#ztalc

[ztafraternity]

𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕡 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕤𝕦𝕝𝕥𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕤 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕟!

Learn more and apply: bit.ly/ztalc

[thenoblestrawberry]

I can hardly believe I came “off the road” a year ago today. In some ways, it feels like I finished my LC career ages ago, and in others, it feels like it was just yesterday.

^At IO, I keep a shadow box displaying some ZTA memories in my office; naturally, most of them are from my time as a Leadership Consultant, since I traveled longer than I was in my own chapter! 

I will always be grateful for such an adventuresome and formative sorority experience.

[mountainstosea-lc-blog]

The best workplace proximity associates. Getting ready to hit the road to our first chapter visits in a few days!

[ztanlc]

NLC To-Do List: Enjoy a Cupcake with a Consultant

NLC will be jam-packed with all the best of ZTA, including quite a few VIZs (“Very Important Zetas”). But did you know ZTA’s 2017–2018 Leadership Consultants will also be there? NLC will give you the chance to not only meet the women who will travel from chapter to chapter this year, but to also learn more about the position and if it may have a place in your own career path.

It’s okay to take the last cupcake 😉

If you’re considering the life of a ZTA Leadership Consultant, stick around after dinner on Friday night during NLC for an interest meeting (with cupcakes!) to learn more about the job. There, you’ll share a treat with the women who know the most about the position—current and former ZTA consultants—and get your questions answered during the consultant Q&A. Attending may help you decide if you’d like apply for the position in the fall when applications open. The interest meeting will be available to any sister who would like to learn more about the role, but we especially encourage upperclassmen who are thinking about what will come after graduation in the next two years to attend.

Tasty treats and sisterhood? We’re in.

Even if you’re not making plans to be a ZTA consultant in the future, plan to shake hands with and get to know the Leadership Consultants at NLC. That way, when they visit your chapter this year, you’ll already have a connection and they’ll see a familiar face upon arrival. Their job will be to support your chapter with education, leadership development, chapter organization and membership recruitment, so it’s never too early to start building relationships with these important ZTA staffers.

Cheers to seeing you Friday night!

You can learn more about the ZTA Leadership Consultant program on the ZTA blog.

[ztaconvention]

Convention Agenda

Convention is a time to celebrate sisterhood, honor tradition and build for the future. Programming at Convention will leave you with a renewed sense of sisterhood that you will carry back to your chapter and sisters.

Wednesday, June 27

1:30–3:30 p.m. Opening Session 3:30 p.m. Province/District Meetings 6–8 p.m. Opening Dinner 8 p.m. Processional Practices All official and alternate delegates will attend a practice. National Officers will provide more details during province/district meetings.

Thursday, June 28

7–8:15 a.m. Continental Breakfast 7:30–8:15 a.m. Fraternity Housing Corporation Biennial Meeting All chapters that are members of the FHC must attend this meeting. 9–11 a.m. Opening Business Meeting All delegates must attend this meeting. Noon–2:30 p.m. Fraternity Housing Corporation Luncheon 3–4:30 p.m. Collegiate and Alumnae Programming 6–9 p.m. Collegiate Crown Chapter Dinner

Friday, June 29

7–8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast 7:15–8:15 a.m. Legacy Breakfast 8:30–10:30 a.m. Second Business Meeting All delegates must attend this meeting. Noon–2:15 p.m. ZTA Foundation Luncheon 2:30–4 p.m. Collegiate and Alumnae Programming 4–5 p.m. Coffee with the Consultants Are you interested in becoming a #ZTALC? Attend this info session complete with a coffee bar for an afternoon pick-me-up! 5–6 p.m. Reception for 2018 Honor Ring Recipients by invitation only 6:15–8:30 p.m. Honor Ring and Alumnae Crown Chapter Dinner 9–11 p.m. Poolside Sisterhood

Saturday, June 30

8:15 a.m. Line Up and Formal Entry 8:30–10 a.m. Memorial Service and Initiation 10 a.m.–noon Ritual Brunch 1–2:30 p.m. Final Business Meeting All delegates must attend this meeting. 2:30 p.m. Free Afternoon 7–11 p.m. Recognition Banquet We will recognize alumnae and collegiate chapters for a biennium of excellence with our Silver Awards.

