A freshman at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, a small engineering school in Indiana, Sidrah Berg wasn’t sure if Greek life was for her. “I wanted to connect with like-minded women and exploring a sorority felt like a good way to do that,” said Sidrah.
When she was introduced to Tri Delta, she immediately connected with the sorority’s dedication to philanthropy and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “As someone who appreciates science, I love the mission of St. Jude,” explained Sidrah. “I joined Tri Delta and loved the way that we were able to connect with our campus community and make a difference for the kids at St. Jude.”
From the annual Tri-HOP pancake dinner to a teeter-totter-a-thon, Tri Delta invited the small campus of Rose-Hulman to get to know the impact of St. Jude. “We had griddles lined up and made pancakes for dinner for our Tri-HOP,” smiled Sidrah. “Everyone from school would come to the Tri-HOP fundraiser and the cost admission went to St. Jude.”
Danny Thomas, the founder of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, famously stated, "I'd rather have a million people give me a dollar than one give me a million.” Tri Delta’s fundraisers invited the community to give in ways that brought everyone together.
After graduating and moving to Minnesota, Sidrah felt drawn to the Tri Delta community. “I reached out to the Minnesota alumni chapter and they welcomed me in,” said Sidrah. “I didn’t know anyone but was instantly welcomed and became part of the Minnesota Tri Delta family. They made connections for me as I was searching for a new job.”
Now a protein sciences specialist, Sidrah works with researchers daily, helping them advance their research. “Research is so important and I love being able to support people and hear about new findings,” said Sidrah.
Her passion for research also fuels her admiration for the commitment of St. Jude to sharing findings with the global medical community. “I appreciate that St. jude is an expert in their field and they are doing things that no one else is,” said Sidrah. “Not only are they leading the way that we treat and defeat deadly childhood diseases, but they freely share their research so that everyone can get better together.”
As Sidrah and her husband, Colin, enter a new chapter of their lives, Sidrah looks forward to sharing a mission that is so important to her with their daughter. “I am so excited to become a mom and meet our daughter in August,” smiled Sidrah.
During her latest trip to the St. Jude campus, Sidrah listened to a St. Jude dad share his story. “It is such a privilege to hear directly from St. Jude families and to see what the Tri Delta impact is firsthand,” explained Sidrah. “Hearing a parent share their story and know that they’ll never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, is incredible. It takes the worry of bills off their minds so they can focus on the one thing that matters - helping their child live.”
As the St. Jude Chair for the MSP Tri Delta Alumnae Chapter, Sidrah and the Tri Delta alumni are continuing to bring the mission of St. Jude to Minnesota. “When I toured the hospital, there was an instant feeling of hope,” explained Sidrah. “It blows me away that they were able to create an atmosphere that is so filled with hope and happiness. When I see the Tri Delta logo on campus, it really hits me how big of an impact we have and I feel so empowered to keep supporting St. Jude.”
The MSP Tri Delta Alumnae Chapter fundraises throughout the year, including the annual St. Jude Walk, a wine-tasting event, and even fashion fundraisers with Evereve. These events bring together a diverse group of women, all united by a shared mission to support the lifesaving work of St. Jude.
Through Tri Delta and her ongoing support of St. Jude, Sidrah has found a lifelong mission. She continues to give back, not only as a dedicated volunteer but as someone who understands the depth of St. Jude’s impact—both as a scientist and as a mother-to-be. “It’s a privilege to be part of something this special,” she says, “and I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to help make a difference.”
