Leadership Highlight

Leadership Highlight: Tara Dougherty The President of Sigma Gamma Rho at Kennesaw State University

In an effort to highlight the young leaders who are leading undergraduate chapters across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to the women of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.’s Sigma Alpha Chapter at Kennesaw State University and did an interview with Tara Dougherty the president of the chapter.

The position of president of an undergraduate chapter of a Black sorority is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes. 21-year-old Tara Dougherty has used the position to gain new leadership experience, improve the lives of other students on campus and help the community around her.

We interviewed the Public Health major and talked about her position, goals, future and what it means to hold a leadership position on campus in the digital age.

Read the full interview below.

What does it mean to be a chapter president to you?
In my opinion, being a chapter president means being the person your chapter trusts to be a leader and guide them in the direction to further the chapter and the vision of our organization.

What made you decide to attend Kennesaw State University for undergrad?
I wanted to attend Kennesaw State University because its was an alternative environment to what I had encountered in high school. I felt that experiencing a PWI would be interesting because it was a space that I wasn’t accustomed to. and being uncomfortable brings about growth.

What specific initiatives is your chapter heading up this year and how do you think they will improve the campus/surrounding community?
One major initiative that the Sigma Alpha chapter is heading up this year is our H3: It’s All About Me–Healthy Choices, Healthy Living, and Healthy Generations program. We are hosting events in regards to HIV/AIDS Awareness, nutrition and heart health.

What made you want to pledge Sigma Gamma Rho?
I wanted to pledge Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. because I felt like their initiatives and ideals aligned with my personal beliefs. The way my prophytes carried themselves on campus made me realize the impact a Sigma woman has no matter the number. They were the epitome of quality over quantity.

What is it about your specific chapter that makes it so unique?
Sigma Alpha is so unique because we’re such a diverse chapter. We show our individual personalities and find the strength within each of us and use it to our benefit.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think undergraduate chapters across all orgs need to do to represent themselves online in 2018?
I believe that undergraduate chapters should make sure they utilize multiple social media platforms. Being seen on multiple sites is necessary to ensure that more people are able to see their presence.

What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership means being able to lead but also follow. It means being a guide to those that look up to you and showing them the right way to go. From being a leader I have learned so much about how to interact with others, as well as how to communicate and adapt to various people.

Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black greekdom?
Watch The Yard is important to Black Greekdom because they make sure to showcase the positivity that is Black Greek Life. So often, we are seen in not so great lights and we have so much more to offer. Watch The Yard gives us a space to show just how great we can be.

What does sisterhood mean to you?
Sisterhood changes by what a person needs from a sister. It could be as simple as having someone to call when they are in trouble, or even being that person someone sees as their strength. A sister is always there no matter what is going on.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?
After graduation I intend on working for the Department of Public Health or the Center for Disease Control working in wellness education.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Tara Dougherty for her work as the president of Sigma Alpha Chapter which has a legacy that spans back to 2009.