Leading with Value
Author: Hannah C. / Editor: Ariana W. / Photographer: Abby W.
Kappa Kappa Gamma (Kappa) sisters are united by friendship, leadership, and scholarship: three ideals that define their sisterhood. As a student leader and change-maker at Florida State University, Savannah S. represents each of these values through her involvement.
As a first-year student at Florida State University, Savannah’s passion for politics drove her to get involved in Student Government. In a quest to better the student body, she chose to run for a seat in FSU’s Student Senate, and after winning, Savannah began her journey as a leader on campus. “My time spent in Senate was a fantastic experience. It taught me a lot,” Savannah explains. “I had the opportunity to help our student body through the allocation of $14 million in funding.” She describes her Senate term as a “transformative period” that allowed her to directly impact FSU while evaluating her passions and potential career opportunities.
While Savannah’s Senate term continued, she expanded her campus involvement. As the campaign manager for an on-campus political party, her campaign strategy and implementation directly influenced the outcomes of several significant elections, such as Student Body President, Student Body Vice President, Student Body Treasurer, Senior Class Council representatives, Student Senators, Campus Recreation Board representatives, and Union Board representatives. “Through my position, I met so many inspiring individuals who have drive to better our campus and further their education,” Savannah shares. Inspired by her candidates, Savannah found a unique passion for campaign management, which only expanded her commitment to bettering Florida State through political involvement.
Although Savannah’s on-campus involvement fulfilled her, she sought to join a unique, supportive, and empowering community. Taking a leap of faith, she chose to participate in informal Spring Recruitment and, through the process, found a sisterhood in Kappa. “I’ve met many women that have transformed how I feel about this university and campus,” Savannah shares. “My Kappa sisters have done a great job supporting me in my other commitments, like Student Government.”
Because Savannah was a new member in the height of campaign strategy season, it was difficult for her to spend time with her new sisterhood. “When I found a spare second to visit Kappa, I noticed I had a gift at the chapter facility, which my big left to encourage me for my hard work during that difficult season,” Savannah says. “She went above and beyond to make me feel special and let me know she was proud of me.” Through Kappa's steadfast friendship and supportive sisterhood, Savannah is empowered to flourish in other areas on campus.
Friendship is a defining ideal of Kappa, and Savannah recognizes its value by integrating Kappa ideals beyond her sisterhood. She shares that Student Government also functions through friendship, claiming that its “positive atmosphere is derived from mutual respect and friendship.” Although Savannah can no longer be found campaigning on Landis Green or advocating for the student body within the Senate chambers, she channels her passion and drive into her new position on the FSU Executive Cabinet. As the Executive Director of Special Projects, Savannah has the freedom to design and implement her own executive projects. “I’m working for the three people I worked to elect in the Spring,” Savannah reflects on her journey in Student Government. “It’s one of the best experiences I’ve had at FSU.”
As an Executive Cabinet member, she shares that the Cabinet is successful because of their individual drive and mutual respect. “Each Cabinet member works so hard and supports one another so well,” Savannah says. “The third floor of the Student Union is a collaborative and respectful environment, and I welcome anyone to visit us.”
Despite her immense impact, Savannah’s leadership journey is not finished. Through utilizing her passion, she will continue to influence her community for the better. As an embodiment of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and leadership, Savannah serves as a representation of the Panhellenic community in each of her ventures.