Alpha Connect Sisterhood Series is a bi-weekly podcast for members and friends of Alpha Sigma Alpha. National President Amber Shaverdi Huston and her array of guests will connect and empower women as we celebrate Alpha Sigma Alpha’s sisterhood.
Members can subscribe to the Sisterhood Series podcast through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and more.
Season 3 (National President Amber Shaverdi Huston, HH, 2022- )
Jaecy Bradford, HH, Talks About Voting and Resources To Be Civically Engaged
In this episode, Amber chats with chapter sister, Jaecy Bradford, HH, about the importance of being civically engaged, registering to vote, learning more about candidates and our own political biases and more.
Season 2 (Past National President Kelly McGinnis Beck, EK, 2018-22)
Traci Trznadel Fraley, EK, Shares Her Son’s Experience Becoming an MLB Player
On this episode, Kelly chats with chapter sister, Traci Trznadel Fraley, EK, as she shares the journey of her son, Jake Fraley, in becoming a Major League Baseball Player. Jake is currently center fielder for the Cincinnati Reds.
Lynne Rachal Chambers, A, on meeting Mary Williamson Hundley, A, and Wilma Wilson Sharp, ZZ
On this episode, Kelly chats with Lynne Rachal Chambers, A, and learns about the time she met founder Mary Williamson Hundley, A, and when she met Wilma Wilson Sharp, ZZ. Lynne also shares some history about Stubbs Hall at Longwood University and her experience as NPC Delegate.
Susan Maiolo Angelicola, EM, on Being a Nurse Practitioner and Living with Multiple Sclerosis
On this episode, Kelly chats with Susan Maiolo Angelicola, EM, on her work as a nurse practitioner and what it’s like to live with multiple sclerosis.
Jenn Schimmel, Zeta Delta, Shares her Bone Marrow Transplant Story
On this episode, Jenn Schimmel, Zeta Delta, talks with Kelly about her bone marrow transplant. You can learn more about how to become a donor at bethematch.org.
Celebrating Iota Lambda Chapter’s One Year Anniversary
On this episode, Kelly chats with members Baylee Zimmerman, Michaela Markwell, Lexi Calderon and Scarlett Nichols from Iota Lambda Chapter on their experience establishing the first NPC sorority on campus, during a global pandemic, as they celebrate their one year anniversary.
Janet Crook Conroy, Beta Pi, on being a Flight Attendant and her new role as Regional Coordinator at the Office of Drug Control Policy
On this episode, Kelly chats with Janet Crook Conroy, Beta Pi, on her path to becoming a flight attendant and her new role as a regional coordinator at the Office of Drug Control Policy in West Virginia.
Marcia Kinbar Goldstein, Delta Tau, on Her Experience as a Pharmacist
On this episode, Kelly chats with Marcia Kinbar Goldstein, Delta Tau, on her experience as a founding member of the chapter and her life as a Pharmacist.
Hillary Sexton, Zeta Omega, on Being a Burn Nurse and a Traveling Nurse During COVID
On this episode, Kelly chats with Hillary Sexton, Zeta Omega, who shares how she became a burn nurse and then turns to her experiences as a traveling nurse during COVID.
Karen “Timi” Leota Bressler, Zeta Lambda, Shares Her HELLP and Preeclampsia Stories
On this episode, Kelly talks with Karen “Timi” Leota Bressler, Zeta Lambda, and learns about HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelets) syndrome and preeclampsia, both dangerous conditions that Timi experienced during both of her pregnancies. To learn more, visit the Preeclampsia Foundation, preeclampsia.org. If you want to connect directly with Timi, you can contact her at asatimi@yahoo.com.
Jennifer Miller Gobrecht, NN, Shares Her Experience Giving Birth Via a Uterus Transplant
On this episode, Kelly talks with Jennifer Miller Gobrecht, NN, who was the first woman to give birth via a deceased donor uterus transplant at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia. To learn more about clinical trials, visit clinicaltrials.gov.
Bradley Norwood, Theta Gamma, and Her Experience with Egg Cryopreservation
On this episode, Kelly chats with Bradley Norwood, Theta Gamma, as she shares her experience with egg cryopreservation. If you want to learn more, you can contact Bradley directly at bradleymnorwood@gmail.com.
A Conversation with Author Denise Swanson Stybr, Gamma Lambda
On this episode, Kelly chats with author and Alpha Sigma Alpha Recognition of Eminence Award Winner Denise Swanson Stybr, Gamma Lambda, about her path to becoming a New York Times Best Selling Author. Denise’s new book, Resurrection, will be available December 9th on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Kobo.
National Headquarters Series: Melissa Koch Merriam, EE, Sarah Gafron, Beta Theta, and Kayla Vivace, Epsilon Phi
This is the final episode in the National Headquarters Series. Kelly chats with the three newest members of staff: Melissa Koch Merriam, EE, Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Johnson Gafron, Beta Theta, Collegiate Experience Coordinator, and Kayla Vivace, Epsilon Phi, Communications and Graphic Design Coordinator.
