Sorority Advisory Committee
Established in July 2020, this iteration of the Sorority Advisory Committee focuses on the ongoing work of ensuring Alpha Sigma Tau is a diverse, equitable, and inclusive place of belonging for all women who meet our values and seek to Define Excellence. The charge of the committee is to:
- Understand the experiences and needs of our Sisters who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
- Identify opportunities for growth in educating members on cultural bias, intersectionality, underrepresented communities, inclusion, and equity
- Research experts in diversity, inclusion, equity, and access to engage with Alpha Sigma Tau
- Identify ways to recognize chapters and Sisters contributing their share to the progress of mankind
- Conduct research on AΣT’s racial history
Meet the Committee
Co-Chairs
Lauren Bolden
After graduating with a B.A. in English and a M.S. in Counseling and Higher Education, Lauren Bolden (Alpha Phi 2009/West Chester) worked in student affairs for nearly 7 years. In this role, she oversaw fraternity/sorority life, student leadership programs, student organizations, and new student orientation. In May 2019, Lauren changed fields and began working in corporate training and talent development.
As a collegian, Lauren served on the College Panhellenic Association and then served as Alpha Sigma Tau’s Chapter President. Today, Lauren spends her free time either planning her upcoming wedding or volunteering as a Board of Director for the West Chester University’s Alumni Association or as an advisor to Alpha Sigma Tau at West Chester.
“I’m excited to continue volunteering with the organization that made me into the woman I am today and help further the growth of the Sorority!”
Kate Wehby
A Michigan native, Kate Wehby (Gamma Xi 2009/Grand Valley) is passionate about growth and learning. Kate earned both a B.A. in Women and Gender Studies from Grand Valley State University and a M.S. in College Student Personnel Administration from Illinois State University. Professionally, Kate works with the largest youth organization in the country, developing unique and impactful outside-the-classroom learning experiences.
Kate is an enneagram 8, an ENTJ, and a Cancer sun. Outside of work and volunteering, she spends as much time as possible being outside, running, or listening to Elton John. Kate lives in Indianapolis with her girlfriend, Jess, and their sassy cat, Cally.
“I believe that Alpha Sigma Taus, equipped with the right knowledge and skills, will be a powerful catalyst towards creating not only a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable Sorority but also a better world. I am looking forward to working with the Sorority Advisory Committee to make this charge a reality.”
Committee Members
Melissa Chavez
A founding member of her chapter, Melissa Chavez (Epsilon Omicron 2013/Southern Indiana) is the daughter of two Colombian immigrants. The experiences of her upbringing inspired her to be a passionate advocate for equal rights.
In college, Melissa was the founding president for both the USI’s Diversity Project and Latinos Unidos. She also served as the student delegate the USI’s Diversity Committee. In this role, she educated the predominantly Caucasian-student demographic on what diversity means and how to be a better advocate for students of Color in their campus community.
In addition to her advocacy in leadership roles, Melissa has attended many rallies and protests for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Black Lives Matter (BLM) throughout the years.
Francie Grasso
Francie Grasso (Epsilon Sigma 2019/Bridgewater) is local to her college town of Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and will graduate in May 2021 with a B.S. in Psychology. She is a proud activist for the childhood cancer community and hopes to work with this population as a certified child life specialist.
Outside of school, Francie contributes her share to the progress of mankind as an active volunteer with several organizations in the community benefitting critically ill children and families, such as Boston Children’s Hospital and Make-A-Wish Massachusetts & Rhode Island. In her free time, Francie can be found chasing sunsets in her beloved Jeep or cozied up on the couch with her dogs Lucy and Lola.
Brenae Leary
Brenae Leary (Delta Phi 2006/NYU) held various positions as a collegiate member of Alpha Sigma Tau, including Chapter President. Presently, Brenae enjoys a career in communications in New York City, where she works for a San Francisco-based tech company.
When not working, Brenae enjoys traveling, reading and trying restaurants in her hunt for the best cacio e pepe in the US. She is also involved with the organization Hot Bread Kitchen and serves on their junior board.
Julia Mann
A native of Mechanicsville, Maryland, Julia Mann (Beta Mu 2017/Salisbury) earned her B.A. in Communiation Arts. While in college, Julia served Alpha Sigma Tau as Director of Public Relations, Director of Event Planning, and Chapter President. Julia works full-time at a public affairs firm while she earns her M.A. in Strategic Communications from American University in Washington, DC.
