Dear readers,
It has been so fun getting to know the amazing women who lead our chapters and we’re still going strong! Next up for our Presidential Spotlight is Tatum Zerbib, the president of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Tatum is from Phoenix, Arizona and is a rising senior in PC ‘23 majoring in Human Science and Family Development with a Pre-Health Professions certificate. She leads a chapter of 350 women and 25 officers. Outside of Kappa, Tatum is a member of Texas Alpha Epsilon Delta, Dell Medical’s Health Leadership Apprentice program, Texas Trailblazers, Texas Roustabouts, and works as a Research Assistant in a psychology lab on campus. Keep reading to get to know her!
Blog Editors: What inspired you to serve as president in your chapter?
Tatum: I've always wanted to be really involved in Kappa. I come from an all-girls school and grew up dancing, so I've always loved being part of a group of women. As a freshman, I looked up to our chapter's leadership so much — they were basically celebrities to me. I believe so strongly that there's a place for everyone in Kappa, and I wanted to help promote that sisterhood in something that's already so strong. I love that our organization is so established and has so many traditions that connect us to Kappas and to Panhellenic women everywhere, and I wanted to have a bigger part in keeping that legacy going.
Blog Editors: What goals do you have for your presidency, and what legacy do you want to leave on your chapter?
Tatum: One of my biggest goals is emphasizing our philanthropy and fundraising. Our philanthropy is the Jed Foundation, which focuses on mental health, and I think that's such an important cause, especially in Greek life. I want our chapter to feel just as invested in making a difference through the Jed Foundation as they are in the social side of Kappa, the friendships and connections, so that giving back stays just as much a part of why we're here.
Blog Editors: What’s the most rewarding thing that’s come out of your term?
Tatum: Honestly, the friendships. Being president has let me make connections with so many of the younger girls in our chapter, and I've gotten so much closer with everyone on our leadership team — people I probably wouldn't see regularly if it weren't for exec meetings. I've broken out of my usual circle to build relationships with girls who aren't in my grade, my pledge class, or even my major, and I know those are friendships that are going to last a really long time.
Blog Editors: How would you describe a Kappa in 3 words?
Tatum: Authentic, Funny, Confident.
Blog Editors: What is your favorite tradition?
Tatum: My favorite tradition is Kappa lunch! We get to eat lunch at the house during the week which is so convenient since we’re right on campus! It’s something I look forward to every day. I absolutely love getting to catch up with friends and eat amazing food!!
Blog Editors: What’s your “must-see” when you have visitors in Austin?
Tatum: I always take visitors to walk through Peace Park!
Blog Editors: What is the best thing Kappa has given you?
Tatum: My friends, for sure — I really believe I'm going to be friends with these girls forever. They're going to be in my wedding, they're going to be aunts to my kids, and I honestly don't know how we're going to graduate and not share a wall with each other. I'd also say the professional connections have been amazing. It's not something you really notice as an underclassman, but as you get older you realize how much graduated Kappas want to help each other out, network, and make connections for you.
Blog Editors: What is your favorite activity to do with your sorority sisters?
Tatum: Probably walking the lacrosse track and getting ice cream after.
Blog Editors: What’s one thing you wish you knew about UT?
Tatum: My friends, for sure — I really believe I'm going to be friends with these girls forever. They're going to be in my wedding, they're going to be aunts to my kids, and I honestly don't know how we're going to graduate and not share a wall with each other. I'd also say the professional connections have been amazing. It's not something you really notice as an underclassman, but as you get older you realize how much graduated Kappas want to help each other out, network, and make connections for you.
Blog Editors: What’s one thing you wish you knew about recruitment as a PNM?
Tatum: Honestly, it doesn't matter what you wear! I look back at recruitment pictures of myself now and can't believe how stressed I was about outfits. Nobody remembers what you wore — it can be fun if you enjoy putting together outfits, but if it's stressing you out, it's really the last thing you should be worrying about.
Blog Editors: Any general advice you have for girls on the fence about going Greek?
Tatum: I believe so strongly in Texas Panhellenic and I really do think there's something special here. If the sorority stereotype is what's holding you back, I'd encourage you to at least register and go through the process — you can always make a decision later, but I don't want anyone to regret not giving themselves the option. I think everyone can find their place in Panhellenic; it's such a huge, diverse group of women, and registering for recruitment is a great first step.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know Tatum as much as we did! Check back soon for the next edition of our Presidential Spotlight Series.
All my love,
Madi