Pi Beta Phi - University of Colorado

The Pi Phi Path KATELYN CTVRTLIK LEARNED LEADERSHIP AND INDEPENDENCE THROUGH COLORADO ALPHA PAGE 2 Want to be featured in your chapter newsletter? Or know a sister whose story should be shared? Let us know at pibetaphi.org/member-news. C hoosing the right path in college isn't always clear. For the young women whose paths lead to Pi Beta Phi, their collegiate experiences become guided by the friendships and life lessons they share in a sincere sisterhood. This was the experience for Katelyn Ctvrtlik '10 when she arrived at the University of Colorado. "I didn't know if sorority life was the right path for me," she says. "When I went through recruitment, I immediately connected with Pi Phi. All the women were sincere and driven but also loved to have fun." The shared connection was highlighted by their teamwork to win Songfest—a memory Katelyn still cherishes today. Through strong bonds formed with her sisters, Katelyn found friends for life and grew into the independent woman she is today. During her time as Chapter President, Katelyn put the lessons she learned to the test and oversaw a chapter of 200 sisters. "It was an honor to represent them, and I cherish that time in my life," she says. "Almost ten years later and I still attribute being Chapter President to much of my success now." Naturally, there were some growing pains as Chapter President, but one particular prankster Vice President always helped lighten the mood. Once, she finished studying for finals and returned to a sign on her room that read: "Out of all the Presidents in the sea, you are the Pres for me." Katelyn found Brooke Binkley '10 had filled her room with small cups of water and quickly realized one cup even had a fish inside. While majoring in psychology, minoring in dance and completing her entrepreneurial certificate through the business school, Katelyn also made sure to honor the core value of Philanthropic Service to Others. "It will always hit a soft spot in my heart," she says. "We spent a lot of time engaging in many different events to support our community." Perhaps the most memorable for Katelyn were the chapter's literacy programs with children (especially Champions Are Readers ® ), where she and her Pi Phi sisters spent time with local students to promote a lifelong love of reading. Katelyn completed advanced Pilates training during college and taught on campus and at studios on the side. She gradually built a clientele after college and recognized her part-time job was turning into her career. "I bought used equipment from a studio 10 months out of college and started my own business. Now, seven years later, I am happier than ever!" Utilizing time-management skills she learned as Chapter President, Katelyn is a successful small- business owner with a studio in Hermosa Beach, California. Her studio offers in-person and virtual sessions and even has an online wellness shop. "Pi Phi was a fundamental part of my career," Katelyn says. "Most of all, it taught me the value of servant leadership." Incorporating Philanthropic Service to Others into her career, she hosts an annual event with a nearby school which encourages physical education and healthy lifestyle choices for pre-teen girls. In her spare time, Katelyn and her boyfriend enjoy nature, going to the beach and caring for their fur baby, George. She also takes time to reconnect with alumnae sisters whenever possible. "We live all over the world, yet it feels like no time has passed. I will be in many of their weddings and vice versa!" Katelyn says she would not be where she is today without the support and love of her sisters, and she remains best friends with many of them to this day. Looking back now, joining Pi Phi was the right path for her. You can connect with Katelyn at katelynctvrtlik@gmail.com. "It was an honor to represent them, and I cherish that time in my life. Almost ten years later and I still attribute being Chapter President to much of my success now."

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