Delta Phi Epsilon

After moving to Phoenix, she was a part of the founding of the Phoenix alumnae association and assisted with the recruitment and founding of the Zeta Iota chapter at Northern Arizona University where she continues to serve on the Chapter Advisory Board as Programming Advisor.  She also has served as a delegate, Collegiate Relations Chair, and is currently the Vice President for the Phoenix Alumnae Panhellenic Association.

Professionally, Amanda has over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector.  Working for the Boys and Girls Clubs, the Arthritis Foundation and in development for the University of Illinois Chicago she has honed skills in fund development and operations.  She has been working in her current role at Teen Lifeline; an organization working to prevent teen suicide in Arizona through its crisis hotline, prevention education and community outreach; for over 10 years as Office Administrator responsible for accounting, board relations, employee recruitment, and human resource activities.

Amanda and her husband Adam love to travel, enjoying time in nature with their “big” pop-up camper “notoriously” named Gertie (if you know, you know), love a great concert, and snuggling on the couch with their two cats, Marley and Millie.

Tell me a little bit about yourself and your DPhiE journey. Why did you join? What was your experience like as an undergrad? What is it like now as an adult? Any favorite memories?

I joined DPhiE my freshman year. The University of Illinois-Chicago had a very small Greek system and DPhiE was one of only three NPC organizations. I went through formal recruitment and was not picked but I did have a strong connection with one DPhiE sister (who is still a close friend to this day, even stood up in her wedding) who later approached me for informal recruitment. I received a bid from there and the rest was history… as they say. I knew I loved DPhiE from the start… the values, the motto, even the mascot and colors (love unicorns and purple!). But, all kidding aside, my experience in DPhiE as an undergrad shaped me into the person I am today. I grew to love the philanthropic side, I gained invaluable leadership and social skills, and more self-confidence. I was very quiet, shy, and insecure in high school. As an adult, I now work in the non-profit sector and continue to educate collegiate women on programming and philanthropy both through advising and through my volunteer role in the Phoenix Alumnae Panhellenic Association. I have continued to gain great friendships as an alumna volunteer. It is truly amazing to be able to continue doing the things I love, connecting with youth and young adults through philanthropic work.

One of my favorite events as a collegian was going to Zephyr’s to eat large amounts of ice cream and sing songs with our new members. I was so sad when they closed down this Chicago icon. But probably my favorite memories are the silly ones that were not even associated with any particular event. To name a few quotes that would only be understood by my chapter sisters where ridiculousness ensued, “Feed the birds” “Pizza time, Pizza time”. I truly love my goofball sisters and would not have been happier with any other type of people over here “being rather than seeming to being”.

How has DPhiE helped you grow in your leadership skills, both professionally and personally?

So much of DPhiE and my experience has trickled into my professional and personal life. DPhiE gave me the strength to grow as a person by being actively involved in many positions around programming and philanthropy as well as being Treasurer. My choice of career today came from my experiences in DPhiE. It is the reason I decided to work in the non-profit community from my very first volunteer involvement with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, leading me to other roles in health-related non-profits, to higher education, and then to more grassroots organizations working with teens and young adults. I have worked in many roles, from fundraising to event planning, and eventually found my niche in administration/human resources management within the non-profit sector. I would say that DPhiE strengthened my social skills, bringing me out of my shell, giving me confidence as an individual, and creating the strong bonds of sisterhood that I not only hold with my DPhiE sisters but also my best girlfriends outside of DPhiE. I have found my greatest support system in the women I surround myself with.

You are a shining example of one of our leadership competencies: communication. We define communication as “The ability to identify different styles of communication and adapt to various styles. The ability to exhibit active listening skills. The ability to deliver clear personal and professional messages..” How do you demonstrate communication in your life? Any specific examples?

