Women's History Month: Q&A with Leigh Floody

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.

Leigh is an alumna of the Kappa Chapter at The George Washington University and currently serves as chapter key advisor for the Iota Nu Chapter at Sacred Heart University. Professionally, she is a research analyst for the State of Connecticut’s Board of Pardons & Paroles.

I recently reconnected with Leigh as she has recently joined our volunteer ranks. When I saw her at Convention in January, we immediately re-connected like it was 2004 all over again. Sharing the same chapter letters, we understand each other’s experiences bringing an innate familiarity and closeness to our friendship. I'm so excited to have Leigh as a volunteer and know that she's already made a lasting impact on the women of the Iota Nu Chapter at Sacred Heart University through her mentorship.

Tess Stovall: How has Phi Sigma Sigma positively impacted your life?

Leigh Floody: When I was an undergraduate, I made a last-minute decision not to study abroad which had always been part of the plan. Even before college I had the desire to go abroad and minoring in Spanish language & literature it was sort of a natural plan. However, I had been recently initiated into the chapter, having joined the chapter later in my college career. I wanted to take advantage of the full sorority experience and seek out leadership opportunities. Not going abroad was a big decision, but I’ve never regretted it.

I was elected as Panhellenic delegate and through that role not only did I get to know my chapter a lot better and be part of the leadership team, but I also got to know Panhel which was a very positive and fulfilling experience. My involvement with Panhellenic lead me to become a recruitment counselor and to this day that is one of my favorite memories from college. Through Panhellenic, I met several of my closest friends who I’m still close with almost 20 years later.

I’m grateful for the opportunities Phi Sigma Sigma provided me and for my sisters for trusting in me as a leader.

TS: Phi Sigma Sigma can open the door to so many connections, not just those within our sisterhood. So after you graduated, how has Phi Sigma Sigma continued to be part of your life?

LF: Not too long after I graduated, I began volunteering as an advisor for a local chapter and met two other volunteers who I’m still connected with today. Unfortunately, the role wasn’t the right fit and I chose to step away from volunteering for a while.

As the years passed, I reflected on the mentors I had in my life as a collegian and their lasting impact. As a collegian, Dotti Shields was my chapter key advisor. She was one of the first women in my life, outside of a professional setting, to whom I could look for guidance. She was - and still is - very intentional, thoughtful and genuine in the way she approached mentorship. She is someone who I try emulating in my role as CKA. I had a lot going on in my life at the time and was navigating some difficult challenges and she was such a constant supportive leader and role model for me. Realizing the importance that relationship had on my life opened me up to the idea of volunteering again.

TS: What an important relationship to have at such a pivotal time in your life. And I love that I got to see it come full circle last summer at the advisor summit when you and Dotti were reunited in person, and you were able to share the impact she made on your life and how it stuck with you!

So clearly you got back involved as a volunteer and are now serving as a chapter key advisor. Tell us how that transition came about.

LF: Three or four years ago the Iota Nu Chapter at Sacred Heart University held their “Princess for a Day” event in the town I live in. I brought my daughter and was incredibly impressed with how well run and organized the event was, and how engaged and committed the chapter members were in its success. That’s also when I officially met Marcie Berson, and I quickly got sucked back in. I started working with the Iota Nu Chapter and my involvement has been rapidly increasing ever since!

From the beginning, I set the expectation that I will never give more or work harder than the women in the chapter do, and they always impress me with their effort and level of commitment. Yes, it can be stressful and it’s a lot of work, but I really love it! This is such an important time in their lives as young women. Showing up matters and I want to make myself present and available for those people that need it.

Returning to volunteering, I wanted to give back to our sisters and be the constant that was so important for me as a collegian, but I really underestimated how much I would also benefit from volunteering. It feels great to build relationships that evolve over time, and it has been a real gift watching members grow in confidence and own their skills. 

TS: We’re so glad to have you back involved! But I think your story is particularly important as it shows that being connected doesn’t only mean volunteering, it could be supporting a local chapter event or continuing to foster friendships within the sisterhood.

As you work with today’s collegians, how do you position the importance of staying connected to our sisterhood after graduation?

LF: One of the most beautiful things about Phi Sigma Sigma is its rich tradition and history – the evolution that has happened over the past century and all of the incredible things that women from our sisterhood have overcome, achieved and discovered. I think it is the responsibility of alumnae to keep that tradition and those memories alive.

To keep the organization going in perpetuity, it’s important to remind sisters why they are all here. The ritual and tradition can sometimes get lost amongst the philanthropy events, social engagements, recruitment and all that other stuff, but it’s so important. Not to sound too cheesy, but we’re building to our walls and adding layers onto a rich and beautiful history. But I think the recognition of the value of all of that is a very mature thing and it would be unrealistic to expect collegians to carry that forward on their own. I’ve learned so much more about our history since I’ve graduated and now have the life experience to really appreciate how valuable it is to share in those traditions. And that’s why it’s so important that alumnae continue to remain engaged, our collegiate women need those examples to look to and reflect on as they move through life.

TS: We’ve talked a lot about your volunteer journey but tell me a little bit about your professional journey. What are some highlights?

LF: After college I moved to California and worked in juvenile probation just outside of San Francisco. I’ve always connected with kids that are struggling and know the impact of having just one positive, consistent, present adult. Less than a year later, life brought me back to Connecticut. If I could have picked up that job and brought it with me, I would have.

As a much smaller state, Connecticut had a lot less opportunities and fewer levels of government so there were a lot of obstacles in pursing the career I wanted. I started temping and took a job I didn’t really want at Pepperidge Farm. I ended up being at the company for almost eight-years and it was the right job for me in that season of life. It wasn’t anything I was passionate about, but I was good at it and quickly climbed the ladder within the company. Best of all it gave me the flexibility to go to grad school and obtain my master’s degree in criminal justice. I never gave up on following my passion; there was a point where I was checking 13 different agency websites for job listings every week. However, I continued to persevere and landed a job with the agency I’m at today six and a half years later.

TS: And what advice do you have for sisters who are just starting out on their professional journey?

LF: Never give up on your dreams! It took dedication and commitment but I’m so glad I pursued a path back to the industry where I felt passionate about my work.

I also think the value of networking is so important! And as Phi Sigma Sigma’s we have a built-in network of people who are willing to take the time to help. I always try to give of myself in a way I would have appreciated receiving when I was that age. Any Phi Sig sister could reach out to me for advice, and I would not even hesitate. Anything that I can do to help set them up for the best possible chances of success, I will do it. And I know many alumnae sisters feel the same.