Sunday, July 1

8–10 a.m. Grab-and-Go Breakfast

[ztafraternity]

Making a place for sisterhood

By Kelley Fox, Leadership Consultant (@urizetataualpha)

It’s hard to adequately describe the feeling of starting a new Zeta Tau Alpha chapter. It is by far the most rewarding experience I have had during my time as a Leadership Consultant, and I have been fortunate enough to work on not one but two extensions! When I reflect on starting our newest Zeta Tau Alpha chapters, I am flooded with memories. I remember the excitement I, along with the other consultants, felt on my first day on campus; how humbled I felt as I witnessed women opening their bids, knowing the journey of a lifetime that lay before them; and the sense of pride I felt as I witnessed strangers become sisters and women become leaders.

Pictured: Leadership Consultants Caroline Villarreal (left) and Kelley (right) in Boise before colonization

When I first found out I was on the colonization team at Seton Hall University in August 2016, I was so excited. I mean, how incredible was it that I was getting the chance to speak about the opportunities for leadership, personal growth and programming I am so passionate about? The long days and nights of work spent laughing with my fellow consultants is something I will cherish for a lifetime. A year later, I am overwhelmed with pride when I hear about the wonderful accomplishments of Lambda Xi Chapter.

Pictured: Leadership Consultants SJ Saputo (left), Kelley (second from right) and Caroline pose with Lambda Xi Chapter President Madeline Recore (second from left) during the chapter’s Installation weekend

In the fall of my second year as a consultant, I learned I would again serve on an extension team at Boise State University, and I was thrilled! I vividly remember our first day on Boise State’s campus in September and the words of Mrs. Malaea Nelms Seleski: “How lucky are we that we get to do this?” I remember how quickly my time at Seton Hall University went by, so I have made every effort to soak it all in this year; it will be May before I know it.  

Pictured: Members of Lambda Omicron Chapter (Boise State) during Bid Day

One of the best parts of colonization is the development of sisterhood among the chapter. Over the first six weeks, the Leadership Consultants plan and facilitate a variety of sisterhood events to help the women get to know one another. These sisterhood events range from tie-dyeing T-shirts and crafting to picking pumpkins. It is amazing to watch women establish friendships with one another over this time period. My favorite aspect of working with a new chapter, however, is without a doubt the opportunity to empower leaders. Women join, and within two weeks they apply for leadership positions. So much of what makes being a Leadership Consultant so fulfilling is the chance to encourage women to be the best versions of themselves and helping them sharpen and develop leadership potential they may not see in themselves. I have loved watching the first officers of Lambda Omicron Chapter at Boise State University lay a strong foundation that will help the chapter excel in the years to come.

Pictured: Leadership Consultants Victoria Salsman, Alison Collangelo, Kaelin Beaty and Kelley pose with their chapters’ links in the Chain of Chapters during Lambda Omicron Chapter Installation

Over the weekend of Jan. 20, we celebrated Lambda Omicron Chapter at its installation banquet. This was a chance to acknowledge and honor the support they received from many facets. From National Officers to local alumnae and the campus community, our new chapter is surrounded by passionate individuals who will help make their first-year experience a positive one. We speak so often of how all Zeta Tau Alphas have a special bond. I know this to be true from my own experience, but it has been amazing to see this play out between the members of Lambda Omicron Chapter and their advisors. These women quickly formed a close bond of admiration and collaboration. Being that they are all new in their roles, they have the opportunity to work together to establish strong alumnae and collegiate relations that will continue for future chapter members.

I am forever indebted to this organization for helping me grow into the leader and woman I am today. I am so fortunate to have been able to play a role in the growth of our organization over the past two years, and I will forever cherish my time with our two newest links. As one of my favorite ZTA poems says, “I have sincerely come to realize that Zeta Tau Alpha is, indeed, a better way to stumble down the back steps and out the front door of life.”

[ztafraternity]

Click here to wrap up your Leadership Consultant application!

