On this episode of the national headquarters series, Kelly chats with Suzanne Haynes Jones, Beta Lambda, who serves as the Director of Development for the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation.
On this episode of the national headquarters series, Kelly chats with Suzanne Haynes Jones, Beta Lambda, who serves as the Director of Development for the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation.
Disclaimer: This transcript was developed with an automated transcription program, spelling and grammar errors may occur.
Kelly
Welcome to the Apha Connect sisterhood series podcast. I'm your host Kelly McGinnis Beck, national president. This podcast is all about sharing the stories of our members and our connection to Alpha Sigma Alpha. Thank you for joining us today. Welcome to the podcast, Suzanne Jones.
Suzanne
Thanks. Thanks for having me excited to chat with you today.
Kelly
I am excited to kick off our series around our national headquarters staff, and letting all of our members get to know all of you a little bit more. So let's start like I do with every guest, tell us your ASA story. How did you become a member? Where did you join? What was your chapter name, all that fun stuff?
Suzanne
Absolutely. So I went to the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas. Awhole three blocks from my parents house. It was not my first choice, but you know, when they offer you good money to attend, you choose to take that route. So I actually didn't join until I was a sophomore. And that story is that I actually didn't plan to stay at UCA, I planned to transfer to the University of North Texas where we go to have a chapter. And it just didn't work out. It wasn't meant to be. So when I came back to campus that fall, I was looking for an opportunity to get involved and make the most of being on campus still and still being in my hometown and making a different experience than say my high school experience. So, I actually joined Alpha Sigma Alpha, through informal recruitment. So for UCA that was, in the fall, they did not have- they have deferred recruitment. So I happened to meet some women, actually, in my freshman year, who were Alpha Sigma Alpha women, and and really built a great bond with them. Alpha Sigma Alpha had a number of women in Honors College, and I was in an Honors College. So they had a great reputation, and they were great women, so it was good to get to know them there. And eventually, they asked me to come get to know them through informal recruitment and did so and received a bid and joined Alpha Sigma Alpha at our Beta Lambda chapter. SIt was a great decision.
Kelly
Obviously, lucky for us that fate stepped in and played the role of keeping you in Central Arkansas so that you became an Alpha Sigma Alpha.
Suzanne
Absolutely.
Kelly
So three blocks from your parents house. I guess that meant you got to go home to do laundry and get a good home cooked meal whenever you wanted.
Suzanne
I did it was very nice. It was definitely a luxury. I did not anticipate appreciating as much as I did by the end of college.
Kelly
Did you live on campus?
Suzanne
I did. So Honors College had its own dorm and they were pretty swanky dorms truthfully. That was a great setup. And then my actually last two years in school, I lived at my parents house, I was the youngest. So none of my siblings were there. And it very much just felt like having roommates at that point, given my busy schedule and their busy schedules. So it was very handy.
Kelly
Oh, fun. That is, a that is a unique story that you don't get to hear from folks very often, but also good that you got to stay on campus and get that full college experience, even though you're so close to home. So I know that you traveled as a leadership consultant after you got out of college. So I imagine that also kind of led into kind of where I want to go and our next question, which was what interested you in joining headquarters staff now you serve today as our Director of Development, but maybe you kind of back up and talk a little bit about the fact that you decided to be a leadership consultant first.
