Pi Beta Phi - University of Minnesota

C oming from an all-girls high school, Allison O'Neill Tunheim '10 already loved the camaraderie and atmosphere found in a community of women. Entering her first year at the University of Minnesota (UMN), she sought that familiar support system from a tight-knit group of women, which she found in Minnesota Alpha. When she met her future Pi Phi sisters during recruitment, Allison felt the passion and love for friendships, academics, the mission of the organization and for life in general. "I still carry with me the values of Pi Phi: Integrity, Lifelong Commitment, Honor and Respect, Personal and Intellectual Growth, Philanthropic Service to Others and Sincere Friendship," Allison says. "Pi Phi taught me that showing up for people and organizations you are passionate about is important." During her time in Pi Phi, Allison served on the Policy and Standards Board and enjoyed the responsibilities that came with holding a leadership role in the chapter. That experience, coupled with her Pi Phi connections, were integral to her professional success. "Pi Phi equipped me with many valuable skills that prepared me for my professional path," Allison explains. "I had many great internships in college that I was able to get through networking with Pi Phis, so definitely leverage the Pi Phi networking connections!" Allison credits these experiences and networking opportunities with leading her to where she is today. As a sales manager at Reckitt, Allison oversees selling over-the-counter health care products into Target. Pi Phi's core value of Personal and Intellectual Growth has been the most prominent in her life since graduating. Allison has continued to learn and develop, by earning her MBA from St. Thomas University along with other certifications after graduating from UMN. Allison also credits Pi Phi for sparking her passion for philanthropic service. Over the past eight years, she has dedicated her time to Girls on the Run, a nonprofit program that works to empower young women to build confidence through running in addition to an engaging classroom curriculum. "During a time where there seems to be so much divisiveness and hatred in our world, I love contributing to an organization that brings light and hope and creates a positive impact," she says. Of course, Allison also prioritizes giving back to Pi Phi through her support of Minnesota Alpha's capital campaign, serving on the chapter's Alumnae Advisory Committee (AAC) and her involvement with the St. Paul, Minnesota, Alumnae Club— thanks to a nudge from Kathy Porter '76. "I was happy to give back to the chapter in a small way by supporting the campaign and serving on AAC," she says. "I became more involved with leadership roles at Pi Phi after I graduated and felt like I had more capacity to be present and give back. I really enjoyed my two-year experience advising Pi Phi officers." Allison juggles being a mom with her demanding career and wouldn't have it any other way. "My daughters, Lucy and Liv, will always be my proudest accomplishments," Allison shares. "They are my everything and my inspiration." You can connect with Allison at allisononeill99@gmail.com Sisterhood Is Calling ALLISON O'NEILL TUNHEIM SHARES HER EXPERIENCE AND GROWTH AT PI PHI PAGE 2 "I was happy to give back to the chapter in a small way. I became more involved with leadership roles in Pi Phi as an alumna and am grateful I had more capacity to be present and give back."

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