The Bow of Pi Beta Phi - Winter 2022

A Message from Leadership

Dear Sisters and friends,

One of the main reasons I wanted to become a member of Pi Beta Phi is because we are a strong sisterhood with purpose and philanthropic spirit. While our organization offers many opportunities to celebrate fun and friendship, I am continually energized and inspired by our efforts to care for our communities and each other. As a donor, I choose to support Pi Beta Phi Foundation because—as cliché as it may sound—giving back is important to me. Through my service as a Foundation Trustee and committee member, I have learned our Foundation not only enriches every aspect of the Pi Phi member experience, but functions as the mechanism that supports our care for one another as sisters.

While we demonstrate this care in numerous ways, our Foundation’s Emma Harper Turner (EHT) Fund grant program is especially close to my heart. As the supervising Trustee for the EHT Fund Committee, I see firsthand the grant applications we receive from Pi Phis in unforeseen and devastating circumstances: lifethreatening illnesses, family crises, job losses and natural disasters. During the past year, our hearts have been with Pi Phis in Florida who lost everything in the wake of Hurricane Ian, sisters who started over after the wildfires in Colorado and sisters working to recover from severe storms, flooding and mudslides across the Midwest.

The ability to help a sister in need is a true honor and a deeply rewarding experience. I know we are making an impact because I see the immediacy of gifts to our Foundation at work. This sentiment echoes across our sisterhood, in all the ways donors to our Foundation invest in our members and our communities—through EHT Fund grants, scholarships, leadership development, literacy initiatives and so much more.

To continue to support our sisters, the best thing we can do is give to the Friendship Fund—the single most important way our Foundation helps Pi Phi fulfill its mission. Gifts to this fund provide critical, annual resources that support every Pi Phi program— including EHT Fund grants—as well as the operational work of our Foundation that makes it possible for us to award scholarships, empower women leaders and put books in the hands of children.

We often say that the support of every sister, every year makes a difference, and I take this sentiment to heart. I think of each gift to the Friendship Fund as a personal act of kindness to a sister; a small gesture that can mean so much to someone else. If you have yet to make your gift to the Friendship Fund this year, please join me in supporting our Foundation and sharing an act of kindness.

In Pi Phi, Leslie Magnus, New Jersey Alpha Trustee, Pi Beta Phi Foundation Board of Trustees

The official publication for donors and friends of Pi Beta Phi Foundation

Generations of Pi Phi Leaders

Interviewing for your dream job can be intimidating; the anticipation and uncertainty are sure to make your heart race. Imagine walking into an interview and seeing some of the organization’s most respected and influential leaders right in front of you. This was the case for Washington Beta JESSICA MANNING HOOPER when she interviewed to be a Graduate Consultant, now known as a Leadership Development Consultant, with South Carolina Alpha SARAH (SIS) MULLIS,

Texas Gamma BETH VAN MAANEN BEATTY and North Carolina Beta CAROL INGE WARREN—three members of Grand Council at the time.

Jessica recalls the incredible company of these women and the honor she felt just to share space with them. Still today, Jessica laughs thinking about how this nerve-wracking moment changed her trajectory as a Pi Phi. Little did she know those three women would soon inspire her to leave her own leadership development legacy. A week after flying back to Pullman, Washington, Jessica received a call from Sis Mullis extending an offer for her dream job—and her leadership journey truly began.

From the significant growth to the challenging conversations, Jessica’s experience as a consultant had both immediate and lasting impact. “Looking back, I see someone who was a bit more shy, timid and not as confident compared to the person I was at the end of the experience,” Jessica explains. The opportunity for development not only manifested in herself but in the chapters she guided. “It was an interesting space to be in; to relate to chapter members but also provide guidance. It really refined my leadership skills and gave me different perspectives."

As Jessica evolved personally, so did her professional life with Pi Phi. When Pi Beta Phi Headquarters (HQ) identified the need for a full-time Graduate Consultant supervisor, Jessica was quick to raise her hand. During her time hiring and mentoring consultants, Jessica saw the program from a new perspective. “The relationships I fostered with the consultants who came after me were amazing, as was watching their own leadership journeys,” she shares. “It was inspiring to see who they were when they came in versus who they were when they left the role.”