[ztafraternity]

The LC Interview Process: After You’ve Clicked “Submit”

By Kaelin Beaty, 2017–2018 Leadership Consultant (@uncczta)

So you finally clicked “submit” on your Leadership Consultant application… now what? It’s time to prepare for interviews! The interview process to become a #ZTALC is dynamic because it includes both a video group interview and an in-person interview. Below, you’ll find my personal experience with the LC interview process and a few tips!

Pictured: Kaelin and Caylee Henderson pose for a photo during their in-person LC interviews before both being hired for the position.

The Video Group Interview

Selected applicants start with a group interview with two or three other candidates via video call in January. The group interview is conducted by the Director of Field Operations, who oversees the Leadership Consultant program. She’ll ask you and the other candidates a few questions each. I felt this was my opportunity to not only elaborate on my application, but to also showcase my personality and excitement for becoming an LC! In my group interview, the interviewer asked me to expand on my resume and application. She asked me about my year as President of my chapter, about my experience at the AFLV Central conference and other general questions that allowed her to get to know me better. (An LOL moment: I had bronchitis during my video interview and had to mute the microphone every time I coughed!)

Pictured: Kaelin was part of the LC team that helped start our chapter at Boise State

The In-Person Interview

After all video group interviews are conducted, selected candidates are invited to in-person interviews at International Office in Carmel, a suburb of Indianapolis, Indiana. I can easily say, the in-person interview was my absolute favorite part of the process! I was able to visit IO for a weekend, meet other potential LCs, and interact with many IO staff members and volunteers. The in-person interview is a day-long interview that consists of three parts: case studies, a presentation and a one-on-one interview with Executive Director Meghan Vicinus Parker.

Case Studies

Candidates are given case studies to review and complete before the in-person interview weekend. The case studies describe an often-relatable situation that could occur on any chapter visit, and candidates answer questions to help resolve or rectify the situation. At my in-person interview, I discussed my resolution to the situation with two ZTA IO staff members. The case studies are a great opportunity to prove your problem-solving ability, which is an important skill of a ZTA LC!

Presentation

Candidates are paired up at the beginning of the day and have a few hours to develop a presentation on a topic of their choice. The topics are unique to ZTA collegiate life and relate to recruitment, sisterhood, Crown Chapter criteria and more. My partner at my in-person interview is now a #ZTALC, too! (Shout out to Maddie Walling!) We chose to do our presentation on sisterhood and membership retention. It was so fun to use our creativity in making our presentation.

One-on-one Interview with Mrs. Parker

The third part of the in-person interview is an opportunity unlike any other: a one-on-one with the ZTA Executive Director! This interview is your time to express why you chose to apply to be an LC and how you can make a difference in the job. This gives Mrs. Parker a chance to learn more about who you are and what qualities you would bring that would make you a great LC. It’s an opportunity for her to ensure that being an LC is the right move for you and for you to ask questions to learn more about what it’s like to serve the Fraternity on a national level.

Pictured: The 2017–2018 Leadership Consultants are a great team!

Now that I’ve covered the logistics of the interview process, I want to share some of the best advice I can give to prepare you for an LC interview. 

Be yourself. It’s cliché, but this is the most important advice I can give.

Reflect on your ZTA experience. Think back on the reasons you are applying to be an LC.

Get to know the other candidates. They could be your future #ZTALC sisters!

If you haven’t applied to be a ZTA LC yet, you should! Sending in that LC application just might be your next best move….

[thenoblestrawberry]

Heading home today means finally wrapping up my #ztalc career (for real this time 😉). 56 consultant sisters, 36 schools, 23 states, and 2.5 years have made me one happy Zeta. And now I’m looking forward to new adventures ahead. Cheers! ☀️👑

[ztafraternity]

A Match Made In ZTA

By Caylee Henderson, 2017–2018 Leadership Consultant (@highpointzta​) and Jessica Eovino Pafford, Collegiate Area Coordinator I (@cofczta​)

Having a mentor can have a positive impact on all aspects of your life. Luckily for us, the relationships and opportunities we find in ZTA can easily lead to mentorship!

Current Leadership Consultant Caylee Henderson and Collegiate Area Coordinator I Jessica Eovino Pafford are a mentee/mentor pair that knows the value of this relationship. Check out their Q&A below to gain insight into being an LC and how having or being a mentor really pays off.