Suzanne
Absolutely. So I graduated in December. So that's not a typical graduation timeline. And Alpha Sigma Alpha, happened to have an opening for our leadership consultants, maybe or so I applied for that. And given that two of my chapter sisters had been leadership consultants ahead of me, I thought very highly of Amy and Natalie both and had seen them both have really great experiences through that and and given that I had gone to college at my hometown, was looking for that opportunity to be able to travel and do some new things. So I applied for that leadership consultant role, and then actually traveled two and a half years as a consultant. So I like to tell people I drank the Kool Aid very hard. So I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved meeting so many of our phenomenal women across the country, many of whom are still very dear friends to me today, as I was saying how their own Alpha Sigma Alpha experiences have developed since I started to know them as collegiate women. So I traveled as a consultant and after I finished consulting, I joined staff, so I served as what at that time was our membership development coordinator. So oversaw discipline and a few of working with our emerging chapters once they were installed, getting them really established as chapters and into best practices, and lots of pieces around that. But that role has changed quite a bit. So I ended up needing to move out of Indiana, my husband and I moved to be closer to family. And so that took me away from that role. And I spent a short snippet working on our membership education program. So helped rework membership education as it is today. And then, as that contract ended up, Krystal and I had a conversation around the Foundation, And truth be told, I think the year prior, I had made a comment, but I would never work in fundraising. That's exactly right. Don't put your foot in your mouth, that is the lesson learned. So Krystal and I had that conversation. And I just never really considered myself a person that was interested in seeking funds from people, but a lot of the work that I do now. So I started as our development coordinator for the Foundation and now serve as Director of Development. But a lot of the work I do takes that opportunity to think strategically and work with people and do a lot of project management. And so while those parts that I think that dreaded about fundraising, about asking people for money, there are so many benefits in that in so many great areas of work, that it definitely has been a blessing to work in that field. And, and once again, yes, never say never. I've come to really love fundraising and the opportunity it provides for me as a professional and for our organization as a whole.
Kelly
So take us back to that conversation with Krystal, what was it that changed your mind to say, I'm going to give this a try, even though I said that I never thought I would do this role?
Suzanne
So she asked if I really considered it. And I said, I honestly said, no. And I said, Let me take a couple weeks to really look it over and look at what's involved in that. Like I said, I had not really thought about it. Also, previously, it had been an in office role. So that just gave me an opportunity to look it over and see what are the pieces that are involved with that, I think it can be easy to think that foundation stuff, all we do is ask people for money. And that's just not quite the whole story of it. So we're really looking at that opportunity to understand that foundation staff works with our donors. So you serve as that liaison to build up great relationships and let our donors recognize the impact they make. So putting together communication efforts to let people see the impact they make in connecting donors to the women that they've impacted, so that they can see firsthand what their donations do on a daily basis. So there's a lot more to it than just asking people for funds. And really looking at all of those aspects brought back what I value most in our organization, which is that relationship development. And I see that every day and the work that I do. And I just continue to see the dividends of the relationships we build in sorority and how that comes back to allow women the opportunity to provide an impact for future generations of Alpha Sigma Alpha women.
Kelly
That's awesome. And it's it's very rewarding work, it sounds like. I think that you've answered this question, but I'm going to ask it just to make sure. So what is the your favorite part about the work that you do today?
Suzanne
Yes, so my favorite part definitely is that relationship building and the impact I know that that work makes. So I think when you think about fundraising as a whole, it does, it can feel like ooh, I don't want to ask people for money. But when you look at it as a much bigger piece of the puzzle to knowing that the foundation has a big impact on our donors make such a big impact on what the Sorority can offer our members. That that is what becomes the most rewarding part, building relationships with donors and allowing them to continue to leave an impact and a legacy for Alpha Sigma Alpha.
Kelly
It all comes back to relationships, doesn't it?
Suzanne
Always, always, always.
Kelly
Awesome. So you work from home? What is that like not being in the office? I imagine there are some pros and cons to being remote.
Suzanne
Absolutely, it is challenging. And I think everyone has had the opportunity for the most part to really learn what that feels like to work in a pandemic, but I do work remotely, even outside of the pandemic. And it has been it's been challenging in some ways, and it definitely is rewarding and others. So one of the biggest rewards to me is that availability to live wherever I happen to live at that time. So when I started with the Foundation, I lived in Texas I live in Louisiana now. And that did not require me to leave my role. So that did provide that flexibility. It also provides the opportunity to connect with people and be much more intentional about my connection with people because I'm not in the office or because I'm not face to face with donors. So I think I've seen that be a big overlap in takeaways from the work I do both in office and with my co workers into how do I operate and work with our board members? And how do I operate and work with our donors. It definitely does have its downside, our sweet office, foundation assistant, Betty is truly what helps make that possible. But he does so much of our in office work, and things that I would normally have a hand in, in office, she makes sure taken care of. And she's so on the ball. And she's so great with donor relations, that I have no doubt when someone calls the office and asks to speak with Betty, that she's going to leave them in the best place possible with every bit of information they need, and making sure that they know how much we truly appreciate them. So it's not possible without her it's also not possible without Krystal also being in the office. So it's very much a team. But the Foundation is a pretty small staff team. And I feel like we work together very, very well. Just a great team to be a part of, and to understand that everyone appreciates what we all bring to the table to make that work.
