Meet an Advisor: Michaela Foley
Michaela Foley (Beta Omega 2024/Monmouth) took on the role of Growth Advisor for the Beta Omega Chapter just months after graduating. Although an unusual timeline for becoming an advisor, she said, “My decision was shaped by my experiences as a collegian and a growing desire to give back to the chapter that had such a strong impact on me.”
When she was a collegiate member, the Beta Omega Chapter struggled to grow, and there was a real fear amongst her Sisters and chapter leadership that the chapter would not be able to sustain itself. However, the Beta Omega Sisters remained committed to sharing our Sisterhood, working through their difficulties, and prioritizing growth.
Now, with Michaela’s help both as a collegian and as an advisor, the chapter will welcome its next new member class with almost 90 current chapter members. “That experience, that fear of not growing, became my ‘origin story’ and sparked my commitment to doing whatever I could to support the Sorority’s growth,” she said.
In her advising role, though, she’s often taken on responsibilities outside the growth realm to support the chapter. “Because I’m local, much of my involvement is in-person, attending weekly chapter meetings, recruitment weekends, and philanthropy events,” Michaela explained.
Michaela and her fellow Chapter Advisory Board (CAB) members coordinate their schedules to ensure that at least one advisor is present during chapter events. She said, “I make it a priority to be present so members can see that I support them and am available for whatever they need. I want to provide consistent support in whatever way works best for them.”
That support includes helping our collegiate members and chapter officers handle challenging situations and remain flexible without intervening too much. “I try to ask thoughtful questions, offer perspective, and trust members to work through situations on their own, without providing immediate answers,” she said. “This position pushes me to grow, just as much as it pushes them.”
Michaela shared that this year’s recruitment was affected by a last-minute schedule change due to a snowstorm, but the Beta Omega Sisters remained positive. She shared, “Despite the uncertainty, the way the chapter came together was incredible. Everyone was committed to making recruitment a success, and it was inspiring to watch them adapt so seamlessly, supporting each other every step of the way.”
At the end of the recruitment, the chapter women were full of happiness, pride, and peace, with seniors sharing how much they would miss these moments with their Sisters and how they felt like they were leaving the chapter in a good spot. Michaela said, “Hearing their stories brought me to tears. It was a powerful reminder of the growth, resilience, and genuine connection they have, and it perfectly captured why advising is so meaningful to me.”
A meaningful connection to the growth and future of our Sisterhood is what Michaela describes as her “why,” an essential for any alumna member looking to become an advisor. “This role is not about reliving your college experience or staying connected for personal reasons,” she said. “It’s about understanding your motivation for giving back and uplifting current members. It’s truly an experience that will impact both you and the chapter in lasting ways, and being a small part of my Sisters’ journeys is something I will always value.”
Thank you to Michaela and all the advisors who help our collegiate women grow, learn, and improve daily!
Interested in advising?
The Alpha Sigma Tau collegiate experience depends on the positive support and effort of Chapter Advisory Board (CAB) members—dedicated volunteers who work closely with the local collegiate chapter officers.
If you enjoy working with college students, advancing the mission of Alpha Sigma Tau, and ensuring our Sisterhood is the safest place for women to be on campus, consider applying to become an advisor today.
Learn more about advising and start the application process to become an advisor here!