Delta Gamma - Northwestern University

2 Sigma Chapter of Delta gamma * NorthweSterN UNiverSity Delta Gamma Helps Nilda Mesa, Sigma 1978, NU, Continue to "Do Good" Throughout Her Career N ilda Mesa, Sigma 1978, NU, has an impressive resume: she served the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as counsel to the North American Free Trade Agreement taskforce, was the assistant deputy for environment at the U.S. Air Force, the associate director of the White House Council on Environmental Quality under the Clinton Administration, and is now the director of the New York City Mayor's Office of Sustainability. All of these accomplishments were made possible because of the skills she learned during her time at Sigma chapter. "My time in Delta Gamma was one of the best experiences I had in college," Nilda says. "It taught me a lot about leadership, working in teams, and working to achieve common goals— everything that I use today. A lot of the things you learn, you don't actually realize that you're learning them until later in life." Delta Gamma was a chapter that stayed politically and socially active at Northwestern, Nilda says. Members were always involved in the campus- wide events, in the Panhellenic Association, where she served as treasurer, and countless other student organizations. This would set the foundation for her to continue getting involved. She received her bachelors of arts in history before going to Harvard Law, where she received her juris doctor degree. As she looks back on her time as an undergraduate, Nilda reminisces about meal time in the chapter house: eating at the dinner table, studying for tests, and enjoying the company of her sisters. She knew that Delta Gamma was the perfect fit. The women were articulate, creative, diverse, and lively. "One of the biggest reasons I joined Sigma was because of the skit round of recruitment," Nilda says. "You could see that the women were both talented and having a great time as they were performing; it was genuine. The skit was well-put together and the women were engaged." Nilda's first job out of college was as editorial assistant for Foreign Policy magazine as the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Fellow. Some of her biggest accomplishments and highlights from her career were working to implement the environmental side agreement for NAFTA with Mexico and Canada. In NYC under Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration, Nilda works with more than 70 agencies on sustainability initiatives, climate change, and environmental quality. She oversaw the development of New York City's long-term sustainability plan, One NYC: The Plan for a Strong and Just City, which integrated equity with growth and sustainability, and became a global model for other cities. "My advice to younger alumnae and undergraduates is not to be afraid to be bold," Nilda says. "Envision something that someone hasn't thought of and do it. Following through with something is the most important part. Oh, and always say thank you." Nilda lives in New York City. She has two daughters, Marina, who is a freshman at Northwestern, and Amalie, a high school student. In her free time, Nilda likes to spend time with her daughters, knit, read, go to museums, hike, and kayak. "It's important for alumnae to stay connected to Sigma because that bond doesn't go away," she says. "Plus, it's always fun to talk about the old times and see where everyone's lives are now." W E L C O M E , N E Olivia Belt* Waban, Mass. Eliza Beth Newton, Mass. Megan Cahillane* Atlanta, Ga. Danielle Cohen Scarsdale, N.Y. Elizabeth Coin Bettendorf, Iowa Ariel Coonin Harrison, N.Y. Alana Farkas Great Neck, N.Y. Eliana Galperin Highland Park, Ill. Haley Glazer Rochester, N.Y. Rachel Gordon Deerfield, Ill. Rachel Gradone* Cincinnati, Ohio Claudia Harmata Lockport, Ill. Alexandra Johnson Homer Glen, Ill. Marianna Kammo Naperville, Ill. Lauren Keschner* Melville, N.Y. Brianna Kessler Dallas, Texas Caroline Kivell New York, N.Y. Daniella Lewittes Highland Park, Ill. Hannah Lindley South Bend, Ind. Margaret Lou Greenwood Village, Colo. Cindy Luan* Long Grove, Ill. Sigma chapter welcomed 39

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