Kelly
Absolutely. And I have definitely been on the receiving end of some of Betty's notes, and they are great. And she we are we are lucky to have her she certainly wasn't necessarily comfortable coming on and chatting with us. Not everybody is and we respect that. But we definitely send her lots of love and appreciation for all the work that she does on behalf of our members.
Suzanne
Absolutely.
Kelly
Now the other group that you work with, which also is all remote right? Is the Board of Trustees.
Suzanne
Yes.
Kelly
So that probably in some ways helps for you to be remote, I would imagine because you know, it doesn't matter where you are in, you know in the world, in terms of as long as you've got access to connecting with them and the work that you're doing with the board.
Suzanne
Absolutely, I do think it makes me more mindful that our board members are not all together. They're not in one location. And they really aren't all together in one location unless we were on a monthly board call or we are on site at convention or another national event. So it does help me be mindful of the way we think about things. So what resources do they need? Or what background knowledge do they need going into conversations? Have I given my best to prepare them for what that's going to be like? And just being mindful of what that feels like to be not in person with people. But recognize you've got to build a relationship as you are away from others? And how do you do that? So I think it's just it's been very beneficial for me to think of it that way. Because I have to operate on a daily basis that way. It allows me to take those pieces and transfer them over to working with the board.
Kelly
That makes sense. I imagine as well that it gives you a greater appreciation for timezone differences.
Suzanne
If it does, Yes, it does. I actually keep my work computer in Eastern Time Zone, even though I live in Central Time Zone. And it does keep me very mindful of it when I am working with committees and other groups and groups within the foundation. So just being mindful of when we have people who are eastern time or if we have anybody it's central time that we are just being mindful not to be too early or not to be too late. No one wants to be up at, you know, 10:30 at night if at all possible. So making sure that we keep things early. And even when I think about our donors. I keep that in mind too for trustees. So if I know they're going to do outreach, to make sure that some of those partnerships, those pairings are they are I'm not asking an Eastern Time Zone person to make a phone call to somebody on the west coast, just to be mindful that that's probably not going to be an easy connection for them. So just keeping in mind where we all are geographically and even when it comes to building relationships. So you know, setting up communications with donors and trustees that are near one another so that they have the best opportunity to also meet in person in the future and build that personal relationship on site and not just virtually
Kelly
That makes sense. Now you work from home, how do you make sure that you have the ability to turn things off at the end of the day? You know, you don't have a commute right your commute is to go from you know your bedroom, your kitchen to your office. It's not as if you're hopping in a car and driving somewhere that kind of gives you that intentional I've left work I'm now home you were literally working in home blend together. So what are your tips or tricks that you, you use to try to make sure that you separate the two?
Suzanne
Absolutely. So I learned these early through a Facebook subgroup that is sorority fraternity employees who work from hom. That group has been really great for sharing resources and best practices. And most of these are directly from them. But we do have a home office and I, I close the door and when I am not working that doors closed, and I do not go into that space. And I also close the door behind me when I go into work. That is, it's just that mental shift that I'm not still at home, or not still things to think about that are on that ever running list of things that need to be done. And the other piece for me is I always wear not a T shirt and not athletic apparel for work ever. So I have right now I'm in a nice summer dress because it's just hot here. But just making sure that I I feel more put together because it brings that intentionality to Okay, I have a job to get done. And I have recognized that when I am dressed more appropriately in something that's not a T shirt and shorts, that I am just more focused on the work that needs to be done for that. And at the end of the day, that's the same thing that I change out of my quote unquote, work clothes, back into, you know, whatever clothes I'm going to wear to play with my toddler, whatever that happens to be, it's just that mental shift of, Okay, I'm at work now. So here's the work that needs to be done. Here's what I need to do. Just like I would get dressed to go to the office, I get dressed to go to my home office and work I don't wear full, you know, I'm not wearing a full suit every day to work. That's definitely sure. But I'm just making sure that that's a mental thought process for me and to keep that space of where I work very much set to work.