As someone who experienced the position firsthand, Jessica knew the obstacles the consultants would face, but she also knew they would grow into strong, confident leaders, which emboldened her passion. “The women Pi Phi attracts are of high caliber,” she says. “They’re smart, committed and loyal and I saw that time and time again in each consultant class.”

Reflecting on the many roles she’s held within Pi Phi—Graduate Consultant, HQ staff member and various positions on the Alumnae Advisory Committee (AAC) for two Washington chapters—Jessica recognizes the why behind her work. “I felt like Pi Phi had given me so much and I really respected the Sises, Beths and Carols of our sisterhood,” she explains. “These were the women whose own investment shaped me into the person I am today, and I felt like it was my responsibility to give back in that same way.”

Now, Jessica serves on AAC for Washington Beta—her own chapter—where she’s felt proud to hold multiple roles for the past seven years. “It has been such a joy to serve my own chapter,” she says. Jessica is honored to empower young women at the start of their development journeys.

Members of the 1996-1997 Graduate Consultant Class at the 1999 Houston Convention. Back row, from left: Missouri Alpha CARRIE JOYCE LOCH, Jessica, Texas Eta AMY WEAVER and Connecticut Beta REBEKAH HEISER HANLEY. Front row, from left: Iowa Zeta BRYN WILKINSON WULF and Iowa Gamma JENN PLAGMAN-GALVIN

“We’re helping to refine them, shape them, hold them accountable, and they’re growing. I really feel like we’re developing the leaders we need for the future,” she adds.

Developing women leaders is the exact reason Jessica chooses to give back to Pi Beta Phi Foundation. Through her impact, she hopes to continue uplifting these women and encouraging the Fraternity to grow and thrive. “It's important to me that we remain a leading organization," she says. "I'll do whatever I can financially to provide opportunities for our members to learn, whether through programming or leadership development.”

As Jessica looks at her experience with Pi Phi, she recognizes the growth, opportunities and connections stem from the women who set the example of Lifelong Commitment. “Thinking of everything I’ve experienced and everything I’ve been given, it wouldn’t have been possible without the people who came before me and showed me how to support our sisterhood through their time, leadership and commitment to the Fraternity,” she says.

Jessica will soon be stepping down from AAC at Washington Beta to care for and spend more time with her eleven-yearold twin daughters. Although bittersweet, there is no doubt in Jessica’s mind that she will continue to plant seeds for future Pi Phi leaders just as her own mentors did for her.

CELEBRATE OUR SISTERHOOD'S IMPACT AT Halo Happenings

Like Jessica and the leaders who influenced her life, every Pi Phi has the power to change lives in our sisterhood and our communities. You're invited to celebrate our sisterhood's impact at an upcoming Halo Happenings. Halo Happenings events are a special time to gather with your Pi Phi sisters and learn how gifts to our Foundation empower meaningful impact. Whether it be through literacy, leadership or scholarship support, Pi Phis have the power to change lives within our sisterhood and our communities. Celebrate the good work happening within Pi Phi and connect with sisters new and old at one of our 2023 Halo Happenings events in the following citites:

• Columbus, Ohio — April 1

• Denver, Colorado — May 6

• Louisville, Kentucky — June 3

All Pi Phi sisters and friends are invited to attend. More details, including locations and registration information, will be available closer to the events. Learn more at pibetaphi.org/halohappenings

Pi Phis at Jessica's wedding. From left: Jenn, Sis, Jessica, Amy, Pennsylvania Iota JEANNIE HANNA BICKHART and Rebekah.

Support Comes from Every Direction

When picking up the pieces after a major loss, it’s helpful to have as many hands as possible doing the work. After a fire destroyed her home, Iowa Beta BRITTANY ARMSTRONG DECKER says the support she felt—from friends, family, Pi Phi sisters and total strangers—gave her the hope to keep moving forward.

On the evening of June 21, 2022, Brittany was home with her husband, Ryan, and their two-month-old son, William. They’d just had dinner—Brittany was upstairs folding laundry and Ryan was in the living room with William who was bouncing in his swing—when both new parents began to smell smoke. As they saw the smoke pouring in from one side of the house, Brittany took their son out the front door and Ryan grabbed their dog. They had no time to get anything else.

