From Readers to Writers

Pi Beta Phi’s commitment to literacy goes beyond promoting a love of reading; it plants the seeds for future authors to share their creative stories. Through Read > Lead > Achieve^® initiatives, Pi Phis are not only encouraged to make a difference in their communities, but also to explore their own creative potential, often discovering a passion for writing that follows them beyond their collegiate experience. 

Below, several Pi Phi authors share their journeys, reflecting on how their experience in Pi Phi influenced their decisions to become writers. 

Sydney Dunlap, Pennsylvania Beta – Author of It Happened on Saturday

Pennsylvania Beta Sydney Johnson Dunlap knew from an early age she wanted to be a teacher. “I was initially drawn to Pi Phi due to the friendliness and enthusiasm of chapter members,” she reflects. “When I found out Pi Phi’s philanthropy was centered on literacy, that was one more thing to love about it!” Her contemporary-middle grade novel, It Happened on Saturday, grew out of her work with child trafficking survivors and her realization there was a gap in books addressing social media safety for tweens. “My Pi Phi sisters have been so encouraging of my writing,” she shares. “It's so nice to still be connected with friends from long ago through our wonderful sisterhood!”
 

Susan Gilpin, Oregon Gamma – Author of My Favorite Letter! The Alphabet Comes Alive!

Oregon Gamma Susan Gilpin always knew she had a book in her, but she never expected she would write an award-winning children’s alphabet book in her seventies. My Favorite Letter: The Alphabet Comes Alive! came about when Susan asked friends, family and Pi Phi sisters on Facebook what their favorite letter is and why. “Many of the first readers of My Favorite Letter were sorority sisters—remarkably we have maintained friendships for over 50 years,” she reflects. “Those long-ago days in the beloved Pi Phi house have become glory years for us.”

Natakki Jones, Connecticut Gamma – Author of Nia’s Wash Day: A Family Tradition

With vibrant illustrations celebrating diversity and the joy of embracing one’s natural beauty, Nia’s Wash Day: A Family Tradition ties into Connecticut Gamma Natakki Jones’s personal experience growing up and doing hair with her family on Sundays.  

The inspiration to become an author began during Natakki’s time as an undergraduate student. During primary recruitment, she was immediately drawn to Pi Phi for its commitment to literacy, inspiring her to become an elementary school teacher. “Before I was in classrooms for my degree, I saw the impact stories had on children during our annual Fraternity Day of Service event,” she says. “Coming together to donate and help organize hundreds of books with my sorority sisters was a life-changing experience.”

Rachael Menosky Waechter, Michigan Alpha – Author of Playing with Fire

When Michigan Alpha Rachael Menosky Waechter first arrived at Hillsdale College, she hadn’t intended on joining a sorority until she attended a Pi Beta Phi philanthropy event. “To see women up on stage talking about Read > Lead > Achieve and how it changed their lives moved me to a point where I signed up for primary recruitment,” says Rachael.  

Now as Alumnae Advisory Committee Chair for Michigan Alpha, she reflects on her collegiate experience that refined her writing and gave her a greater opportunity to challenge herself. She used what she’s learned in the expression of the characters in her debut young adult novel, Playing with Fire. “I’m proud of my book for many reasons, but one of the biggest is it teaches lessons everyone can understand and relate to,” she says. “Pi Phi played a major role in that messaging, and I hope by reading my book people can draw themselves into the story and take something wonderful out of it.”

Carol Hair Moore, Florida Beta – Children's Book Author

When Florida Beta Carol Hair Moore interned with the School of Education at Florida State University, she realized her passion for creative writing. Each of the five books in her children’s series, I Wish You Ice Cream and Cake, is designed to educate and instill in her readers a desire to be kind and compassionate. “Florida Betas have always been scholastically and socially outstanding,” says Carol. “My wonderful Pi Phi sisters, whom I am still in touch with, have influenced me and blessed my life always.”

Hannah Shatzen, Virginia Epsilon – Author of Bodega Baby

After falling in love with her own neighborhood bodega in New York City, Virginia Epsilon Hannah Shatzen was inspired to write a book honoring her Puerto Rican grandmother, who shared a deep connection to the bodegas in New York. As Chapter President, Hannah discovered her passion for writing and honed the skills needed to have a successful business behind her book. Hannah now offers one-on-one consultations to help other aspiring authors get their start. “It’s one of the best ways to leave your little mark on the world,” she says. “Just like so many of our Pi Phi sisters before us.”
 

 Did your time in Pi Beta Phi influence you to become a Pi Phi author or know a sister who was inspired by Read > Lead > Achieve to write a book? Share your story with us at pibetaphi.org/submit-a-story for your chance to be featured in a future Pi Beta Phi publication.  

Published September 19, 2025