Q&A with Past Grand Archon Katie Vlietstra Wonnenberg

In celebration of Women's History Month, Grand Archon Tess Stovall sits down with a series of Phi Sigma Sigma sisters to share their stories, advice and how our sisterhood made a lasting impact in their lives. Read more stories, here.

Katie Vlietstra Wonnenberg served as Grand Archon from 2017-2022. She is an alumna of the Epsilon Delta Chapter at Chapman University and serves as president of the National Housing Corporation. Professionally, Katie has over 17 years of government relations and public affairs experience. Currently, she is the vice president for government relations and public affairs for the National Association for Self-Employed and co-founder and principal of Public Private Strategies, a strategic based organization that brings together diverse allies including foundations, associations, corporations, small businesses, and entrepreneurs to solve pressing societal challenges.

Tess Stovall: What do you believe is the biggest asset of Phi Sigma Sigma membership? And how has it played a role in your life?

Katie Vlietstra Wonnenberg: Confidence. Maybe at times too much confidence, but I really do feel like I can do anything because Phi Sigma Sigma has given me the tools and resources to be the very best. While my collegiate experience at Chapman was awesome, it has really been the last 25 years of membership that has shaped and influenced my life in such tremendous and numerous ways - I have very little fear or concern that I won’t be able to figure something out because I know that “I have a sister for that.”

I was given a gift in 1999, one that I thought would be time locked to 4 years, and yet here, 25 years later, I am continually learning, growing and evolving from this amazing gift of sisterhood. It is pretty overwhelming.

TS: One of the most impactful parts of our sisterhood is the friendships and relationships that evolve. Tell me about a Phi Sigma Sigma sister who has had a significant influence in your life and why?

KVW: This is a hard question to answer. Just like the phases of life, I have been lucky to form significant relationships with some many sisters.

I would probably have to acknowledge the group of sisters that I served with on supreme council during the COVID-19 pandemic: Tess, Wendy, Jen, Breny, Meggie, Kim, Liz and Michelle.

That was just an insane time. Not just Covid, but we were dealing with AAPI hate and the Abolish Greek Life movement. We each had our own personal challenges with the pandemic, but also recognizing as leaders we had to prioritize and ensure that not just our members, both collegiate and alumnae were being supported, but also caring for the professional staff. It was just intense. I also in a weird way would never trade the experience because it provided such an important leadership and growth opportunity for me personally and while the challenges continue, I am confident that we can navigate anything. Together.

TS: As you shared, you've remained connected to Phi Sigma Sigma for the past 25 years. Why do you believe it is important to stay connected and what benefits does our sisterhood offer after graduation?

KVW: The expansive nature of sisterhood. I loved my undergraduate experience, was lucky to have a great chapter and was exposed to a number of amazing Phi Sigma Sigma sisters who were active volunteers, Joanne Barrick, Wendy Lau and Gina Kerley, just to name a few. But it was relocating to the East Coast that I truly realized the power of our amazing sisterhood.

Immediately upon “landing” in Washington, DC, I was connected to Dotti Shield and Gretchen Ehle, and found myself fully immersed in volunteer life. I was lucky that I was able to serve as a field consultant too, so I was exposed to a wide range of chapters and experiences that I think really helped me see the immense diversity of our sisterhood and has subsequently helped inform my leadership decisions as Grand Archon.

The threads of sisterhood impact my daily life because I am never without someone to call and help me solve a challenge I may be facing professionally and personally. Even when the challenges have been immensely personal, like supporting a friend through domestic abuse, I knew that Emily DeCarlo would be available to provide counsel and guidance. Same when I received a surprised summons for a delinquent toll payment (no joke a court processor showed up at my house!), Erin Sweeney was there to coach me through the process and assure me I wasn’t going to jail! 

I am so lucky to be surrounded by smart and talented sisters who are so willing to share their knowledge and expertise with me, I hope I am only returning the favor each day!