“People have asked me, ‘Weren’t you able to get this? Well, didn’t you grab your purse?’ and the answer is always, ‘no,’” she shares. “Something of this magnitude is hard to comprehend, and I get why people don’t understand. I never thought this would happen to me, and you don’t know how you’ll react until you’re in that moment. I didn’t even put on shoes. I came down the stairs without my phone and only went back for it to call 911.”

In the immediate aftermath, the family was coping with total loss. When trying to picture what this might mean, the first things that come to mind are probably material items; photos, clothing, mementos collected over a lifetime. The full scope is beyond imagination. The hardest losses have been the things they can’t replace, including their two beloved cats. As she reflects on their losses, Brittany tries to avoid the “if only” questions.

“We’ve both said, ‘if only’ about a lot of things since that night, but we have to remember those things often aren’t true and it isn’t a healthy way to approach the situation,” she says. “I can’t dwell on what we didn’t do or what we couldn’t save. We have to think about the next day, the next challenge, the next opportunity because otherwise, we’ll never be able to move forward.”

That forward movement was imperative after the fire. From finding a place to stay to buying the essentials, the to-do list was endless—and so was the support.

son, Will.

The day after the fire, one of Ryan’s uncles started a GoFundMe to cover some of the many expenses ahead. Without a second thought, family, friends, neighbors and strangers contributed funds, clothing and basic essentials—providing whatever they could to lend a helping hand.

“Support comes from where you’d never imagine,” Brittany says. “My father-in-law flew in to help us salvage what we could from the house. When he explained to his Uber driver what brought him to town, the man donated to our GoFundMe. He’s never met me; he met a family member for a few minutes and went out of his way to help. Now that I’m trying to personally thank everyone who did something for us, it’s people like him I know I'll never be able to thank, but I hope they know what it meant.”

As she shares her gratitude for all those who offered support, Brittany holds a special place for the Pi Phis who made an impact, both those she knows personally and those who support Pi Beta Phi Foundation and the Emma Harper Turner Fund. Through the recommendation of another Iowa Beta, Brittany applied for support from our Foundation to help alleviate some of the many costs of rebuilding after a tragedy.

While she wasn’t aware of the grant program prior to applying, she’s grateful for the power of sisterhood and the individual members who provided a lifeline during a trying time.

Ryan and Brittany outside their home in May 2022 with their

“To go from having everything you need to losing it all in a span of 30 minutes is traumatic,” Brittany says. “Even with the support from our community, the money really does go quickly when you’re starting over.”

The outpouring of meaningful assistance not only helped Brittany and her family rebuild what they’d lost; it also helped sustain them mentally and emotionally through the hardships. Brittany is quick to recognize the power of hope and acknowledges the challenges of accepting encouragement from others while moving forward.

“All the help, assistance and thoughts from other people are what give me hope,” she says. “We’ve heard many times that we’re so strong for getting through this, but it doesn’t feel that way. I didn’t have a choice; I had to push on. One of the ways we were able to do that is with all the people offering us love, care and anything else we needed. When others believe in you and offer you help, it makes everything a lot easier.”

Time has also eased some of the strain, as the family was recently able to move into a new home and return to a semblance of normalcy. They hosted their first Thanksgiving with their extended families this year, a fitting encapsulation of Brittany’s mission to share her gratitude and love for those who were integral to their healing process.

As they look ahead, Brittany is excited to make their new house a home and watch her son continue to grow. She’s determined to find joy and hope in normal, everyday life.

“Most of all, I’ve looked forward to having a regular life and a routine again,” she shares. “That can sound mundane, but you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. It’s getting easier every day, and that’s in huge part because of all the support we’ve had from family, friends, strangers and each other.”

Making an Impact

By providing confidential grants to members in critical need, the Emma Harper Turner Fund is a lifeline to sisters facing financial crises stemming from life-changing circumstances. In the last fiscal year, supporters of Pi Beta Phi Foundation helped provide more than $27,000 in grants awarded to 10 Pi Phi sisters in need. To learn how you can make an impact for sisters like Brittany, visit pibetaphi.org/foundation

The Decker family outside their new home in October 2022.

