LISA CALANDRIELLO

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO AKPSI? When I was in college, I knew people who were pledging AKPsi. I thought that would be a great experience for me so at the beginning of my sophomore year, I decided I was going to go out for AKPsi.  WHAT IMPACT HAS AKPSI HAD ON YOUR LIFE? AKPsi really helped me come out of my shell. It was through AKPsi I learned to think on my feet. I’ve been told in business situations I’m a social butterfly and I really work the room. I think that is because of AKPsi. Just being in the environment and learning those skills of building relationships.

 WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT TO GIVE TO THE FOUNDATION? Giving to the Foundation is my way of being able to give back and I hope as I’m giving, they’re using this to help build their foundation to further their education. I give through the

Chapter Educational Grant because my donation can help offset their costs. If the reason they're not participating is cost, I want to take that off the table as much as I can.

 WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE WHO IS RELUCTANT TO GIVE? Start small and see where it goes. The Chapter Educational Grants are one of the best places for starting small.  WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT CONTRIBUTING? Seeing what the next generation of members is doing. Their projects, ingenuity, skills, that’s my favorite part of being a member of the organization. 

IF YOU COULD GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF ONE PIECE OF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Take the class that didn’t fit into your major that sounded interesting. Maybe it’ll spark creativity in a different way.