Sigma Delta Tau

Mackenzie Baker, Delta Alpha-Eastern Michigan University
New Member Education Chair, Chapter Advisor and Strategic Planning Committee

This month we are spotlighting Mackenzie Baker, one of our dedicated volunteers. Mackenzie helps to shape our new member’s first experiences in SDT by serving as the New Member Education Chair. She also advises the women of Delta Alpha at Eastern Michigan University, and assists with our strategic planning by participating on two of our teams. Learn why Mackenzie is so passionate about volunteering for SDT.

Q: Why do you volunteer for SDT?

A: I can truly say almost all the things in my life that bring me joy can be tied back to the meaningful sorority experience I had as a student at Eastern Michigan University. As a member of SDT, I was given the opportunity to take on chapter and community leadership roles that helped me identify my career path and gave me the skills needed to be a better student and today, an empowered woman. When I think about my collegiate experience, I’m happy to know that many of the traditions and special experiences I had in my chapter (Delta Alpha) are shared by women in the chapter today. Without volunteers, those chapter experiences we all value so would not be possible. I hope through my volunteer roles, I can help to encourage a meaningful experience that leads to a lifelong relationship with SDT.

Mackenzie with her Delta Alpha Sisters!

Q: What keeps you busy outside of SDT?

A: A few years ago my group of friends formed a book club that has been a huge accomplishment for us all. We’ve committed to reading a book a month and although we love Reese Witherspoon’s monthly book picks, we also try to challenge ourselves to read things we wouldn’t normally. I was a big reader as a child, but lost interest for many years. Book club has been such a rewarding way to rediscover my love of reading and connect with friends despite our busy schedules.

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

A: As I get further away from my collegiate career, my volunteer role has kept me connected to what today’s students need and care about. Volunteering for SDT reminds me that the challenges of Generation Z are different from all other generations, even from Millennials like me. Whether I’m deciding how I’ll cast my vote in elections or just how I’ll show up on social media, I’m now thinking more about how this younger generation approaches culture and society.

Mackenzie and other empowering volunteers at the POM Region Elevate!

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

A: My advice is to decide what level of involvement works with your life and keep saying “yes!”. It took me a few years to gain some confidence as a volunteer and to find the types of roles I felt I could add the most value to. My favorite volunteer roles have been the one-off strategic plan teams where I get to listen to others and engage in dialogue about how to make the sorority better. I’ve learned everyone’s perspective is necessary on those teams no matter if you have decades of experience or none at all. I am sure a lot of alumnae feel intimidated by volunteering for the National Organization but it is one of the greatest decision I have made.

Whatever your interests may be, there is an opportunity for you! If you are interested in finding your passion within SDT, fill out our volunteer interest form.

Author Bio: Taylor Goldberg is a recent graduate from Florida State University and is currently attending chiropractic school at the University of Western States. Taylor was a member of last year’s Collegiate Leadership Team and is currently serving on the Alumnae Programming and Engagement committee which works to create engaging and relevant programming for SDT alumnae of all ages.