National Convention 2025 Recap

Over the third weekend in July, Phi Sigma Rho celebrated its 40th Anniversary at National Convention in Kansas City, MO!

Leadership Begins with Learning

Pre-Conference 2025

This Convention Phi Sigma Rho introduced its first Pre-Conference event with educational sessions focused on areas of new member education, Robert's rules, and career readiness.

Featured speaker, Michelle Enjoli, presented her session "Your Next Career Opportunity is Closer Than You Think." Job statistics indicate that at least 85% of career opportunities today are awarded via networking. In today’s ever-changing and competitive business environment, you cannot wait until your senior year to start searching for your first career opportunities. The time to begin is now! In this interactive session, Michelle Enjoli taught how to begin identifying and securing valuable career opportunities. This program provided actionable insights into how to gain valuable career insights and build meaningful connections to position yourself in a competitive market for success.

Dr. Mari Ann Callais

Dr. Mari Ann Callais, or commonly known as Dr. Mac, joined Phi Rho for the entire weekend at our National Convention and delivered two impassioned sessions to all of our attendees.

The first, entitled, "Rooted In Ritual: HonorIng Our Past, Living Our Purpose" was followed by an Initiation workshop hosting by the Vice President of Member Services on the National Board. Dr. Mac's first program focused on the importance of Ritual. "As Phi Sigma Rho celebrates 40 years of sisterhood, this powerful session invites members to reconnect with the heart of what binds us—our ritual. Often viewed as ceremonial or symbolic, ritual is much more: it is the thread that weaves together our values, our vision, and our lived experience as sisters. In this engaging and reflective presentation, Dr. Mari Ann Callais will explore how ritual is not just a moment—it’s a mindset. Participants will deepen their understanding of Phi Sigma Rho’s founding principles, discuss how ritual informs leadership and personal growth, and learn how to bring the words of our ritual to life every day. Through storytelling, shared reflection, and interactive discussion, attendees will leave reminded of their why—and equipped to carry the meaning of ritual into the next 40 years and beyond."

The second inspiring program, a keynote funded by a LEAP grant from the Phi Sigma Rho Foundation, was entitled, "40 Years Strong: The Power of SIsterhood, ScIence, and Shared Purpose." During this program, Dr. Mari Ann Callais celebrated "the story of Phi Sigma Rho—from the spark of an idea between founders to the thousands of members who now carry that legacy forward. Through heartfelt storytelling, shared celebration, and powerful reflection, we will honor the values that have shaped our sisterhood and the unique bond that unites engineers, scientists, innovators, and leaders across generations. This keynote will not only look back at the difference Phi Sigma Rho has made in the lives of its members, but look ahead with vision and purpose for the next 40 years. Get ready to laugh, reflect, and be reminded that Phi Sigma Rho isn’t just what you joined—it’s who you are becoming."

Lisa Nickel

We were fortunate enough to host Lisa Nickel for two special speaker sessions.

Her first session presented to the Alums was entitled "Volunteer Power: StrategIes to Empower, Engage, and Elevate." "Volunteers are the heartbeat of many organizations but managing them effectively requires more than just assigning tasks. In this session, we’ll explore how to motivate and support volunteers in a way that fosters engagement and purpose. You’ll learn practical strategies to create an environment where volunteers feel valued, connected, and energized. From setting clear expectations to recognizing contributions, this presentation will provide you with the tools you need to manage volunteers with confidence and compassion. Get ready for a fun, transformative experience where you’ll walk away with tools and insights that will leave your volunteers—and you—feeling empowered and excited to make a difference. Let’s harness the power of purpose and turn volunteer management into a game-changing experience!"

Her final address to all members was entitled Pathways to Happiness: UnlockIng the Power of Connection and Purpose. This address focused on "two powerful pathways to happiness—connection and purpose—and how they not only enhance our careers but enrich our personal lives. As members of this community, you already know the strength of working together and the value of having a shared mission. Let’s reflect on the power of connection: how building authentic relationships, supporting one another, and feeling part of something greater can lift us all. We’ll also explore the role of purpose—how aligning what we do with a deeper sense of meaning can keep us motivated, fulfilled, and driven. By the end of this session, you’ll leave feeling more connected to each other and inspired by the power of purpose to fuel your happiness and success."

Motions, Moments, and Making Moves!

Delegates represented our Active Chapters and Alum Associations voted on proposed bylaws, the 20th National Board, and the approval of the Beta Zeta Chapter.

We are excited to announce the 2025-2027 National Board!

• National President: Sharon Snyder, Iota Chapter at Ohio Northern University

• National Vice President of Standards: Sabrina Bingham, Rho Chapter at Missouri S&T University

• National Vice President of Finance: Lacey Westcarr, Kappa Chapter at University of Arkansas (This position was appointed by the 20th National Board)

• National Vice President of Communications: Sarah Brown, Chi Chapter at University of California, San Diego

• National Vice President of Alum Engagement: Shoba Varma, Alpha Theta Chapter at University of California, Berkeley

• National Vice President of Collegiate Affairs: Ivy Kwok, Nu Chapter at University of California, Los Angeles

• National Vice President of Strategic Growth: Taylor Coco, Alpha Lambda Chapter at Arizona State University

• National Vice President of Member Services: Kaitlyn Robinson, Upsilon Chapter at University of Houston

Click here to learn more about the 20th National Board!