Building Leaders for Life

Since our founding, Pi Phis have encouraged and empowered one another as confident women leaders. Our Fraternity provides a space for members to practice and expand their leadership skills through officer and volunteer roles, as well as innovative programming and events.

At Pi Beta Phi Leadership Institute, collegians explore their leadership capabilities as they learn to drive change. The four-day immersive experience provides young leaders with the tools to make change in themselves, their campuses and their communities— all while connecting with Pi Phis who inspire and challenge them.

While the primary focus of the event is supporting emerging collegiate leaders, Leadership Institute offers an impactful development opportunity for the alumnae volunteer facilitators who lead small-group discussions and activities. Sessions on vision, communication, collaboration, relationship building, resiliency and confidence resonate with women along every step of their personal leadership journey. Below, some of this year’s alumnae facilitators share their reflections on the event and what they gained from the experience.

South Dakota Alpha ALISON PILGRIM

For me, Leadership Institute was another opportunity to give back to an organization that has given me so much, and to support the newest generation of Pi Phis. I expected to enjoy my time working with our collegians and was not disappointed—our newest members continue to impress me every day with their intelligence, ambition and kindness. What I hadn’t expected was the opportunity to bond with other Pi Phi alumnae in a way that’s completely different from alumnae club activities or serving on an Alumnae Advisory Committee.

I learned about my own competencies as a leader and identified some areas I could develop further. Digging into the topic of confidence was particularly impactful. It’s relevant for women of all ages—I’ve had those imposter syndrome moments myself—but it was especially gratifying to see our collegians open up about what positively or negatively impacts their confidence. I hope they all left Leadership Institute with the tools to achieve their purpose and the drive to keep finding new goals to pursue.

My Pi Phi cup was filled just by being around other passionate and driven sisters. Our whole Halo Huddle (small group) is still in contact—we follow each other on social media and talk in our GroupMe chat. I especially loved working with my facilitation partner, California Nu RAINEY LYNCH, who I’d first met during the 2019-2020 academic year when she visited the chapter I advised while serving as a Leadership Development Consultant.

Alison (front row, right) and her co-facilitator Rainey (back row, left) with her Halo Huddle small group at Pi Beta Phi Leadership Institute at Washington University in St. Louis.

West Virginia Alpha AMY TUNISON WAMSLEY

My experience at Leadership Institute has been one of the highlights of my entire year. Initially, I wanted to apply as a facilitator to improve my leadership skills. I was a bit apprehensive, as I had not been involved with Pi Phi for quite a while. However, when I arrived and saw South Carolina Alpha SIS MULLIS, whom I’d met at West Virginia Alpha, I knew I’d be just fine. I found a group of women who welcomed me with open arms and Sincere Friendship—which is why I joined Pi Phi. You know you’re part of something special when you meet a collegian from your own chapter and immediately bond. I felt that way when I met fellow West Virginia Alpha CAROLINE RODRIGUEZ. We talked about our shared love for our chapter and were able to visit Pi Phi Headquarters together. Being able to be a part of Halo Huddle 15 and meeting women who are making a huge impact in their chapters and communities was an honor I won’t soon forget. For me, Leadership Institute was a place where I reestablished my love for service, friendship and Pi Phi. Our sisterhood is a place where I met friends for life, and it continues to bring friends into my life.

Utah Alpha ASHLEE JANOVAK

Being able to serve as a facilitator at Leadership Institute was a privilege. It was a fantastic professional development opportunity; presenting and public speaking are not my strongest skills, and I wanted to step outside my comfort zone. I learned new things to incorporate at work and even went through a leadership competency activity with my boss once I returned home. A few competencies I’d placed at the bottom of my list were areas where he thought I excelled.

