Kappa Delta - University of Missouri

KAPPA DELTA | UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI PAGE 2 How did being in Epsilon Iota shape who you are today? Helena: As extreme as it may sound, I can trace nearly everything good that's happened to me since I was 18 years old to Epsilon Iota. I never would have shown up for Tour Team interviews my spring semester freshman year without another sister going with me, or had the courage to run for student body vice president my junior year without knowing I had the unwavering support of 250 women cheering me on. I found my first job in advertising through a KΔ connection and was even set up with my fiancé by a KΔ sister. My life has been deeply enriched by KΔ women spanning multiple generations who saw potential in me, believed in me, and continue to show up for me each and every day. Epsilon Iota has given me friends for life, and it just keeps getting sweeter! Kelsie: It's hard to identify an area of my life that hasn't been shaped by Epsilon Iota, to be honest. I think most directly, I certainly wouldn't have the career I have today without it. I came into college pre-med, but I wasn't sure what area of medicine I would ultimately pursue. Kappa Delta has provided funding for orthopaedic research for decades, and started a research internship for KΔs to learn about the world of orthopaedic surgery and research. I went on to pursue orthopaedic surgery in medical school and am in my final years of training to be a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon. I don't think my 18-year-old self would ever have predicted the impact that going KΔ would make on my life! How did you end up on the chapter advisory board together? How long have you served? Helena: Kelsie and I have served as co-chairs of the Epsilon Iota CAB since October 2020. What started as a one-time commitment to lead a virtual recruitment workshop about philanthropy conversation in August 2020 quickly turned into an invitation to be all in for KΔ again. With both of us living several states away, we realized remote advising would never make more sense than it would in 2020, so we jumped at the opportunity. After serving on the chapter council together in 2011 (Kelsie as VP member education and me as VP public relations), it has been an absolute joy to work together again 10 years later as CAB co-chairs. What are some of your highlights of working with the chapter? Helena: My favorite part has been watching them translate a sisterhood that was previously so dependent on in-person events to an organization that is thriving (and even growing!) in a primarily virtual environment. They haven't skipped a beat! Fashion, technology, and trends may change, but the heart of Epsilon Iota—the sense of humor, the kindness, the authenticity—remains the same. Kelsie: As an adviser, my greatest hope for the chapter is that it carries on the same spirit of sisterhood that was so precious to me and other alumnae during our times as collegians, so getting to watch them support one another during this last difficult year, in particular, has been really rewarding. Why did you choose to stay connected to Epsilon Iota as alumnae? Helena: Ever since graduation, Epsilon Iota has been a sort of home base for me. Whether I'm in a place where I'm ready to freely give to others or at that moment need to be supported myself, I have always found what I needed. Life happens and we all have to focus on different priorities in different seasons of life, but know that you have and always will have a standing invitation at Epsilon Iota. It doesn't matter how many years it has been. Our sisterhood is strong and will be stronger with your connection. Kelsie: Choosing to stay connected to Kappa Delta is an investment in my own friendships and personal happiness. I loved having the mentorship of alumnae members when I was a collegian, and getting to pay that forward has been incredibly rewarding and fun! Now more than ever, I think reinvesting in personal connections is really fruitful for everyone involved, and I would really encourage anyone who has lost touch to reach out at any time. AOT is forever! Helena resides in Washington, D.C., and can be reached at helenamkooi@gmail.com. Kelsie resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, and can be reached at kelsiec@gmail.com. The Impact of Kappa Delta Kelsie Coe '09 and Helena Kooi '09 Discuss Their Chapter Advisory Board Service President Jesse Edie '18 mukdpresident@gmail.com VP Member Education Grace Buehler '19 VP Membership Caitlin Kimes '19 (720) 835-8568 VP Operations Claire Cowan '19 VP Community Service Sydnie Kaufman '19 VP Public Relations Alexis Kleekamp '19 VP Standards Gillian Huntsman '19 VP Finance Evelyn Trampe '19 Secretary Kamryn Martin '19 Panhellenic Delegate Kristen McAlister '19 Chapter Officers Ayden Donfris '21 Cary, Ill. Maribel Garcia '21 Pacific, Mo. Ella Huertas '21 St. Louis, Mo. Claire Polizzi '21 St. Louis, Mo. Madison Pope '21 Kearney, Mo. Katie Schmidt '21 St. Louis, Mo. Welcome, New Members!

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