2026 First Quarter Members of Impact

In 2023, Delta Gamma launched the Member of Impact recognition program to honor members, both collegiate and alumnae, who embody Article II values and our “do good” motto by making meaningful contributions in their communities. The program aims to celebrate these outstanding members and share their stories to inspire others. Unlike traditional awards, this recognition is open to all members and highlights those whose impact may fall outside typical award categories. Read more about the program here.  

We are excited to introduce the 2026 first quarter Members of Impact: 

 Kaitlynn Cooper, Eta Iota-Nevada, Reno 

Kaitlynn exemplifies a life of service through education, creativity and Delta Gamma leadership. A high school English teacher and student council advisor, she brings curiosity and connection to her classroom while extending her impact statewide as president of the Nevada Society of Innovators and Digital Educators, where she leads professional development for educators across the state. 

Beyond the classroom, Kaitlynn serves as company manager and stage manager with Bruka Theatre of the Sierra, dedicating countless evenings to bringing stories to life. Within Delta Gamma, she is president of the Northern Nevada alumnae chapter and has served in multiple volunteer roles, including her work bringing Founders Day to fruition year after year. In 2023, she was honored as a Hope Award winner for her steady leadership and service. 

Those closest to Kaitlynn note that she rarely seeks recognition, even though she is constantly giving. As her nominator, Caitlin Watts, shared, “Kaitlynn is someone who will not recognize herself and the good she does for our community… She truly embodies what it means to do good.” A proud “auntie” to the children of her Delta Gamma besties, she brings the same warmth and dedication to family, friends, education, expression and sisterhood—making her a true Delta Gamma Member of Impact. 

Jennifer Evans, Gamma Eta-San Jose State 

Jennifer is a creative leader whose work brings people together for meaningful impact. A former fifth-grade teacher, Jennifer is now the owner of Events by Jennifer Evans in Spokane, Washington, where she has spent more than 15 years producing strategic, guest-centered events. 

With more than 265 events produced, Jennifer has supported over 100 clients, from intimate gatherings to major community milestones.  

Her nonprofit work has helped raise millions of dollars across the Inland Northwest, including events such as the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture’s 125th Anniversary and Shriners Children’s Hospital’s 100th Anniversary Gala. Recognized as one of MSN’s Top 10 Event Planners, she is known for her collaborative, thoughtful approach to event design. 

Jennifer is an active member of the Spokane alumnae chapter and plans to support Spokane’s 100th anniversary celebration this year. Delta Gamma has long been a source of friendship and encouragement throughout her life. 

As her friend Dawn Schafer shared, “Jennifer tirelessly helps organizations raise necessary funds through her creativity and always sees opportunities to ‘do good.’” 

A devoted wife and mother of three, with two bonus sons, Jennifer leads with kindness, vision and generosity, making her a true Delta Gamma Member of Impact. 

Jane Kennedy, Gamma Kappa-UC Santa Barbara 

Jane is a mission-driven leader whose work blends entrepreneurship, public service and faith-centered mentorship. As the founder of The SundayMonday, Jane has built a platform dedicated to uplifting women through purpose-filled living, career guidance and community rooted in faith. Since 2020, her weekly newsletter and podcast, along with companion resources, have reached thousands with encouragement and practical wisdom. 

Jane recently earned her MBA from NYU Stern, where she delivered the 2023 graduate commencement address. Her career spans roles in the White House, tech, consulting and criminal justice reform, always guided by a commitment to meaningful impact. 

Grounded in Delta Gamma values, Jane continues to use her voice, platform, and passion to empower women — making her a true Member of Impact. 

Dr. Deborah Green Ross-Swain, CCC-SLP, Delta Eta-Cal State, Sacramento 

Deborah is a nationally respected clinician, educator, author and advocate whose career has transformed the field of speech-language pathology. Deb’s impact spans decades of leadership, innovation and service. 

After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from California State University, Sacramento and her Ed.D. from the University of La Verne, Deborah served as chief of speech pathology at UC Davis Medical Center before founding The Swain Center for Listening, Communicating and Learning. Today, she serves as vice president of government affairs and public policy for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), regularly advocating before Congress on behalf of individuals with communication disorders. 

As her sister Tress Bernardo shared, “What she does is for the good of others, has an impact, and matters greatly.” 

A Distinguished Scholar and Fellow of the National Academies of Practice and author of multiple best-selling books, Deborah’s work reflects both professional excellence and deep compassion. A U.S. Air Force veteran, devoted mother and lifelong learner, she exemplifies what it means to be a Delta Gamma Member of Impact. 

Lilly Doninger, Epsilon Mu-William and Mary 

Lilly is a strategic thinker and public servant dedicated to global security, social justice and informed leadership. Raised in a long line of Delta Gammas, she was grounded early in the values of Article II and has consistently gone above and beyond to serve and educate the communities around her. 

