Members of the Young Alumni Council are excited to highlight young alumni who embody the Darlington mission and motto through a series of Darlington Connects blogs. Today's featured young alumnus is Emily Brandon ('19), who graduated from Auburn University in 2023. We hope you enjoy getting to know these young alums who have chosen to "learn with passion, act with integrity, and serve with respect."
Were you a day or boarding student?
Day
Where do you live?
Nashville, Tenn.
Where do you work and what is your title?
Junior designer at Sarah Bartholomew Design
What service organization are you involved with? What is their mission?
Alpha Chi Omega - their mission is "to empower women to reach their potential through friendship, service, and leadership."
Tell us how you got to this point.
During my time at Auburn, I had the privilege of joining Alpha Chi Omega, where I quickly took on leadership roles within my chapter and the Panhellenic community, culminating in my election as chapter president. After graduating, I was honored to give back by serving on the advisory board for Alpha Chi Omega at Vanderbilt.
Describe a typical day in your life.
Throughout the week, I manage various design projects while gaining exposure to different aspects of the industry. Outside of work, I spend my time with friends, mentor members of Alpha Chi Omega at Vanderbilt, support the growth of Auburn Community Church in Nashville, and assist with social media marketing for my parents’ store, Woodford, in downtown Rome, Ga.
Why did you choose this path?
I chose to become an advisor of the Vanderbilt chapter in order to be able to mentor and give back to an organization that invested so much into me.
What's your favorite thing about what you do?
My favorite part of what I do at Vanderbilt is connecting with, empowering, and encouraging the young women of Alpha Chi Omega at Vanderbilt. I find it incredibly rewarding to watch them gain confidence, step into leadership roles, and make an impact within the chapter and across Vanderbilt’s campus.
At Sarah Bartholomew Interior Design, I find it incredibly rewarding to see projects evolve into beautiful homes where clients will create lasting memories with their loved ones.
What makes you passionate about this?
After graduating from Darlington, I embarked on a new chapter at Auburn University with excitement and anticipation. While leaving the community I had known since childhood was daunting, I was eager for the opportunities ahead. As a freshman, I sought to build connections and quickly found a home in Alpha Chi Omega. Coming from a small town in Georgia with no family history in a Panhellenic organization, the SEC recruitment process was intimidating, but Alpha Chi Omega became a place of belonging. It provided me with invaluable leadership experiences, lifelong friendships, and a supportive community that extends far beyond college.
What are some difficulties that you face but still make everything worth it?
No one truly prepares you for life after college and the challenges that come with it. Suddenly, there’s no predefined roadmap—you create your own, guided by your goals and aspirations. As a planner and goal-setter, this transition has been challenging, but knowing I’m exactly where I’m meant to be, surrounded by incredible friends, has made the journey easier. I also find joy in the challenge, knowing that my experiences allow me to be a mentor and a listening ear for others navigating post grad.
Recent accomplishment, achievement, service project, promotion, or recognition?
Over the past year and a half at Sarah Bartholomew Interior Design, my commitment and dedication have been recognized, allowing me the opportunity to work closely with principal designer Sarah Bartholomew on numerous projects. This experience has enabled me to take on greater responsibilities and grow within the company.
I was truly honored when both the Auburn and Vanderbilt Alpha Chi Omega chapters entrusted me with the opportunity to mentor younger women within the organization. This recognition reaffirmed their confidence in my leadership and commitment to empowering young women.
What have you learned?
I have learned to be tenacious, no one can make it happen but you! I think Winston Churchill said it best, "Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."
How do you feel you exemplify Darlington's mission or motto?
Serving as a leader within the Panhellenic Community at Auburn as well as a leader for Alpha Chi Omega at both Auburn and Vanderbilt has been a profound opportunity to embody service beyond self. While these roles have been acts of service, they have also empowered me and fostered leadership growth.
What advice, now, would you give to your younger self when you were at Darlington?
Serving as a leader within the Panhellenic Community at Auburn as well as a leader for Alpha Chi Omega at both Auburn and Vanderbilt has been a profound opportunity to embody service beyond self. While these roles have been acts of service, they have also empowered me and fostered leadership growth.
Advice for anyone wanting to follow your paw prints?
Never give up, put yourself out there and pursue your passions!
How can current students or other alumni connect with you?
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/emily-brandon-2a7ba11bb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emily.brandon.925/
Instagram: @Emms4270
Email: Emms4270@gmail.com
Emily is happy to connect with anyone in the Darlington Community who would like to know more about her career or service. If you know of someone or you would like to be featured please contact us at connect@darlingtonschool.org.