National Headquarters Series: Darci James, Office Manager, and Jane Rauck, BY, Finance Manager
On this episode, Kelly talks first with Darci James, Office Manager, and then with Jane Rauck, BY, Finance Manager.
National Headquarters Series: Vanessa David, Delta Kappa, Director of Alumnae Engagement
On this episode, Kelly chats with Vanessa David, Delta Kappa, Director of Alumnae Engagement.
National Headquarters Episode: Lexi Carter Johnson, Beta Theta, Director of Communications & Marketing
On this episode, Kelly chats with Lexi Carter Johnson, Beta Theta, Director of Communications & Marketing.
Special Edition: How National Council arrived at new Vision and Purpose Statements
On this episode, Kelly is joined by National Council member, Amber Shaverdi Huston, HH, to discuss the work of national council in reviewing and updating Alpha Sigma Alpha’s Vision and Purpose statements.
National Headquarters Series: Kim Richard, EK, Director of Collegiate & Program Services and Lexi More, Epsilon Phi, Program Coordinator
On this episode, Kelly wraps up her conversations with the collegiate and program staff with Kim Richard, EK, Director of Collegiate & Program Services and Lexi Moore, Epsilon Phi, Program Coordinator.
National Headquarters Series: Collegiate Services Team
On this episode, Kelly is joined by the collegiate services team: Tess Tedrick, Theta Gamma, Assistant Director of Collegiate Services; Jen Akright, HH, Collegiate Recruitment Coordinator; and, Sarah Morrison, EE, Collegiate Experience Coordinator.
National Headquarters Series: 2021-22 Leadership Consultants
On this episode, Kelly chats with the 2021-22 Leadership Consultants: Abby Dominick, ZN, Alexandria Horton, IH, Shelby Kriegh, Theta Upsilon, Taylor Landry, Theta Mu, and Elizabeth Martin, Zeta Upsilon. During the episode, the LCs reference a “lollipop moment” and a TedTalk they watched during their training. You can watch the clip here: https://www.ted.com/talks/drew_dudley_everyday_leadership/transcript?language=en
National Headquarters Series: Suzanne Haynes Jones, Beta Lambda, Director of Development
On this episode of the national headquarters series, Kelly chats with Suzanne Haynes Jones, Beta Lambda, who serves as the Director of Development for the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation.
National Headquarters Series: Krystal Geyer Slivinski, Gamma Rho, Executive Director
On this episode, Kelly kicks off a new series of interviews with the Alpha Sigma Alpha National Headquarters staff. This first episode features Krystal Geyer Slivinski, Gamma Rho, Executive Director.
Cindy Rhoades Ryan, Delta Iota: Her Life as a Prosecutor and the Role Alpha Sigma Alpha Played in her Success
On this episode, Kelly is joined by Cindy Rhoades Ryan, Delta Iota, as she shares her story as a prosecutor in the State of Delaware, as well as in the federal government. She was the first female Chief Counsel at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and is a recipient of Alpha Sigma Alpha’s highest honor, the Recognition of Eminence Award.
Lisa Argento Boyer, EN: A Mother’s Story of her Son’s Transition
In honor of Pride month, Kelly speaks with Lisa Argento Boyer, EN, who shares the story of her son’s transition.
Episode 1: Nancy Szalwinski, BΔ, and her life as a Foreign Service Officer
On this episode, Kelly chats with Nancy Szalwinski, Beta Delta, on the path that led to her career as a Foreign Service Officer. If you are interested in learning more about careers representing America, visit https://careers.state.gov/.
Season 1 (Past National President Kelly McGinnis Beck, EK, 2018-22)
Episode 30: Jennifer Wheeler, EK, on living with a rare disease
May is Guillain-Barre Syndrome Awareness Month. This week Kelly chats with her chapter sister, Jennifer Wheeler, EK, on what it’s like to live with this rare disease. You can learn more about GBS at https://www.gbs-cidp.org/. If you want to connect with Jen, you can reach her via email at jenna7323@gmail.com
Episode 29: Special Edition: Past National President Melissa Merriam, EE
On this final episode of the past national president series, Kelly speaks with Melissa Koch Merriam, EE, who served as national president from 2014-2018.
Episode 28: Special Edition: Past National President Cindy Kelley, BΠ
On this episode, Kelly speaks with Cindy Kelley, Beta Pi, who served as national president from 2008-2012.
Podcast transcript
Episode 27: Special Edition: Past National President Lori White Scott, EE
On this episode, Kelly speaks with Lori White Scott, EE, who served as national president from 2004-2008.
Episode 26: Special Edition: Past National President, Marianne Busch Bullock, BΘ
This episode of our Past National President series features Suzanne Kilgannon, BI, who served from 1996-2000.
Episode 25: Special Edition: Past National President, Suzanne Kilgannon, BI
This episode of our Past National President series features Suzanne Kilgannon, BI, who served from 1996-2000.
Episode 24: Special Edition: Past National President, Diane Yencic James, HH
This episode of our Past National President series features Diane Yencic James, HH, who served from 1988-1992.
Episode 23: Special Edition: Past National President, Rosemary Carucci Goss, Beta Pi
On this next episode of our Past National President series, Kelly speaks with Rosemary Carruci Goss, Beta Pi, who served from 1984-1988.
