Kristen Carrie-Lynn Kardas, Adelphi, jokes that she majored in activities and minored in sorority. She was so involved from the moment she arrived at Adelphi University that a career in student affairs and fraternity and sorority life felt like a natural fit. Currently, Kristen serves as Tri Delta’s Panhellenic Coordinator for Region 6, a role she has held since 2022. She also volunteers with the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) as an RFM/Total Specialist, supporting the recruitment process and helping organizations navigate recruitment numbers and methodology.
Professionally, Kristen is the Director of Education at Delta Chi Fraternity, where she oversees both in-person and online educational initiatives.
For Kristen, volunteering with Tri Delta is a natural extension of both her career and her connection to the organization that helped shape her life. What began with simply responding to a request for help has grown into a volunteer journey that continues to bring new relationships, opportunities and purpose.
“I think it’s the same reason anyone joins Tri Delta,” she shares. “Tri Delta sees more in you than you see in yourself. I started as a lifetime membership advisor [now known as a membership experience advisor (MEA)] because I responded to a request for help, and then I didn’t stop. Something clicked for me as an undergraduate that this wasn’t just something you do in college. Tri Delta supported me in so many ways and helped me find a career path that I love. Volunteering allows me to stay connected to that greater purpose.”
Kristen gets just as much from volunteering as she gives. Working with college students keeps her connected to what students need today and helps her stay current in her professional career. Her volunteer experience strengthens her work at Delta Chi, while her professional expertise helps her better serve Tri Delta.
She also values the relationships and professional development that come from staying involved. For Kristen, the connections that grow through volunteering are one of the greatest benefits of remaining engaged with Tri Delta.
One of Kristen’s favorite memories is from Tri Delta’s 2024 Convention in Orlando, Florida, when she found herself floating down a lazy river and chatting with two past Tri Delta Presidents, along with another Panhellenic Coordinator.
“I remember thinking, ‘I can’t believe this is where I am now!’ College Kristen would never have imagined floating down a river with them and having a completely normal conversation. The women she once looked up to have become colleagues, mentors and friends.
“Show up! You don’t have to know where volunteering will lead or have a specific plan. Saying yes can open doors to professional development, meaningful relationships and opportunities you never expected. You really don’t know what opportunities are waiting for you when you stay connected,” she says. “You’re missing out if you don’t!”
For Kristen, staying involved is about more than giving her time. It’s about helping today’s members have the positive, meaningful experiences that Tri Delta gave her and ensuring that the organization’s greater Purpose continues for generations to come.
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