Meet Anna Chellis, our November Leading Woman!

Anna founded a chapter of Bridge USA at the University of Missouri in 2024. Hear more about her time as president of Bridge Mizzou and her love for Theta!

Name: Anna Chellis

Major: Political Science and French

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

What inspired you to start Bridge Mizzou?

When I was in high school, I carried a lot of anger toward “the other side.” I was caught in an online echo chamber that constantly painted opposing views in a negative light. Those streams of thought started to harm my relationships with the people closest to me. Over time, I realized that the people on the other side weren’t the villains they were made out to be, especially when there were many people in my life who had strong, respectable morals and aligned politically with the other side. I also came to understand that most people care about politics because they want to make a positive difference in others’ lives, and their intentions often come from a real desire to help. I needed to shift from trying to change other people’s beliefs to actually listening and leading with curiosity and asking about the life experiences that shaped their political views. When I did that, I discovered we had far more in common than I expected, including many of the same core values. After we established that connection, it became much easier to understand why they held certain opinions. Ultimately, it’s about de-villainizing other people and breaking that polarization in order to have more constructive politics.

What has been your biggest challenge as founder and president of Bridge Mizzou?

The biggest challenge I’ve faced as founder and president of Bridge Mizzou has been encouraging highly polarized students to engage with people who hold different values without immediately engaging in debate. There is a common misconception that our goal is to create moderates or to shame those with strong beliefs, when in reality, our purpose is the opposite. Bridge Mizzou emphasizes that considering other people’s beliefs doesn’t weaken your own, but actually helps refine and strengthen them. By listening to the experiences that shape someone else’s political outlook, we get a better understanding of their values and those we often align with. We’re not trying to persuade anyone to switch political parties. We’re trying to humanize one another and create space for conversations that build understanding rather than division.

How has leading Mizzou’s Bridge USA chapter shaped you personally?

Leading Mizzou’s Bridge USA chapter has shaped me in so many different ways. It has made me a stronger moderator in tense conversations and a better listener overall, and playing devil’s advocate has helped me critique and ultimately strengthen my own beliefs. I’ve also formed meaningful friendships and gained a deeper appreciation for the nuanced perspectives people share in political conversations. Hearing our members’ personal anecdotes has allowed me to connect with them more genuinely, including building a strong bond with my executive board. The experience has also boosted my confidence in my improved public speaking skills and made me more comfortable meeting new people. One of the most rewarding ways it’s shaped me is that I’ve watched the organization grow since my freshman year and have been able to see the tangible impact of the work I’ve put into it.

What are your career and life goals?

I’m really interested in drafting legislation and passionate about working across the aisle to create more productive policymaking, which draws me towards eventually working as a legislator. At the same time, I love law, especially interpreting the Constitution and legal documents, which makes law school and potentially becoming a judge another path I’m deeply drawn to. Beyond my career, one of my biggest life goals is to own a home that feels like a sanctuary, a place where I can regularly gather the people I love. In another life, I’d probably be an architect or interior designer, and I think putting that creative energy into my own space would help balance and rejuvenate me from the demanding realities of public service.

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

My favorite part of studying political science is knowing that I’m working toward helping people from the top down and addressing issues at their source, rather than being part of the cleanup crew when legislation fails to support us. My mom always taught me to leave a place cleaner than I found it, and I want to have a career where I can do this every day. I added French because I wanted to continue the language I learned in high school, but also because learning another language is something truly special. It gives you deeper insight into a culture different from your own. Having two vocabularies expands the ways you can express ideas and broadens my perspectives. It also just grounds me by reminding me how many worlds exist beyond my own experiences.

What does Theta mean to you?

To me, Theta is being surrounded by incredibly motivated and inspiring people. Even sitting in the cafeteria, I’ll overhear conversations about what people are doing after lunch and some are heading back to the hospital for their shifts as RNs, others are studying for the LSATs, or leading youth groups, and it’s energizing to witness that level of dedication. It’s easy to fall into unhelpful habits when you’re not surrounded by people who push you to do more, so being part of a community where everyone understands the challenges of balancing time-consuming, high-pressure commitments is incredibly beneficial to me. Theta has a safe, supportive environment because we all mutually agree to encourage one another, celebrate successes, and help each other navigate the stresses that come with pursuing ambitious goals.

How has your experience in Theta changed you?

My experience in Theta has made me more socially outgoing because I feel supported to engage in activities that feel authentic to me. It’s a community of familiar, friendly faces where everyone knows each other’s names. Being surrounded by all women creates a comforting, homey atmosphere that almost feels like a small town. I’ve also gained a deeper appreciation for the structure of a sorority because seeing a group of twenty-year-old women manage a house, coordinate activities, lead service projects, and run philanthropic efforts is impressive. It’s rewarding to contribute to a system that positively impacts so many people.

Do you have a specific favorite Theta memory?

One of my favorite recent Theta memories was after initiation, when I got to see my g-little officially welcomed into the chapter and celebrate that moment with her and my little. It reminded me of the excitement and joy I felt during my own initiation, and seeing her experience that for herself was really meaningful. I’m so grateful for my pledge family and the strong, natural connection I’ve been able to build with them. It’s made my time in Theta feel even more special.

What advice do you have for our underclassmen in Theta or at Mizzou in general?

There are so many life-changing opportunities available through Mizzou and Theta. Take the time to explore them and find something that truly inspires you. Then, just go for it, and if you feel scared, just do it scared, because it’s often not as intimidating as you think it is, and there is so much potential gain.