Leadership comes in many different forms. For me, leadership is about taking initiative for the things I want to achieve. Kappa Delta has given me numerous opportunities, but I had to go after what I wanted to achieve my goal and develop the leader in me. I have been an appointed officer and then served as Panhellenic delegate, and I am now interning for Kappa Delta headquarters. These experiences helped me achieve my goal of serving as president of my chapter at the University of Memphis. I never would have imagined that by my Junior year of college I would be the woman Kappa Delta has shaped me into today.   

The resources and leadership opportunities Kappa Delta provides are like no other. The skills I have learned and am still learning will help pave the way for my future. My KD sisters and mentors are there to support me. I can say for certain that I would not be in the position I am today if it were not for the Kappa Delta members who believed in me.  

My leadership experiences have not been without challenges. To lead a chapter, whatever role it is, big or small, you will face failure and hardships at some point. I set very high expectations for my chapter, but I am not afraid of failure. It’s all about how you handle the fails and hardships and what you do to overcome adversity. Leadership is about commitment, but it is also about accountability. I am so lucky to have amazing advisors, other council officers and chapter members to hold me accountable. They help shape me into a better leader each day.   

The number one reason I wanted to hold a leadership role in my chapter was because of all the amazing Kappa Delta leaders who came before me. I am grateful to those who serve as advisors to my chapter and those who believed in Kappa Delta and the University of Memphis to help establish our chapter just over 20 years ago. I am honored to continue their legacy. 

Blakeleigh Carwile
Zeta Omega-Memphis