THE JOURNEY OF GIVING BACK

After witnessing the true impact of Pi Phi volunteers while working as a Leadership Development Consultant (LDC) from 2021-2022, KAITLYN DIAL knew she wanted to give back in the same way. In April 2024, Kaitlyn began this journey by coming into her role as the New Member Experience Advisor for Idaho Alpha’s Alumnae Advisory Committee. Read more about her story and how Pi Phi has made an impact on her own life.

WHAT MADE YOU INITIALLY WANT TO VOLUNTEER FOR PI PHI? WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO KEEP VOLUNTEERING?

When I was an LDC, I worked with volunteers every day. I realized the impact volunteers have on the organization and to put it simply: we could not do it without them. I knew after my time working for Pi Beta Phi Headquarters I would want to move into a volunteer role. I took a few years off to get established in my career, but now I’m excited to start my journey of giving back!

HOW HAVE YOUR LEADERSHIP ROLES SHAPED YOU AND YOUR CAREER?

The leadership roles I held during my collegiate experience taught me how to deal with conflict and shaped my emotional intelligence. These roles laid the foundation for my love of personal growth and made me resilient to change. Working as an LDC in my post graduate years also built a set of transferrable professional skills. Visiting over 34 incredible chapters and developing close bonds with the other consultants gave me an unforgettable experience I will always look back on.

WHAT ARE THE MOST CHALLENGING AND REWARDING PARTS ABOUT SERVING PI PHI?

A challenging aspect is realizing we learn most from failure. It's hard to see others fail, and it's hard to fail yourself, but that's truly where you learn the most. However, seeing our sisterhood flourish is the most rewarding. Realizing you are part of the impact our organization makes across the world is extremely fulfilling.

HOW HAS PI PHI MADE AN IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?

Before joining Pi Phi, I was close to transferring to a different university; I was unmotivated and not happy with where I was. Joining Pi Phi gave me meaning, fulfillment and a network of supportive friends—it brought me back to my happy and bubbly self.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT OUR SISTERHOOD?

Our sisterhood is genuine. When I traveled to different chapters as an LDC, I could always feel the down-to-earth nature each chapter had. As Pi Phis, we are genuine across the board, and I love that.

AS A PI PHI VOLUNTEER YOURSELF, WHY DO YOU THINK VOLUNTEERING FOR OUR SISTERHOOD IS SO IMPORTANT?

I want to give back what other volunteers have given to me; the wellbeing of chapters is dependent on volunteers.

Joining Pi Phi gave me meaning, fulfillment and a network of supportive friends—it brought me back to my happy and bubbly self. “