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!”
It’s almost time for the inaugural College Panhellenic Academy. In one week, Panhellenic officers from the U.S. and Canada will travel to Indianapolis to grow in panhellenic spirit and skill. On the first night, #Academy15 will open with “The Talks” – words of empowerment and inspiration for fraternity and sorority members from eight experienced guest speakers. Much like the style of TED Talks, our idea behind “The Talks” is to highlight how our experiences and stories can teach a lesson to future leaders. Meet the minds behind “The Talks” and get ready to hear special messages of encouragement to start the flow of creativity. Ginny Carroll
Ginny Carroll is passionate about building capacity and empowering women. Not only does she have her own consulting business that focuses on helping non-profit organizations build capacity, but she also founded a charitable organization – Circle of Sisterhood Foundation — that works to provide opportunity through education to girls and women around the world. Ginny is a strong proponent of the fraternity and sorority experience, evidenced by several national awards presented to her for fostering positive change to advance the fraternal movement. Jessica Gendron Williams
Jessica Gendron Williams is the CEO of Phired Up. She's funny (just ask her). She's also smart, bold and passionate about fraternities and sororities. Jessica attended Eastern Illinois University and then Indiana University. She is pushing the fraternity/sorority movement to change more lives ... and change the world. Jamie Manuel
Jamie Manuel is a graduate of Ball State University and a member of Phi Gamma Delta. After graduating with his MBA from the University of Oxford, he founded ::ourscript, a company that leverages the power of groups and prescription exercise to increase sustained participation in fitness programs. Chris Smithhisler
Chris Smithhisler graduated from Hiram College with a bachelor’s degree and from Western Illinois University with a master’s degree. She is currently the director of character education for Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. She lives in Zionsville, Ind., with her husband, Pete, and twin daughters Olivia and Hadley. Mat Forrest
Mat Forest began his career in governmental affairs in the West Palm Beach, Fla., Mayor’s Office, serving in three different administrations. For almost a decade, Mat submersed in local government operations, marketing and media campaigns, public speaking, project management and the production of festivals and events. He joined the state lobbying firm of Ballard Partners in 2007 and works with clients in a variety of fields including local governments, gaming, arts and culture, tourism and transportation. Tina McIntosh
Tina McIntosh, current president and CEO, founded Joy’s House, an adult day service, in 1999 at the age of 27. Today, Joy’s House serves families of greater Indianapolis and is a vital, thriving not-for-profit organization serving thousands of families. Tina has been honored with numerous awards, her most prized being Graduate of the Last Decade from Ball State University, Starkey Entrepreneurial Woman of the Year, Circle of Merit from Ball State University’s College of Science and Humanities and being named as one of Indianapolis Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty. Steve Latour
Steve Latour is the chief executive officer of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity which is headquartered just outside Kansas City, Mo., in Warrensburg. He previously worked as the vice president for Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity and as the senior director of development for the Alpha Sigma Phi Foundation. In his role with Sigma Tau Gamma, Steve has made it his personal mission to visit each of the fraternity's 68 chapters. He's already halfway there! Erin Fischer
Erin Fischer is the owner and CEO of the Leadership and Training Studio. She has spoken in 45 states, recruited in Hungary, volunteered in Hawaii, taught in Brazil and has been on stages with thousands of people in the audience, all with the focus of developing people while building teams and organizations. Erin’s forum is the stage, but her focus is super-cognitive skills. She wants to support the growth of people by giving them time to think, reflect and gain new knowledge.
The National Panhellenic Conference has five full-time staff members and interns who work daily to advance the sorority experience. Here we will introduce each staff member and let them tell you who they are and what they do in the office.
Gina Griffin is the NPC office assistant. She spends her days multitasking as the receptionist as well as updating the website and working with document administration and reports. Of course, she is also privy to several tasks falling under “other duties as assigned.” About Gina: Gina is from Indianapolis. She has been happily married for 20 years and has three daughters ages 14, 12 and 8. Her family has two dogs and three cats. She attended Ball State University where she received her bachelor’s in telecommunication video production, a field she found fascinating. Fun Fact: I love hot peppers and spicy food! I grow different types of hot peppers every year and love cooking with them. Q & A:
What do you most enjoy about working at NPC? Definitely working with the nice ladies in our office.
If you could pick one adjective to describe yourself what would it be? Detail-oriented
What is one of your favorite quotes? “There are always two choices, two paths to take. One is easy. And its only reward is that it’s easy.” - Anonymous
When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you choose to spend it? Reading or hanging out with my family.
What was the first concert you attended? Neil Diamond
The National Panhellenic Conference has five full-time staff members and interns who work daily to advance the sorority experience. Here we will introduce each staff member and let them tell you who they are and what they do in the office.
Nicki Meneley is the executive director for the National Panhellenic Conference and the National Panhellenic Conference Foundation. She works closely with the NPC Board of Directors and Executive Committee to ensure the organization is working to achieve its mission in alignment with the strategic plan, and supports the Foundation trustees in their development efforts.
About Nicki: Nicki spent her undergraduate years at Purdue University where she earned a bachelor of liberal arts, majoring in industrial organizational psychology and minoring in supervision and sociology. After traveling as a consultant for Alpha Chi Omega for two years, she returned to school at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis for a certificate in event management while she continued working for Alpha Chi Omega headquarters. Nicki also received a master’s of public affairs with a concentration in nonprofit management from IUPUI while working for the Purdue Alumni Association. She became NPC’s first executive director in March 2010.
Q & A:
What do you most enjoy about working at NPC? It continues to be an exciting time here. There are great opportunities on the horizon for our member organizations and the Conference. I enjoy working with my co-workers and the numerous volunteers who are engaged with NPC.
Who do you admire as a leader? Anyone who lives their passion. Ginny Carroll comes to mind. She is passionate about changing women’s lives for the better and she used her time, talent and resources to create the Circle of Sisterhood Foundation, which has made an incredible impact on young girls and women by providing them access to education.
What is your favorite book? "Carry On, Warrior: Thoughts on Life"
What are your top five favorite things to do outside of work? a. Spend time with my twin boys and my husband b. Go camping c. Read d. Visit with my friends and family e. Travel
What are your favorite quotes? a. There is rarely a traffic jam on the extra mile. b. Life loves to be taken by the lapels and told “I’m with you kid.” – Maya Angelou c. If everything seems under control, you’re not going fast enough. – Mario Andretti