Understanding is always something I think about when listening and communicating with everyone. I must say, even in situations where I may not necessarily agree, I will always ask questions and remain curious, looking for the “why”. If I know someone’s “why,” I can hopefully find a common ground and develop a better understanding of where they are coming from. I listen with compassion and actively listen by paraphrasing. “You just told me this about yourself, tell me more about why you feel that way.”  Being someone who is in my mid-forties, I realize I do not always think the same way as a teen or a young adult. I think it is so important to realize that every generation thinks differently, and if you can just be curious, open-minded, and understanding, that is all anyone wants, to be heard and understood.

How has your experience in Delta Phi Epsilon grown your ability to communicate effectively with different audiences?

I think my ability to communicate well with different audiences has everything to do with our values:  justice, sisterhood and love. Justice – treating everyone with respect regardless of background.  Sisterhood – sharing a connection with people. Love – having compassionate relationships. I think about these things every time I communicate with anyone. Treat others with respect, try to find a connection, and approach them in a compassionate, caring way. While everyone might be different, if people approach communication from this standpoint, our world would be a much better place.

Can you provide an example of how you have inspired others to take action through communicating effectively?

“Understand before you assume, Listen before you speak, Think before you respond.”  I read this quote somewhere (I wish I remembered where), and I thought… absolutely!  There have been examples in my life where I have realized anger and aggression never get anyone anywhere. If you are unhappy and try to get your point across by attacking with anger, the other party will not respond well, whether that be by attacking back or feeling hurt. I’m not gonna lie, de-escalating a situation where someone is angry and the other person does not understand is probably one of the bigger challenges in life. Going back to the quote from above, the best way for people to get past this disconnect is to try to understand, listen with compassion, and think about what you are trying to communicate.

How do you balance assertiveness with empathy when communicating during a difficult situation?

Being assertive comes with a bit of hard honesty and expressing empathy shows that you do care. I like to call this the “I love you, but” way of communicating. “I am sorry that you are having a rough time, but maybe I am too and you are discounting my feelings at the expense of your own.”  Communicating in this way can most definitely be hard and does require a bit of strength and a sense of self. Attempting to educate the other person on your honest feelings is often hard, especially if you feel like you might be hurting theirs in return.  

How do you foster open and transparent communication within your volunteer role at DPhiE and in your professional career?

My career is focused on human resources, and with that, I remain curious about the human experience. “What’s going on? Is everything okay? How can I help you with your concerns?” I try to be as open and honest about how things operate, how things work, and what I can do to assist. In return, I try to form a connection to what is being expressed, give them the respect to share their story and find a common ground in which to understand. All of this is exhibited both within my volunteer role as an advisor and in my role as a human resources professional.

How do you continually seek feedback and strive to improve your communication skills within the organization and outside of it?

I am probably one of those strange people who loves a performance review and wants to know what her peers think about her. I am continually curious not only about life around me but how others see me as well. Sometimes it’s tough to hear, but once I think about what has been expressed to me, I can strive to move forward and work to improve. In that regard, I like to always be thoughtful of others… their feelings, what is going on in their lives, etc.  Again, listen, understand, and always be curious.

Furthering her education, Jade attended Georgetown University Law Center in Washington D.C., where she earned her J.D., cum laude, in 2001. This achievement was a stepping stone into her career in law, where she focused on estate planning, probate, and business planning. With a desire to contribute more broadly to societal well-being, Jade transitioned to a career in the non-profit sector. Her roles as director of planned giving for Muscular Dystrophy Association and Human Rights Campaign allowed her to support causes close to her heart.

Today, Jade serves as the Chief Development Officer for Giving Docs, where she combines her legal expertise and passion for philanthropy to help non-profits and their donors with online estate planning tools. It’s a role she finds both challenging and rewarding, allowing her to make a significant impact in the philanthropic world. Jade’s commitment to social justice and anti-racism has also led her to author pivotal research on the racial/ethnic estate planning gap, establishing her as a respected voice and advocate for equity in estate planning.

Living in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., Jade is the proud mother of four young adults, each carving their own paths in life and education. Her daughter, Miranda, continues the family tradition of engagement and service as a legacy member of the Epsilon Upsilon chapter at Cal Poly Humboldt.

