Greek life membership extends far beyond campus walls as the Delta Gamma Foundation’s newest executive director, Leslie Loop Martin, Wittenberg class of 2002, returns to the organization that is close to her heart.
For many successful fundraising professionals, the path to development is often serendipitous. Though originally intending to pursue a career in the medical field, Martin credits her liberal arts experience with enabling her transition to the nonprofit sector.
“When I was at Witt, I was ‘pre-med’ with the hope of going to medical school after graduation,” Martin said. “Obviously, that didn't turn out how I had initially planned, but my liberal arts degree gave me the flexibility to pivot and pursue a career path that was better suited to my strengths.”
During her time at Wittenberg, Martin was an active member of the Delta Gamma chapter and held various officer positions. Her meaningful collegiate experiences influenced her decision to work for the national, Columbus, Ohio-based Delta Gamma Executive Office after graduation while she earned her Master’s in Public Health and later her Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) certification.
“Having a CFRE in the fundraising world is a credential that is well known and widely accepted throughout the industry,” Martin said. Beyond the Delta Gamma Foundation, Martin has worked diligently as the director of development and major gifts at Columbus Speech and Hearing Center and the director of development at The Ohio State University. Through her efforts with Service for Sight, Martin has secured instrumental funding for the visually impaired community.
“Non-profit work is an excellent career for anyone who needs mission-driven work to feel professionally fulfilled,” Martin said. “It may not be the most glamorous or high-paying industry, but knowing that what you do helps others, is tremendously rewarding.”
After taking some time away from her Greek life affiliation, Martin is thrilled to be returning to the Delta Gamma Foundation and is hoping to use her position as executive director to propel the organization into the future.
“Women's fraternal organizations (sororities) create unique opportunities for diverse groups of women to learn, grow, and support one another throughout their time in college and beyond,” Martin said. “I'm honored to have been chosen to lead them through what is a challenging time in our world, nation, and industry.”
In addition to the professional ties she has with the sorority’s national office, Martin has a deeply personal devotion and appreciation for the Wittenberg Delta Gamma chapter as she is married to the brother of her pledge sister.
“Wittenberg holds a special place in my heart. It prepared me for adulthood, introduced me to my best friends and now family, and provided me with an education that continues to serve me well decades later,” Martin said.
-By Emily Nolan ’21, University Communications