Leadership Consultant applications are due Dec. 1, 2017. Apply here!

Pictured: Caylee (far left) and Jessica (far right) pose with friends at Convention 2016

Q: How did your mentee/mentor relationship start?

Caylee: My sophomore year, I applied to serve as my chapter’s Risk Reduction and Education Chairman, and Jessica was our Province President.. My chapter was going through many rough patches during this time, so Jessica and I had a lot of conversations. I was astounded by Jessica’s choice to volunteer her time to help collegiate women succeed and strengthen their chapters. The following year, I applied to be the President of my chapter, and from there, our relationship continued. I went to Jessica for advice, to talk about ideas, to ask for suggestions, etc. We really became a mentee/mentor pair through our roles in Zeta Tau Alpha, and that has continued and expanded since I graduated.

Jessica: When I first got to know Caylee as the Risk Reduction and Education Chairman for her chapter, I noticed she took great pride in her position. Because the position was evolving, Caylee and I worked together to ensure the chapter was following all of ZTA’s protocols. She would text or email me and ask if we could have a phone call to review things for an event. This is what helped grow our relationship: communication. It was great that Caylee was comfortable coming to me to review/discuss anything.

Q: How have you seen Caylee grow during her time as an LC?

Jessica: Caylee has taken all the things she learned as a collegian and used the experiences to help ZTA chapters across the nation. She does an amazing job building relationships and working with others. These are necessary characteristics of a Leadership Consultant. From a professional aspect, you can take so much of what you learn from ZTA and apply it to other jobs.

Pictured: Caylee poses for a picture with the ZTA sign at International Office during LC training

Q: How has Jessica helped facilitate personal development for you over the years?

Caylee: When I went to college, I never expected to join a sorority, let alone hold leadership positions within the organization. Once I decided to apply to be on Executive Committee, I continuously had Jessica’s support. She pushed me and encouraged me to think outside the box, challenge my chapter and bring new ideas to the table. I never considered applying to be a Leadership Consultant until Jessica inquired if I had thought about it and truly encouraged me to apply. She realized potential in me that I didn’t see in myself.

Q: How has mentoring Caylee impacted you?

Jessica: When you have a collegian you know “gets it,” it puts a big smile on your face. Knowing the advice and guidance I have given has helped Caylee and her chapter succeed is all the payment I’ll ever need as a volunteer. Watching Caylee succeed in college and as a Leadership Consultant makes me so proud. Seeing success like that is part of what keeps me involved as an alumna and is why I continue to volunteer. I wonder, “Who else can I help achieve their goals?”

Pictured: Caylee (far left) poses for a Themis photoshoot with some of her fellow 2017-2018 Leadership Consultants

Q: How do you think the collegian/National Officer relationship translates to a professional setting?

Caylee: As a collegian serving on Executive Committee, I viewed Jessica as my boss in many lights. She had expectations of me and of my chapter, and I respected her opinion and listened to the advice she gave as my superior.

Jessica: Being a mentor within ZTA has led me to be a mentor in my career. I work with individuals in another country who are part of my team. Giving praise and support is critical to being a successful leader. From ZTA, I’ve learned to always encourage my coworkers to work hard and praise their achievements. Learning how to work with your National Officer gives you a glimpse into what it can be like in the professional world. Whenever I’ve had job interviews, I’ve been able to give a work example and a ZTA example. This shows that my values and work ethic are not just in the workplace, but they also extend to every aspect of my life.

Q: What advice would you give someone who is considering applying to be an LC?

Jessica: Apply! If you’re not sure, talk with your advisor(s), collegiate National Officer, or even a current or former LC to see if the position is right for you. In the 10 years I served as Province President, I was so grateful that six collegians from my Province became Leadership Consultants.

Caylee: If you are even considering applying to be an LC, you should absolutely apply. Fill out the application; it may turn out to be the best decision you ever make. If any of your chapter advisors, National Officers, or former or current Leadership Consultants have encouraged you to apply, that means they see something in you. They see your potential to be an amazing LC. You never know what will happen, but you will definitely never find out if you do not fill out and submit the application.

Q: Why do you think it’s important to invest in other people?