Kelly
Yes, that makes sense. I work from home as well. And so I do many of those same tips and tricks. Although I would definitely say the one thing I don't do is I am not getting dressed up to, unless it depends on what the zoom call is that day, you might see me in a suit, depending on who's on the other end of the screen. But I have definitely embraced the you know, I get out of bed, I'm not working in my pajamas, I firmly believe you know, you get up you change. But I have been known to have sweatshirts and leggings on calls as opposed to completely getting dressed. Although I've thought about that here and there. I'm like, you know, got all these beautiful clothes in my closet that I don't wear. And so when I get dressed up to go out and meet somebody, it's exciting, right? I'm leaving the house, and I'm getting to get dressed up. So I might need to take a page from your book and try to add some more of that, you know, getting out of super casual clothes and being a little bit more dressed up to help me move through that. But I have the same kind of I come in I shut the door, I leave I shut the door, you know, hyper focus on what I've got. And I've tried not to come into the office, because we have a home office as well unless it's work related. Now sorority blends into that for me. So I am in the office daytime and evening. But it is different. So if I don't have a conference call or a zoom call or something to be on, I really try I'll take my iPad, and I'll sit somewhere else in the house to do something else just for that mental break because I do feel like I spend a lot of time in my office.
Suzanne
I can only imagined
Kelly
But I you know it's all set up and very functional for me. So I can't complain about that. And I love that I don't have a commute. I was literally just saying that to my husband this morning as we were watching the news and they were talking about accidents and traffic jams and I'm like, I don't have any of that anymore. And for that I am incredibly grateful.
Suzanne
Absolutely. When we lived in Texas, it was an extra benefit not to have a commute we lived in DFW which is an hour and a half to two hours a day in traffic sitting to get to and from work so I especially at DFW was happy not to have a commute. here in Louisiana. It's not the same. It would not have been a commute like that, but I definitely appreciate it too.
Kelly
Absolutely. Well Suzanne, this has been fun. And before we wrap up, I am going to do a couple of the rapid fire fun questions that we had done with National Council with staff members as well. And so are you ready to answer a couple quick questions on the fly?
Suzanne
Sure. Sounds good.
Kelly
All right. First up, window seat or aisle?
Suzanne
Window seat.
Kelly
What is a song you know all the words to?
Suzanne
Sweet baby James. My son is named James.
Kelly
Oh, that is sweet.
Kelly
What is something most people don't know about you?
Unknown Speaker
I'm a music aficionado and I played classical violin for more years than I care to really admit now.
Kelly
Very cool. salty or sweet?
Suzanne
Sweet.
Kelly
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Suzanne
That's a tough one. Biting fingernails.
Kelly
What is your favorite season?
Suzanne
Fall.
Kelly
What is your favorite holiday?
Suzanne
Thanksgiving.
Kelly
Your favorite word?
Suzanne
Joyous.
Kelly
Appropriate. What is your favorite type of flower?
Suzanne
Roses.
Kelly
Starbucks or dunkin donuts?
Suzanne
Starbucks. I'm sitting here with them right now.
Kelly
Girl after my own heart, beach or mountains?
Suzanne
Beach.
Kelly
And heels or sneakers?
Suzanne
Sneakers.
Kelly
Which I bet you were a lot of at home.
Suzanne
I do. And I think chasing after a little one gets you in the sneakers a lot. But I love running to so sneakers are my love language there.
Kelly
There you go. Well, Suzanne, thanks for joining me today and sharing your story and a little bit about what it's like to work for national headquarters and our Foundation. I think, you know, hopefully members will enjoy learning more about not just the individuals but the roles that each of you play in moving our story forward.
Suzanne
Absolutely. Thank you so much for having me, Kelly.
Kelly
Thanks it was fun and to our listeners, until next time.