Meet Shelly Callanan Meyer, PhD, Missouri Alpha

International business professor, global consultant and mentor to women and students through cross-cultural education and service.

Pi Beta Phi recognizes Missouri Alpha Shelly Callanan Meyer, PhD, with the 2024 Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award for her efforts in professional achievement.  

How has your involvement with Pi Beta Phi influenced or shaped your approach to leadership? 
Pi Beta Phi has given me a safety net and support system since the day I joined. While I had been labeled a leader, and saw myself take on leadership roles before becoming a Pi Phi, it was during my college years that I experienced being around a group of women who built up, supported and empowered one another as each pursued their path in campus activities and scholarship. Through offering service opportunities, the chapter displayed the joy of working together in service to others, and that really stuck with me. There are so many levels of service and an abundance of opportunities and Pi Phi allows each of us to shine by finding a service niche that fits our talents and interests.  

What advice would you give to other Pi Phis who aspire to make a positive impact in their communities?   
Impact follows joy. Find what brings you joy and then ask yourself who else needs these skills or knowledge? How can I use my strengths to help others? Be patient in finding the right fit and opportunity, or you will become discouraged. It may take small steps to find the right role or organization where you can make an impact, and you must be willing to leap to change jobs or paths when necessary. Leaning on your network, especially your Pi Phi sisters, will help you discern next steps, next paths or new opportunities. I love our alumnae club special interest groups and the wide array of opportunities and people that are part of that network. The St. Louis, Missouri, Alumnae Club has been an integral part of my journey in finding ways to make an impact. 

In what ways do you believe your experiences as a Pi Phi have uniquely prepared you for your professional role?   
As a first-generation college student, Pi Phi gave me a group of women who could nurture and support my talents and thereby role model how I could do the same for others. It was amazing to see how we could thrive and accomplish so much more when working together.

The corporate world is still a highly competitive place for women, and opportunities can be fragmented. Because of the values and friendships of Pi Beta Phi, I have been able to rely on my sisters when big life changes and challenges took place. Even when years passed or new friendships evolved, the value placed on our sisterhood allowed us to step up for each other unwaveringly. 

What motivates and inspires you to continue your efforts in your career? 
My inspiration comes from two places. One is true joy in seeing my efforts and example impact others’ opportunities. If I am mentoring a first-generation college student in St. Charles, Missouri, or helping women develop business plans in India, my goal is to help them see opportunity.

My second source of inspiration comes from my three children. I stepped away from my professional life for a few years while they were small. I wanted them to love the path of education and the opportunities it creates, not just for their own pursuits, but for making a difference in the lives of others. It is amazing to see them give back to their communities with their time and talents & chosen career.

What do you love most about your work?
I value the long-term view I get when students keep in touch. Advising, teaching and mentoring hundreds of students each year requires time to know them and an emotional commitment to invest in their journey. Seeing them launch after graduation, and what they accomplish and who they become, is the reward for that work. I love seeing them succeed, build families and careers and use their education to lead others. 

What is something you wish you would have known sooner in life?  
If something brings you joy, that is where you need to be! Too often, I stayed in jobs because I thought they would bring opportunity. But if I am not having fun, that opportunity will never materialize. Students often pick a major based on where they think the jobs are. Pick a major based on what lights your fire! You will never make an impact if you are unhappy or just checking a box!   

What's the best advice you’ve ever received?
“People may not remember what you say, but they will remember how you make them feel.” As a professor, I know how much of what I say is forgotten! However, I know my role goes beyond those classroom lectures.  

  

Published September 2, 2025