Delta Delta Delta - Cornell University

PAGE 3 Delta Delta Delta W e are excited to share that significant improvements are on the way to the inside of the chapter house at 118 Triphammer! Specifically, a near- range project committee is moving forward on the board's commitment to eliminate the "walk-through" situation in the Crescent rooms on the second floor (the rear room can only be accessed by walking through the two side rooms). Those who have lived in the Crescent know firsthand the challenges that the space creates and, therefore, what a positive impact the redesign will bring. Bids for this work are in progress, and we hope to have a contractor in place this summer. We'd love to hear from past "Crescent alumnae" for their input on a ribbon-cutting celebration. Please consider making a financial gift to help us fund this project—we'll add your name to the Crescent Honor Roll! Comprehensive renovations of the second- and third- floor bathrooms are also in the planning phase. Due to the magnitude of the project, these are included in long-range plans, with work expected to begin in summer 2026. More than an update to fixtures and finishes, our goal is to maximize space and create rooms that showcase our commitment to high standards for our members. Keep your eye out for more information about the bathroom renovations in future newsletters. Recent collaboration between our members and alumnae has been very positive as we work together to maintain the house and plan for improvements. These changes will make a difference in how we showcase the house and stay competitive with other housing offerings. This is a great opportunity for alumnae to contribute to the quality of life and the beauty of our Chapter House. Your donation to House Corporation can be applied directly to bring some Delta Love to these spaces. Interested in helping out? Contact us to work on the Strategic Planning or Property Committees. Delta Love, Robin Secord '85 Heidi Heasley Ford '87 House Corporation Property Committee Enhancing the Quality of Life in Our Home "From the moment I met the women of Tri Delta during recruitment, I felt at home," Kirsten Johnston Barker '92 said. "I was seen and appreciated for who I was as an individual, and that sense of belonging made my decision to join an easy one." Serving as a chapter officer and participating in recruitment events and post-event discussions gave Kirsten a strong foundation for her career and volunteer work. "Learning how to collaborate, communicate, and lead in a group setting has been invaluable throughout my professional journey." Throughout her career, Kirsten has worked as a fintech consultant on Wall Street, served as Chief Information Officer for a global nonprofit focused on public health and safety, and founded a tech startup centered on digital media and knowledge management. "I firmly believe that careers are more like a lattice than a ladder. Nothing I've done (other than my first job as a consultant right out of undergrad) is something I would have predicted while sitting in my college classes—and my career has never been a clear or direct path!" Today, Kirsten is the Program Director of the Bank of America Institute for Women's Entrepreneurship, which launched when Bank of America provided funding to Cornell to create an online certificate program in women's entrepreneurship. With an initial goal to enroll 5,000 students, all the seats filled up quickly and the program amassed a waitlist of 10,000. "Seeing this overwhelming demand, Bank of America expanded its support to 20,000, then 50,000, and ultimately over 100,000 students. "Today, we have enrolled over 100,000 students, more than 80% of whom identify as women of color," Kirsten shared. "I never imagined I would be part of something that fosters such a powerful network of women supporting one another as they build their businesses. It has truly been one of the most rewarding roles of my professional life." Outside of work, Kirsten has been an aerial circus artist for the past 12 years and has been an instructor for over a year. "I train in aerial silks, sling, rope, and trapeze. It's an incredible combination of artistry, athleticism, and problem-solving that keeps me both physically and mentally engaged." She also loves spending time outdoors, whether she's walking her dog, hiking, or exploring new trails. Kirsten is married to her college sweetheart, Piers, and they have two sons, Weston and Reid, who are both Cornell graduates. They have resided in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, for the past 20 years. Having lived in the Alpha Beta house her sophomore year and shared an apartment with her sorority sisters her junior and senior years, Kirsten made friendships that have lasted more than three decades, and she enjoys staying in touch with her sisters. You can connect with her at kaj22@cornell.edu. SPOTLIGHT ON KIRSTEN JOHNSTON BARKER TRI DELTA IS EVERYWHERE! "Years ago, at a parent meeting for my son's elementary school, I unexpectedly ran into Sue Purcell '90, who had been president of Tri Delta when I was a pledge. It was such a fun and unexpected reunion—proof that the Tri Delta bond extends far beyond college!" To donate, please visit givecornelltridelta.causevox.com, scan the QR code, or mail a check to: Delta Delta Delta Cornell University Alpha Beta House Corporation 410 Upland Road Ithaca NY 14850

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