Pi Beta Phi - University of Colorado

PAGE 2 Want to be featured in our chapter newsletter? Or know a sister whose story should be shared? Let us know at pibetaphi.org/member-news. W hitney Stanton '14 will never forget the authentic, meaningful conversations she had with the women of Colorado Alpha when she was going through formal recruitment. In the six- plus years since she began fostering those Sincere Friendships, she's realized her Pi Beta Phi sisters will always be supportive of her and her endeavors. "One of the things I value most about Pi Beta Phi is the lifelong friends I have made. Prior to the pandemic, I would see my close Pi Phi friends at least once a year since we live in different states," Whitney said. "It is important to have a support system in all situations of life, whether it is celebrating a promotion or comforting one another during a pandemic. I regularly call or FaceTime my sisters, and it helps keep a sense of normalcy." Whitney hopes Colorado Alpha sisters of all ages have also been able to stay connected virtually throughout the pandemic. Along with keeping in touch with her sisters who live in other states, Whitney made it a point to remain involved with Colorado Alpha when she served on the Alumnae Advisory Committee (AAC). She is grateful to have served the Colorado Alpha collegians alongside some of the same women who mentored her. "I loved serving as the AAC New Member Experience. I enjoyed creating new relationships that grow over time," Whitney said. "I assisted the Director New Member Experience with Bid Day, big/little reveal, New Member retreat, New Member meetings and New Member interviews with the AAC." As a collegian, Whitney was blessed with the opportunity to meet Paula Pace Shepherd, Texas Epsilon, Pi Phi's Grand President at the time, other members of Grand Council and leaders from other chapters at Pi Beta Phi's College Weekend in St. Louis. Whitney served as the Vice President Member Development (VPMD) and oversaw academic and personal development programming for 270 members. "I learned what it means to be a servant leader by focusing on the needs of others through developing personalized academic support and implementing the Leading with Values ® programming," Whitney said. "Throughout my time as VPMD, our chapter moved up three rankings on the overall chapter GPA scale. We were previously the lowest-ranked chapter, so I am most proud of this accomplishment." Whitney has further developed the leadership skills she honed at Colorado Alpha in the early stages of her career. After serving as a molecular biology teaching assistant during her senior year, she has thrived as a professional research assistant for the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. The next journey in Whitney's career is medical school, which will begin in August 2021. "With strong interests in women's health, I am inclined to pursue a career in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. I also have interests in studying healthcare disparities across a woman's lifespan, reproductive issues and gynecologic issues," Whitney said. "I envision working in an academic setting to contribute to novel research, teach students and provide patient care. My ultimate goal is to move discoveries out of the laboratory and into clinical settings, which highlights the interconnectedness of research and patient care." As COVID-19 continues to impact medical practices, Whitney has evolved her knowledge of the novel coronavirus while serving as a scribe in the emergency department of two local hospitals. While this has been a challenging time for Whitney and everyone working in the medical field, the skills she gained from Pi Phi have helped her push forward throughout the pandemic. "Working during the pandemic has further solidified my decision to pursue medicine and science to serve others," Whitney said. You can connect with Whitney at wnstanton@gmail.com. CHERISHING THE AUTHENTIC CONNECTIONS AT COLORADO ALPHA Whitney Stanton Shares Passion for Pi Beta Phi Through Her Leadership

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