Episode 22: Special Edition: Past National President, Mary Ann Sidehamer Wenzel, GH
Kelly’s first guest on this special edition series is Past National President, Mary Ann Sidehamer Wenzel, GH, who served from 1970-1976.
Episode 21: Naydia Spears Mills on her health journey and her podcast for working moms
Kelly chats with Naydia Spears Mills, Zeta Omega, on her health journey and her podcast, memoirs from the MINIVAN. Subscribe to her podcast directly through Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts or through her website: memoirsfromtheminivan.com
Episode 20: Sertrice Grice talks about her work in DEI and how to be an ally
In this episode, Kelly chats with Sertrice Grice, EE, about the work she does in diversity, equity and inclusion, allyship and her own personal experiences as a black woman.
Episode 19: A Conversation with Kim Benson, 2020 Wilma Wilson Sharp Award Winner
On this episode, Kelly chats with Kim Benson, ΔN-B, on her decision to become an engineer, her career at UPS and the impact Alpha Sigma Alpha has had along the way.
Episode 18: Nikkia Young on how Sorority has benefited her as a woman working in IT
On this episode, Nikkia Young, ΘB, joins Kelly to share her experiences as a woman working in IT, volunteering as a region facilitator and her love of music.
Episode 17: Julie Ramsey and Madison Levine share their experiences as Alpha Chapter members
In this episode, Kelly chats with Julie Ramsey, A, and Madison Levine, A, about being members of the Alpha Chapter, in addition to being mother and daughter! This episode was recorded back in July during the Sorority’s 2020 Reimagined Convention.
Episode 16: Valerie and Katy Baker on Baker Banter TikTok
In this episode, recorded back in September, Kelly chats with Valerie Warren Baker and Katy Baker, Beta Sigma members, who talk about their family TikTok, Baker Banter, and how we can continue to support our differently-abled friends and family members.
Episode 15: A Conversation on Mental Health with Dr. Julie Connor
In this episode, Kelly speaks with Dr. Julie Connor, ZZ, about mental health and ways we can support each other. This episode includes personal stories about agoraphobia, bipolar disorder and anxiety.
Episode 14: A Conversation with Beta Nu Chapter, 2020 Crown of Excellence Award Winner
A conversation with Julia Cwiklowski, Mallory Unverfehrt and Amy Krazl, members of the BN chapter, on recruitment and sisterhood during COVID-19 and winning the Crown of Excellence Award.
Episode 13: Special Edition: 73 Questions with Jessica Wright
We wrap up our special edition series of the podcast with National Council Vice President, Jessica Wright, ZΠ, answering ASA’s version of 73 Questions.
Episode 12: Special Edition: 73 Questions with Kathy Burke
This week’s special edition series of the podcast features National Council Vice President, Kathy Burke, NN, answering ASA’s version of 73 Questions.
Episode 11: Special Edition: 73 Questions with Emily Just
This week’s special edition series of the podcast features National Council Vice President, Emily Just, BN, answering ASA’s version of 73 Questions.
Episode 10: Episode 9: Special Edition: 73 Questions with Kathy Messbarger
Kelly continues the special edition series of the podcast with asking National Council Vice President, Kathy Messbarger, ΦΦ, ASA’s version of 73 Questions.
Episode 9: Special Edition: 73 Questions with Amber Huston
Kelly continues the special edition series of the podcast with asking National Council Vice President, Amber Huston, HH, ASA’s version of 73 Questions.
Episode 8: Special Edition: 73 Questions with Kat Harth
Kelly continues the special edition series of the podcast with asking National Council Vice President, Kat Harth, EE, ASA’s version of 73 Questions.
Episode 7: Special Edition: 73 Questions with Kelly Beck
Madison Levine, A, has created her own style of Vogue’s 73 Questions which she asks me on this first episode in a special edition series of the podcast designed to get to know the members of the 2020-22 national council.
Episode 6: Yesenia Alarcon on Graduating During a Pandemic, Diversity & Inclusion and her Zeta Phi Experience
On this episode Kelly is joined by Yesenia Alarcon, a recent graduate from our Zeta Phi chapter.
Episode 5: Lifelong Sisterhood and Friendship – A Conversation with Patty Vollbrecht and Marylou Wendzinski
This week Kelly chats with Patty Vollbrecht and Marylou Wendzinski, both members of Delta Zeta Chapter, as they talk about sisterhood and friendship. Patty celebrates 50 years of membership this year!
Episode 4: Tanya Brewer and the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation
On this episode, Tanya Brewer, ΔY, joins Kelly to share more about the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation.
Episode 3: Stephanie Koprince and the history of Pride
On this episode, Stephanie Koprince, ZT, joins Kelly to discuss the history of Pride and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Episode 2: A conversation about racism
On this episode, Suzanne Kilgannon, BI, joins Kelly to discuss the topic of racism and the challenges that white people have in discussing this topic.
Episode 1: Premiere episode with Chayna Wilson
On our first episode, Kelly chats with Chayna Wilson, founding member of the Epsilon Mu chapter at The College of New Jersey.
