Erin Christensen, Epsilon Rho, Northwest Missouri State University
Chief Operating Officer, KC Tech Council

Erin Christensen serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the KC Tech Council, a membership-based association serving as the regional advocate for Kansas City’s tech industry. With nearly 200 member organizations spanning from startup to enterprise, the KC Tech Council advocates for public policy that helps the tech industry grow, champions meaningful workforce development programs and brings the leaders of the tech industry together to achieve its mission of creating the Midwest’s most competitive tech hub. Prior to joining the Tech Council in October 2020, Erin had a long tenure working in higher education with a recent focus on corporate engagement.

She currently serves on the BSIT Advisory Board for The University of Kansas Edwards Campus, the i.c. Stars Kansas City advisory board, and on the Industry Executive Council for the North Kansas City School District. Erin graduated in 2023 from the KC Chamber’s Centurions Leadership Program. Additionally, Erin has served as a College Chapter Director, Recruitment Advisor and a membership specialist for Delta Zeta.

Receiving both her bachelor and master’s degrees from Northwest Missouri State University, Erin is originally from Rolla, MO but landed in Kansas City in 2014. She currently resides in Lees Summit, MO with her husband and daughter.

Jane Ballard Collison, Mu Iota, Mother Initiate
Exercise Advocate

Through her personal health journey with Parkinson’s Disease, Jane has become an exercise advocate, understanding the benefits of exercise across all aspects of your life. She has been certified as an instructor in Rock Steady Boxing and Delay the Disease coursework. Jane is a multi-time top fundraiser for the American Parkinson’s Disease Association Iowa Optimism Walk. She is a graduate of Iowa State University with a

degree in family and consumer sciences. She was initiated into Delta Zeta at the 2023 Everlasting Sisterhood Experience as the first member of our Mu Iota, Mother Initiate Chapter.

Happily retired, Jane spends time exercising for her own health, volunteering with Parkinson’s Place Iowa and tending her one acre flower garden where she produces and donates floral bouquets to local senior centers and nursing homes.

Melissa Skiera Myers, Xi Psi, Grand Valley State University
Wealth Manager, The Melissa Myers Group

Melissa is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and has been in the financial services industry since 2000 and earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification in 2012. She believes that regardless of where you might be on the wealth spectrum, everyone can benefit from a financial road map. Think of her as your financial GPS. She'll help you determine where you are, where you want to be, and she'll provide the services to help you pursue your financial destination.

Giving back to her community is important. In support of the local arts, Melissa served a seven-year term as a board member for the West Michigan Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, she is a member of All Shores Wesleyan Church and volunteered as a budget counselor in their Good $ense Program. In November 2016, she became a certified Faith and Finances facilitator. Melissa is a member of Lake Michigan Estate Planning Council, the Grand Haven Eagles, Tri-Cities Women Who Care, Grand Rapids Alumnae Chapter of Delta Zeta and serves as a board member for Women with Knives.

Melissa is a self-proclaimed foodie in search of fabulous restaurants specializing in unique and amazing food. At home, she loves cooking, boating and relaxing poolside with a great book. She stays active by skiing, playing tennis and going to spin class.



Rachael Renken Simmons, Beta Delta, University of South Carolina
Senior Director of International Communications, Walmart

Rachael Renken Simmons is a proud Delta Zeta from the Beta Delta Chapter at the University of South Carolina, where she graduated with an undergraduate degree in French and Public Relations and returned for a Master's Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications. 

Rachael's involvement in Delta Zeta has extended beyond her collegiate years, where she held many leadership positions including Chapter President, into alumnae life at both a local level as well as with the Delta Zeta Foundation as a former Trustee and advisory council member. Professionally, Rachael has worked in communications for international nonprofit organizations and multiple Fortune 50 companies. She is currently the Senior Director of International Communications for Walmart, based at their headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas. Prior to Walmart, Rachael worked for FedEx for 12 years spanning several roles, including Director of Global Media and Public Affairs. In recent years, Rachael has added her more important role of Mom to her CV – she and her husband, Chilton, have three daughters – Catesby (3.5), Maren (23 months) and Robinson (5 months).

The American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC) is an organization created by parents, for parents of Deaf Children. ASDC is committed to empowering diverse families with deaf children and youth by embracing full access to language-rich environments through mentoring, advocacy, resources and collaborative networks. ASDC will be providing us with basic ASL training and cultural sensitivity trainings in regard to the Deaf community and culture.