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. 

For many Kappa Delta alumnae, the opportunity to give back comes at just the right time. For Mariann Johnson (Epsilon Phi-California/Santa Barbara), that moment came when she realized she had the space to reconnect with the sisterhood that had meant so much to her. 

Mariann serves as the chapter advisory board-inclusion, supporting the VP–inclusion as well as the CAB-marketing supporting the director of social media & marketing. She has been on the CAB for about three years, dedicating several hours each week to mentoring and supporting collegians as they grow in leadership and confidence. 

We recently asked Mariann about her volunteer experience and what serving on CAB has meant to her. 

What inspired you to serve as a volunteer for Kappa Delta? “I first raised my hand to serve on CAB after spotting a post in our local Facebook group. It was the summer after my son graduated from high school, and for the first time in years my calendar felt wide open. With his school activities behind us, I realized I had the space to pour some energy into something new and meaningful.” 

What are your favorite parts of working with our collegiate members? “One of my favorite parts has been gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges young women face as they navigate the transition from college to adulthood. Supporting them during that pivotal season is incredibly meaningful. In my career, I work for a company that connects students to real-world opportunities, so it has been rewarding to see how my professional experience can help support sisters as they prepare for what comes next.” 

How has volunteering enriched your life personally or professionally? “What I did not expect was how naturally my professional and volunteer worlds would intersect. Through CAB, I have been able to help sisters prepare for the workforce by leading workshops on resumes and interview skills. To date, we have hired three sisters through my company, which has been such a rewarding way to support them beyond their time in college.” 

Share a memorable or meaningful moment from your time as a volunteer. “One of my most meaningful moments came during our most recent recruitment. A member shared that when speaking with potential new members, she mentioned that our chapter has a CAB member who helps sisters get jobs. She was talking about me. That full-circle moment was incredibly rewarding.” 

What advice would you give to other Kappa Delta sisters considering a volunteer role? “If you have ever considered volunteering, I encourage you to take that first step. You can start with just a few hours a month and let your involvement grow from there. You may be surprised by how much you gain in return.”  

Beyond the professional connections she has been able to foster, Mariann says volunteering has also allowed her to reconnect with Kappa Delta in a meaningful way. 

“While I had participated in alumnae activities over the years, fully reengaging through songs, ritual and regular meetings has brought back so many cherished memories from my college days. It has reminded me why this sisterhood meant so much in the first place.” 

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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