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Shelly Brajkovich Bateman Beta Epsilon–Western Illinois University Tri Sigma Foundation Executive Director Prematurity Awareness Month always stops me in my tracks. Because for me, it isn't just a cause—it's where my story began. I came into the world too soon, small, fragile, and fighting before I even took my first breath. Babies my size didn't often survive back then; there wasn't much need for preemie clothing when most never came home. I was measured not in pounds but by the size of a doll outfit (the only thing small enough to cover me), while my parents prayed for me to be one of the few who made it.     My survival story didn't end when I left the hospital. It became my career calling. For 10 defining years, I poured my heart into March of Dimes' mission, championing women's health, maternal care, and the tiniest lives fighting for their first breath. I wasn't just an employee advocating for change; I was living proof of the mission itself. That same conviction, born from the research and compassion that once saved me, now fuels my leadership at the Tri Sigma Foundation every single day.     I'll never forget sitting in the audience at Tri Sigma's 2016 National Convention when the Foundation announced its partnership with March of Dimes. As the words echoed across the room, tears filled my eyes. The organization that helped give me life had joined hands with the sisterhood that continues to shape it. It wasn't just a partnership—it was a full-circle moment that felt like destiny.     I know I'm not the only one with a story like this. Every day, women and families face moments of uncertainty and hope. So many of our sisters have their own stories of survival, love, and perseverance. This month, as we recognize Prematurity Awareness Month, I invite you to share yours. Together, our stories remind the world—and each other—just how powerful compassion can be.   Click here to share your story with us. Tri Sigma has been a constant thread through every chapter of my journey, shaping the leader, the professional, and the woman I've become. I carry our values of wisdom, power, faith, hope, and love in everything I do, and I am endlessly proud to call myself a Tri Sigma. This sisterhood taught me how to lead with heart, serve with purpose, and believe that together, we can change lives.   Now, as Executive Director of the Tri Sigma Foundation, that same passion fuels everything I do. Each day, I see how our work transforms lives—from research and child life programs that bring healing and hope to leadership initiatives that help women discover their confidence, purpose, and voice. Through our They Did. You Can. We Will. Campaign , we're ensuring these opportunities and resources reach even further. What a privilege it is to help shape a future where compassion, courage, and sisterhood truly change the world.     This Prematurity Awareness Month, I want you to know that the work we do at the Tri Sigma Foundation is more than powerful, it's personal. Every dollar you give fuels the breakthroughs that change lives, nurture leadership, and keep our sisterhood's legacy of service alive.     To every donor who stands with us, thank you for believing in this mission and for giving it life through your generosity. I give too, because I've seen what our gifts make possible. Because of you, "not supposed to make it," becomes a lifetime of possibilities. Together, we are living proof.

Joann Stohler Davis Beta Gamma–Ball State University When asked why she chose to make a planned gift to the Tri Sigma Foundation, Joann Davis's answer was simple and powerful:  “Because I can.”  For Joann, giving wasn’t just about honoring her own Tri Sigma experience, it was about investing in the future of Tri Sigma women. She sees the reality today’s students face—the rising costs of education, the growing competition for opportunities, and the barriers that can make it harder to fully embrace sisterhood. Her vision is clear: Sigma women deserve every chance to grow as leaders, scholars, and sisters ,  and she wants to ensure those opportunities endure. That’s why Joann has shared her intention to establish The Davis Fund for Leadership and Education, which she envisions as a permanent endowment dedicated to advancing the growth and potential of Tri Sigma members.   Joann knows the unique strength of a smaller community. “Tri Sigma being a smaller sorority helps us do the right thing,” she shared. “Our members aren’t joining for stereotypical reasons. Tri Sigma women join because they see the quality of character in our membership. They see the long-term value of investing in relationships, education, networking, and more. And when we give them resources, they use them and crave more opportunities.” Through her visionary planned gift, Joann ensures that generations of Tri Sigmas will have access to leadership development, education, and support that extends far beyond their college years.  Her generosity reflects the campaign’s promise:   They Did. You Can. We Will.   Joann could, and she did. Because of her, Sigma women will lead with courage, character, and confidence for years to come.  Click here to learn more about our comprehensive campaign.

Stephanie Everett Epsilon Theta–Oglethrope University I left $1 million to the Tri Sigma Foundation in my will for one simple reason: women change the world. We are the doers—in our families, our workplaces, and our communities. We get things done. What we often lack are the resources to match our potential.  That’s why I believe so strongly in Tri Sigma’s leadership training. What I’ve seen collegia te  women receive at The  Academy is every bit as strong as the programs I’ve seen in corporate America. It builds skills, confidence, and vision—tools that every Tri Sigma should have. My hope is that each sister brings that knowledge back to her community, becomes a voice of change, and leads with our values at her core. Imagine the impact if every Sigma stepped into that role. The ripple effect would be unstoppable. I made my gift because I believe in that future. Now ,  it’s up to all of us to invest in the women who will lead it. Click here to learn more about planned giving.