Q&A with Past Grand Archon Sandy Grossman

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.

Sandy Grossman served as Grand Archon from 2002-2009. She is an alumna of the Gamma Nu Chapter at Rutgers University - New Brunswick. Professionally, Sandy has worked for s start-up, major Fortune 500 companies and been an entrepreneur, starting her own business. She currently works on Phi Sigma Sigma Headquarters staff as Director of Programs & Services and serves as the treasurer of the National Housing Corporation.

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?

Sandy Grossman: Phi Sigma Sigma gives young women an opportunity to develop leadership skills in a safe environment. When I work with collegiate leaders, I like to remind them that now is the time to figure out how to work with people to achieve your goals. Phi Sigma Sigma taught me every problem has a solution and how to gain agreement. I learned how to motivate people and make connections. I credit the skills I developed as a collegiate chapter officer, an educational leadership consultant (field representative in my day), a Fraternity volunteer and as a board member with providing the foundation for so many of my professional achievements.

And of course, I would be remiss if I did not also acknowledge the many special friendships I made working together with my sisters across the country over the years. Those relationships are the true treasures of my membership.

TS: Speaking of friendships, tell me about a Phi Sigma Sigma sister who has had a significant influence in your life and why?

SG: I probably owe my entire life trajectory to Kim Kowalski O’Halloran. Kim is my chapter sister, although we were not in the chapter together. She was a national officer when I was an undergraduate and taught me the meaning of sorority intergenerational friendship. She encouraged me to work for Phi Sig after graduation. She helped me find my first career path in advertising and marketing, which was her industry at the time. In my early 20s, she and her husband spent countless nights listening to my boy drama and never threw me out of their apartment. She supported me in my early roles in Phi Sigma Sigma and also helped me develop professional skills that would advance my career. She took a million phone calls from me (don’t forget this is before people were just a text away) on so many topics – how do I find a vendor to do this, how can I get a better price, how do I manage my terrible boss. Because of our relationship, I found my first profession and her mentorship made me a rising star at my first few jobs even though we did not work together. And in the testament of true sisterhood, while she is not a person I talk to in my current day-to-day life, if either of us picks of the phone I know we are there for each other to this day.

I would also say that the Past Grand Archons I’ve had the opportunity to learn from all made their mark on the kind of leader I would become. The love, support and sometimes hard truths I received from Veachey Bloom, Jeanine Jacobs Goldberg, Louise Kier Zirretta, Judith Distler, Josette George and Chris Senseney makes belonging to that unique “club” of Past GA’s very special. I especially miss my conversations with Josette, who had a truly special way of looking at challenging situations and guiding me through problem solving.

TS: You've remained involved with Phi Sigma Sigma ever since you graduated. Why do you believe it is important to stay connected and what benefits does our sisterhood offer after graduation?

SG: I am so disappointed when I hear people say “I was a Phi Sigma Sigma in college” because you are a Phi Sigma Sigma for life! I am a networker and a connector, and it brings me a lot of personal joy to help people make transitions – personal and professional – through their Phi Sigma Sigma membership. I know that everyone doesn’t feel this way, but I hope all sisters know that Phi Sigma Sigma is here for you when and if you want it.

Your closest Phi Sigma Sigma friendships could be with people you meet in the future – through a move, a new job or another life situation. Looking to change career paths, why not turn to a network that was built to support you. In a new city, why not lean on your sisters to find the answers to questions you have. My son is currently studying abroad in London, and his roommate’s mom is a Phi Sigma Sigma from the University of Maryland. When I met Melissa on sophomore year move-in day, we had an instant connection that has grown to looking after each other’s kids and commiserating (or sharing the joys) of raising young men. You never know where you will find your next sister friend, but if you use your Phi Sigma Sigma membership to find connections we are always here for you!