Delta Gamma - University of Kansas

Anchored In page 2 "I t's a beautiful thing when a passion and career collide." For Erin Walsh Ward '82 that passion is helping women achieve their goals and develop a positive self-image through exercise and a healthy lifestyle. She owns her own Pilates studio called Eilates—strong body • strong mind. Since discovering her passion and turning her dream into a reality, Erin has helped countless women achieve their fitness goals and see themselves in a new light. Though she had always been passionate about fitness and health, her journey did not truly begin until she became a certified Pilates instructor and marketing director for Elite Physical Therapy; now she owns her own studio. "I'm a firm believer in that the body achieves what the mind, spirit, and heart believe, which is the foundation that I try to build on with my clients." In her studio, Erin offers a wide variety of classes, group sessions, one-on-one, and two-on-one training sessions designed to empower women to develop a healthy mindset and lifestyle. "What I love to see more than anything is my clients growing in confidence and self-esteem." Much of Erin's confidence and passion came out during her time in Beta Kappa Chapter. "I really feel that through my ΔΓ experiences, I'm more confident, a better communicator, and that I was able to find my creative path." She hopes that current sisters are also able to find their own calling through their Delta Gamma membership. "I'm a big believer in having a unique gifted purpose to find and give away. The key is to believe in yourself boldly. No dream is too big and life is truly limitless." Recently, Erin has started a new venture, a blog titled Bold Moves. The focus is on investing in transformation, motivation, and encouragement for women. "I am determined to make a difference in how women see themselves and help my clients create a healthy self-esteem and positive self-image. I'm very excited for my blog and the opportunities for the studio. I feel like I'm on fire with my passion and I want to spark that fire in others." Erin lives in Overland Park, Kansas, and would love for any of her Beta Kappa sisters to reach out to her. You can contact her at erinward5@me.com. Igniting Your Passion, Empowering Others Eilates with Erin Walsh Ward '82 W hen she came to the University of Kansas, Lori Schick Donnelly '81 knew she would be pledging Delta Gamma because her older sister, Sherri Schick Downing '78, was already a member. "Growing up, I idolized Sherri and I thought that if she picked ΔΓ, then it must be a great Chapter." During her undergraduate years, Lori enjoyed making new friends and the opportunities that Beta Kappa afforded her. As a KU cheerleader, she was often away from the house at practice or at games. "When I was home, I loved to go from room to room and have as many chats with girls as I could." The friendships she made during her undergraduate years have lasted throughout her lifetime. "It is a bond for life that no one but a ΔΓ can understand." As a shy girl growing up, Beta Kappa also allowed her to grow in confidence and experience leadership opportunities. "I credit the Chapter with bringing me out of my shell." It was through a Delta Gamma sister that Lori was connected with her first position in human resources. Despite being extremely successful in her career, Lori was spending more than 60 hours at work each week. "I often felt that work was getting the best part of me and my family was getting what was left over. I was not too proud of that realization." That is when she discovered her love for personal training and helping people achieve their fitness goals. "I decided that I would train in honor of my dad and that my goal would be to help as many people improve their quality of life as I can." Lori now owns her own personal training and health coaching business. "I feel truly blessed to have so many opportunities to get to know all kinds of people and build special relationships with each of them," shares Lori. She is a firm believer in that each person has a gift and it is up to us to decide how to use it. "I believe I am using my gifts as an athlete and a coach to cheer people on to have the courage and confidence to dig down and reveal their inner strengths through exercise." Lori and her husband, Pat, live in Leawood, Kansas. She remains in touch with many of her sisters and the Chapter. She offers support to Beta Kappa whenever she can and encourages her sisters to do so as well. "It's important for alumnae to show their support so Beta Kappa can continue to be a strong and viable chapter." You can connect with Lori at pdonnelly1@kc.rr.com. Using Your Gifts to Inspire Others Lori Schick Donnelly '82 Shares Her Story Do you know of a Beta Kappa entrepreneur who should be spotlighted in the next issue of Anchored In? Submit suggestions to Anna Cohen Landis '02 at ac43832@gmail.com.

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