In her free time, Julia enjoys yoga, tacos, self-care, and being outdoors (especially on the water). Her most memorable volunteer experience has been tutoring at Village of Hope, a transitional home for at-risk women and children.
Jabaubi Nash
Prior to enrolling at the University of West Alabama to pursue a degree in health sciences, Jabaubi Nash (Gamma Gamma 2019/UWA) earned her associate’s degree in pre-nursing from East Mississippi Community College. While studying for her bachelor’s degree, she also works as an office assistant.
In Jabaubi’s free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and canoeing. As an Alpha Sigma Tau collegiate member, she currently holds the office of Director of Philanthropy, leading her chapter in their pursuits of volunteering and giving back to the community.
Nina Quist
Nina Quist (Epsilon Phi 2016/Winona State) was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and was adopted as a baby. Nina grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and attended Winona State University where she worked in the university’s Inclusion and Diversity Office and earned her bachelor’s degrees in both finance and Spanish. Nina now lives in a suburb of the Twin Cities where she works as a finance admin specialist for Ecolab.
A founding member of the Epsilon Phi Chapter of Alpha Sigma Tau, Nina remains an engaged alumna. She currently volunteers as the Community Relations Advisor for her collegiate chapter and is involved with establishing the Twin Cities Alumnae Association.
Savannah Summerlin
Originally from Missouri, Savannah Summerlin (Delta Phi 2016/NYU) moved to New York City to pursue a degree. Wanting to combine her passions for creative writing and film with social issues, Savannah created her own major called “The Intersection of Arts and Activism.” While in college, she studied abroad in France and Australia, and served on the executive committees of various organizations.
After graduating, Savannah spent a year traveling and writing; she then joined the Disney College Program as a photopass photographer.
Tsai-Ann Yawching
Tsai-Ann Yawching (Gamma Tau 2013/Lebanon Valley) earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration & Accounting from Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania. During her time as a collegiate member, she held various positions including Vice President of Finance, Vice President of Organization Development, and Director of Philanthropy. She has reconnected with her collegiate chapter and now volunteers as the Organization Development Advisor.
Professionally, Tsai-Ann is the Special Events Assistant in Institutional Advancement at University of Maryland, Baltimore County and is currently studying for her Master’s in Entrepreneurship & Leadership.
In her free time, she enjoys running and hiking, cooking with best friends, and traveling the world.
Addison Beckham
Serving her first term as a National Vice President – Collegian, Addison Beckham (Beta Rho 2017/Arkansas Tech) is expected to graduate in 2021 with a degree in agricultural business.
While in school, she has served as an Arkansas Governor’s School Leadership intern, specializing in self-assessment and group dynamics for students and staff.
Beyond her involvement in Alpha Sigma Tau, Addison is also a member of Arkansas Tech’s Presidential Leadership Cabinet, Order of Omega National Honor Society, and Agricultural Club.
Cassidy Nulty
A founding member of her collegiate chapter, Cassidy Nulty (Alpha Psi 2016/Northern Iowa) was originally elected to the National Council to serve as the National Vice President – Collegian. In 2020, she was re-elected to the National Council to serve in the role as an alumna member.
Cassidy was a leading voice when the Alpha Psi Chapter re-established at the University of Northern Iowa. She was a freshman during recruitment, and when the chapter was installed, she became their first Vice President of Community Relations. She later served as Vice President of Member Development. Cassidy graduated in May 2020.
Cassidy earned a bachelor’s degree textiles and apparel at the University of Northern Iowa while working as a product designer for braces. In her free time, Cassidy enjoys sewing.
Angie Bong
A proud Wisconsinite, Angie Bong earned her B.A. in Journalism from Butler University where she joined Alpha Phi Fraternity, a National Panhellenic Conference women’s organization. Angie continued to earn a M.A. in Higher Education from the University of Iowa.
Prior to joining Alpha Sigma Tau’s Headquarters Staff, Angie worked at University of Wisconsin Madison and Eau Claire campuses.
In her free time, Angie enjoys traveling, college sports (particularly the NCAA Final Four), practicing fitness, food tours, and spending time with her partner, Ryan.
Erin Snyder
Originally from south Louisiana, Erin Snyder earned her bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Here, Erin’s sorority experience began when she joined Phi Mu Fraternity (an NPC women’s organization) and held many officer roles, including Chapter President.
After college, she earned her Master of Education from the University of West Florida. Presently, Erin resides in Tampa, Florida, where she works as the Chapter Services Coordinator for Alpha Sigma Tau. In this role, Erin works with collegiate chapters and manages our Chapter Advisory Board processes.