Finding Fulfillment in Service

As the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition (FGRC) Representative, SHEILA CONSAUL finds true fulfillment in giving back to Pi Phi through this role. Read more about her story and why she stays engaged with Pi Phi as an alumna.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ALUMNAE LIFE?

Most Pi Phis don’t realize you’re an alumna for much longer than you’re a collegian. When I moved to Washington, D.C., I only knew one person, so I joined the Northern Virginia Alumnae Club and have been best friends with some of those women for decades.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO VOLUNTEER FOR PI PHI?

I enjoy giving back and filling my free time with something meaningful to me. Pi Phi has given me so much over the years, it’s only natural I do what I can for our sisterhood.

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR ROLE AS THE FGRC REPRESENTATIVE.

I was appointed to this role by the Grand President in 2013 and have been reappointed every biennium since. As the Fraternity’s FGRC Representative, I coordinate Pi Phi’s government relations activities in Washington, D.C. and oversee our representation at the annual FGRC lobbying day on Capitol Hill. This includes selecting the Pi Phi student representatives who will participate in this important event.

The most fulfilling aspect of this role is working with the collegians. This experience is an amazing opportunity for them to better understand the legislative process and speak directly to Members of Congress about issues that are important to fraternities and sororities.

BETWEEN YOUR PERSONAL, PROFESSIONAL AND PI PHI LIFE, HOW DO YOU FIND BALANCE?

Volunteering is my respite from work and other personal life stresses. There’s nothing more rewarding than giving back and helping improve someone’s life and the world around us. I’m also a big scheduler, even if that's just making time to see friends, take a walk or read a book.

HOW HAS PI PHI MADE AN IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?

I can’t even begin to count the many positive ways Pi Phi has impacted my life. The volunteering opportunities have provided immense fulfillment and honed my leadership skills. I have also been given lifelong friendships and amazing memories.

AS AN ENGAGED ALUMNA YOURSELF, WHY DO YOU THINK STAYING INVOLVED WITH OUR SISTERHOOD IS SO IMPORTANT?

You don’t know what you’re missing if you’re not engaged with Pi Phi after college. Given the number of alumnae, you can always find someone with similar interests to you and expand your network through their friends or colleagues. You will experience many significant life events with your alumnae sisters including weddings, children, job loss, moving and more. You can also be as active as you want! There are no requirements for being friends with your sisters.