Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Meet the #Academy15 Team - Facilitators

College Panhellenic Academy is days away, and we cannot wait to greet hundreds of Panhellenic women in Indianapolis for the big event. A team of experts in sorority is ready to facilitate and guide our attendees to be the best sorority women they can be. We asked these facilitators a few questions about their own sorority experience and what they are most looking forward to at #Academy15.

Sharrell Hassell-Goodman
Director of Sorority and Fraternity Life at The Ohio State University

What do you think is most important for a Panhellenic officer to keep in mind at the beginning of her term?
“An important consideration for a Panhellenic officer to keep in mind at the beginning of her term is: ‘How will I leave the position better than I found it, considering the current state of the community?’ Often, women in leadership positions have the best intention of making the most of their leadership experience, but end up letting what others think about them influence their leadership. Panhellenic officers must learn how to balance relationships with other women, while also maintaining assertive leadership characteristics, in order to make the most of their term as an officer. I have observed women in student leadership positions judged harshly for holding their members to higher standards and as a result, they are left feeling guilty for practicing their values. It is imperative to remember why you chose to serve in this position and what your members trusted you to do when they elected you.”
Julie Johnson
NPC Panhellenics Chairman and & former National President of Kappa Delta Sorority 

What most excites you about this, the inaugural, College Panhellenic Academy?
“I am proud we have been able to create this type of learning environment for College Panhellenic leaders to come together and learn from some of the best leaders within the Panhellenic world. What an incredible opportunity it will be for women to come together and learn about Panhellenic leadership, operations and execution.”
What is your favorite moment or a highlight from your own fraternal experience thus far?
“The proudest personal moment ever was the day my daughter was initiated into Kappa Delta, and I was able to participate in her initiation and pin her with the same badge that was given to me when I was installed on our National Council. Something I will never forget!”
Courtney McKenna
Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Quinnipiac University

If someone asked you "Why sorority?” what would be your answer?
“Sorority can truly be the one-stop-shop that will help a woman with all she needs to be successful in college and beyond. In a sorority, a woman will find true support and friendship, prioritization of academics, opportunities to give back to the university and greater community and numerous opportunities for personal and leadership development. While these are things that one may find if they joined several other organizations – there are few other involvement areas that she can find them all in one place.”
How has NPC/Panhellenic been a part of your life and profession?
“I have met so many amazing women through my involvement with NPC. These women have become incredible friends, advisors, confidants, teachers and cheerleaders. The term Panhellenic sister is one that is not lost on me and is something I truly believe in. As women, we can achieve so much more together than apart – I have experienced this both on my campus as a fraternity/sorority advisor and personally as my relationships with various Panhellenic women have grown.”
Nicki Meneley
NPC Executive Director

What most excites you about this, the inaugural, College Panhellenic Academy?
“The chance to interact with engaged, passionate collegiate and alumnae members. There is unlimited potential for our industry when we work together from a place of understanding and collaboration.”
What do you think is most important for a Panhellenic officer to keep in mind at the beginning of her term?
“You are one person, and you can only do one thing – maybe two – at a time, so lean on your support network: your fellow officers, volunteers, sorority sisters. Together we can do anything; you are not alone.”
Kyle Pendleton
Director of Harm Reduction & Education at Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity

How has NPC/Panhellenic been a part of your life and profession?
“When I was a young professional, I cannot imagine having not used the resources that were afforded to me through NPC. Still today, almost 20 years later, many of my professional “go to” people are NPC leaders.”
What is your favorite moment or a highlight from your own fraternal experience thus far?
“My chapter at Ohio State was closed several years after I graduated. When the chapter was recolonized in 2011, I served as the chapter advisor and oversaw the first initiation of the new chapter members and advised the group through the chartering. Last year, the chapter was one of five that received the Pyramid of Excellence, the highest collegiate chapter award in Delta Sigma Phi. This is the first Pyramid in the chapter’s history. Additionally, the two-term chapter president received the NIC Award of Distinction; the first Ohio State undergraduate and only second Delta Sig to be recognized with this honor. I am so lucky to have gotten to work with them.”
Corre Stegall
NPC Alternate Delegate & former National President of Kappa Delta Sorority

If someone asked you "Why sorority?” what would be your answer?
“It’s made all the difference in my life by providing me with the opportunity as a young woman to develop my leadership skills and to strive to achieve my best with the support and encouragement of those who share my ideals and principles. Friendship among those with shared values is a powerful thing that lasts forever, and through these friendships, I continue to learn and grow, each day realizing the endless value of service and love of those both within and without the bonds of sisterhood.”
 What is your favorite moment or a highlight from your own fraternal experience thus far?
“Each year, my sorority honors its most outstanding collegiate leaders, and I have the honor of presenting those awards. At each presentation, I’m overwhelmed by the abilities, talents, and dedication of young women today and their accomplishments and infinite potential. It’s a highlight that gets brighter every year!”