Caylee: I believe it is important to invest in other people because sometimes you will see something in them that they cannot see for themselves. Showing support and encouraging others can truly give them the motivation they need to try something new or run with an idea that ultimately leads them to success. I feel very lucky Jessica invested in me as a collegian to help lead me to where I am today.

Jessica: By investing in someone, it gives the individual a greater sense of self-worth. Knowing you have someone who believes in you and supports your dreams will help you achieve your goals. Giving people support, guidance and constructive feedback will help them continue to challenge themselves and to become the best versions of themselves.

Pictured: Some Zetas from chapters in North Carolina, including Caylee and Jessica pose for a photo at Convention 2016

[ztafraternity]

Click here to apply to be a ZTA Leadership Consultant

[ztafraternity]

Isn’t it funny how things work out?

By Ashley Amoss, former Leadership Consultant (@lsuzetataualpha)

If you would have told my 18-year-old self that I would join a sorority, serve on my chapter’s Executive Committee, and then choose to work for the national organization after graduation, I would have said you were crazy. I was an athlete. A musical theater nerd. “Sorority” wasn’t my thing.

Isn’t it funny how things work out?

Pictured: Ashley (middle) and her fellow Leadership Consultants always made time to laugh

I still remember the day I walked through the doors of the ZTA house at LSU with no clue how it would change my life forever. I think the thing we all underestimate when we join ZTA is that, at the end of the day, it’s about relationships. It is the relationships that push us to be the best versions of ourselves. The relationships change us for the better. The relationships make us stay when times get tough. It was those relationships that pushed me to apply for a job that I didn’t even know existed. A job that would alter the course of my life. The job of a Zeta Tau Alpha Leadership Consultant.

Pictured: Ashley (middle) poses on the front lawn of the LSU ZTA house with friends.

During my time as a Leadership Consultant, I visited more than 30 chapters in 29 states. I learned to work with people from all different backgrounds and how to think on my feet to solve a problem. I learned the importance of goal setting and communication. I helped recruit members, market and sell our brand, develop leaders and, most importantly, form relationships.

Those relationships with future and current doctors, lawyers, higher education professionals, broadcast personalities, and marketing and PR gurus helped me land my current job as a Digital Media Videographer and Photographer for the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans.

Pictured: Ashley doing her thing at the NBA Draft

You might ask, “How do the two correlate?” Well, the skills I learned from being a consultant are not specific to any career. They are life skills that apply to every facet of life. Being a consultant prepared me for leading a task force to improve morale and retention in the workplace, presenting an idea to my company, and having the confidence to work with superstars like Anthony Davis, Demarcus Cousins and Drew Brees.

As a videographer for the Saints and Pelicans, I have been given the opportunity to do amazing things. I have visited the Great Wall in China, produced a full-length documentary, covered the NBA All-Star Game and the ESPYs, and traveled all over the country for games. My coworkers always joke with me when we visit different cities because I always know someone there. My job gives me the opportunity to visit with Zetas all over that I developed relationships with when I was a consultant.

Isn’t it funny how things work out?

Pictured: Ashley takes a break from working to pose at the Great Wall

I always think back to something my mentor Dianne Rube told me and my friends when I was in college. She said, “ZTA is a funny thing. The more you give it, the more it gives you. It’s so much more than four years. Your collegiate ZTA journey is just the beginning. Stay involved after you graduate. The relationships that you make will stay with you for the rest of your life.”

My first visit as a consultant was to The University of Alabama. As a proud @lsuzetataualpha graduate, I remember thinking, ���This has to be a joke.” But you see, again I underestimated the power of relationships. Five years later, I happily serve as the Membership Advisor for @alabamazta.

Pictured: Ashley and the Nu Chapter delegates pose with their awards at Convention 2016

Here’s the thing: life is unpredictable. I have tried to plan it out multiple times and I always come up short. But I think that’s the point. I would have never guessed in a million years that being an LC would help land and prepare me for my dream job. I would have never predicted that after I left my collegiate chapter and best friends at LSU that I would go on to meet more amazing people and love other chapters just as much as my own. Joining ZTA might have changed my life, but being a consultant and forming relationships during that time shaped my life.

