Tri Delta’s collegiate leaders gathered in Dallas the weekend of April 10-12 for Collegiate Leadership Conference (CLC) 2026—our premier leadership training experience designed to prepare officers to lead their chapters with confidence, purpose and vision.
Throughout the weekend, these leaders engaged in hands-on training, connected with sisters from across North America and gained practical tools to strengthen their chapters. But the impact of CLC extends far beyond the event itself. It lives on in the ways these women lead, support one another and shape the future of Tri Delta.
Here’s a look at what attendees learned and how they’re already applying these learnings within in their chapters.
Opening General Session Keynote
Heidi Uhrig Guest, California/Davis, opened CLC with an interactive keynote about the power of harnessing and understanding our individual strengths. Using chapter leaders’ results from the CliftonStrengths assessment, Heidi helped attendees better understand their natural talents and how to apply them within their roles.
Drawing on her extensive leadership experience, Heidi challenged attendees to lead with intention and use their strengths to build stronger teams, make thoughtful decisions and create a positive chapter experience.
“I love knowing that Tri Delta believes in each and every one of us as officers and is willing to bring us together to develop our strengths and understand how to be successful. My top strength is Relator, which is in the Relationship Building domain, and I wouldn’t have thought that about myself before this experience. I’m really excited to get to know my strengths and how to put them to use in my role as collegiate chapter president.” —Lucy Sutter, Lake Forest
Following the opening keynote, officers headed to their first Community Cohort, where they could immediately put their strengths into action alongside their Tri Delta peers.
Ritual Demonstration
On Saturday morning, attendees participated in a Ritual demonstration presented by Executive Office staff members Meredith Davies, Rhodes, and Karolyn Fendley Stayer, Northern Arizona, helping members reconnect with the meaning and historical significance behind Tri Delta’s deepest traditions.
Through reflection, discussion and a return to the fundamentals of Ritual, leaders explored how to create more intentional, meaningful Ritual experiences within their chapters. From Sarah Ida Shaw’s original vision to today, Ritual provides the ties that bind each Tri Delta to one another, and this learning opportunity helped ensure that consistent, accessible and meaningful uses of Ritual continue for generations to come.
Delta Demos
Delta Demos is always a highlight of CLC, giving chapters, staff and volunteers the opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas and successful programs. From recruitment and operations to marketing and member engagement, attendees learned directly from one another through interactive conversations and Q&As.
This year’s Delta Demos session was sponsored by Doughlicious, the delectable, frozen, allergen-free treat created by Tri Delta alumna Kathryn Sabo Bricken, Tennessee. Kathryn was on site serving up snacks while also lending her expertise as a founder and CEO to collegiate leaders. Thank you, Kathryn and Doughlicious, for your support of Tri Delta and our members!
Delta Dreamin’ Party
After a full day of engaging learning sessions, Tri Deltas came together for a true sisterhood celebration in their comfiest loungewear for an opportunity to unwind, connect and build friendships that will extend far beyond the weekend. The Delta Dreamin’ Party was a favorite of the weekend, complete with a DJ, crafts, photobooths, snacks and more!
Closing Session With Dr. Erin Wilson
Dr. Erin Wilson closed the weekend with an exciting keynote focused on intentional leadership, owning our strengths and building sustainable success. Her message challenged attendees to think differently about leadership and encouraged them to lead with clarity, build strong relationships and create chapter environments where members can thrive.
Collegians came prepared with thoughtful questions, demonstrating vulnerable and meaningful experiences they will carry forward into their leadership roles. Erin closed out CLC with the energy these young leaders needed to send them home to their chapters and begin implementing what they learned.
Recognizing Excellence
CLC is also a time to celebrate the individual members and chapters who exemplify Tri Delta’s values. Learn more about our 2026 award winners below.
- Sarah Ida Shaw Award: Meet Maya Gentry, Southern California, recipient of Tri Delta’s highest collegiate honor. Read about her HERE.
- Chapter Awards: Recognize chapters that have demonstrated excellence across North America. Congratulations to our winners! Read about them HERE.
Leadership in Action
From the Presidents Breakfast to position-specific Educational Sessions, attendees spent the weekend building skills in leadership, communication, teamwork and member engagement. These sessions equipped officers with practical strategies they can immediately implement within their chapters.
CLC Central
CLC Central served as the heart of the weekend, bringing together Tri Delta partners, resources and opportunities to connect, from Tri Delta Shop and our Foundation to Housing and fun photo and video opportunities.
Foundation
Throughout the weekend, collegiate leaders supported Tri Delta’s mission and demonstrated their commitment through their generosity and support for Tri Delta’s Foundation. Collegiate members made gifts totaling $3,100—and with a generous gift from an alumna inspired by their generosity, the weekend’s total impact was more than $8,000. Thank you to each and every donor who helped make this meaningful impact in such a short time!
CLC 2026 may have come to a close, but its impact is just beginning. The ideas shared, skills developed and connections formed will shape chapters across the country in the year ahead.
We are proud of these leaders and confident in the future they are building for their chapters and Tri Delta.
Until next year, Delta Love!
