Director, Conflict Resolution & Education, William & Mary
Which of the Delta Zeta shared values resonates with you the most?Curiosity & 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?
I became interested in a career dealing with conflict resolution through my own experiences. During a particularly difficult organizational conflict, I had a moment of realization that no one in the room knew how to navigate the conflict productively — myself included. That experience piqued my curiosity about how conflict can be so destructive and what people need to move from bitter disagreement to reconciliation, ultimately leading me into a new career. I’m now grateful for that painful conflict, for how it showed me my own need to grow and an opportunity to become the leader I wish that I’d had in that situation.
What advice would you give Delta Zeta sisters pursuing leadership roles in your field?
Be open to how your career will change as you do. Reject the belief that it’s “too late,” and don’t be afraid to pivot and try something new — I went back to graduate school in my 30s to pursue a career in a completely new field! Conflict resolution is a new and growing field, and the world needs more leaders who embrace conflict as opportunity rather than avoiding it out of fear. Prioritize being in places where you have the freedom to try new things, are supported when you fail and succeed, and can develop your strengths.
How has being a Delta Zeta influenced your professional journey or approach to leadership?
Delta Zeta was one of the first places whereI had opportunities to lead my peers and began to see myself as a leader. As a collegiate member, I held multiple chapter leadership positions that provided the opportunity to learn and practice leadership. I learned that leadership is rarely being the loudest person in the room, but is about serving and bringing out the best in others. It was through leading in Delta Zeta that I built the confidence to pursue leadership in other spheres and in my career.
