, the two grew incredibly close, and Izabella knew she wanted Alea to be her big sister. Later that fall, that wish came true!

“Alea has been there for me through thick and thin, helping me change majors, move every semester and even escorting me on homecoming court,” said Izabella. “She has laughed and cried with me, driven me to my first work presentation, and now, she’s my maid of honor! I’m forever grateful to Kappa Delta for bringing me my best friend and big sister, Alea.” 

Judy Logan and Nelda Crowell 

Beta Psi-Arizona State 

Judy and Nelda went to the same high school, and both joined KD at Arizona State, Judy in 1962 and Nelda in 1955. But it wasn’t until they were members of the Phoenix Valley of the Sun Alumnae Chapter that their long-time friendship began.  

“Nelda is one of the most interesting women I’ve met,” said Judy. “She has had many exciting life experiences — good, bad and ugly — and shares these with a positive and fun-filled attitude. We do laugh a lot when we’re together! I am blessed to call her my sister, my friend.” 

The two have stayed active in the alumnae chapter for more than 20 years, even serving as co-presidents from 2018-2020.  

“When I think of my friend Judy, I always smile because any time Judy and I get together, it’s laugh time,” said Nelda. “We can make almost anything seem funny. She lightens my mood when I’m down and laughs with me at life’s quirks.” 

These stories are just a glimpse of the countless friendships that have blossomed because of Kappa Delta. From college dorm life to weddings, and from recruitment events to new motherhood, these bonds have shaped the lives of our sisters in ways they never could have imagined. As we wrap up International Women’s Friendship Month, remember that KD continues to foster relationships built on love, support and sisterhood.