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SPRING 2021 INSIDE: Tri Delta Scholarships p. 2 • Philanthropy Fast Facts p. 2 • Thriving Through Adversity p. 3 THETA OMEGA UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS Announcing Tri Dea's 2021 Women of Achievement J oin me in congratulating Tri Delta's 2021 Women of Achievement! These impressive women have set new standards in their diverse fields of the arts, government, and business. We're proud to share their stories with you. Kara Barnett, Duke Arts Leader – Innovator – Producer Kara was named executive director of American Ballet Theatre in 2016 following nine years as a senior executive at the Lincoln Center. A Broadway producer and 2003 Tony Award winner, Kara has advanced innovation and inclusion at ABT and has intentionally elevated women choreographers, directors, and creative leads. Carol Hallett, Oregon Aviation Industry Leader – Trusted Advisor – Elected Official Carol serves as counselor to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In her former role as president and CEO of the Air Transport Association of America, Carol led the redesign of airline security policies and practices after 9/11 and helped craft and pass legislation to save the domestic aviation industry from bankruptcy. She has also served as a member of the CIA director's National Security Advisory Panel, ambassador to the Bahamas, and minority leader in the California State Assembly. Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne, Pennsylvania Changemaker – Investor – Champion A venture capitalist, Gayle is the co-founder of the WOCstar Fund, an early-stage fund that invests in tech start-ups led by Women of Color entrepreneurs and diverse, inclusive teams. She built her career in mergers and acquisitions, as an international lobbyist, and in corporate philanthropy at JPMorgan Chase before pursuing her calling and passion around supporting entrepreneurs as they scale and grow successful businesses. Congratulations to Kara, Carol, and Gayle! Listen to their powerful interviews on the Let's Talk Tri Delta podcast and read their inspiring stories of success on tridelta.org. While you're there, consider Paying It ForwarDDD for a new Tri Delta graduate whose story of success is just beginning. Loyally, Megan Shaw James, Millsaps Tri Delta Fraternity President A fter her own near-death experience that required a long hospitalization, Steph Wasson '07 understands the impact she has on her patients as a nurse practitioner. Being mindful of her own life-changing experience allows her to provide top-tier treatment, especially for patients who also must endure long stays in the hospital. Those are the patients who have stuck with her the most and who remind her of the meaning and importance of her career. "There will always be certain patients and cases that stay with you forever," Steph stated. "Knowing I've made an impact on someone's life for the better has been extremely meaningful and rewarding." Steph encourages undergraduate sisters at Theta Omega to find a career that resonates with them. "A career can be so much more than a paycheck. If you're going to be working for 40 or more years of your life, I highly recommend doing something that doesn't seem like a drag every day you're on the job," she said. "You don't necessarily need to be saving lives but do something that is meaningful to you. Whether that's helping people, designing or building something, working with animals, or utilizing skills you're good at—do what's most enjoyable for you." A MEANINGFUL CAREER Steph Wasson '07 Shares Professional Path, Tri Delta Experience, and Advice for Ac ves (Continued on page 2)

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