Jade’s life beyond her professional and familial roles is filled with the joys of hiking, cooking, and volunteering, embodying her belief in the power of community service and personal well-being. Her dedication extends to her role on the board of directors for the Delta Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation, further exemplifying her unwavering commitment to leadership and service, and her love for the Delta Phi Epsilon sisterhood.

Tell me a little bit about yourself and your DPhiE journey. Why did you join? What was your experience like as an undergrad? What is it like now as an adult? Any favorite memories?

When I moved to Cal Poly Humboldt in 1990, I was 800 miles from home and knew no one. During a club fair at the beginning of the semester, I stopped by the Delta Phi Epsilon table and met two of the sisters who were immediately welcoming and enthusiastic. I was looking for a group of like-minded women, and was instantly drawn to the values of service and sisterhood embodied by DPhiE members. Epsilon Upsilon chapter has always been small, so there were plenty of opportunities for leadership roles and I enjoyed serving as New Member Educator (we called it “Pledge Mom” back then), Secretary, and Vice President. I also served as Vice President of the Greek Council. One of the many amazing women I met during my time as a collegiate member was Gina Curtis.

After graduation, I wanted to continue my involvement with DPhiE, so I became a chapter advisor for Alpha Iota at University of San Francisco, where I met Emily Meister. 

Then I moved to the east coast for law school, and settled in the Washington D.C. area where I started a family and career. During this time, I was busy with my career and with having four children in five years, so my involvement with Delta Phi Epsilon had to be paused. 

Years later, the decision of my daughter, Miranda, to attend my alma mater and join DPhiE rekindled my engagement with the sisterhood. Without question, being able to share my love of DPhiE with my daughter has been my favorite part of my journey with our sisterhood. Through Miranda, I rediscovered my love for DPhiE and re-engaged as an alumna volunteer. When I joined the Educational Foundation board in 2023, I found myself reunited with my old friends, Gina Curtis (Epsilon Upsilon) and Emily Meister (Alpha Iota). It felt like coming home, and it was then that I realized that DPhiE had been there all along, just waiting for me to reengage when I was ready, like a loving family who gives you space to pursue your dreams but who always welcomes you back.

How has DPhiE helped you grow in your leadership skills, both professionally and personally?

As a leader both in my company and within my industry, I attribute the foundational leadership skills that have propelled my career to my involvement with Delta Phi Epsilon. My time in DPhiE honed critical skills such as organization, effective communication, and event planning. The discipline of conducting weekly chapter meetings, guided by Robert’s Rules of Order, laid the groundwork for my ability to effectively serve on various committees and boards of directors throughout my professional journey.

You are a shining example of one of our leadership competencies: self-awareness. We define self-awareness as “The ability to articulate and show a desire to work toward personal or professional goals. To align actions with those goals.” How do you demonstrate self-awareness in your life? Any specific examples?

Goal-setting is not just a habit for me; it’s a cornerstone of my identity, playing a pivotal role in shaping my achievements across professional and personal spheres. For me, the practice of setting and achieving goals is deeply entwined with self-awareness, particularly in two aspects: (1) the capacity to set goals that resonate with my core values and (2) the flexibility to shift away from a goal when it ceases to align with my evolving aspirations. Aligning goals with personal values and priorities requires self-reflection and awareness.

Achieving a goal rarely follows a direct path. Take my experience as an illustration: reentering the workforce after a five-year hiatus dedicated to staying home with my children, I found that I needed to recalibrate my professional aspirations. Despite being qualified for more senior roles, I opted for a position that, while not as advanced, offered significant opportunities for growth and learning. This choice was made in alignment with my values and with the strategic intention of using this role as a stepping stone  to eventually secure an executive position. This journey underscored the importance of adaptability and the strategic alignment of career moves with my personal values and long-term objectives.

How has DPhiE grown your ability to be more self-aware? 

The emphasis of Delta Phi Epsilon on the importance of personal authenticity—to be, rather than to seem to be—has significantly contributed to enhancing my self-awareness. This ethos has served as a powerful reminder to anchor my goal-setting processes in the essence of my true self. By prioritizing authenticity in my ambitions, DPhiE has guided me to a deeper understanding of my values and aspirations, encouraging a more genuine pursuit of my goals.