Outgoing 19th National Board

Phi Sigma Rho Foundation

In addition to the installation of the 20th National Board, the Phi Sigma Rho Foundation also is excited to announce their new Board of Directors.

• President: Lexi Heironimus, Alpha Zeta Chapter at Wright State University

• Vice President of Strategic Development: Belle Riehemann, Alpha Chapter at Purdue University

• Vice President of Donor Relations: Caitlin LaFontaine, Eta Chapter at University of Michigan

• Vice President of Publicity: Tara Zahnke, Beta Chapter at Ohio State University

• Vice President of Programming: Renee Pelan, Alpha Zeta Chapter at Wright State University

• Treasurer: Carley King, Sigma Chapter at Oregon State University

• Secretary: Taylor Gilger, Beta Chapter at Ohio State University

Celebrating Excellence. Strengthening Sisterhood.

At Convention we awarded the individuals and chapters who exemplify the values of Phi Sigma Rho. These award recipients remind us what it means to live our purpose every day and leave a lasting legacy within our sisterhood and community.

Chapter Awards

Rising to Excellence (Orchid Level)

• Dayton - Gamma Chapter

• Connecticut - Theta Chapter

• Kentucky - Epsilon Chapter

• Missouri S&T - Rho Chapter

• Cincinnati - Alpha Beta Chapter

• Buffalo - Alpha Omicron Chapter

• Northeastern - Alpha Tau Chapter

Rashmi Khanna Scholarship Award

• Ohio Northern - Iota Chapter

Ohio Northern - Iota Chapter

Abby McDonald Spirit Award

• Rutgers - Xi Chapter

Christine Mooney Service Award

• Purdue Ft Wayne - Alpha Psi Chapter

Service with Sigmand 2025 Winner

• Kentucky - Epsilon Chapter

Alum-Collegiate Relations Award

• Texas A&M - Alpha Phi Chapter

Most Collaborative Chapter

• Texas A&M - Alpha Phi Chapter

Financial Excellence Award

• Michigan - Eta Chapter

• Virginia Commonwealth - Omega Chapter

Young Chapter Award

• Alabama - Beta Alpha Chapter

Individuals Award

Chapter President of the Year

• Jane Macaulay - Michigan, Eta Chapter

National Senior Award

• Gabriella Lombardi - Pittsburgh, Zeta Chapter

Emerging Leader Award

• Mollie Steen - Cincinnati, Alpha Beta Chapter

Outstanding Collegiate Member for Service to Campus and Community

• Hannah Nguyen - Texas A&M, Alpha Phi Chapter

Alum Officer Award

• Ellie Fitzpatrick, Akhila Sriram, Jas Philipoom - Case Western, Omicron Chapter

National Chapter Advisor Award

• Maisie Mackay - Texas A&M, Alpha Phi Chapter

RFD of the Year Award

• Kimi Bourland - Colorado, Alpha Mu Chapter

Young Alum Award

• Maria Machon - Texas A&M, Alpha Phi Chapter

Young Spotlight Award

• Michaela (Mertz) McCrary - Arkansas, Kappa Chapter

Engineering Champion Award

• Alaine Allen, Carnegie Mellon University

Pearl Award: Exceptional Service

• Jenny Conde - Berkeley, Alpha Theta Chapter

Orchid Award: Sister of the Year

• Janelle Becker - Ohio State, Beta Chapter

Distinguished Alum

• Kathryn (Shaw) Oriti - Ohio Northern, Iota Chapter

President's Commendation

• Regional Field Directors

  • Jenna Daghstani - Toledo, Delta Chapter

  • Abena Essah - Vanderbilt, Alpha Eta Chapter

  • Isha Verma - Florida, Tau Chapter

  • Shivangi Mehra - Rutgers, Xi Chapter

  • Courtney Berry - Houston, Upsilon Chapter

  • Katelyn Winkler - Michigan, Eta Chapter

  • Alyson Jimenez - Arizona State, Alpha Lambda Chapter

  • Kimi Bourland - Colorado, Alpha Mu Chapter

  • Hannah Spillett - Toledo, Delta Chapter

  • Ann Marie Lang - Arizona State, Alpha Lambda Chapter

  • Morgan McCandless - Washington, Mu Chapter

• Prospective Chapter Educators for Miami and Albany

  • Ann Fields - Cincinnati, Alpha Beta Chapter

  • Nicole Organiscak - Cincinnati, Alpha Beta Chapter

  • Bridget Fitz-James - Buffalo, Alpha Omicron Chapter

  • Rebecca Riley - Youngstown, Alpha Alpha Chapter

  • Renuka Kannan - Northeastern, Alpha Tau Chapter

  • Taylor Gilger - Ohio State, Beta Chapter

• Outgoing 19th National Board

  • Alison Lunny - Northeastern, Alpha Tau Chapter

  • Lacey Westcarr - Arkansas, Kappa Chapter

  • Tina Schnell - Oregon State, Sigma Chapter

  • Michelle Eyink - Arizona State, Alpha Lambda Chapter

  • Lina Trigg - Purdue, Alpha Chapter

  • Alison Runninger - Cincinnati, Alpha Beta Chapter

  • Jessica Sofka - Arizona, Alpha Kappa Chapter

Convention 2027!

Join us July 15 - 19, 2027 at the 2027 National Convention located in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the Graduate Hotel!