Rachel Poydras-Obenchain, Washington, serves Tri Delta as our standout Region 9 collegiate chapter specialist (CCS), overseeing the two advisor teams at the University of Reno and the University of California, Davis. Rachel recognized that she had the perfect skill set for this position—and she was right. She’s absolutely crushing it! And now we’re thrilled that Rachel will be bring her “yes” attitude to our 2024 Collegiate Leadership Conference as a facilitator.
What made you decide to volunteer for Tri Delta?
“I’ve known Collegiate Volunteer Coordinator Ashley Westerberg Salzwedel, Washington State, since high school, but we recently reconnected on social media. When she suggested that I volunteer after a 20-year hiatus from being involved with Tri Delta, my gut feeling was a resounding YES. It was the first thing I’d enthusiastically agreed to in a while. If there was anything worth saying yes to, it was Tri Delta. Having served on Panhellenic for two years in college, I believe I bring a valuable perspective to my role, and now it’s incredibly fulfilling to reconnect and contribute to Tri Delta.”
What do you get most out of volunteering?
“The best part for me is the networking and forming genuine adult friendships. It’s always about building relationships and meaningful connections. While I already have amazing friends, I cherish the unexpected connections I’ve made, and they motivate me to invest my time. Despite the overwhelming challenges at times and fires I’ve had to put out, knowing that everyone shares the same dedication and commitment makes it all worthwhile. We’re all moving in the same direction, striving to enhance everyone’s sorority experience. Ultimately, I want collegians to have a great experience and continue the tradition of volunteering. Without volunteers, none of this would be possible.”
What is your most memorable experience as a volunteer?
“It’s definitely Volunteer Leadership Conference (VLC)! This role has presented its fair share of challenges, but I feel proud when I look back at how much I’ve learned and the progress we’ve made as a volunteer team. None of it would have been possible without the support I’ve received along the way. Meeting everyone in person and finally putting faces to names at VLC made it easier to connect and reach out for help when needed. It was a reassuring reminder that I’m not alone in this journey. And, the baseball game at VLC—what a blast! It was the perfect way to kick off the conference and I had the opportunity to meet so many incredible people!”
What advice do you have for other Tri Deltas who are thinking about volunteering?
“Go for it! Ask questions to find the right roles that fit your skills and available time. It’s important to be honest with yourself about your capacity, but even small roles like helping out with recruitment for a week can make a big difference. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert at everything or don’t have all the answers; there is so much support to help you succeed. There’s a place for everyone in Tri Delta, so find where you fit best and just jump right in!”