Kappa Delta - Florida State University

A llison Liby-Schoonover '03 was the first person in her family to join a sorority. "I came to Florida State with an open mind during the recruitment process and had a great experience," she recalled. When she walked up to the Kappa Delta house, she felt an immediate connection. "The women were sophisticated, and the sisterhood felt special," she said. "From the moment I stepped into the house, I knew I wanted to be in Kappa Delta." The bonds formed during her college years have become the foundation of her adult life. "My daughter is named after a Kappa Delta and all three kids' godmothers are also alumnae," Alli explains. "For our family, the sisterhood is real and meaningful. My kids don't know any different—they just know these women as my sisters!" She's grateful her children will grow up surrounded by strong women who will support and advocate for them. Kappa Delta's emphasis on leadership development particularly shaped Alli's future. "Whether it's organizing events, managing finances, or maintaining our chapter facility, we teach collegiate women about leadership from the ground up." This training proved invaluable in her life beyond college. "Now as a mom, a partner at my firm, a lobbyist, and a wife, I can see how many of my skills were refined and strengthened through my experience in Kappa Delta." Her passion for politics started early. "I worked on political campaigns as a high school student, and I was just a total history and government nerd. While my friends had posters of celebrities on their walls, I was writing fan letters to my favorite politicians!" Her career has kept her in Tallahassee, close to her alma mater, allowing her to remain active with KD and serve on the Chapter Advisory Board for 16 years. With 15 years of experience as a trusted advisor in Florida politics, Alli has worked with the Senate President and Majority Leader, representing major corporations including Walt Disney World, Microsoft, and the Mayo Clinic. Her recent Elite Under 40 Award nomination noted: "While she operates behind the scenes, her influence shapes key policy decisions with lasting impact; she is a steadfast leader in a demanding field." Working in a male-dominated environment has presented challenges, but Alli sees positive change ahead. "Florida has never had a female Speaker of the House—but that will change in 2028 when we elect our first female Speaker, who is also a fellow Kappa Delta!" Her approach remains focused on "working hard, becoming a subject-matter expert, and proving her value through expertise." One of her favorite traditions keeps her connected to her KD sisters. "Every January— after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season—all of us moms escape to a quiet little beach house for a low-key weekend of sweatpants, home-cooked meals, and wine. It's one of my favorite weekends of the year!" These gatherings have become more than just reunions. "We've been there for each other through weddings and divorces, babies and miscarriages, the loss of parents, and personal and family health struggles," Alli said. "In all those challenges, this weekend is a sacred, treasured time." Alli encourages alumnae to find a way to stay engaged with Kappa Delta. "Update your contact information so you receive chapter reports and communications from National Headquarters," she suggested. "Follow your chapter's social media, comment on their posts, and cheer them on when they host philanthropy events or have a successful recruitment!" Today, Alli and her husband Chris live in Tallahassee with their 10-year-old daughter and 7-year-old twin boys. Both work in politics and remain deeply involved in the Florida State community. "We're so grateful to be raising our kids here," Alli shared. "Tallahassee isn't just where we live, it's where we've built a home filled with love, tradition, and lifelong connections." Kappa Alpha Chapter of Kappa Delta at Florida State University • Spring 2025 Always Think of Always Think of KD From Pledge to Political Powerhouse From Pledge to Political Powerhouse If you'd like to catch up with Alli or have questions about becoming an alumna volunteer, send her an email at allison.liby@gmail.com. Allison Liby-Schoonover '03 Shares Her Kappa Delta Story

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