Meet Jackie Brideau, Kappa Omicron
We had the chance to sit down with Rose & White Giving Program member and Delta Area Collegiate Relations Coordinator Jackie Brideau, Kappa Omicron, and hear more about how just one conversation changed the way she thought about giving to Phi Mu Foundation.
What made your collegiate Phi Mu experience special?
Being a founding member of my chapter, I feel like my entire collegiate experience was special! So much of what I learned during those years was because of advisers and Chapter Consultants who were pushing me to be my very best. If it weren’t for their leadership and support, empowering me to be confident in my own abilities, I don’t know that I would have pursued leadership positions in my chapter.
What inspired you to join a Phi Mu Foundation giving program?
When I attended my first Convention in 2014, I started to gain a much better understanding of how the Foundation’s funding helped to impact women just like me. Realizing that my chapter wouldn’t be the same without Chapter Consultants who guided us, and that there were women all across the country that may not be able to pursue their degree without the scholarships from the Foundation really put into perspective how important the Foundation really is to our sisterhood. I knew that I wanted to be a part of that.
What legacy do you hope to leave for Phi Mu through your gifts to Phi Mu Foundation?
I hope that I can give someone a chance to have the same wonderful experience in Phi Mu that I did! If I can help just one girl become the woman that she is destined to be, then I feel that I have done my part.
Some members think because they can’t make a large gift, that they shouldn’t give at all. What advice would you give women who are considering making a gift – small or large?
Past Foundation Trustee Sharon Staley once said to me, “I started giving to the Foundation with just one dollar.” For her to say that was so incredible and really resonated with me. I may not have hundreds of dollars a month to give right now, but I do have a few dollars I can start with. I’m going to put my money where my heart is, and know that no matter what the amount is that I give, I am having a positive impact on another sister’s life!
The first place recipient of the 2018 Gerald and Sheldon Pollack Award is Ashley Fleck, Theta Zeta. Ashley has spent countless hours working to improve the rights of women on a global scale, not only as an intern at various organizations, but also as the Panhellenic Vice President of Philanthropy, and member of the Circle of Sisterhood. She is active in her chapter as Philanthropy Chair, leading her sisters in raising more than $67,000 for Children’s Miracle Network last year. She spends her spare time volunteering at Children’s Hospital of Atlanta & Grady Hospital, Atlanta Mission Homeless Shelters, and Fulton County Animal Services.
The second place recipient of the 2018 Gerald and Sheldon Pollack Award is another incredible woman, Kori Bowen, Rho Alpha. Hospitalized as a child at Riley Children’s Hospital, Kori grew up with a passion for supporting Children’s Miracle Network. After she joined Phi Mu, she took on the role of Philanthropy Chair and also represents the chapter as Director of Family Relations for Dance Marathon. She also finds time in her busy schedule to volunteer outside of Phi Mu with the Riley Children’s Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House and Gleaner’s Food Bank.
