Alpha Connect Sisterhood Series
Kelly McGinnis Beck
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Alpha Connect Sisterhood Series is a bi-weekly podcast for members and friends of Alpha Sigma Alpha. National President Kelly McGinnis Beck and her dazzling array of guests will connect and empower women as we celebrate our sisterhood.
Available episodes
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Oldest first
Oct 28, 2022
Areke Latham, HH, Shares Her Experience of Going Through Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer While Pregnant
In this episode, Amber chats with chapter sister, Areke Latham, HH, about her experience of going through chemotherapy for breast cancer while she was pregnant.
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Aug 26, 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.
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May 27, 2022
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.
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May 13, 2022
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.
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Apr 29, 2022
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.
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Apr 15, 2022
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.
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Apr 1, 2022
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.
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Mar 11, 2022
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.
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Feb 25, 2022
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.
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Feb 11, 2022
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.
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Jan 28, 2022
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 (*H*emolysis, *E*levated *L*iver enzymes and *L*ow *P*latelets) 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.
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Jan 14, 2022
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.
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Dec 17, 2021
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.
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Dec 3, 2021
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.
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Nov 19, 2021
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.
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Nov 5, 2021
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.
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Oct 22, 2021
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.
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Oct 8, 2021
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.
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Sep 29, 2021
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.
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Sep 10, 2021
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.
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Aug 27, 2021
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.
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Aug 13, 2021
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
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Jul 30, 2021
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.
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Jul 16, 2021
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.
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Jul 2, 2021
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.
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Jun 18, 2021
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.
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Jun 4, 2021
Nancy Szalwinski, Beta Delta, 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/.
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May 21, 2021
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
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May 7, 2021
Special Edition: Past National President Melissa Koch Merriam, EE
On this final episode, Kelly speaks with Melissa Koch Merriam, EE, who served as national president from 2014-2018.
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Apr 23, 2021
Special Edition: Past National President Cindy Kelley, Beta Pi
On this episode, Kelly speaks with Cindy Kelley, Beta Pi, who served as national president from 2008-2012.
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Apr 9, 2021
Special Edition: Past National President Lori White Scott, EE
On this next episode, Kelly speaks with Lori White Scott, EE, who served as national president from 2004-2008.
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Mar 26, 2021
Special Edition: Past National President Marianne Busch Bullock, Beta Theta
This episode of our Past National President series features Marianne Busch Bullock, Beta Theta, who served from 2000-2004.
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Mar 12, 2021
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.
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Feb 26, 2021
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.
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Feb 12, 2021
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.
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Jan 29, 2021
Special Edition: Past National President, Mary Ann Sidehamer Wenzel, Gamma Eta
Kelly’s first guest on this special edition series is Past National President, Mary Ann Sidehamer Wenzel, Gamma Eta, who served from 1970-1976.
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Jan 15, 2021
Naydia Spears Mills, Zeta Omega, 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
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Jan 1, 2021
Sertrice Grice, EE, 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.
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Dec 11, 2020
A Conversation with Kim Benson, Delta Nu-B, 2020 Wilma Wilson Sharp Award Winner
On this episode, Kelly chats with Kim Benson, Delta Nu-B, on her decision to become an engineer, her career at UPS and the impact Alpha Sigma Alpha has had along the way.
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Nov 27, 2020
Nikkia Young, Theta Beta, on how Sorority has benefited her as a woman working in IT
On this episode, Nikkia Young, Theta Beta, joins Kelly to share her experiences as a woman working in IT, volunteering as a region facilitator and her love of music.
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Nov 13, 2020
Julie Wiley Ramsey, A, and Madison Levine, A, share their experiences as Alpha Chapter members
In this episode, Kelly chats with Julie Wiley 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.
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Oct 30, 2020
Valerie and Katy Baker, Beta Sigma members, on Baker Banter Tik Tok
In this episode, recorded back in September, Kelly chats with Valerie Warren Baker and Katy Baker, Beta Sigma members, who talk about their family Tik Tok, Baker Banter, and how we can continue to support our differently-abled friends and family members.
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Oct 16, 2020
A Conversation on Mental Health with Dr. Julie Connor, ZZ
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.
Resources referenced in this podcast include:
* National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
* Crisis Text Line: text 741741 and type "home" to speak with a trained counselor
* SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: www.samhsa.gov
* NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): www.nami.org
* www.drjulieconnor.com
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Oct 2, 2020
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.
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Sep 25, 2020
Special Edition: 73 Questions with Jessica Bridwell Wright, Zeta Pi
We wrap up our special edition series of the podcast with National Council Vice President, Jessica Bridwell Wright, Zeta Pi, answering ASA‘s version of 73 Questions.
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Sep 18, 2020
Special Edition: 73 Questions with Kathy Wilson Burke, NN
This week’s special edition series of the podcast features National Council Vice President, Kathy Wilson Burke, NN, answering ASA‘s version of 73 Questions.
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Sep 11, 2020
Special Edition: 73 Questions with Emily Just, BN
This week’s special edition series of the podcast features National Council Vice President, Emily Just, BN, answering ASA‘s version of 73 Questions.
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Sep 4, 2020
Special Edition: 73 Questions with Kathy Dawson Messbarger, Phi Phi
Kelly continues the special edition series of the podcast with asking National Council Vice President, Kathy Dawson Messbarger, Phi Phi, ASA‘s version of 73 Questions.
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Aug 28, 2020
Special Edition: 73 Questions with Amber Shaverdi Huston, HH
Kelly continues the special edition series of the podcast with asking National Council Vice President, Amber Shaverdi Huston, HH, ASA‘s version of 73 Questions.
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Aug 21, 2020
Special Edition: 73 Questions with Kat Wolfington Harth, EE
Kelly continues the special edition series of the podcast with asking National Council Vice President, Kat Wolfington Harth, EE, ASA‘s version of 73 Questions.
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Aug 14, 2020
Special Edition: 73 Questions with Kelly McGinnis Beck, EK
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.
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Aug 7, 2020
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.
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Jul 24, 2020
Lifelong Sisterhood and Friendship - A Conversation with Patty Blunt Vollbrecht and Marylou Kulaszewicz Wendzinski, both Delta Zeta members
This week Kelly chats with Patty Blunt Vollbrecht and Marylou Kulaszewicz Wendzinski, both members of Delta Zeta Chapter, as they talk about sisterhood and friendship. Patty celebrates 50 years of membership this year!
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Jul 10, 2020
Tanya Trumbla Brewer, Delta Upsilon, and the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation
On this episode, Tanya Trumbla Brewer, Delta Upsilon, joins Kelly to share more about the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation.
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Jun 26, 2020
Stephanie Koprince, ZT, and the History of Pride
On this episode, Stephanie Koprince, ZT, joins Kelly to discuss the history of Pride and the LGBTQIA+ community.
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Jun 12, 2020
A Conversation About Racism with Suzanne Kilgannon, BI
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.
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May 26, 2020
Premiere episode with Chayna Wilson, EM
On our first episode, Kelly chats with Chayna Wilson, founding member of the Epsilon Mu chapter at The College of New Jersey.
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