Alpha Phi Innovates to Engage Collegiate and Alumnae Members Through The League of Coaches

June 16th, 2021 by Katie Gates in Impact

Alpha Phis lead with heart as collegians and alumnae

Throughout its nearly 150 years, Alpha Phi International has been committed to fostering a rewarding lifelong Alpha Phi experience for both collegiate and alumnae members. Launched in the fall of 2019, the League of Coaches program sought to reaffirm this commitment, connecting accomplished alumnae volunteers with eager collegiate chapters to deliver programs like The Buzz, which focuses on safe choices regarding alcohol, and StepUp!, which provides members “tangible ways to intervene in situations relevant to today’s chapter experience.”

Coaches Suzy Storey Armstrong (Delta Chi-Williams Woods) and Page Steinman Giacin (Beta Epsilon-Arizona) visiting with the women of Gamma Xi Chapter

Met with acclaim in its inaugural offering during the 2019-2020 academic year, the League of Coaches benefitted not only the collegiate members receiving the program but has made a positive impact on the alumnae volunteer coaches. “This volunteer opportunity allows me to share with a variety of chapters – big campus, small campus, housed, unhoused, tiny chapter or mega-chapter. It’s special to share a unique program giving tools to help these women for the rest of their lives,” shared professional leadership speaker and Coach Patty Hendrickson (Zeta Alpha–Eastern Illinois).

Designed to grow and evolve with the needs of Alpha Phis members and the world around them, the global pandemic provided the League of Coaches an opportunity to transform with the support of Alpha Phi Foundation donors. In the spirit of innovation, one of Alpha Phi’s High Ideals, the program quickly pivoted to an online format while simultaneously expanding to offer accessible virtual member-wide programming. Beginning in the fall of 2020, the League of Coaches expanded, adding two new online programs via the Alpha Phi Network: the Keynote Speaker Series, featuring inspiring speakers like Lisa Sun, Founder and CEO of Gravitas, and Tracy Walder, a former CIA officer & FBI special agent, and the Elevate Your Career Series, which provides all Alpha Phis professional development and career coaching through Sound Advice Careers.

Future of the League of Coaches

Despite the initial setbacks presented by the global pandemic, the League of Coaches, with the assistance of Alpha Phi Foundation donors through the Leading With Heart campaign, will continue to grow exponentially. Soon, Coaches will begin offering additional programming tailored to their areas of professional expertise, and Alpha Phi will widen its network of keynote speakers and contracted experts to deliver new and unique content.

By endowing Leadership through Leading With Heart, Alpha Phi can continue to innovate and provide members of all ages with the timely support and relevant programming they need to lead with their heart and make an impact in their communities. Learn how you can ensure the future of the Alpha Phi leaders now and always at https://alphaphifoundation.org/leadingwithheart.