Meet Bryleigh Giffin: Our March Leading Woman

Bryleigh was chosen to serve on the PHA Executive Board as the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion! Hear more about her experience in Theta and her new position below:

Name: Bryleigh Giffin

Major: Journalism with an emphasis in Strategic Communication and Theatre with an emphasis in Performance

Hometown: Oak Grove, Missouri

What are your career and life goals?

I don’t have a set plan in place, but I do know that I want to do people-centered work and be an advocate for unheard voices. Both of my majors allow me to have a lot of opportunity in various fields I could go into, whether it’s journalism, arts administration, law, advertising, or who knows what else! I know that I just strive to find something that makes me happy. I also am looking for a career with leadership opportunities as I really enjoy being a leader throughout my college career. I would definitely want to find a company that ignites the opportunity to become a leader in my field.

What is your favorite part about your major and why did you choose it?

There is a lot of overlap between my majors when it comes to storytelling and human connection, which is something I am super passionate about! I have always been really people driven in all that I do, and both of my majors are able to incorporate that in an educational way. The Mizzou Theatre and Performance Studies Department has truly inspired me and pushed me to continue pursuing my love for performance art. I was recently able to attend the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region 5 Conference where I was recognized for my work as a stage manager for “American Girl(s).” Without my pursuit of my theatre major, I would have never been able to accomplish this. Attending the first Journalism School in the country is such a privilege, and I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to learn more about strategic communication and the impact it has on consumers.

What organizations or hobbies are you passionate about?

Along with Theta and PHA, I am also involved on campus as the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Involvement Ambassadors, and as Publicist for Alpha Psi Omega, a theatre honors fraternity. I am really passionate about the Involvement Ambassadors program because I am able to directly guide students in how to get involved during their time at Mizzou, and how involvement can help them prosper in their post college life. APO is one of my favorite organizations, not only because of the amazing executive board I get to serve alongside, but also because of the community that it fosters. Through our events, we are able to bring the arts into service, fellowship, and scholarship, and it is so much fun!

You are serving on the 2025 PHA Executive Board as the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion! What does this position mean to you, and what are your goals for PHA this year?

I was inspired to apply for this position after my time as a Panhellenic Counselor, where I learned so much about PHA’s impact on people throughout formal recruitment. The position for Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was one that definitely scared me at first! But once I really had time to develop my thoughts and ideas for this position, I found that I am exactly where I am meant to be and doing exactly what I was meant to be doing. To me, this position means listening to the overall climate and needs of the PHA community; it means striving for inclusivity in all that we do throughout PHA in our programming, events, and recruitment. A speaker that I saw at a recent leadership conference discussed that one of the number one reasons that someone decides to go through PHA recruitment is to find a sense of belonging. In order to meet the goals of all of these potential new members, we have to first work to create an inclusive environment where everyone can know that they truly belong here. In my term, some of my main goals are to work to create better internal education regarding DEI initiatives that all chapters do, accommodation plans and accessibility throughout recruitment, and to strive overall to listen to active members and what change they would like to see be made to create a more inclusive community. 

How have your experiences in Theta changed you?

Being part of Theta has been a transformative experience for me. It has given me the confidence to step into leadership roles, empowering me to trust in my abilities and make a positive impact within my chapter and across campus. Through this sisterhood, I’ve found a source of strength, support, and inspiration away from home. I have been able to learn the value of collaboration and determination through experiences like in 2024 when we won BOTH Greek Week and Homecoming! Through this it has given me the type of memories I will share for years to come. Being in Theta has instilled such confidence in me knowing that I am a part of something bigger and greater than myself! 

What does Theta mean to you?

To me, Theta is more than some really awesome letters and four walls I call home. It is about all of the people I have met inside of it that showcase traits that inspire me and push me to be a better person. It is where I found my people before I even went to my first college class, and it has shaped me into the leading woman I am today. When I was going through recruitment something that stood out to me was Theta’s motto, “Leading Women.” Not only did the words stand out to me, but the members inside really encapsulated what that motto truly is. It was not just words to them, but an inspiration which really led me into knowing I found my home within the PHA Community.  I am so honored to now be the highlighted “Leading Woman” this month.  It feels so full circle back to my freshman self that looked up to all of the amazing leading women within my chapter.

Do you have any advice for underclassmen?

My piece of advice for underclassmen would be to always be open to making a new friend! One of my favorite parts about our sisterhood is that our connections go beyond just our own member class but to all members of our chapter. My freshman year I looked up to the upperclassmen and was so astonished by how talented and driven they were! I am so grateful that I took the time to make those connections with upperclassmen to create friends that will last a lifetime and I can always reach out to whether it is a question about capstones, career, or just advice!

Do you have a specific favorite Theta memory?

Some of my favorite people in Theta are a part of my pledge family! Theta’s Big/Little event every year has been so special to watch my family grow and include new amazing people I get to call my best friends!