Are you skeptical of what this job will do for you or questioning if this is the right choice in your career path? Don’t. Take it from me. This experience is invaluable. It will give you a leg up on your competition in the workforce. It will make you a more attractive graduate, medical or law school student. It will give you friends and connections that will last a lifetime. It will be the most rewarding experience of your life.

Knowing where I am today and thinking back, I can’t help but smile and think, “Wow, isn’t it funny how things work out?”

LC applications are due Dec. 1, 2017. Learn more and apply by clicking here.

[thenoblestrawberry]

ZTA LCs cheering for the Broncos like ☝🏽🤗🤗🎉 So excited to be a part of ZTA's extension at Boise State!

[thenoblestrawberry]

As an adult, it is perfectly acceptable to have cake for dinner. 😌☝🏽🍰 Special shout out to IUPUI ZTA for such a sweet visit!!

[thenoblestrawberry]

All of the spirit and sisterhood found within OK State ZTA captured in one photo. 📸✨ These ladies will forever have a piece of my heart and that is more than OK 😉 with me.

[ztafraternity]

Explaining Your ZTA Experience 101

By Leslie Brockman Chunta, Contributing Writer (@texastechzeta alumna, Province President XI-E)

I remember my first “big girl” job interview in 2007. I wore my brown pantsuit and gold knit shirt with pearls (cause I was different than everyone wearing black, naturally) and had five copies of my resume on nice linen paper in a leather portfolio. I remember feeling less than confident about what was on that resume that day. I was the first of my parents’ kids to go to college, and my academic advisor totally missed the part about getting an internship, so I didn’t have one like everyone else in my program. But what I did have was involvement in five student organizations, including Zeta Tau Alpha.

pictured: Convention attendee Olivia (@uiowa-zta) poses for a photo with ZTA NPC Delegate and former National President Laura Ladewig Mauro

No matter if you are an EC or PC officer, or simply a member who consistently shows up and gives ZTA your best, you have something that every hiring manager wants: Dedication. Commitment. Application of yourself toward common goals and purposes. Understanding of servant leadership. These are the attributes I used to explain my experience in ZTA during that interview in 2007 and how I have explained it every day since.  

pictured: a @cppzetas member leads a chapter meeting

Often, women are hesitant to put their sorority affiliation on professional resumes as it may be negatively received by those within the organization they are seeking to join. I have had the same doubts. Let’s also be realistic with each other in that it’s awkward enough to walk into any interview situation and talk about how uniquely awesome you are. Even if you’re ready to take a bold stand and shout your awesomeness from the mountain tops, here are just a few things you may not have realized you’ve taken away from your ZTA experience and how to talk about it:

Management If you’re an EC/PC officer or even a chapter advisor, surprise! You’re a manager of people, emotions and expectations. You are communicating expectations to your team, ensuring that those expectations are met and, in the event that they are not, consulting the individual who did not perform to the required standards. Which brings me to my next point…

Conflict Handling and Resolution Conflict is hard. We now even live in an age where we can avoid it with texts and emails. But, what a skill to communicate that you can successfully navigate through interpersonal conflicts between colleagues (or in our case, sisters) and reach a successful resolution.

Time Management Skills There is never a time like college for balancing a million and five activities. (Oh wait, there is. It’s called motherhood, but I digress.) Anyhow, as a leader in your chapter, it is an unspoken expectation that you manage your time well to excel at being a student, being involved in student organizations, working a job, and being a friend and family member, all while keeping yourself mentally healthy. It’s a tall order. Chances are, you don’t have a Magic Time Fairy making all this happen for you. Reality is, you’re just a lady boss getting things done, and that is what makes the real world work.

Leadership Sounds like a given, right? Not exactly. Not every leader needs to have a leadership title or position. Some of the most motivational sisters that I have known are those who display consistency, dedication, dependability and a servant’s heart. They aren’t looking for recognition. They show up to things because they care. This is leadership in its purest form: Displaying an example for others to follow.

You never know where the ZTA wind will take you in the professional world. I’ve become friends with colleague’s sisters who are ZTAs. I’ve worked with many ZTAs throughout my career. I’ve hired ZTAs. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished during your time in our sisterhood and you’ll be even more proud of where you’ll go in your career.