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Rachel Cpdfa
Trainer & Facilitator - Organization Development - People Management
Professional Background
Rachel Westra, CPBA, CPDFA, is a distinguished education and leadership development professional with a wealth of experience in higher education administration, particularly in Greek life and fraternity operations. As the current Chief Operating Officer at Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Rachel has significantly contributed to the fraternity's strategic initiatives and operational excellence, ensuring that the organization thrives and continues to uphold its mission of promoting brotherhood, leadership, and community service among its members.
Before rising to the position of COO, Rachel held several essential roles within Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. She initially served as the Director of Leadership Development, where she focused on enhancing the leadership skills of fraternity members. Her dedication to training and development led her to become the Director of Training & Development, a role through which she crafted and delivered comprehensive training programs aimed at fostering personal and professional growth among the fraternity’s members. Eventually, she was appointed Assistant Executive Director of Training & Development, further solidifying her expertise in managing educational programs and initiatives that empower fraternity leaders.
Outside of her influential tenure with Pi Kappa Phi, Rachel has also made significant contributions to other organizations in the higher education sector. She worked as an Independent Contractor and Curriculum Designer for Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, where she focused on creating impactful curriculum and training resources that align with the fraternity's goals. Moreover, her experience as Director of Greek Life at the College of Charleston equipped her with extensive knowledge in managing Greek life programming, including leadership training, recruitment strategies, and community engagement initiatives.
Rachel’s career began at the University of South Carolina, where she initially served as a Graduate Assistant for Greek Life. This role marked the beginning of her committed journey in higher education administration, where she eventually took on increasingly responsible positions including Assistant Director of Greek Life and Assistant to the Associate Vice President for Student Life.
Currently, as COO of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Rachel leads with a visionary approach, dedicated to fostering a supportive and engaging environment where fraternity members can develop their skills, enhance their leadership abilities, and contribute positively to their communities. Her innovative strategies have contributed to the fraternity’s growth and success, making a lasting impact on the lives of many young leaders.
Education and Achievements
Rachel Westra holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Higher Education Administration from the University of South Carolina-Columbia, a program that provided her with a robust foundation in the principles of educational leadership, policy formation, and administration in higher education settings. This advanced degree has significantly enhanced her capacity to implement effective leadership development programs and training initiatives tailored for fraternity members.
Prior to her master’s degree, she received a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication from Virginia Tech. Her undergraduate studies cultivated her ability to communicate effectively, a crucial skill for engaging diverse groups and promoting collaboration within the educational and Greek life sectors. Rachel's educational background, combined with her practical experience, positions her as an expert in the realms of educational training, leadership development, and organizational management.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Rachel has achieved numerous milestones and accolades. Notably, her leadership roles within Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity have allowed her to initiate and oversee critical training programs that have not only advanced the fraternity's mission but also positively impacted the broader Greek community. Her designs for educational curriculum and leadership frameworks are recognized for their effectiveness in preparing fraternity members to succeed both during their college years and beyond.
As an advocate for the personal and professional growth of students, Rachel has been instrumental in promoting initiatives that foster inclusivity, diversity, and community engagement within Greek life. Her commitment to enhancing the leadership experience continues to resonate with members and stakeholders alike, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to excellence in higher education administration.
Achievements
Rachel Westra's career is characterized by numerous significant achievements and contributions, including:
- Successful implementation of comprehensive training programs for collegiate Greek organizations.
- Development of tailored curriculum resources that align with fraternity goals, leading to enhanced member engagement and success.
- Effectively managing and directing training programs at Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity that catalyze personal growth among members.
- Advancing Greek life programming at the College of Charleston through innovative leadership strategies.
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Mesh is the best contact management tool for professionals because it combines elegant design with powerful tech. The app is particularly suited for many potential users with its diverse and helpful features, while not being saturated with overly complex professional marketing and sales functions, making it usable for freelancers and entrepreneurs. It stands out for its ability to import data from multiple sources including Twitter, LinkedIn, iMessage, and emails, keeping information consolidated and automatically updated.
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Mesh is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Mesh beneficial.
Mesh offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Mesh offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Mesh's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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