Living Authentically
Pi Beta Phi has given Colorado Gamma Karli Hansen a sense of confidence, belonging and the chance to lead. Read on to learn how she weaves her Pi Phi experience into her life as a mom, professional and advocate.
I am a wife to an incredible woman and mom to two wonderful children—Krosby and Bennet. I love live music, reading and gardening—though I won’t claim to be great at it. I also enjoy crocheting while balancing two kids, two jobs and my Pi Phi role as Director Recruitment. Since 2016, my wife and I have attended more than 50 concerts together, many at Red Rocks here in Colorado. At my core, I’m a “0 to 100” type of person and I love diving straight into the heart and soul of who someone is.
Professionally, I serve as a Program Manager at Colorado State University. In this role, I oversee undergraduate student recruitment, coordinate a Residential Learning Community for science students, and teach student success courses.
In 2024, I also launched my own business, Owl and the Moon Birth Company. As a Certified Labor Doula, I support pregnant people through pregnancy, labor and delivery, and into parenthood. I provide both emotional and physical support to birthing persons and their partners, while encouraging self-advocacy within the medical system.
As a first-generation student, I didn’t have much support navigating college. One day, a sorority woman handed me a flyer on the plaza, and it felt like the universe was nudging me to sign up. I was eager to build friendships and a sense of community, and when I went through recruitment, Pi Phi immediately felt like home. Conversations with the women flowed so naturally, and I felt truly welcomed.
What resonated most with me was the core value of Personal and Intellectual Growth. I loved the idea of always learning, improving and striving to be better—not just for myself, but as a way to make the world better too.
As a first-generation college student, my identity also deepens my understanding of the value of the sorority experience. Pi Phi is what kept me in college and gave me the confidence and competence to pursue further education.
Since then, Pi Phi has only deepened my sense of belonging by elevating me as a leader through my various volunteer roles. Being able to show up authentically and have both my sisters and the organization support, encourage and celebrate me reminds me that I am exactly where I’m meant to be.
That I don’t need to be perfect and perfection is unattainable. For much of my life, I held myself to the impossible standard of meeting everyone else’s expectations. With time, I’ve learned the importance of focusing on my own expectations—and forgiving myself when I fall short of them. That shift has made me so much happier. I also wish I had known earlier that life is a lot more fun when you allow yourself to embrace joy and actually trust happiness. My wife has taught me so much about that.
It’s a simple reminder of the power of perspective. I love the idea that there are always different ways to see and approach something—and that sometimes I just need to shift my own lens.
This perspective has shaped so many parts of my life. In my work, it helps me consider new approaches. With my children, it reminds me to pause and think about how they might feel or experience something differently than I do. Most of all, it encourages me to keep learning, keep growing and stay open to change.
Tell us about yourself.
I am a wife to an incredible woman and mom to two wonderful children—Krosby and Bennet. I love live music, reading and gardening—though I won’t claim to be great at it. I also enjoy crocheting while balancing two kids, two jobs and my Pi Phi role as Director Recruitment. Since 2016, my wife and I have attended more than 50 concerts together, many at Red Rocks here in Colorado. At my core, I’m a “0 to 100” type of person and I love diving straight into the heart and soul of who someone is. Professionally, I serve as a Program Manager at Colorado State University. In this role, I oversee undergraduate student recruitment, coordinate a Residential Learning Community for science students, and teach student success courses.
In 2024, I also launched my own business, Owl and the Moon Birth Company. As a Certified Labor Doula, I support pregnant people through pregnancy, labor and delivery, and into parenthood. I provide both emotional and physical support to birthing persons and their partners, while encouraging self-advocacy within the medical system.
What drew you to Pi Phi?
As a first-generation student, I didn’t have much support navigating college. One day, a sorority woman handed me a flyer on the plaza, and it felt like the universe was nudging me to sign up. I was eager to build friendships and a sense of community, and when I went through recruitment, Pi Phi immediately felt like home. Conversations with the women flowed so naturally, and I felt truly welcomed. What resonated most with me was the core value of Personal and Intellectual Growth. I loved the idea of always learning, improving and striving to be better—not just for myself, but as a way to make the world better too.
How does your identity shape your Pi Phi experience?
As a queer woman, I am always mindful of how Pi Phi can continue to be the most positive, affirming, inclusive and welcoming space possible. This perspective shapes the way I review content for the Fraternity, the conversations I have with collegians during workshops and the way I engage with my sisters. I recognize the privilege I hold, and I strive to use it to encourage meaningful discussions, elevate others’ voices and demonstrate my commitment to ensuring Pi Beta Phi creates spaces where belonging is at the center.As a first-generation college student, my identity also deepens my understanding of the value of the sorority experience. Pi Phi is what kept me in college and gave me the confidence and competence to pursue further education.
How has your Pi Phi experience helped you feel a sense of belonging?
As a queer woman who came out after college and graduate school, I often think back to the love, care and support my chapter showed sisters who came out during college. That experience made it feel natural for me to turn first to my Pi Phi sisters and best friends when it was my time to come out.Since then, Pi Phi has only deepened my sense of belonging by elevating me as a leader through my various volunteer roles. Being able to show up authentically and have both my sisters and the organization support, encourage and celebrate me reminds me that I am exactly where I’m meant to be.
What is something you wish you would have known earlier in life, and why?
That I don’t need to be perfect and perfection is unattainable. For much of my life, I held myself to the impossible standard of meeting everyone else’s expectations. With time, I’ve learned the importance of focusing on my own expectations—and forgiving myself when I fall short of them. That shift has made me so much happier. I also wish I had known earlier that life is a lot more fun when you allow yourself to embrace joy and actually trust happiness. My wife has taught me so much about that.Finish this sentence: “Pi Beta Phi has taught me...”
… the true value of friendship with other women. In my post-collegiate life, building and maintaining friendships has been more challenging, but volunteering with Pi Phi at the local, regional and now director level has filled my life with incredible sisters. These friendships are genuine and supportive: they check in on me, remind me to take care of myself and celebrate both the small and big moments. What I treasure most is that I never feel like I have to hold back.What is your favorite quote and why?
“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” – Dr. Wayne DyerIt’s a simple reminder of the power of perspective. I love the idea that there are always different ways to see and approach something—and that sometimes I just need to shift my own lens.
This perspective has shaped so many parts of my life. In my work, it helps me consider new approaches. With my children, it reminds me to pause and think about how they might feel or experience something differently than I do. Most of all, it encourages me to keep learning, keep growing and stay open to change.
#WeArePiPhi celebrates recognition days and awareness months while sharing personal stories from our members. Share your story to connect with sisters and represent the holidays and traditions special to you.
Published October 29, 2025