3 minute read
Focus For Summer
THE LEAGUE OF COACHES program enables collegiate chapters to receive programming they would not otherwise have access to. Sessions are led by coaches, esteemed alumnae who have expertise to share on a variety of topics relevant to our collegiate audience.
The programming offered provides education that members can incorporate into their personal lives, professional pursuits, their chapters and their communities. The League of Coaches is generously funded thanks to Alpha Phi Foundation donors.
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How does it work?
Chapters request a visit through alphaphi.org, coaches are assigned and then the coach will be in touch with the chapter the in-person or virtual presentation. Current program topics include StepUp! bystander training and The Buzz alcohol awareness education.
f Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Education e-Course f StrongU f Behind Happy Faces f Sexual Violence Prevention Webinars f Sexual Violence Prevention e-Course f Understanding Self and Others f Leadership Institute f Leadership Launchpad f Build the Skill f Keynote Speaker Series f Preparing for Academic Success Series (PASS) f Congressional Hill Visits f Elevate Your Career f Learn Alpha Phi f The Buzz f Alcohol Safety e-Course f Hazing Prevention & Education e-Course f ScreenU f Live Courageously Academy f Step Up! In-Person Program f Step Up for One Another: Bystander Intervention e-Course f Day of Service f League of Coaches
WANT TO BECOME A COACH?
Learn more at alphaphi.org/ league-of-coaches.
A conversation with Jackee Schools, Past Alpha Phi International President (Eta LambdaGeorge Mason)
Jackee Schools recently concluded her terms as Alpha Phi International President, and so we sat down with her to learn more about what moments defined her tenure and how she remains inspired by our Fraternity.
Q: What is your average day like, serving as the executive director for the Bureau of Diplomatic Security at the U.S. Department of State?
A: Each day is completely different. I start my morning in intelligence briefings and then the day shifts based on what is happening in the world. I am responsible for providing a safe and secure environment for foreign policy to take place. In my role, I oversee financial, administrative, policy, resource impact and an 850-person team. Through my job, I have travelled to over 70 countries and the job is a fulfilling one. Our actions impact the lives of others, and we make a difference around the world.
Q: Tell us a bit about your Alpha Phi volunteer and leadership journey.
A: My journey shows that you don’t have to follow a typical path to become International President. Sometimes people think we have to go through certain steps and hold specific offices first, and I am proof your journey does not have to unfold that way. I went to graduate college and then to law school. In 2007, I got a call from an outgoing chapter advisor who asked me to become a chapter advisor for my alma mater, George Mason, and I held that role until 2010.
Right: Jackee with attendees at the Alpha Phi Leadership Institute, facilitated by the Disney Institure. Inset: Jackee’s miniature dachshund, Brutus, who attended many Alpha Phi calls with Jackee during her presidency. Far right: Rebecca Zanatta (Beta Rho-Washington State), Alpha Phi Foundation Board Chair; Jackee; Linda Schnetzer (Beta Omicron-Bowling Green), major gifts officer at Alpha Phi Foundation; Jandy Thompson (Delta Beta-Texas A&M Commerce), past member of the International Executive Board.
After that, I joined the Southeast regional team as outreach and programming coordinator. From there, I moved into the role of Southeast regional manager and later to the Southeast chapter collegiate manager. In 2014, I was elected to the International Executive Board, on which I served three terms as board member. During my third term, I was elected from board to serve at International President. I ran for a second term and was elected again in 2020. Alpha Phi is constantly developing leaders and always knows when and where to best place people to lead and serve the Fraternity.
Q: Alpha Phi prioritizes lifting up other women. What was it like to serve with your International Executive Board and how did you all work together to champion the Alpha Phi experience?
A: When I became President, it was scary. I was overwhelmed and I had no clue what to expect. I relied on the other women on the International Executive Board as I began to lead. The board collaborated with me to ensure we filled vacancies and help steer us ahead. They supported me so much as I navigated the transition into the presidency. Our board understood our priorities and there was an alignment of strategic thought and understanding. We became close and met a lot, providing one another personal and professional support. Our alignment helped us ensure the Alpha Phi experience throughout Covid and into the next 150 years.
Q: Of all the experiences you have had as Alpha Phi’s International President, which one(s) impacted you on a deeper level?
A: The first chapter visit I made as President was to the University of Wyoming. I had the privilege of going to Laramie and attending their