Gamma Iota Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega at the University of Florida
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page 2 The Carnation Chronicle at my company. Organizing chapter meetings taught me skills to lead meetings in my current role." Kristen started her career in politics and media at an internship in Washington, D.C., right after she completed her year as president of Gamma Iota. She has since gone on to become an influential voice in the world of politics and shares her expertise in her book, The Selfie Vote: Where Millennials Are Leading America (And How Republicans Can Keep Up). Gamma Iota Chapter gave Kristen an experience where she gained a myriad of skill sets that have transcended her successful career. The chapter also gave her great friendships and memories she still cherishes. Kristen remembers loving the time she spent living in the chapter house because there was always something going on, "even if it was as simple as everyone sitting around with lunch watching Dawson's Creek in syndication before going to class." She also remains close to her big, Mary Harding Bell '01, and many sisters who were on the executive board with her in 2004. Kristen lives in D.C. with her husband, Chris Anderson. She keeps up with the Gamma Iota Chapter on Instagram and can tell the same warm, funny, and confident character of the chapter has not changed. If any Gamma Iotas are interning in D.C., Kristen is always happy to grab some coffee with them. Kristen can be reached via email at kristen. soltis@gmail.com. CHAPTER PRESIDENT TO POLITICAL STARDOM (Continued from page 1) Theresa Annette Perez Embraces Motherly Role as Gamma Iota House Director F rom a little town 20 minutes from Gainesville, Florida, Theresa Annette Perez has found the University of Florida to be home, but for more reasons than having UF family alumni. Theresa welcomed her new position as house director for Alpha Chi Omega with passion and dedication to create a home at 820 W. Panhellenic Dr. What are your duties as house director? I run the house as far as setting up all the maintenance jobs that need to be done. I oversee the staff, which consists of the chefs, house boys, and the housekeeper. I make sure the women live in a safe environment. I am a nurse, insect killer, laundry expert, seamstress, taxi driver, confidante, and many other mom duties. Are you Greek as well? If not, what drew you to the Greek organization? My sister was a fraternity house director for eight years and is now with a sorority. She got me interested in it. Where do you see the chapter in four years? I see it as a safe and healthy environment due to my constant work on making improvements. What has been your favorite experience so far? Watching and being a part of the girls growing and becoming amazing adults. What are the biggest changes and improvements since you've taken on this role? I actually asked the members to answer this question. They responded that the communication I have with the chefs and employees has benefited them immensely and the relationships and connections I have with the sisters. How has this position impacted you? I am forever honored to hold this position. It has added so much to my life and I am so proud of all the women here at Alpha Chi Omega. You can reach Theresa at annettechia50@hotmail.com. Katie Copelan Raleigh '86 is celebrating her 30th anniversary with her husband, Tom, this year. Tom was a busboy at AXΩ. They have three children, and their youngest graduated from the University of Florida in spring 2018. Katie taught elementary school for 12 years before moving to New York to become an actress. Katie and Tom live in Little Silver, N.J. Email: kcraleigh@yahoo.com Robyn Lynn Earley '90 is working in healthcare and starting a small company in Newport, R.I. She hopes to make it down to a Gator game soon! Email: robyn.earley@gmail.com Alumnae News Hannah Luttman '18 and Erika Reiter '18 don their best galaxy for an Out of this World—themed Polish Week. Cayla Coffman '17, Dayna Smoller '17, and Alexis Link '17 are ready to welcome back potential new members for the second round of recruitment.