Volunteering with Pi Beta Phi can take many forms—for Alabama Beta MARY-KEELEY MCALLISTER SMITH , it meant coming home. After time away from Pi Phi, she found a new purpose in serving as Alabama Beta’s Alumnae Advisory Committee (AAC) Community Relations Advisor, helping the chapter deepen its connection to the Tuscaloosa, Alabama, community. A member of the Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Alumnae Club and the 2024 winner of the Carol Inge Warren Award for Outstanding AAC Advisor, Mary-Keeley shares how mentorship, service and rediscovering her place in Pi Phi have shaped her volunteer path.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO VOLUNTEER WITH PI PHI?

When I moved back to Tuscaloosa with my husband and our kids, Alabama Beta JAMIE BURKE reached out about getting involved with the alumnae club. As we worked to revitalize the club post-pandemic, I learned Alabama Beta had vacancies and needed local advisors. During a visit to the chapter, I met Alabama Beta KEELEY HIMMELREICH , who immediately said, “Hi, my name is Keeley too—it's meant to be. Please come help me!” I couldn’t say no.

From there, my sister, Alabama Beta KATIE MCALLISTER HOWARD and Jamie encouraged me to join AAC as the Community Relations Advisor. I was hesitant at first—it was unfamiliar territory—but I leaned on mentors who helped me grow. That leap of faith turned into a role where I’ve built meaningful connections with the chapter and the community. I’m so glad I trusted that nudge.

WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR ROLE AS AAC COMMUNITY RELATIONS HAVE BEEN MOST MEANINGFUL?

The relationships I’ve built. I’m a mom to two young children, but in many ways, these members feel like an extension of my own family.

Advising gives me a front row seat to their growth— not just as Pi Phis, but as leaders, students and young women finding their voice. Mentoring and walking alongside them during such a formative time in their lives is a privilege I don’t take lightly. Watching them step into their potential, build confidence and impact their community keeps me coming back year after year.

HOW DOES YOUR PROFESSIONAL CAREER INTERACT WITH YOUR VOLUNTEER WORK?

My background in photography and photojournalism intersects with my role in meaningful ways. I bring a storytelling mindset to my work with the community relations team, especially when supporting the Director PR/Marketing. Whether it’s helping craft consistent visual branding or encouraging members to share their own stories, I love helping them present Pi Phi in a way that’s both polished and authentic.

One of my favorite overlaps is a project called Halo Headshots, a professional headshot service I offer to members twice a year. It’s a blend of my professional skillset and Pi Phi’s commitment to personal development. Seeing members use their photos for LinkedIn, resumes and applications—and watching their confidence grow—is so rewarding.

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO MAKE THROUGH YOUR SERVICE?

Alabama Beta is a unique chapter—we’re large, diverse and incredibly driven. Over time, we’ve built systems, strategies and a culture of excellence I truly believe can benefit chapters across the Fraternity. I hope I’m not only helping this chapter thrive but also helping Pi Phi grow stronger.

It’s also been amazing to watch members I’ve advised graduate and become Advisors themselves in new communities. Those full-circle moments speak to the kind of impact I hope to have. I want these women to feel empowered, supported and inspired to carry what they’ve learned forward.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO RECEIVE THE CAROL INGE WARREN AWARD?

It was such a special moment to be presented the award by Carol herself at Convention 2025. Being recognized in a room filled with hundreds of inspiring Pi Phis was surreal. This was an experience I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Being part of something bigger than myself has been incredibly rewarding. Working with our collegians and helping develop them into confident, servant-hearted leaders is what keeps me coming back. Through this role, I’ve found purpose in serving Tuscaloosa’s children, making an impact larger than I could do alone. Volunteering alongside my sister Katie connects me deeply to our late mother as well as our late godmother, Alabama Beta JEAN FARGASON GORDON , who were both lifelong educators in Tuscaloosa.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING VOLUNTEERING WITH PI PHI?

Just try it! You don’t need years of experience. What matters most is having an open mind and a heart to serve.

My Pi Phi journey hasn’t been traditional. I stepped away from the chapter after my sophomore year for personal reasons, and while I don’t regret that decision, I often wonder what could have been. That perspective shapes how I advise today. I like to call myself a “bornagain angel,” because I reaffiliated in 2021 as an alumna—and I haven’t looked back since.

Coming back to Pi Phi later in life has given me a renewed appreciation for our sisterhood and the impact it can have at every stage. It’s never too late to reconnect. I hope my story reminds others that no matter your path, there’s always a place for you in Pi Phi.

Volunteer with Pi Phi

Mary-Keeley is one of more than 2,000 volunteers supporting our members. If you’re interested in getting involved, visit pibetaphi.org/volunteer to learn more. Serving as a volunteer requires no prior experience or waiting period—any member can volunteer after graduation.