Steadfast & Strong: Brenlyee Meaux

The Creed of Zeta Tau Alpha reminds us “to be steadfast, strong, and clean of heart and mind,” each time we hear it, but Brenlyee Meaux’s sisters remember this tenet every time they look at their chapter President.

“Brenlyee has taken Beta Iota Chapter and truly turned it around. She has the happiest spirit and each of her characteristics are the epitome of a true ZTA,” chapter member Shelby Roy said. “Brenlyee has made me realize that being reliable and your true self is one of the key components of being successful on the Executive Committee. She gives it her all no matter what she has going on in her personal life, Brenlyee is everything and more when it comes to being steadfast and true as a Zeta.”

Brenlyee Meaux is the outgoing President of Beta Iota Chapter (Centenary College of Louisiana) and hasn’t backed down from a challenge since her time in ZTA began as a freshman. After her new member semester, she quickly got involved in leadership roles, serving her chapter as a Judicial Committee member, Sunshine Chair and even the Ritual Chair. Since then, she has served as the Panhellenic Delegate, and she just finished a term during which she served as chapter President, Treasurer and House Manager simultaneously.

Knowing that the ritual services are what guide us as Zetas, it was Brenlyee’s goal to educate her chapter more about why we do these ritual services and why they are important, outside of just doing them when the time comes. Like many, Brenlyee’s favorite ritual service is Initiation, “I truly felt as a new member I was being let in on the secrets of our Fraternity,” Brenlyee said. “I will never forget that day and how many possibilities opened to me.”

Fun fact: Brenlyee loves ZTA history. “If we are talking about the Founders’ era, the oyster stew party announcing the Fraternity is my favorite part of ZTA history,” she said. “Of course, nobody will do one with me, but wouldn’t it be so cool?! In more recent history, I would say how proud I am of how far our Fraternity has come with diversity and inclusion initiatives.”

Throughout her time as a leader, Brenlyee has most enjoyed growing closer with her sisters, seeing them grow as leaders within and outside of ZTA, and watching them accomplish their goals. She’s also enjoyed creating a lasting relationship and support system with her advisors. As for what skills she will take away from her collegiate experience, Brenylee credited ZTA with teaching her crisis management skills, giving her the ability to think on the fly and balance conflicting opinions, and building her confidence.

“To be referred to as steadfast and strong by my sisters is such high praise and something I am so thankful for,” Brenlyee said. “My sisters’ support fuels me to be strong, and to me, being steadfast is knowing that although something may have gone wrong, you just have to keep going and celebrate your successes together. Every day is an opportunity to get back up.”