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Kara Albert, Columbus, Ohio
Zeta Zeta, Westminster, Class of 2000
Director of Corporate and Graduate Relations
Fisher College of Business - The Ohio State University
Why do you support the Foundation?
I support the Kappa Foundation because I believe in its purpose. I have been personally touched by the Foundation and I've witnessed the impact that the Foundation can have on our Kappa sisters. I've received financial assistance in the form of scholarships from the Foundation, I've been promoted at work (and landed jobs) because of the leadership training I've received through the Foundation and I've grown personally because of the connections I've made through the Foundation end of Kappa. As women, I think we have an innate desire to help others and while the Kappa Foundation may not help rebuild a home for someone affected by a tragedy, it does help women (women just like us) bounce back from life's challenges, focus on improving themselves and become forces to be reckoned with in this world. The |
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Foundation changes lives, saves lives and helps women live better lives. . .why wouldn't I support it?
Do you have a favorite Foundation program area?
That's a tough one. . .all of the program areas are amazing (that's why I primarily support through unrestricted gifts)! Personally, I have been touched by both the Educational and Leadership Programs and Scholarships and the Educational and Leadership Programs is my favorite of those. I've had a chance to attend and facilitate at Leadership Academy and have seen women grow exponentially in their confidence and leadership ability. The opportunity that the Foundation affords our members to spend a few days taking the time to look inward and focus on our own skills is a gift beyond measure. . . and I feel blessed to have been a part of it!
How did you first learn about the Foundation?
I first learned about the Foundation during my time at Westminster College. I applied for a Foundation scholarship to help me pay for my school expenses. I remember receiving the notification that I had received the scholarship in the mail and feeling this huge weight lift off of my shoulders. I worked during the summers and throughout the school year to pay my bills, but receiving the scholarship allowed me to fully participate and contribute at school and in my Kappa chapter without worrying about how I was going to buy books that year! It was at that point that I made a promise to myself to give back to the Foundation...I considered it a very kind and generous gift that I could pay forward to others.
How has your Kappa experience influenced you most?
My Kappa experience has influenced me the most in two ways. First, I've been influenced by the absolutely amazing women that I have met and grown to love through Kappa. Not a day goes by that I don't think about the women that I know and how they are influencing others and changing the world, one day at a time. I am inspired by them daily and simply knowing them makes me a better person. I have a picture on my desk at work of a group of Kappa women that I admire very much (Leadership Academy Facilitators) with a quote below it that says, "You really can change the world if you care enough." (Marion Wright Edelman) To me, Kappa women embody that saying through and through and it is a reminder to me to put my heart and soul into all that I do.
The second way in which Kappa has influenced me is actually something that I never would have guessed I would say in college. I can attribute nearly all of my career success to experiences and practice that I have gained through Kappa. Serving on committees and leading teams (something you do throughout your time in Kappa) helped me learn how to "play well in the sandbox" at work. Working as a Leadership Consultant right out of college gave me the chance to work on budgets, handle critical conversations, address vision and strategy, and identify strengths and weaknesses within organizations. When I interviewed for my first role after being an LC, every single example I gave in the interview was a Kappa example. . .and I got the job because of it! My experiences volunteering in the Columbus Alumnae Association and with the Foundation has connected me with women and companies that I would've never known and given me a chance to balance my work and life. I find that I am a better employee because of my leadership and involvement within Kappa.
What is your favorite Kappa memory?
My favorite Kappa memory changes just about every week, but I think I'd have to say my initiation. My sister (Mandy Albert Richardson, Westminster) is also a Kappa and graduated a year before I started college. She surprised me by showing up at initiation. We have always been great friends, but that was the moment when I knew my sister and I had so much more in common than just being related! |
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