A magna cum laude graduate, Lilly served as chapter president during a pivotal post-COVID rebuilding period, leading Epsilon Mu from humble beginnings to being named the 2025-26 Region 2 Awardee of Excellence. She also worked to increase campus engagement and global awareness among her sisters. 

Lilly’s experiences include humanitarian training in Taiwan, pandemic planning with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and award-winning research that earned the Frank Shatz Prize. She was selected as the international relations commencement speaker for the class of 2024. 

Now pursuing her master’s degree in strategy, cybersecurity, and intelligence at Johns Hopkins SAIS, Lilly serves at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. 

As her nominator, Sheila Staggs, shared, “Lilly has always gone above and beyond when it comes to helping and educating the communities in which she lives.” 

Arielle Lupia, Eta Iota-Nevada, Reno 

Staff Sergeant Arielle Lupia is a clinician, educator and devoted mother whose service reflects strength, humility and purpose. As a respiratory care practitioner and instructor at Joint Base Langley–Eustis, she plays a vital role in preparing the Air Force’s next generation of leaders through training, supervision and mentorship. 

Since entering the U.S. Air Force in 2015, Arielle has served in numerous leadership and clinical roles, including respiratory therapist, NCOIC of Respiratory Care Services and medical group executive assistant. She supported Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and FREEDOM’S SENTINEL and was a frontline responder during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her excellence has been recognized with multiple honors, including the Air Force Achievement Medal and Air and Space Commendation Medals. 

Despite her accomplishments, Arielle leads with humility. As her chapter sister, Caitlin Watts, shared, “She does not brag or boast and deserves to be recognized for her dedication and service to our country.” 

Arielle’s proudest role is being a mother to her daughter, Sophia. Whether caring for patients, mentoring Airmen, or raising her child, she embodies what it means to lead with heart — making her a true Delta Gamma Member of Impact. 

Emily Poeschl, Kappa-Nebraska 

Emily is a visionary communicator, advocate and lifelong Delta Gamma leader whose work exemplifies Article II in action. She credits Delta Gamma with shaping her sense of social responsibility, one that continues to guide her leadership, advocacy and service more than two decades later. 

As a senior strategic brand marketing and public relations leader at Mutual of Omaha, Emily oversees communications for the Daytime Emmy®–nominated NBC series Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, now the most-watched wildlife program on television. Through this work, she helps share stories of conservation and hope with more than one million viewers each week. She is also a past president of Mutual of Omaha’s Women in Leadership Employee Resource Group. 

A high-risk individual and co-survivor in the breast cancer community, Emily has traveled to Capitol Hill more than ten times with Susan G. Komen to advocate for expanded access to screening, research and equitable care. She previously served as a board member and top fundraiser for Susan G. Komen Great Plains. 

Emily gives back widely, serving as board chair of Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue, a board member of the University of Nebraska at Omaha Alumni Association and an active member of the Grants Committee for Women Investing in Nebraska. She is currently serving her second term as Foundation Director: Scholarships and Fellowships for Delta Gamma, helping lead a 52-member committee that awards more than $1 million annually to members worldwide. 

She recently announced her candidacy for the Elkhorn Board of Education, focused on strong governance and fiscal responsibility. A former Miss Nebraska USA, Emily represented her state on the national stage at the Miss USA pageant on NBC in 2006. 

As her sister and sorority sister Jessica Poeschl shared, “Emily goes above and beyond in everything she does and truly lives the values of Article II’s do good motto every day.” 

Sarah Mae Ettinger, Alpha Epsilon-Washington University 

Sarah Mae Ettinger is a visionary designer redefining modern luxury through her fashion house, MAE New York. After being laid off from her role at Kate Spade during the pandemic, Sarah chose to reimagine the industry by building a brand rooted in sustainability, craftsmanship and joy. 

A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Sarah spent six years at Kate Spade New York before launching MAE. Her designs blend refined glamour with intentional construction, and every garment is made in small batches in New York City by local artisans. From ethically sourced materials to eco-friendly inks, she carefully vets every detail to reduce environmental impact. 

Sarah also uses her platform to partner with and uplift women-owned businesses, bringing the spirit of doing good to every aspect of her work. As her chapter sister, Casey Federbusch, shared, “She’s carved out her own niche in a world that wasn’t doing it for her the way she wanted to.” 

Based in New York City with her husband and puppy, Josie, she leads with creativity, courage and purpose. 

The Member of Impact recognition program is open to all collegians and alumnae in good standing. Members may nominate themselves or another deserving member. Though the nomination form will never close, and there is no deadline to nominate/apply, a volunteer committee will review applications quarterly. Members chosen for the program will be featured across Delta Gamma’s communication channels, including  ANCHORA, blog posts, newsletters and social media. 

Nominate someone or yourself as a Member of Impact today using this form! Questions? Email Fraternity Director: Communications Advancement, Vaungaylyn Zarcone, Eta Iota-Nevada, Reno, at  CommunicationsAdvancement@deltagamma.org.