Meet Abby Brennan and Juliann Gabrielson, our May Leading Women!

Abby, our Fundraising Director, and Juliann, our Vice President of External Affairs, spearheaded our philanthropy events for CASA Heart of Missouri and the Theta Foundation this past month, including Pasta for CASA and Cornhole for CASA! Through their efforts, Theta raised $14,285 to donate to CASA and the Theta Foundation. Hear more about them and their passion for our philanthropy below:

Name: Abby Brennan

Major: Biological Sciences and Health Humanities

Hometown: Plano, Texas

What are your career and life goals?

I want to go to medical school to become a doctor!

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

I love that I get to learn about health from both a scientific perspective as well as a societal standpoint. I love learning why things happen and both of my majors allow me to deep dive into the root causes of healthcare issues as well as equip me with tools to hopefully make a positive change in the future.

You serve as our Fundraising Director and pulled off a successful philanthropy season for Theta this past semester! What makes you passionate about raising money for CASA and the Theta Foundation?

I am passionate about raising money for CASA and the Theta Foundation because they both work so hard to better the lives of children and women. Knowing I can help them continue to make an impact in the community is so empowering!

What are you most proud of as your time as our Fundraising Director so far?

Throughout my time as fundraising director this far, I am most proud of introducing a new event, Pasta for CASA and seeing everyone’s excitement and enthusiasm! My job isn’t possible without support from my sisters and I am so grateful they have been as excited about supporting CASA and the Theta Foundation as I am.

What does Theta mean to you?

To me, Theta is the embodiment of leadership rooted in love. It’s a place where I have been encouraged to embrace continuous growth, knowing I am supported every step of the way. Through every high and low, I have felt the strength of a community that lifts each other up and celebrates each other’s wins. Theta has taught me what it means to lead with compassion and the power of being surrounded by people who believe in you!

Do you have a specific favorite Theta memory?

Big/Little Reveal! I love my pledge family so much, and can’t imagine my Theta experience without them!

Name: Juliann Gabrielson

Major: Nutrition and Exercise Physiology

Hometown: Chillicothe, Missouri

What are your career and life goals?

Following my undergraduate education, I hope to attend medical school and one day become an Obstetrician Gynecologist for women’s health.

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

I was originally studying Biochemistry but ultimately decided to switch to a more real-life life as a physician. Learning how your body digests different nutrients and how activity affects metabolism pathways have made me more conscious of the impact of food intake on overall health.

You serve as our Vice President of External Affairs and pulled off a successful philanthropy season for Theta this past semester! What makes you passionate about raising money for CASA and the Theta Foundation?

One thing I absolutely love about creating philanthropy events for CASA and the Theta Foundation is seeing so many chapter members and those in the community enjoy it. Often, the idea of serving the community or raising money is associated with hard work or boring jobs. While it is hard, it can also be so fun and rewarding. CASA and the Theta Foundation do such amazing work, and I am so glad that I had a part in raising awareness and funding.

What is something you’re looking forward to next semester as Vice President of External Affairs?

Next semester I am looking forward to all the creative ideas the officers in my focus group come up with. Each officer has a unique perspective on how to improve their role in the chapter and the experience of our members. I can’t wait to support them in pursuing all their new ideas.

What does Theta mean to you?

To me, Theta has been an opportunity for growth. I’ve seen growth in the friendships I have made through the chapter; now I can proudly say that I have met some of the greatest people and my best friends. I have also had tremendous growth, in my leadership, involvement, collaboration skills, and overall life skills. I think that Theta has pushed me to be a better version of myself and am so thankful for the opportunity.

Do you have a specific favorite Theta memory?

My favorite Theta memory has been living in the third floor six-man. There isn’t one moment I can pinpoint as my favorite, but I have a million tiny, wonderful moments that all add up to create a great experience.