Brette Powell SecaurLambda Phi - Appalachian State University
Managing Director, Mercury Public Affairs
Which of the Delta Zeta shared values resonates with you the most?Empowerment
Tell us about a defining moment in your career so far – how did it impact your future and what did you learn from it?
The most defining moment of my career was leaving my dream job asSpecial Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison. After years of prioritizing my career above everything else, I chose to step away to marry my husband and begin building a family. It was a decision that challenged how I defined success. I learned that leadership is not only about ambition, it is also about having the confidence to make difficult decisions that align with your values. That experience gave me a clearer perspective, stronger priorities and, ultimately, made me a more grounded leader.
What advice would you give Delta Zeta sisters pursuing leadership roles in your field?
Ask for the leadership role you want and come with a plan. Leadership is rarely handed to you; you have to raise your hand, ask to lead, and then show how you will succeed. Don’t wait until you feel ready, because few leaders ever do. It is also okay to take up space. In a male-dominated field, it is easy to make yourself small, but confidence matters.
How has being a Delta Zeta influenced your professional journey or approach to leadership?
Delta Zeta shaped the leader I am by giving me the opportunity to lead long before the stakes were high. Through recruitment, chapter leadership and later serving as an Educational Leadership Consultant, I learned how to communicate with confidence, build relationships, solve problems and advocate for ideas. Those experiences became the foundation of my career, from the White House, to national campaigns, to my role now. Delta Zeta taught me that leadership is about service, preparation and having the courage to raise your hand. Most importantly, it gave me the confidence to believe I belonged in every room I walked into.
