ΣΔΤ Blog

Empowered Volunteer: Leslie Herman

By Elizabeth Norton,

Leslie Herman, Delta Epsilon-Emory
Chapter Services Coordinator, NPC Programming Chair, Strategic Plan Focus Area Lead

This month we are introducing you to Leslie Herman. Leslie is currently our NPC Programming Chair and a Chapter Services Coordinator for our Upstate East region. Additionally, she oversees the Focus Area of our Strategic Plan around Long Term Financial Stability.

Q: Why do you volunteer for SDT?

A: I believe sorority is a unique opportunity for women to find community during their college career and I want to help make that experience available for as many young women as possible since it made such a difference when I was an undergraduate. There is a benefit to having single-gender spaces on co-ed campuses that I believe needs to be protected, so I volunteer to help fight for that right. I have also made some wonderful friends with women from across the country with life experiences different from my own who I would have never met if I hadn’t been volunteering for SDT. Finally, volunteering also provided a sense of continuity in my life, especially through periods of transition when attending graduate school, changing careers, and starting a family.

Leslie, front row center, attending a regional training program for SDT with other volunteers.

Q: What keeps you busy outside of SDT?

A: I stay busy as the mom to a super energetic toddler and wife to a corporate attorney living in Brooklyn, NY. I also work full-time outside the home in the area of healthcare quality improvement for an amazing community-based organization, Housing Works. When I can, I like to meet up with friends, drop in on a yoga class, and test new cookie recipes.

Q: What skills have you developed while volunteering that are applicable in other areas of life?

A: My volunteer role has allowed me to further develop management skills that I have applied in my professional life, including managing people, managing large budgets, and managing large events. I was given some of these opportunities right away in my sorority work that I had to wait longer to achieve in my professional work.

Q: What advice would you offer someone interested in volunteering for SDT? 

A: Find an aspect of SDT that you are passionate about and dive in, even if it is just for a few hours a month. Our organization thrives when we have a diverse pool of experience and expertise that can contribute to achieving our mission of empowering women. Whatever your passion or expertise, such as recruitment, fundraising, event planning, or activism, there is a place for you to make an impact. If you have a partner or family, make sure they are on board for your volunteer commitment; evening conference calls, lots of emails, and some travel can add up to a substantial commitment. The time commitment is worth it when you see our organization continue to thrive.

Leslie (front center) with fellow SDT volunteers.


Sigma Delta Tau would not be successful without the time and effort put forth by our volunteers. Every alumna has the ability to make an impact. Whatever your interests may be- programming, service, scholarship, or recruitment- there is an opportunity for you! If you are interested in finding your passion within SDT, fill out our volunteer interest form.

Author Bio: Tara Olson is a recent graduate from The George Washington University and works as a Mechanical Engineer at WSP. Tara was a member of the Collegiate Leadership Team and is currently serving as a volunteer on the Mid Atlantic Region Recruitment Team and the Alumnae Programming and Engagement Committee.



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