Skills That Span Continents
Tell us about yourself.
Originally from Toronto, Canada, I now live in Belgium—the fifth country I’ve called home. I’m an avid traveler, both for fun and for work. I’m also a huge fan of European football and college sports, with a particular soft spot for Brutus Buckeye.
Outside of my role at the University of Liège, I volunteer in my church community and with a program that supports people experiencing homelessness. I have volunteered with Pi Phi and the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) since graduation, and I just became a Silver Arrow, celebrating 25 years of Pi Phi membership!
What does a typical day look like for you in your current role?
A typical day for the Director of International Relations is anything but typical. One moment I might be welcoming ambassadors or international delegations to campus, and next I’m chatting with new students who are starting their study abroad adventure. My days are a blend of strategic meetings, people management and big-picture planning, all with the goal of expanding our university’s international reach. And because global partnerships don’t build themselves, I travel regularly for work, visiting partner universities, representing our institution at major conferences or joining state visits that spotlight the academic and scientific strengths we bring to the Belgian landscape. Every day reminds me how exciting it is to help connect our university to the world.
What has been a proud achievement you’ve had since your time as a consultant?
In 2019, I took a leap of faith, packed two suitcases and bought a one-way ticket to Belgium. I had a job lined up and a place to land, but my path forward was anything but clear. I was leaving the comforts and familiarities of home in Toronto for a completely new adventure—seeking a different pace of life and a rich cultural experience. Making that move has been one of my proudest personal and professional achievements, as it pushed me to embrace uncertainty and grow in ways I never imagined.
What inspired you to apply to be a consultant, and what were your goals going into the role?
I was lucky to work with several incredible consultants while in college. Kansas Beta Katie Smith Elwell, Illinois Alpha Tracy McKeown Stine and Virginia Eta Carolyn Clements Lofgren each planted the seed for me to apply. Their genuine interest in my chapter’s well-being, their dedication to improving our operations and their friendship showed me just how big Pi Phi really was beyond my Ontario Gamma bubble.
At every chapter I visited, my goal was simple: learn about their local culture and find the best way to support them. As the first Canadian selected as a consultant, I also hoped to highlight the presence of Canadian Pi Phis everywhere I traveled.
How did your experience as a consultant shape your approach to collaboration and the skills you use today?
In my current role, my closest counterparts are at other universities, and even though we’re geographically close, we rely heavily on collaboration and sharing best practices for support. As a consultant, I learned how to build strong, trust-based relationships across distances and time zones—long before Zoom or FaceTime made that easy. It taught me to communicate proactively, adapt quickly and create connections that make true collaboration possible.
Being a consultant also taught me the art of flexibility. Whether it was a delayed flight, a last-minute event cancellation or a high stakes meeting with university officials, I learned how to pivot quickly and stay composed under pressure. Adapting on the fly, managing unexpected challenges and keeping a calm, solutions-focused mindset were skills I developed on the road—and they’ve served me incredibly well in both my personal and professional life ever since.
Can you share a moment from your consultant year that helped you grow?
When I arrived at consultant training the summer before we started traveling, I was hit with a serious case of imposter syndrome. I felt honored to have been chosen for the role but worried I wouldn’t live up to expectations. One of my fellow consultants came from a chapter ten times the size of mine and was a legacy from a long line of Pi Phis—needless to say, I was intimidated! I assumed she knew everything about our Fraternity, and I doubted we’d relate.
On the first day of training, we sat next to each other, and she admitted she was nervous about traveling to certain chapters. In that moment, I realized all the pressure I had put on myself was unnecessary—my fears were shared, and we all had something to learn from one another. No one person has all the answers.
How do the relationships you formed during your consultant year impact your life today?
My consultant class, which we affectionately nicknamed FALFL (Friends and Leaders for Life), remains some of my closest friends today. We’ve celebrated successes, navigated challenges and supported each other through life’s ups and downs. Beyond these friendships, my year as a consultant opened doors to new opportunities, taking on meaningful volunteer experiences, stepping into leadership roles and allowing me to build connections across Panhellenic badges with sorority women from all generations. That year wasn’t just about traveling—it was about building a network and community that continues to enrich my life today.
What advice would you give to a Pi Phi considering applying to be a consultant?
This role is a unique opportunity to expand your leadership skills, discover new cities, build lifelong friendships and make a meaningful impact on chapters across the U.S. and Canada.
Consultants aren’t one-size-fits-all, and that’s what makes the team so strong. This position will stretch you in ways you never expected: you’ll learn to solve problems on the fly, navigate different personalities and cultures and gain skills that will serve you in any career.
If you care about Pi Phi, love empowering others and are excited to step outside your comfort zone, take the leap—you might surprise yourself with how much you grow, how far you’ll travel and how many lives you’ll touch along the way.
The consultant role offers the chance to lead, gain real-world experience and make a lasting impact on Pi Phi chapters across North America. Applications open on January 12, 2026.
Published December 17, 2025