Alpha Phi - Michigan State University

The Ivy 2 W hen she arrived at Michigan State from Chicago, Camryn Ginsberg Fiks '10 wanted to find a small community within the big campus. Through sorority recruitment she found just what she was looking for—plus much more—in Alpha Phi. "Through the leadership opportunities I had at Beta Beta, I gained confidence and experience in managing a team, planning events, and public speaking," Camryn said. These skills would prove to be crucial in her career, eventually leading her to create her own event planning business. CAREER AND FAMILY SUCCESSES Camryn moved to New York City after college for a fashion job, followed by a job in skincare. When she was planning her wedding years later, she enjoyed it immensely and felt a calling to make that her career. She soon moved back home to Chicago and followed her dream by opening Camryn Brook Events, where she and her staff plan weddings throughout the Midwest and NYC. One of Camryn's best friends from Beta Beta, who was also her maid of honor, is one of her lead assistants at work. "I'd say we must talk every day!" Last June, Camryn gave birth to her daughter in the height of the pandemic; these tough times added to the challenge of navigating pregnancy and motherhood. "My husband wasn't able to join me for my appointments, we weren't allowed to have visitors at the hospital, and only a small group of friends and family have been able to meet our baby," she said. "I'm proud of how my family has managed this major life change given the circumstances." BETA BETA MEMORIES Camryn had many great experiences and leadership opportunities to prepare her for success. As Chapter President, she worked closely with her sisters, made tough decisions, and saw Beta Beta make great strides in the Greek community; they were even recognized as Panhellenic Chapter of the Year during her term. She also served as Panhellenic President, in which she enjoyed representing the Greek community and strengthening their relationship with the university. These successes were thanks in part to an Alpha Phi Foundation scholarship, which Camryn was honored to receive in her undergraduate years. "I invested a lot of time and heart to Alpha Phi, so the recognition from the Foundation made me feel an even stronger connection to my sisters." Camryn also attended the Emerging Leaders Institute, where she met other sisters around the U.S. and Canada while honing her leadership skills. "It was so much fun! I'm still in contact with some of the women I met there." Today, Camryn and her husband enjoy spending time with their daughter, Marlowe, in their Chicago home. Camryn can be reached at camrynfiks@gmail.com. The Best Advice Camryn Ever Received Remove the word "should" from your vocabulary. It brings about guilt, focuses on shortcomings, and pressures you to do something you may not want to do. Instead, replace with "could" to give yourself options and follow what brings you joy. Making the Most of Alpha Phi Beta Beta Opportunities Set Camryn Ginsberg Fiks '10 on Path Toward Success Provide your email address to receive our digital updates. Contact our coordinator at Pennington & Company at egorby@ penningtonco.com. Volunteer as a board member. Contact House Corporation Board President Joy Sayed Murray '77 at ejoymurray@gmail.com to express interest and ask questions. Attend alumnae events, virtually or hopefully in person, in the near future. Please see more details about upcoming alumnae events on page 4. Refer an incoming freshman you believe would be a great member of Alpha Phi. Contact Brooke Filar '18 at email@email.com with their information. Share stories and photos to be included in a future newsletter. Email them to egorby@penningtonco.com. Alumnae Engagement Comes in Many Forms How Can You Help Alpha Phi? Brigitte Neumayr '08 graduated in 2012 with a degree in kinesiology. She is a national business development manager for Iconma and lives in Clinton Township, Mich. Jesica McCullough '11 graduated in 2013 with a degree in managerial advertising. She is a senior manager in premium services and experiences for the Detroit Lions. Jesica resides in Plymouth, Mich. Alex Miller '11 graduated in 2015 with majors in kinesiology and nutrition. She is a client manager in IT sales for NTT America and resides in Birmingham, Mich. Taylor Rogers '12 graduated in 2016, majoring in political science and Spanish. She resides in Davisburg, Michigan, and is an associate attorney for Anseimi, Mierzejewski, Ruth, and Sowle (Bloomfield Hills). Alumnae Panelists

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