Beta Eta Attends AXO Leadership Academy

(Left to right) Paris Thie, Gaby Panneflek, Molly Reinking and Sarah Henriksen

Indianapolis bound! Just this past weekend, four of our executive members (Chapter President, VP Standards, VP Risk Management and VP Public Relations) attended the 3 day annual Leadership Academy workshop organized by Alpha Chi Omega headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana. The same four executive board members from almost every AXO chapter across the nation, including their advisors were in attendance; volunteers from headquarters were also present, who served as group facilitators and offered first-hand leadership advice to the newly elected officers.

The program was organized into several different events including: general leadership panels and renowned speakers, large group session meetings divided by officer position and breakout group sessions led by the facilitators. The information relayed in these events enlightened sisters on important topics like effective execution of officer duties, mental health as an individual and chapter, leading as a sister, communication skills and qualities of a great leader in a collegiate and future workplace environment.

According to our VP Public Relations officer, Sarah Henriksen, one of the many remarkable aspects of the trip was getting to discuss her individual chapter and position with officers from other AXO chapters who share the same leadership title. She said she enjoyed everyone comparing their roles in their chapters and lending advice/tips to grow together as an organization nationally, becoming stronger as a whole. Overall, Leadership Academy contributed to our executive members professional development, knowledge on a variety of useful topics and taught them how to give chapter members their own individual experience as "Real. Strong. Women."

Spring Break Mission Trips!

Over Spring Break, two of our sisters went on mission trips. Jenn Coates travelled to Grenada, where she worked with a school called PAM (program for adolescent mothers). Hannah Emerson went to Riobamba, Ecuador on a MEDlife trip.

Jenn says, “girls get kicked out of school in Grenada for being pregnant so here they are able to get a ‘second chance.’ It has a day care for them to bring their children and it gives them an education as well as teach them parenting skills. When we got there, we taught about teen dating violence, so like healthy relationships, boundaries, etc. We also taught about character development, so like future goals that they had, obstacles they had to go through, and better ways of communication.”

Hannah says, “we had 3 days of clinic, which included treating patients of all ages as well as teaching the children how to brush their teeth. We had one project day where we built concrete stairs that lead and down a mountain for a community. It is incredible that in a country only a short plane ride away, everything is different. My favorite part of the trip was witnessing the impact that simple healthcare made for the different people and communities. This trip reminded me of what a privilege it is to have access to things that many of us take for granted such as running water, food and healthcare. It was amazing seeing that such a minor thing such as a toothbrush or a sticker could make a child's day.”