Maranda Avery, Wichita State, began her volunteer experience with Tri Delta more than 10 years ago. Prior to her current role as financial specialist trainer, she served as a financial specialist for five years, and as a member of the Membership Discipline Innovation Team.
Why did you decide to volunteer with Tri Delta?
I have always had a passion for giving back and sharing my experiences, skills and knowledge with others. Tri Delta has been an important part of my life, so when I received the call that one of my Tri Delta sisters had recommended me for the financial specialist position, I was blown away. After careful consideration, I accepted the role and it has been one of the best experiences of my life.
As a financial specialist/financial specialist trainer, I have had the opportunity to assist our collegiate chapters through financial ups and downs. Those experiences have taught me best practices to help Tri Delta chapters navigate financial probation, budget deficits and chapter delinquency. Over the past four years I have enjoyed sharing this knowledge with the financial specialists I mentor. Seeing Tri Delta chapters succeed is an amazing experience. Seeing the women I have mentored grow in their officer roles, and later become volunteers themselves, is why I continue to volunteer!
What keeps you busy outside of Tri Delta?
In my professional life, I work in a HR role for Koch Business Solutions in a team that assists with the international relocation of Koch’s talent. In addition to Tri Delta, I currently volunteer for the Greater Wichita YMCA as a Board member for Child Care and Camps. This opportunity allows me to help educate the community about why the YMCA is more than a place to work out and children’s sports. From the SPLASH Program which provides water safety skills to second graders at no cost to the Live Strong program helping those who have been diagnosed with cancer, the impact the YMCA has on our community is unparalleled. As a Girl Scout Troop Leader for the Girl Scout of the Kansas Heartland I have the privilege of mentoring the women of tomorrow. I enjoy helping each girl learn the skills they need to be successful in the next phase of their life. Watching them continue to grow each month and seeing the joy in their eyes when they achieve success is the best feeling in the world.
In my personal life, I have two beautiful nieces and a nephew that keep me busy with their sports and school activities. Lastly, I enjoy cooking for my family and friends, reading fiction novels, traveling and wine tastings.
What has been your favorite experience as a volunteer?
The experiences I have had as a Tri Delta volunteer have been amazing! There is no way to choose one experience; however, over the years I have had several vice presidents of finance that have displayed a passion to help their chapters succeed. I have truly loved helping those women help their chapters reach their financial goals. Secondly, I value all the amazing Tri Delta sisters I have met across the organization that I would never have had the opportunity to meet without my volunteer experiences both locally and through Executive Office.
What skills has your volunteer role helped you develop that you’re able to apply in other areas of your life?
During my time in Tri Delta, so many women have mentored me on my journey, helping me enhance my skills and develop new skills. Tri Delta has given me an outlet to improve my organizational and time management skills, from planning philanthropy events to designating time to review chapter finances and have discussions with each chapter or volunteer group I am currently working with.
Sharpening presentation skills through facilitating tracks at Volunteer Leadership Conference and hosting webinars for volunteer teams has helped me be more effective at work and with the other volunteer organizations I support. Lastly, I have had the opportunity to continue to build my networking skills at local alumnae events, Volunteer Leadership Conference and Convention.
What advice would you offer to someone who’s interested in volunteering with Tri Delta?
Find your passion! There are so many ways to give back to Tri Delta, including volunteering locally with your alumnae chapter, working with collegiate chapters though Executive Office volunteer roles, or short-term opportunities as a facilitator at Collegiate Leadership Conference or Volunteer Leadership Conference. Find what works with your schedule and time constraints and raise your hand. You will not be disappointed.
Interested in giving your time and talent to Tri Delta? Fill out a volunteer interest form.