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       My name is Alexa Buten and as the Director of the RealTalk Annual Speaker Program for DG, I act as the liaison between the Chi Chapter of Delta Gamma and the Cornell Gender Equity Resource Center [GERC]. Within this position, I represent DG on the planning committee for our Annual Speaker Program and promote other GERC initiatives and opportunities of engagement for members of DG.

      

       The partnership between GERC and DG began in 2021, when the Chi Chapter of Delta Gamma joined forces with the GERC to create the Annual Speaker Program. As part of this initiative, we created one of the largest undergraduate endowments formed by college students at Cornell.

      

       When I became involved in 2022, the initiative was just beginning, and there was plenty of planning that still needed to be done. Collaborating with GERC has been incredibly productive and rewarding. I have loved my position and the time spent developing this relevant and consequential program! Together, we raised funds, named the program, designed the logo, finalized contracts with the speakers, secured a venue for the event, completed travel logistics, and organized the post talk reception.

      

       After months of planning, we ultimately decided to name the event RealTalk. “Real” stands for relatable, empowering, authentic leaders. The mission of the program is for the speakers to share personal stories that can serve as guidance and inspiration to women within the Cornell community. We wanted the title to reflect this objective. Our first event in 2022, which focused on mental health and self care, featured Imani McGee-Stafford (a former WNBA player and current law student) and Cameron Rogers (“Freckled Foodie & Friends” podcaster). Imani and Cameron spoke openly and honestly about their mental health journeys, creating a space for dialogue about handling stress and anxiety throughout their lives. Nearly 200 women attended the event in person and another 300 watched online. In 2023, we hosted Cornell alumnae Alyssa Gagliardi Sleasman '14 and Irene Li '15, who spoke passionately about upholding their core values while navigating the professional ice hockey and restaurant industries. The goal of RealTalk is to leave a lasting positive impact on both DG women and the greater Cornell community for years to come. I love being part of this meaningful initiative, and look forward to seeing it continue to grow and evolve long after my time at Cornell.

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Best,

Alexa Buten