Held in Dallas, Texas, the weekend of July 10-13, Volunteer Leadership Conference 2025 brought together some of Tri Delta’s dedicated volunteers for a weekend of connection, learning and inspiration. At the heart of the experience was a shared belief that when our volunteers are well-equipped, our members thrive. This year’s conference focused on themes of growth, fostering belonging, understanding today’s incoming college students and learning how to communicate across generations while providing the tools, insights and relationships that help volunteers lead with confidence and Purpose.
Tri Delta Today, Tomorrow and Belonging
The opening session set the tone with a powerful look at Tri Delta today and into the future. The focus was on growth through new chapters and new homes, as well as Tri Delta’s new organizational structure, which was designed to align with strategic goals, clarify roles and strengthen partnerships between staff and volunteers. We also explored how we’re evolving to meet the needs of today’s collegiate women—especially juniors and seniors—through academic support, career planning and virtual programming. A new task force is also reimagining the alumnae chapter experience to ensure that it remains meaningful and accessible. The session highlighted the launch of the Steadfast Campaign, a $50 million capital campaign to secure Tri Delta’s future, with more than $20 million already raised through leadership gifts.
Keynote speaker Dawn Watkins Wiese, Virginia Tech, delivered an eye-opening session on the science of belonging, an essential element of the sorority experience. She shared research showing that two out of three college students report feeling lonely and emphasized how even “weak” social ties—like a smile, a greeting or a shared moment—can boost feelings of connection and happiness. As introversion rises among younger generations, Dawn challenged us to think differently about how we grow chapters and create meaningful interactions. Her message was that small, intentional acts of connection matter. She encouraged volunteers to build safe, purpose-driven communities where members feel seen, valued and empowered. Her insights reminded us that Tri Delta is already doing incredible work and that by amplifying these efforts, we can continue to be a powerful source of belonging for generations to come.
Generational Insights, Strategy and Leadership
We explored the “Amplifying Sorority” campaign and the research behind it, inspired by one bold question: How can we better understand and serve the next generation of sorority women?
Key insights include:
- Generation Z values personalization and purpose. They’re quick to opt out of anything that doesn’t feel relevant or meaningful, but when they feel seen, supported and connected, they stay.
- Mental health and loneliness are major concerns. Nearly two in three college students report feeling lonely, and young women are especially affected. Strong friendships and a sense of belonging are more important than ever.
- Today’s students prioritize academics and career development over social life. They’re looking for mentorship, networking and real-world value from their sorority experience.
- One-size-fits-all doesn’t work anymore. Gen Z expects flexibility and personalization. We must adapt how we engage members—especially juniors and seniors—to meet them where they are.
So what can you do? Make connection, belonging and friendship your top priorities. Understand that the Gen Z experience may look different from yours and be open to change when it comes to what today’s members need, not just what worked in the past. Prepare your “why Tri Delta” pitch and be ready to talk about how Tri Delta adds value academically, socially and professionally. Support upperclassmen members with a focus on leadership, mentorship and life after college. And, most importantly, create small moments of connection on a regular basis! When members feel connected, they stay. As volunteers, we have the opportunity and responsibility to create those moments and shape an experience that truly reflects the values of Tri Delta.
View the FFE presentation shown at VLC to gain a better understanding of the information and key takeaways.
One highlight of VLC weekend was the panel of past Tri Delta presidents, who shared stories, lessons and leadership insights from their time in office. Common themes emerged around how leadership in Tri Delta prepares you for life, the importance of showing up in the hard moments and gratitude for the gift of connection we have all been given. The conversation eventually shifted into what it takes to lead through change (as change is inevitable), representing the voices of our diverse membership and staying grounded in Tri Delta’s Purpose and Ritual to guide our lives!
“Tri Delta gives back more than you can ever give it” —Michelle Popp Shimberg, Florida.
Host: Elizabeth Howard DiMartino, Boston (current Fraternity President). Panelists: Megan Shaw James, Millsaps (2020-24); Kimberlee Di Fide Sullivan, Pepperdine (2016-2020); Phyllis Durbin Grissom, Southern Methodist (2012-16); Jackye Brown Clark, Texas/Arlington (2008-2012); Michelle Popp Shimberg, Florida (2004-08); Sarah Coons Lindsay, Miami/Ohio (2000-04); Eve Woods Riley, Southern Methodist (1992-96)
Lindsay Boccardo brought humor and heart to her session on generational communication, leaving volunteers with practical tools (and a few good laughs) for bridging generational gaps and building stronger connections across age groups. She helped us explore how childhood experiences, environmental conditioning and our evolving relationship with technology shape how each generation leads, communicates and connects. Lindsay reminded us that “humans heal faster with compassion and connection,” and challenged us to stay curious, listen deeply and embrace the strengths that each generation brings. As Lindsay beautifully said, “No matter what generation we come from, when we come together with purpose and compassion, we all—and Tri Delta—win!” Head to Lindsay’s website for more tools and support.
Celebration, Connection and Service
During the late-night Wine Down, the room filled with laughter and conversation as our volunteers capitalized on the opportunity to connect, sip wine and devour decadent desserts. We also took a moment to honor the 2025 Volunteer Service Award recipients—exceptional individuals who go above and beyond to support our members and chapters. Read about our winners here.
Eventually, all that work made us want to play and unwind a bit! Our decades-themed party allowed us to show off our favorite decades with some really creative outfits and dance to tunes throughout the decades while also contributing hands-on to our St. Jude service project, making toiletry kits for those staying at Tri Delta Place while their child receives care.
Tri Delta Central
Tri Delta was bustling with activity throughout the weekend, with opportunities to visit and learn more about Tri Delta’s Foundation and Tri Delta Housing, indulge in a bit of history at the Ginger Hicks Smith Museum and Archives, purchase keepsake jewelry from Herff Jones, wear their pride with exclusive Tri Delta merchandise and receive hands-on support for using our My Tri Delta portal.
We celebrated the generosity of our donors and were thrilled to announce that more than $25,000 was raised for Tri Delta’s Foundation during VLC. These contributions help fund scholarships, emergency assistance and educational and leadership programming for our members. Member stories are a powerful reminder of the impact of the Foundation. Take a moment to watch and share the videos below to see how we’re improving lives because of you.
educational leadership
Scholarships
Emergency financial assistance
We want to recognize and thank our Stars and Crescent Society members (loyal and generous donors who invest in our sisterhood with gifts of $1,000 or more to Tri Delta’s Annual Fund within a fiscal year) and Friendship Society members (a group of our alumnae ages 33 and under with three annual gifting levels).
Volunteer Training
At the heart of VLC is our commitment to Educational Tracks and Facilitator Training, all in an effort to prepare volunteers for success through immersive, role-specific training. Throughout the weekend, attendees engaged in hands-on sessions and role-play scenarios designed to mimic real-life challenges and opportunities. These Educational Tracks equip our volunteers with the tools, confidence and clarity they need to lead with Purpose. Facilitator Training added another layer of depth to VLC, ensuring that those guiding others are equipped with best practices in communication, inclusion and leadership development.
That’s a Wrap, VLC 2025!
Tri Delta continues to invest in our members, and VLC was our mission in action! And in return, our volunteers showed up ready to lead bravely, act boldly and use their voices to change the world for the better. Our volunteers live out our values of truth, self-sacrifice and friendship each day as they share a lifelong journey of service, sisterhood and growth. “Thank you” hardly captures our gratitude. Your dedication inspires us, and your impact lifts up our entire sisterhood.
Delta Love!