2
The Bow
Walking the Pi Phi Path Together As mother and daughter, Tennessee Gammas YVONNE SMEJKAL AYERS and CAROLINE AYERS have shared many milestones and special moments in their relationship over the years—one of the most significant has been walking the Pi Phi path together. While Caroline and Yvonne both share a sisterhood in the same chapter, they also share the experience of being Leadership Development Consultants (LDCs)—Yvonne from 1995-1996 and Caroline from 2022-2024. Although the LDC program has adapted and evolved in the last 20 years, the heart of the experience has stayed the same, and so has their inspiration for wanting to become LDCs. After both enjoying their collegiate years as Pi Phis, Yvonne and Caroline knew they wanted to give back to the Fraternity in a meaningful way. The LDC program fosters an abundance of leadership development, not only for the chapters who receive visits, but for the consultants as well. Both Yvonne and Caroline have found significant value in this and see the program as a great opportunity for young women approaching life after college. “Entering the post-graduate world is scary and different,” Caroline says. “It’s so important to step confidently into the next phase of life knowing you have that connection to Pi Phi.”
Above: Caroline and Yvonne at Caroline’s graduation.
Yvonne specifically notes the unconditional support you feel from Below: Caroline with the 2022-2023 Leadership Development Consultant class. From left: Caroline, California Epsilon TORI VASQUEZ, South Carolina Alpha PERRY HARRINGTON, Indiana Delta VALORA HART, Illinois Eta KATIE BODLAK and Ohio Theta COURTNEY KROSS.
Pi Phi as an LDC. “Everyone around you wants you to succeed; you have this beautiful safety net of Pi Phi,” she shares. “You have your chapter to lean on, the local alumnae clubs, Pi Beta Phi Headquarters (HQ), International officers—they’re all ready to catch you. It’s so important for young women to get those affirmations and encouragement like that.” From multi-tasking to time management, Yvonne and Caroline both feel the LDC program offered them pivotal leadership skills— one of the most prominent being confidence within themselves. Caroline notes that before becoming an LDC, public speaking often spiked her anxiety, but through the program she was able to find her voice. When Yvonne was an LDC, she was able to build her confidence in leading difficult conversations with respect and sincerity. “There are so many skills you gain that are unexpected, but that push you forward for the rest of your life,” Yvonne says. Yvonne and Caroline also discuss the special relationships they’ve built through the LDC program, especially with fellow consultants.