Ashlee's Halo Huddle. From left: Alberta Alpha RUBY LEE, Louisiana Beta FATIMAH AVENDANO, Florida Alpha MACKENSIE STELLRECHT, Mississippi Alpha KAELA BARNICLE, Wisconsin Epsilon EMMA PLANK, California Theta SAMANTHA SWAN, Ohio Epsilon ELLA LOCKSHIN and Texas Beta AVA TODD

Supporting Pi Phi’s leadership development opportunities is investing in the future of our collegiate sisters and the future of our dear Fraternity. The women in my Halo Huddle were so impressive—I loved their commitment to making themselves better leaders. I hope our collegians were able to see that Pi Phi is truly a Lifelong Commitment and that there are so many benefits to staying involved as an alumna. I believe our future will be strong because of their achievements and impact.

Pi Phi is committed to developing the next generation of women leaders—helping them find and use their voices. Programs and events like Leadership Institute are made possible by our Foundation through gifts to The Friendship Fund and The Leadership Fund. Because of generous sisters and friends, we can ensure every Pi Phi continues to receive transformational opportunities for leadership and growth. Learn more at pibetaphi.org/foundation.

1154 Town & Country Commons Drive

Town & Country, Missouri 63017

Shared Vision of Pi Beta Phi

To be recognized as a premier organization for women by providing lifelong enrichment to its members and contributing to the betterment of society.

Mission

Pi Beta Phi Foundation enables the Fraternity to realize its mission and ensures the future of our sisterhood.

Board of Trustees

President

Cindy Rice Svec, Kansas Beta

Vice President Finance

Mary Jane Buchele Johnson, Illinois Eta

Vice President Development

Terre McFillen Hall, OhioAlpha

Secretary

Wendy Labreche Pratt, Massachusetts Beta

Trustees

Donna Butterworth, Virginia Eta

Gina Garrison Jones, Nebraska Beta

Leslie Magnus, NewJerseyAlpha

Kathleen Meriano, New York Eta

Ex-Officio

Greer Horne, Virginia Zeta

Brenda Balkunas Wirth, WisconsinAlpha

Staff

Executive Director

Hallee Winnie, Michigan Gamma

Director of Advancement

Jill Mackey Carrel, Indiana Gamma Director of Operations & Programs

Betsy West McCune, MissouriAlpha

Director of Finance & Administration

Kim Sherman

Individual Giving Officer

Mary Showman Carpenter, KansasAlpha

Development and Engagement Manager

Emily Karcher, Maryland Gamma Development and Engagement Manager

Megan Schwedtmann

Operations and Programs Manager

Mary Beth Unger Roy, MissouriAlpha

Stay Connected! pibetaphi.org/ foundation @PiBetaPhi

With Gratitude, President’s Reception

In September, our President’s Reception was held virtually to recognize all Pi Phis and friends who have supported our sisterhood with a gift to our Foundation. Sisters gathered to connect with one another and share in the celebration and success of the 2021-2022 fiscal year. To honor the contributions of our donors, the event recognized the impact made both within our sisterhood and surrounding communities and ended with an inspiring look to the future of Pi Phi.

Celebrate Founders’ Day and Pi Phi Giving Day

The bonds created by our sisterhood have endured for generations—and to recognize this, we encourage you to join us as we celebrate Pi Phi Giving Day. On Friday, April 28, 2023— Founders’ Day—invite your sisters and friends to honor our sisterhood and the 12 courageous women who started it all. Giving back on Pi Phi Giving Day is a tangible way to represent our core values and ensure our bonds remain strong for future generations.

After April 1, visit piphigivingday.org to give back to Pi Beta Phi Foundation with a gift—then invite sisters in your chapter, alumnae club and social networks to join you! Add to the online celebration by sharing your favorite Pi Phi photos, memories and sisterhood stories on social media using #PiPhiGivingDay.

Join Us in Phoenix for Convention July 7-10, 2023

You're invited to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of sisterhood and Pi Phi Pride! Join your Pi Phi sisters as we celebrate Friendship True and the ties that bind us. Convention is an opportunity to gather as a sisterhood, honor our milestones and accomplishments and look toward our future. Registration opens in early 2023 at pibetaphi.org/convention

During convention, we look forward to hosting members of the Evelyn Peters Kyle and Marianne Reid Wild Giving Societies at the May Lansfield Keller Breakfast to celebrate the generous support these donors provide to our sisterhood. Invitees will receive more information as the event nears. To learn more about these giving societies and join today, visit pibetaphi.org/foundation.