Joining Greek life was not an immediate part of Kendal Mumaw’s college experience. When she did take that step, she found exactly what she had been looking for: a meaningful way to serve others, grow as a leader and build lasting connections through sisterhood.

Kendal, a PennWest Edinboro senior from Monaca, Pennsylvania, is pursuing dual certification through the Bachelor of Science in Education in Secondary Education  with a concentration in Social Studies and the [Bachelor of Science in Education, Special Education as she prepares for a future in teaching. It was in her junior year that she chose to join Greek life — a decision shaped by service, philanthropy and a desire to give back to the community that had already become home.

“I wanted to start giving back to Edinboro and the community that I had lived in for two years,” she said.

That spirit of service is what first drew her. Fundraisers, philanthropy events and the chance to support something bigger than herself made Greek life a natural fit. Once she joined Zeta Tau Alpha, Kendal found more than an organization. She found a circle of support, shared purpose, and leadership opportunities that would shape her college experience.

Her connection to Greek life also carries a powerful family legacy. Kendal’s grandmother attended Edinboro in the 1960s and was a founding member of Zeta Tau Alpha there. Seeing that legacy continue across generations gave Kendal an even deeper appreciation for what sisterhood can mean over time. At a recent celebration marking 100 years of Greek life at Edinboro, she met alumni from across decades and saw firsthand the kind of lifelong friendships and impact that can begin in college.

On campus, Kendal has served in leadership through Zeta Tau Alpha and the Edinboro Panhellenic Council, including as Panhellenic president. In that role, she helped make the recruitment process feel more welcoming and less intimidating for new students by emphasizing connection, fun and sisterhood.

Her favorite moments, though, are the most personal ones. One of them came after temporarily disaffiliating from her chapter while serving in Panhellenic leadership. When that period ended, getting to “run home” to her sorority reminded her just how strong those bonds had become.

For Kendal, leadership comes down to something simple and deeply human: “Being able to be there for somebody.”

At PennWest, she has learned how to lead with compassion, build inclusive community, and carry those skills into the classroom. As she prepares for a career in education, Kendal is taking with her more than experience. She is taking a model for how to help others feel seen, supported and empowered.