Meet Delaney Pierce & Kaylee DeMoss: Our September Leading Women

Names: Delaney Pierce (right) and Kaylee DeMoss (left)

Majors:

Delaney: Journalism/Strategic Communication

Kaylee: Elementary Education

Hometowns:

Delaney: Kansas City, Missouri

Kaylee: Columbia, Missouri

What are your career/life goals?

Delaney: I want to become a graphic designer and work with branding design for small businesses!

Kaylee: Elementary Education, I hope to teach for a few years, get my Ed.D, then move into administration to work with teachers and students.

What is your favorite part about your major? Tell us about why you chose your major?

Delaney: My favorite part of being in the Journalism school is all of the career paths that are available. Everyone I meet wants to do something different, and the Journalism School gives us opportunities to pursue our individual paths.

Kaylee: I chose to teach because I want to make a difference in the world and I think education is key in breaking the cycle of poverty. I also want to inspire kids to fulfill their own unique potential and find a career that brings them joy.

Why did you decide to become Theta’s Inclusivity Chair?

Delaney: I am really passionate about Diversity and Inclusion, and I wanted to get involved within Theta. When I saw the opportunity to be an inclusivity chair, I knew it was something that I wanted to pursue. There are lots of opportunities for more inclusivity within the Panhellenic Community and Theta, and I wanted to be a part of that change.

Kaylee: I have always valued learning leadership, equity, and diversity, and this role involves all three. Everyday I reflect on my own biases and life experiences, and I become more educated on topics that I knew little about previously. It makes me a better person. I know that I will teach kids that have lived very different lives than me, but I want them to know that I’m doing my best to understand and serve them.

What is your favorite part about this position? What are you looking forward to within this role this semester?

Delaney: My favorite part about this role is educating myself on topics of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and being able to share that knowledge within the chapter. I am looking forward to continuing to present to our chapter on a regular basis, and being able to have in-depth conversations with our members.

Kaylee: I have really loved working closely with Delaney and Olivia and getting to know them better. I have also loved being challenged to find ways for members to engage in topics of DEI and leave their conversations or experiences with a new perspective.

What other organizations or hobbies are you passionate about?

Delaney: I have an Instagram account where I post some of my artwork. My goal with my account is to inspire people to prioritize their mental health and well being, and inform them on matters of social justice, women’s rights and the environment. I have gotten so much support from my Theta friends on my account and I am so so grateful!

Kaylee: I’m really passionate about public school reform. I love all things music and art. I love spending time outdoors, if anyone wants to go camping HMU.

How have your experiences in Theta changed you?

Delaney: I have always been hesitant to discuss the things that I am passionate about, but the amazing members of Kappa Alpha Theta have shown me, and continue to inspire me to pursue my passions with enthusiasm and grace.

Kaylee: They’ve given me opportunities and resources to help me become the best leader possible and they’ve changed my view of what a leader looks like. I also understand that it’s okay to let other people lead and take charge and that you don’t have to say yes to everything.

What does Theta mean to you?

Delaney: Theta is the first organization that I have been a part of where I feel like the members have my back and appreciate me for exactly who I am. I know that my friends in Theta will inspire me to become the best version of myself, support me through all my highs and lows, and love me as my most authentic self.

Kaylee: Passion, because all of the girls are so passionate about their interests and it’s so inspiring!!

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Delaney: If I could talk to my sixteen year old self right now, I would tell her to be herself. I was so caught up in getting everyone to like me that I was trying to be someone I wasn’t.

Kaylee: Don’t be afraid to be more outgoing and take less naps so you can see your friends more!! Lol

Do you have a specific favorite Theta memory?

Delaney: My favorite Theta memory is living in-house! I love living in the same place as my friends, and constantly having my support system around me. While living in-house, I get to go on late night drives, ice cream runs and have random deep convos with friends.

Kaylee: I have a lot of great memories but I really loved the other night when I walked around at tote bag painting because everyone had such beautiful designs, it didn’t feel like 103 degrees outside, and the vibes were so peaceful it was nice to see after having such a busy day.