Zeta Day Recap | University of Maryland, College Park
This post will look REALLY different than my usual work. No gorgeous couples or snuggly babies today! But when my sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, put out a request for a photographer for their annual Zeta Day event, I jumped at the chance to help. This organization truly shaped me into who I am today, and it was a privilege to serve them in return. Plus the event took place at my alma mater, the University of Maryland College Park! It was my first time on campus in a few years (been busy having kids and building a business, y’all) and I could NOT believe how much has changed!
Zeta Day is an annual event for current members and alumnae to mingle and build relationships, as well as to recognize award-winning chapters and individuals. Zeta Tau Alpha is one of the largest sororities in the country, with over 275,000 collegiate and alumnae members worldwide. Each state holds its own Zeta Day once a year, and there were over 400 women at yesterday’s Maryland event alone!
This year’s Zeta Day theme was “Mind. Body. Zeta.” and was all about self care. Attendees learned about the importance of body positivity and left with practicable self care techniques from ZTA alumnae that now work in these fields professionally. There was even a breakout yoga class and a Kon Mari demonstration!
There were many other ZTA ladies using their talents to make this event a success. ZTA’s National Harm Reduction Mentor, Bonny Shade, gave an amazing keynote that had me laughing and crying all at once. She kept it real while motivating us to “boss up”, and asked the audience to name women that inspired them.
When Bonny clicked to an image of her own role model, Deb Ensor, my eyes filled with tears – because she was one of mine, too. Deb (or Ms. Ensor as she always was to us!) was ZTA’s Executive Director while I was in college. After a legacy of tireless work for ZTA, she tragically passed away from ovarian cancer a few years ago. As the VP of Recruitment for my chapter, I had the privilege to work with Ms. Ensor directly and got to know her a little on a personal level.
She saw potential in others before they even saw it in themselves – like me. I owe so much of who I am today to this organization, and the responsibilities that they entrusted to me helped me realize that I could do anything I set my mind to.
That’s why sororities matter. I know that sorority life isn’t for everyone, and the wonderful experience I had in ZTA may not have been everyone’s experience. But I am so thankful and indebted to them for giving me some of my fondest college memories, my greatest friendships, and the opportunity to enrich and ennoble my life.
Thank you so much for having me yesterday, ladies. Hope to see you again next year! ZL <3
Host: Zeta Tau Alpha
Venue: University of Maryland
Keynote Speaker: Bonny Shade
Breakout Speaker (Body Positivity): Alexis Wilkins, Living Alexis & Alexis Wilkins Events
Breakout Speaker (KonMari & Yoga Instructor): Yuriko Beaman, Joy & Space
Boutique Vendor: Coastal Greek
A white violet ceremony for Ruth Sadler. This is a special ritual held to acknowledge a sister that’s been a ZTA member for 50 years!
Sisters made cards for the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, a facility that provides free housing for patients undergoing cancer treatment in Baltimore.
Yuriko and Bonny making public speaking look easy!
Am I too old for a door dec? Because this is THE CUTEST.
All the feels.
ZTA killed it on social media yesterday! Loved keeping up with everything in real time on their insta stories!
Shopping break brought to you by Coastal Greek!
Alexis was on a MAGAZINE COVER last year! Snaps, girl!
Senior serenade before graduation next month – congrats, class of 2019!
