Magic in the Making: Lessons, Legacy, and Lasting Bonds at the Alpha Phi Leadership Institute

Since 2021, the Alpha Phi Foundation has partnered with the Disney Institute to teach sisters how to lead with purpose and genuine care. By aligning Disney’s core educational concepts with Alpha Phi’s High Ideals, this one-of-a-kind program empowers members to innovate, protect their chapter culture, and lead with their future legacy in mind.

For many, the Disney experience is defined by world-class storytelling and a touch of pixie dust. But for a select group of Alpha Phi collegians, a journey to the Alpha Phi Leadership Institute in Orlando, Florida, became the catalyst for something much deeper: a masterclass in world-class excellence and the forging of a nationwide network of support that will last far beyond their college years.

With the help of one enthusiastic volunteer (thank you Isabelle!), we interviewed a group of 2025 attendees to learn more about their experience, asking questions to learn just what the program entails, what some key takeaways were, and of course, how this opportunity has inspired them to lead and grow as Alpha Phis.

I felt the magic of the Disney experience as soon as I arrived at the hotel. Many girls were wearing Alpha Phi merchandise, ready to share their love for their chapters with new members. Because we all shared the same love for Alpha Phi, it was incredibly easy to connect with one another.

Kylee Barnaj (Gamma Alpha-San Diego State)

A Day in the Life: Where the Classroom Meets the Kingdom

The daily programming is designed to be as engaging as it is educational, moving far beyond traditional lectures. Each day follows a seamless flow, designed to maximize learning by putting theory into practice.

• Morning Foundations: Days began with morning lectures where facilitators explored challenging leadership concepts, such as the sacrifices required to be a true leader, in a way that was approachable, welcoming, and interesting.
• Field Studies in the Parks: Participants moved into the Disney parks—including Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Magic Kingdom—to participate in interactive activities that connected directly to the lessons from the lectures.

Intentional Innovation: Avery Skaar (Pi-North Dakota) found particular value in visiting EPCOT, noting that seeing how Disney values culture, teamwork, and innovation showed her “how intentional leadership can make a lasting impact”.

Evening Connection: In the evenings, members enjoyed dinner at Downtown Disney, watched fireworks, and shared attractions together, allowing the day’s lessons to settle during moments of shared sisterhood. Jessica Ross (Beta Psi-San Jose State) recalls the first night’s watch party: “The fireworks were impeccable, but just as amazing was getting to meet so many new girls!”

Collaborative Success: Strengthening Chapter Philanthropy

The Leadership Institute proved that Alpha Phi is truly “one big sisterhood” regardless of geography. This was most evident when the participants began using each other as active resources to improve their home chapters.

Campbell Honing (Iota Pi-Northern Arizona) highlighted how the network directly benefited her chapter’s mission for women’s heart health. She utilized the group chat from the weekend to ask other chapters if they also invited professionals with experience in women’s heart health to speak at their events. This inquiry “sparked a great conversation and even inspired other chapters to consider doing the same,” creating a ripple effect of shared knowledge and enhanced philanthropy across the country.

Jessica Ross similarly took home practical tools to enhance chapter engagement. After learning about other chapters’ traditions, she is working to implement a new “sister of the week” standout in chapter slideshows to reward sisters for exceptional weeks and make meetings more engaging.

The activities I participated in and enjoyed the most were the small-group team challenges. While these exercises provided valuable insights and helped develop important leadership skills, they also felt magical creating the true Disney experience. The bonding moments during these activities truly embodied sisterhood, creating connections that felt meaningful. Another memory I have is when Alpha Phi Fraternity International President, Kate Halfon, was so kind and welcoming, taking the time to let all of the girls take pictures with her. Moments like that made the experience feel even more special.

Isabelle Michelle Zagranichny (Gamma Eta-George Mason)

Leading with Empathy and Action

The impact of Leadership Institute is most evident in the specific skills sisters bring back to their home chapters. Isabelle Michelle Zagranichny (Eta Lambda-George Mason) realized that “leadership is not just about giving directions and rules, it’s about listening, supporting, and empowering others”. She has since begun practicing “leading with empathy” in her role as Vice President of Health, Wellness, and Accountability. Avery Skaar also brought back a stronger focus on “intentional planning, clear communication, and creating meaningful experiences for others” to her role as Director of Internal and External Events.

From Disney Magic to Alpha Phi Leadership: The ELC Journey

The most profound testament to the power of these new connections is the story of Kylee Barnaj and Campbell Honing. Before the Institute, both women were uncertain about their future leadership paths.

While at the program, they shared a deep conversation about their mutual interest in applying to be an Educational Leadership Consultant (ELC) for Alpha Phi after graduation. Despite initial hesitations, the bond they formed and the renewed love for the organization they felt that weekend gave them the final push. “After talking together about how much we love Alpha Phi after this weekend, we both decided to apply,” Kylee shared. Today, both Kylee and Campbell have accepted job offers to serve as ELCs for 2026, taking the lessons they learned at Disney to chapters nationwide.

Jessica Ross felt a similar surge in confidence. Internalizing principles like strategic focus and proactive leadership gave her the courage to step up, eventually earning her a position as Executive Administrator for the upcoming year. “I gained more confidence in the weight I could hold within my chapter and felt confident I could be a high-quality leader,” Jessica noted, adding that these skills even translated to her role on her school’s water polo team.

A Shared Commitment: Inspired to Give Back

Attending the Leadership Institute fostered a profound sense of responsibility among the attendees to ensure future generations of sisters can access these same transformative opportunities. Having seen the direct impact of donor generosity, Avery Skaar felt a deep calling to give back, hoping to perpetuate the cycle of growth and confidence for those following in her footsteps. Campbell Honing echoed this lifelong commitment, sharing that her experience has inspired her to remain a dedicated supporter throughout her years as an alumna to safeguard the growth she personally gained.

For Isabelle Michelle Zagranichny, the drive to give back stems from a place of immense gratitude; she is committed to providing future women with the same life-changing experiences that redefined her own journey. Jessica Ross summarized this shared sentiment, noting that the unique and special nature of the program has left her inspired to donate, ensuring the legacy of thoughtful, intelligent leadership continues to thrive within Alpha Phi.

Voices of Gratitude: A Message to Our Donors

The impact of your generosity is best expressed by the women who lived the experience. Our attendees shared these heartfelt messages for the Foundation donors who made their journey possible:

“I want to say a huge thank you to all the donors—your support truly makes experiences like this possible. I encourage others to consider giving to the Foundation so that future members can benefit from leadership programs that build confidence, skills, and lifelong connections.” — Avery Skaar (Pi-North Dakota)

“I am incredibly thankful for everything Alpha Phi Foundation does. These experiences truly make a lasting impact. Thank you for investing in our growth and in the future of Alpha Phi.” — Campbell Honing (Iota Pi-Northern Arizona)

“I would like to thank Alpha Phi Foundation for their generosity and support. Alpha Phi has given me so much that I am forever grateful for and I want to give back so that other women can have the same life-changing experiences.” — Isabelle Michelle Zagranichny (Gamma Eta-George Mason)

“Thank you to each donor and Alpha Phi Foundation. Internalizing the various concepts we learned definitely provided additional confidence to step up… it proved how Alpha Phi is an organization filled with thoughtful, kind, and intelligent women.” — Jessica Ross (Beta Psi-San Jose State)

If this story has you feeling the magic, please consider making a gift in support of leadership programming to ensure these opportunities are available for future Alpha Phis!

Please be sure to select “Leadership” from the “I want to support” dropdown menu when making your gift!