News
Madison Denhart (Alumna of Gamma Chi Chapter, Indiana State University)
OLA Facilitator
Facilitating Presidents is such a unique experience. No two Presidents will go through the same ups and downs in the year ahead of them, but after attending OLA, they all have a foundation that will make their chapter successful. With the help of OLA, chapter Presidents now have the resources to look over contracts, facilitate effective chapter meetings and lead a team of officers. During the sessions, they were able to discuss different situations in their chapter and ask for advice.
The most rewarding part of being a facilitator is watching new officers’ confidence in their ability to lead a chapter grow. They walked away (or logged off, this year) with a new support system of Presidents from similar chapters.
Alyssa Lucas (Iota Alpha Chapter, Robert Morris University)
Treasurer
Transitioning into the Treasurer position was a bit intimidating to say the least, so the Officer
Tracks were super important for me. After watching the Officer Tracks, I was super excited to bring new ideas back to my chapter. During day one, we discussed the duties and responsibilities of the position, the resources where I could find everything I may need and the chapter budget.
During day two of the officer tracks, we learned about membership updates, SBIS budgeting and all the how-tos on collecting money. It was also great to have a live chat going while watching the video; it was an additional resource itself, in which women from other chapters introduced new and fun ideas they wanted to implement or already do in their chapter. I loved the time OLA gave me to learn among other sisters and be the best Treasurer I can be.
Amna Akram (Lambda Tau Chapter, Long Island University Brooklyn)
Vice President III/Membership Chair
My OLA experience was a bit nerve-wracking at first. I’m a new member of a new ZTA chapter. I am grateful to have been selected to serve as VP III/Membership Chair in my chapter. While I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect in terms of the event, I quickly found that everyone was so kind and welcoming. I loved that there was a set itinerary outlining what was expected of us and at what time.
Having OLA online made it easier for me to take in everyone’s thoughts and opinions without the background noise of an actual convention, and I don’t think connecting with and hearing from hundreds of other Membership Chairs would have been possible in person. I was able to learn so much about Zeta Tau Alpha, allowing me to feel closer to my Fraternity and sisters from all across the United States.
Kaelin Beaty (Alumna of Eta Tau Chapter, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte)
Program Council Advisor for Delta Gamma Chapter, High Point University
The virtual OLA experience was truly unique and one of a kind! It was amazing to gather together virtually over both General Sessions and Officer Tracks. I still felt very connected to the presenters and other attendees with the new format. I learned more about how best to serve as a PC Advisor and feel even more confident in my role. I enjoyed seeing a wide variety of presenters and facilitators from various chapters and volunteer roles.
There are many takeaways from the virtual weekend, but what I will remember and value most are the new connections I formed with other PC Advisors nationwide and the opportunity to say I participated in the first-ever virtual OLA experience.