Meet Chantal Oujaimi, house director at Eta Chapter house at the University of Vermont. Her journey at Vermont has come full circle, as she now works in the very house she lived in as a member. Originally from New Hampshire, Chantal is a proud graduate of UVM and is currently enrolled in an accelerated master’s degree in nursing program.
Why Tri Delta?
During her time living in the chapter house, Chantal formed a close bond with her house director. When she decided to step down, she encouraged Chantal to apply for the position. “It’s so special to become the house director for your own chapter. It truly brings a whole new meaning to lifetime membership. Because this is my chapter, I have a special love for this house and these girls. I had the most amazing experience as a colligate member, living in-house and making the most incredible memories with my sisters, women who I consider lifelong friends, and I wanted to be able to give the next generation of women that same experience.”
How do you find work/life balance?
“As the chapter house is relatively small, I can balance working part time as a house director while also working part time at the hospital and earning my master’s degree in nursing. With an ultimate goal of becoming a critical care nurse practitioner, having the Tri Delta community supporting me is so important in helping me reach my goals.”
What do you love about being a house director?
“I’m so honored to be able to build such strong relationships with these women and watch them grow individually and together in sisterhood. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to make a difference in their lives and be someone they look up to and confide in. I have a unique perspective where I have moved on to adult responsibilities and get to share wisdom from the real world, but I can still relate to and connect with them on a deeper level, having been exactly where they are not too long ago.”
What does a typical day look like for you?
“Part of the job is overseeing the daily operations of the house. This includes operations of dining, cleaning and maintenance and, most important, making sure everyone is safe and sound. I’m also there to make the house feel like a home, which means establishing lasting connections with chapter members by encouraging open communication and providing emotional and logistical support. It’s important to me that I build a positive and nurturing environment to support their collegiate social and emotional growth. Mondays are reserved for ‘The Bachelor.’ If you walked in on a Monday night, you’d find everyone gathered together to watch the show. And I love to plan memorable events! If there’s a birthday or reason to celebrate, we’re throwing a party.”
How has being a house director contributed to your growth and development personally and professionally?
“I love caring for people, both my patients at the hospital as well as my Tri Deltas. It gives me purpose. Watching the women embrace being brave, bold, kind women makes me proud, as does seeing them achieve their dreams and reach their goals. Being someone who the girls look up to has pushed me to become the best version of myself for them. Leaning into the role of house director has helped me grow in my communication and problem-solving skills. It’s a two-way street—you teach them, and they teach you.”
What advice do you have for people who want to be a house director or part-time house director?
“This is the most rewarding job! Flexibility and understanding are key. Your primary goal is to make sure the women have the best sorority experience while also keeping them safe. These women are the future, so it’s so special to be a part of their lives and help contribute to that. As a young person, becoming a house director offers a great opportunity to maintain the sense of community you had during your own college years, and you get the honor of making a real difference in the women’s lives. The role also comes with many benefits—no need to worry about rent or meals! With advanced preparation for the week ahead, this job is super manageable. It’s a hidden gem.”
Tri Delta empowers women. Special thanks to Olivia Diamond, our Richardson ISD Marketing Intern, for her contributions to this piece.