I grew up with two younger sisters and thought I knew everything about sisterhood. I never thought I could experience an even greater sense of sisterhood than I had known during my childhood. Being a Kappa Delta has made me a better sister, daughter and friend. Words cannot fully express how thankful I am for KD and the amazing opportunities, perspectives and relationships it has brought into my life.

I am thankful to be a part of an organization that builds confidence in women and allows us to better our communities. I’m constantly inspired by the KD women I meet, and it’s incredible to see the impact our sisters are making everywhere. I’m thankful KD is an organization that pushes its members to be the greatest version of themselves while celebrating diversity and authenticity.

Kappa Delta has given me the greatest friendships in all areas of life: in the workplace, through mentorships and throughout my collegiate years. I joined KD because of women like Allison Ross who inspired me as a young freshman at San Diego State. The moment I met Allison I wanted to be just like her, and as fate would have it, she ended up being my big sister! I stayed involved because of the strong friendships I developed in the chapter, especially with my little sister Jessie Houser. My relationship with Jessie helped me understand what AOT was truly all about. I am thankful for these women who are proof that there’s more to just being named someone’s “big” or “little” – it’s about genuinely caring for one another and making each other better people. Being a Kappa Delta has given me experiences that will last a lifetime, such as serving as my best friend Shannon’s bridesmaids and staying connected with KD sisters as alumnae.

I’m thankful for the confidence Kappa Delta instilled in me. KD gave me the confidence to pursue the opportunity to work as a leadership development consultant and leave the West Coast where I grew up to travel to places I’d never experienced before. This job has been the greatest privilege and has allowed me to learn and work with inspiring alumnae and collegians in chapters across the country. I’ve found some of my closest friends, who I never would have had the privilege of knowing without this unique role. I’m thankful I get to wake up every day excited to go to work and genuinely love what I get to spend my time doing while watching leaders grow.

I am thankful KD has given me the capacity to grow exponentially both personally and professionally. I’m thankful the opportunities I experienced as a collegian are transferable to what I want to pursue in the future. One of my favorite things about being a traveling consultant is being able to help collegians see how impactful and impressive they are as KD leaders and how they can utilize their skills professionally in the future.

I am thankful for KD – the home that built me and continues to mold me to be the greatest version of myself.

Erin Di Leva
Leadership Development Consultant