The Bow of Pi Beta Phi - Spring 2023

Learning as a Leader

While there are countless opportunities for leadership development during our members’ collegiate years, many find their leadership journeys truly begin as alumnae. From life-changing scholarships to premier programming, Pi Beta Phi empowers every sister to cultivate their leadership potential.

After graduating from Michigan State University, Michigan Gamma JULIA FURTAW was asked to join Ohio Epsilon’s Alumnae Advisory Committee (AAC). Over a span of five years, Julia held multiple advisory roles at Ohio Epsilon in member development, event planning and administration before coming to her current role as the Community Relations Specialist for Region Two.

Although Julia has worked in management throughout her professional career, her leadership experience in Pi Phi sparked a new passion and perspective. “I started to understand that I can work with people of different backgrounds and ages and still mentor effectively,” she says. “Pi Phi helped me identify and hone that skillset.” Julia found volunteering offered her a source of Personal and Intellectual Growth as well. “I've become a more intuitive and empathetic leader,” she reflects. “Seeing these amazing young women and the challenges they face—which are different from the challenges I faced as a collegian—has helped me better understand the collegiate experience today.”

Julia continues to find inspiration in her current role, particularly in the connections she builds with collegians. “Working with chapters and coming up with philanthropy events that are meaningful for the members is so fun,” she shares. “The creativity of our collegians never fails to amaze me.”

This creative and auspicious energy motivates Julia to continue serving as a volunteer—being able to guide collegians during a formative period of their leadership journeys is something she greatly values. “It's critical that we have more engaged women leaders in organizations,” she explains. “We need to help our collegians develop the skills they need so they can become those leaders after graduation. I really appreciate what Pi Phi is doing, and I want to be a part of it. When working with these young women, I know they will make a difference because they already are.”

When discussing Pi Phi’s leadership development support, it’s important to note those opportunities don’t end after graduation. Julia feels strongly that no matter what chapter of life you are in, there is always room to learn, and she treasures what Pi Phi offers to alumnae and volunteers. “As lifelong learners, there are so many wonderful ways to use and build your skills within Pi Phi," she shares. "Being able to work toward something that is important to you is a great way to start a leadership journey.”

Pi Phi is committed to shaping the next generation of leaders, which is why Julia not only shares her time and knowledge, but also gives back as a donor. Supporting our Foundation is a way for Julia to make a direct impact on the future of our sisterhood—one that has already made an impact on her own life. “Pi Phi gave me an amazing experience,” she says. “I want to make sure that experience is there for collegians today all over the United States and Canada.” Likewise, Julia truly believes the opportunities Pi Phi offers—such as scholarships—can change one's life. “Supporting our sisters in that way is so important, whether we know them or not.”

Supporting every sister is integral to maintaining a culture of friendship, trust and empowerment—fulfilling those intentions is equally important. As a volunteer, Julia finds her personal fulfillment through Pi Phi events. "It’s a way to reach out to sisters in person and say thank you,” she explains. “You can sit down with somebody who’s 19 or 79 and feel an immediate connection.” Julia also gains helpful insight at events which allows her to hone her professional skills and understand the greater impact of her role, “At College Weekend 2020, I took away this idea that no matter if we're collegians or alumnae, we can all make an impact in our community.”

Julia recently attended College Weekend 2023 in St. Louis, Missouri alongside hundreds of other Pi Phis. She co-presented the Vice President Community Relations college; this year’s event was her first as a facilitator. As someone who says she struggles with public speaking, Julia found the opportunity to mentor a large group of women in person was invaluable. “Leadership requires constant personal growth; it isn’t something you learn and forget,” she says. “It’s a journey and College Weekend reinforced that for me.”

Julia (back row, left) with attendees and facilitators of the Vice President Community Relations College at College Weekend 2023.

As Julia continues to reflect on her experience at College Weekend, and her leadership journey within Pi Phi, she remembers the message “Friends and Leaders for Life.”

To her, this is the essence of who we are and what we value. Empowering young women in their journeys— and finding her own personal growth along the way— is what truly fulfills Julia as a sister and leader.

Friends and Leaders for Life

Leadership development opportunities provided by Pi Beta Phi—including College Weekend, the Leadership Development Consultant program and more—are made possible by supporters of our Foundation. Every Pi Phi is called to be a Friend and Leader for Life, and supporting this integral leadership development programming allows sisters and friends to fulfill their commitment to develop the next generation of women leaders. Learn more about supporting leadership development at pibetaphi.org/foundation