Women's Empowerment, 153 Years in the Making

DR. JENN PLAGMAN-GALVIN, Grand Vice President Community Relations

Born in the 1970s, I’m a Gen-Xer sandwiched between Boomers and Millennials. I grew up with E.T., Ms. Pac-Man and neon-colored shaker sweaters. As I reflect on the individuals most significant in my formative years, I think of women — educated women who were leaders in their families, careers and civic organizations. The political, cultural and social revolutions of the 1960s paved the way for those women to realize their full potential. They modeled the way for my generation to work toward greater gender equality. The 60s and 70s led to advances in women’s healthcare, protection from violence and our ability to serve in the military alongside male peers. Much of the energy around these changes gained momentum on college campuses as students raised their voices in support of causes they believed in.

The college experience is powerful, and Pi Beta Phi has an exceptional responsibility during these influential years. We educate our members about issues unique to women’s Personal and Intellectual Growth, offer a safe space where Integrity is at the heart of civil discourse, and promote Sincere Friendship when viewpoints diverge. By encouraging our members to become the best versions of themselves, surrounded by the support of sisters, we empower them — helping them find and use their voices at a critical point in their lives.

From my earliest days as a collegian, I believed in Pi Beta Phi, and Pi Beta Phi believed in me. At one of my very first chapter meetings as a freshman, fellow Iowa Gamma ANN BRYANT BORDERS, an amazing scholar, leader and upperclassman, nominated me for a leadership position. I remember all the emotions of that moment: pride, excitement and emerging confidence. A sister and sincere friend believed in me. Pi Beta Phi opened a door; I stepped in, accepted the opportunity and have not looked back. For me, this moment was women’s empowerment in action.

Twenty-plus years later as a higher education professional, the college women I engage with view women’s empowerment and gender equality as fundamental human rights. At their core, they believe in creating an environment that prioritizes justice rather than politics. They value social and cultural norms that invite every individual to realize their full potential, inclusive of diverse identities and lived experiences.

As an intergenerational women’s organization, Pi Phi has empowered women for more than 150 years. Our youngest members are striving to make our sisterhood and our world better, more inclusive places — not unlike their Golden Arrow counterparts did in the 60s. And, by encouraging our members to use their voices to support what they believe, we’ll ensure the Pi Phi experience remains relevant and impactful for generations of women to come.