How do you utilize the resources available to you to persist through challenges, both within the organization and in your personal life?

Learning to use the resources around me wasn’t easy at first; it was something I had to work on getting better at. Growing up, I was taught to do things on my own and not to rely much on others. But as I got older, I realized that finding and using help when I need it actually makes me stronger and helps me achieve my goals. Now, whenever I’m trying to solve a problem or reach a goal, the first thing I do is evaluate any existing resources – these may be individuals with certain knowledge or skills, or more concrete resources that have some connection to the goal I’m working towards. 

What strategies do you employ to ensure that your actions consistently reflect your personal and professional goals?

Staying on track with my personal and professional goals involves constantly checking if my actions are moving me closer to what I aim to achieve. This process requires deliberate effort and self-reflection, plus the flexibility to adjust my actions if they’re not leading me toward my objectives. It’s about being intentional and open to change, ensuring that every step I take is a step towards my goals.

Can you share your vision for the future of the organization and how your self-awareness will continue to play a role in achieving that vision?

One of the most cherished aspects of Delta Phi Epsilon’s sisterhood that deeply resonates with me is our unwavering dedication to inclusivity and progress. From its inception, our sorority was built on these foundational values, guiding everything we undertake. It’s truly inspiring to observe that, more than a century later, we continue to embrace these principles, establishing ourselves as pioneers in promoting inclusivity and acceptance within the Greek Life community. My engagement with DPhiE has significantly bolstered my self-awareness and dedication to personal development and authenticity, and I am hopeful that these qualities will contribute to our organization’s ongoing efforts to champion social justice and inclusivity. In an era where the relevance of Greek Life is being scrutinized in the context of contemporary values, the self-awareness of our members and the organization as a whole exemplifies the leadership necessary to drive the positive transformation that Greek Life organizations should be undertaking.

Talk a little about your DPhiE journey. When and where did you join? Why did you choose DPhiE? 

I’m from Northern Illinois University, Phi Sigma Chapter (1988). I chose D Phi E because the sisters I met inspired me and being around them felt like “home.”

Why did you start volunteering for DPhiE? How did you get to the position you are now? 

I traveled as a Chapter Consultant upon graduation (1991) and continued to serve as an alumna volunteer through 2004, ultimately serving as International President from 1999 – 2004. I returned to active involvement as a Director on the Educational Foundation in 2016 and currently serve in the role as Vice President.

What skills have you learned throughout your time in DPhiE and being a volunteer?

Sisterhood in Delta Phi Epsilon as an undergraduate taught me valuable leadership skills as well as an appreciation for diverse viewpoints.  Coming from a large, housed chapter, there were constant commonalities and differences; leaders I aspired to learn from and participants who modeled the importance of  teamwork; and countless fond memories.

The most important things I learned as an alumna volunteer include: the value of saying thank you – of noticing and expressing appreciation for the contributions of others and the importance of continuing the personal connection of the sisterhood experience as an alumna – just as during one’s undergraduate experience, it’s not just about gaining skills, it’s also about the sisterhood and the love. 

What impact do you want to have on the Educational Foundation?

The creation of the Madeleine Claire McNulty Scholarship, named after one of my daughters, is the most lasting impact I would have on the Educational Foundation.  We are honored and grateful to all sisters of Delta Phi Epsilon, family and friends who have donated to its endowment.

Any advice you would give a new member? 

Sisterhood is for a lifetime – that’s something one cannot truly grasp as a new member. Some days you will love it, other days not so much…but, just as when you took the chance to accept our bid, keep taking chances within our sisterhood and the opportunities, friendships and treasured memories will build over the years.

Is there anything you would like to add? Any special DPhiE memories? 

While I treasure my experience as a Phi Sigma chapter sister, my alumna experience as a volunteer equally has provided lifelong friendships.  Some of my favorite sisterhood memories are the alumnae volunteer social gatherings at international conventions (ILF).