Leadership Academy 2019

On January 13, 2019 the Delta Chi Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega sent four executive members to Leadership Academy held annually in Indianapolis, Indiana. Leadership Academy offers training that combines innovative learning sessions with sisterhood to inspire new officers when they return to their chapters. The four members that attended this year were our president Sage Schuman, vice president new member education Shannon Cunningham, vice president risk management Claudia Dace, and vice president Ritual and fraternity appreciation Madde Klinkey.

Once our executive members returned home they were asked what their biggest takeaway from leadership academy was. Sage Schuman stated that her experience at leadership academy was so much more than she expected and that she loved every second of it. Friday they enjoyed a session with Lori Hart. Saturday she attended breakout sessions with other chapter presidents across the country where they talked about their responsibilities, "being a good sister, friend and Real Strong officer", leadership, bystander intervention, how to handle hard conversations and navigating conflicts. Sage also had the opportunity to represent the Delta Chi chapter by performing the closing ritual ceremony in front of 700 other members. She said, "leadership academy was all in all an awesome experience that I wish every Alpha Chi could participate in."

Claudia Dace, vice president risk management, thought that Leadership Academy was a life changing experience. She is a freshman this year and was a little intimidated by taking on the risk management position. However, having the opportunity to go to Leadership Academy and work with other vice presidents and facilitators helped her gain the confidence she needed. She was able to share potential ideas with other officers and gain tips on how to make the chapter the best it can possibly be. Claudia said that after going to Leadership Academy and learning about mental health and smart drinking, "I found myself thinking about my sisters and how much we (as young adults) don't really know about these issues. I want my sisters to feel safe and comfortable in our chapter and this opportunity gave me the tools I need to reach this goal." Claudia learned a lot and was truly blessed to work along side other amazing leaders. It was something she will never forget.

Shannon Cunningham, vice president new member educator, also had an amazing experience. Shannon said during the weekend she was able to collaborate with other women who hold the same position she does in their own chapters. She mentioned that they started the weekend with a formal opening ceremony and that participating the ceremony with over 700 sisters was a once in a lifetime experience. Shannon also stated that they "attended keynote speakers Dr. Lori Hart and Melissa Ruiz who inspired us to change the amount of participation on our campus's." Shannon participated in break out groups over inclusive leadership, commanding the room, action planning, bystander intervention and more. "This is truly an experience I will take with me for the rest of my life! I'm so thankful for this opportunity!"

Madde Klinkey, vice president Ritual and fraternity appreciation, learned a lot from advisors and consultants. She stated that her favorite part of Leadership Academy "was talking to advisors and consultants about how their collegiate membership experience changed their path in life and learning how I can create that feeling and bond through small changes in ritual and my attitude." Madde is extremely excited for this year and all the new things to come.