PERSPECTIVE

Pieces of the Pi Phi Mosaic

JULI HOLMES WILLEMAN

Outgoing Executive Director Pi Beta Phi Fraternity and Fraternity Housing Corporation

Iowa Beta Simpson College

Dear Sisters,

I’ll never forget one late summer night in 2001 at the end of the long hall of the old Pi Beta Phi Central Office, poring through stacks of papers all around me preparing for my first Pi Phi audit. I’d been on the job for a couple weeks and was putting together pieces of the puzzle one by one to understand how our Fraternity worked. Having previously worked in public accounting, I’d done this process plenty of times before – just not for Pi Phi. I enjoyed the challenge of figuring out new organizations and seeing how everything fit together.

However, I quickly realized this time was different. These weren’t just numbers on a page or pieces to put together any other puzzle. These numbers represented dollars going to produce leadership programs for young women. Our members. To develop their leadership potential to go out into the world and do great things. Suddenly, the numbers mattered much more and came to life. In that moment, I think I did, too.

I was never unhappy in my previous jobs, but I can’t say I was passionate about the work I was doing either. That all changed when the numbers turned into real programs for real people, and I could see the impact they made. I discovered a passion I didn’t know I had for leadership development. I started seeking out resources and asking different questions to learn more. I quickly came to realize how blessed I was to be surrounded by amazing Pi Phi leaders and mentors. When I transitioned into the Executive Director role upon my predecessor’s retirement, I discovered the value of fostering the leadership potential of our members on a whole new level. My passion grew deeper.

Fast forward 20 years and I’m still learning and just as passionate about helping our members reach their leadership potential. It’s what Pi Phi does. We develop Friends and Leaders for Life. It is not always easy, but it is always worth it. When I find myself having a particularly hard day, I always come back to one thing. We are developing leaders, and the world needs the leaders we are developing. It is good work, and it is worth it. I know I would not be the woman, mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, colleague or leader I am today without all Pi Phi has taught me. My life is forever enriched by the relationships built, lessons learned and experiences shared on my Pi Phi journey.

The puzzle I started to put together that night long ago has evolved into quite the mosaic 20 years later. I have witnessed incredible women develop into even more incredible leaders. As you read the stories in this issue of The Arrow, I hope you are inspired. I invite you to reflect on how you are leading with your passion and adding to the Pi Phi mosaic. I just know you have a beautiful story to add.

In Pi Phi,