Dawson Institute Diaries: Courage and Connection
Cayley Ginn, Zeta Sigma-Northern Kentucky, is celebrating a decade of membership in Delta Gamma and attended Dawson Institute as a participant in spring 2025. Cayley serves as an Honor Board adviser at Zeta Sigma-Northern Kentucky and professionally works in higher education as an academic advisor to adult learners and transfer students.
Attending Dawson Institute was one of the most impactful leadership experiences I have ever had. I am so grateful to sister Julie Dawson for allowing such an amazing opportunity to exist for Delta Gamma alumnae! From the moment I stepped off the plane, I was connected to sisters from all over the country, and checking into the hotel together instantly felt like the world’s best girls’ trip. Honestly, I was nervous about attending an event alone, but during check-in, the Dawson team was so welcoming, instantly creating a warm environment, and all of my worries suddenly melted away.
The entire weekend fostered long-lasting connections across generations of Delta Gamma women. In fact, my small group is still in touch through a group chat today, thanks to our wonderful small group facilitators who created such a safe environment for vulnerability and friendship to thrive. During our whole group sessions, we explored ways to strengthen our leadership and expanded on those ideas throughout our time in our small groups. I was constantly in awe of the courage my fellow DG’s had to share their leadership journeys, both the good and bad moments, to women who were practically strangers to them.
I left that weekend telling every alumnae in my circle that they need to apply to attend in the future, because Dawson Institute is not just for Delta Gamma volunteers, it is for every Delta Gamma alumna. While I was able to connect some of the learning moments to my journey as a Delta Gamma adviser, my largest connections were with my professional leadership development. I came home from Dawson Institute with a strengthened sense of confidence, courage to ask questions and a rekindled passion to advocate for myself and those around me. Take the leap to dig deeper, and commit yourself to one weekend of growth and self-discovery!
Delta Gamma’s newest leadership development initiative is back for another session this year! This is an in-person personal and professional development event for Delta Gamma alumnae. Dawson Institute reimagines the future of lifetime friendship by creating meaningful cross-generational connections. This event equips attendees with the skills to champion leadership potential in themselves and others in all phases of life. Apply here by Monday, September 1.