Meet Tina Safron: Our February Leading Woman

Tina is studying to be a Physician Assistant. She works with the Health Department, distributing free 24/7 Naxalone Distribution boxes. Read about the critical role she played in this public health initiative and her love for Theta!

Name: Tina Safron

Major: Health Science (Pre-Physician's Assistant)

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

What are your career/life goals? I want to be a Physician Assistant working in women’s health, either in labor and delivery or breast radiology/oncology. I’m very passionate about this field and am already working as a tech at University Hospital on the Maternal Newborn Unit to gain experience.

What is your favorite part about your major and why did you choose it? As someone wanting to go to Physician Assistant school, I knew I needed a degree that would help me complete all of my prerequisite courses, but I didn’t want to major in Biology. When I saw that Mizzou offered Health Science as a pathway for professional programs, I knew I wanted to go that route instead. I get all my science courses done, but I also get to learn a lot about the healthcare system, how insurance works, how different communities have different health needs, and more. It has been very important in preparing me to work with people from all different backgrounds.

What are you most excited for about your future career? I’ve always loved medicine and the idea of treating patients, but the part I’m most excited about in my future career is connecting with people. I think a big part of being a good provider is forming relationships with your patients in order to collaborate on their well-being and help them feel heard.

What organizations or hobbies are you passionate about? I am very passionate about the volunteer work I do at the health department. Over the summer of 2025, I began working with the Boone County Overdose Response Coalition. I never thought I would do any sort of work in public health, but this opportunity fell into my lap after a Narcan training for my CNA course.

The main project I have assisted with is free 24/7 naloxone distribution boxes. I helped generate possible locations to establish them, create a process to determine priority levels for different locations, and go on-site as we placed the boxes. Now, I stop by weekly to document how much is being distributed into the community and refill them. This experience has taught me so much about substance use disorders, harm-reduction strategies, and overcoming biases.

How have your experiences in Theta changed you? Theta has so many intelligent, involved, and motivated women. Ever since freshman year, I truly looked up to the older members around me, and it inspired me to get more involved as well. Watching them give their all and be successful raised my confidence and made me want to do the same.

What does Theta mean to you? Theta means connection and community to me. Although being a part of this sorority has given me leadership opportunities and ways to get involved in the Columbia community, it wouldn’t be what it is without the people. I’ve found some of the most fun, reliable, and encouraging friendships here. Even if I’m not someone’s best friend, everyone is open to chatting, sitting together, or meeting someone new in the chapter. Connecting with people is very important to me, and I’m grateful Theta has such an incredible village to depend on.

Do you have any advice for the underclassmen? The biggest advice I have for underclassmen is to remember that this sorority and this school will give back what you put in. There are hundreds of opportunities for friendships, involvement, leadership, and more, but those things don’t just appear — you have to apply yourself as you find them.

It can be scary to put yourself out there or apply for things, but don’t let imposter syndrome or nerves stop you. Those

opportunities are what will create your college stories and memories.

Do you have a specific favorite Theta memory? My favorite Theta memory has to be Big-Little Reveal from my freshman year. I joined Theta a little later than most girls and was unsure about who my Big or my pledge family would be, but I ended up with the best one possible. Although my Big was a surprise, as I got to know her I realized she’s my other half. I couldn’t ask for a better guide or supporter through my problems and the chaos of freshman year. She always made me feel so loved.

I also got three of the best pledge cousins in the world. Since freshman year, we’ve been inseparable. They are my go-to people for all things happy, sad, embarrassing, funny, and more. We may not be blood-related, but they are more than my friends — they are my family.