The summer 2023 issue of Themis features stories from a new alumna Contributing Writer as well as the four collegians participating in our Contributing Writers program for collegiate members.

Selected in December 2022 from a field of applicants, four aspiring writers contribute to Themis and other ZTA communication pieces, while receiving writing and editing coaching from Staff Writer/Special Projects Coordinator Christy Marx Barber (Alpha Psi Chapter, University of Missouri).

In this summer 2023 issue, the Contributing Writers wrote the main feature and profiles of ZTA sisters who serve as first responders, the FHC News story on roommates and the ZTA Foundation feature on collegiate chapter fundraising. Their first assignments, profiles of Zetas in culinary fields, comprised the “Serving Up Sisterhood” feature in the spring 2023 issue.

Collegiate Contributing Writers

Liv Gardner (Delta Gamma Chapter, High Point University) is pursuing bachelor’s degree in journalism and Spanish while on a pre-law track. She hopes to attend law school after her time as an undergrad. Liv is currently President of her chapter and has previously served as Vice President I Coordinator of Committees and Academic Achievement Chair. She enjoys true crime podcasts, hiking with her parents and her dog, Halpert Michael, named after her favorite tv show, “The Office.” You can find Liv’s writing about Zetas in law enforcement in the first responder feature in the summer 2023 issue, and in the “Serving Up Sisterhood” feature in the spring 2023 issue.

Peyton Harris (Gamma Iota Chapter, University of Florida) is a first-year English major. She is a reporter for the Independent Florida Alligator and Assistant Academic Director for Gamma Iota Chapter. In her free time, Peyton loves going to the beach, reading and spending time with her sisters. You can find Peyton’s writing about ZTA firefighters in first responder feature and collegiate profile in the summer 2023 issue and in the “Serving Up Sisterhood” feature in the spring 2023 issue.

Hannah Newman (Zeta Lambda Chapter, Rider University) is a sophomore journalism major with minors in sports media and Spanish. She is currently the Risk Reduction and Education Chair for her chapter and an editor for her college newspaper, The Rider News. She is a recipient of Rider University’s Presidential Scholarship and the 2022 Freshman Journalist of the Year Award. You can find Hannah’s writing about ZTA roommates and Zetas in disaster response in the summer 2023 issue, and in the “Serving Up Sisterhood” feature in the spring 2023 issue.

Maddie Willis (Alpha Omicron Chapter, The University of Iowa) is a second-year student studying journalism and mass communications, with a minor in history. She is a news reporter and digital producer for The Daily Iowan and freelancer for her hometown newspaper, the Manteno Vedette. Maddie currently serves as her chapter’s Recording Secretary. In 2022, she served as Parents Events Chairman on Programming Council. You can find Maddie’s writing about collegiate chapter fundraising for the ZTA Foundation summer 2023 issue and in the “Serving Up Sisterhood” feature in the spring 2023 issue.

Alumna Contributing Writer

Lisa Perry (Alpha Upsilon Chapter, Oklahoma State University) is a freelance writer, editor and event photographer with bachelor’s degrees in music education and journalism. She has covered nonprofit fundraisers in Denver for Blacktie Colorado/Spotlight Colorado since 2009. Lisa is a huge fan of her beloved OSU Cowboys and Denver sports teams and enjoys golf and mountain recreational activities with her longtime boyfriend. She’s also part of an advocacy group for crime victims and a devoted “mom” to two rambunctious Amazon parrots. Read her latest Themis alumna profile of Connie Koski in the summer 2023 issue.