True and Constant Podcast

#1: Breaking Barriers: Kathryn Childers, The Original Trailblazer

Joining Emma and Lex in an empowering conversation is Kathryn Childers (Colorado-Boulder), who made history as one of the first five female U.S. Secret Service special agents hired in 1971. She joined 1,100 men in the elite agency where she shot holes in the glass ceiling, investigating counterfeit, working undercover and protecting the president and world leaders. Fondly called the “Pistol Packin’ Nanny,” Kathryn was charged with protecting the Kennedy children – Caroline and John Jr. – while traveling the globe with Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Emma and Lex dive deeper into Kathryn’s history and her current life as a public speaker and author. Plus, they find out what it really means to live up to her mantra— “Do it scared!”

#2: Author by Day, Sleuth by Night

Hosts Emma and Lex delve deeper into Shelli R. Johannes's (Georgia) career transition from corporate America to becoming an illustrious author and senior copywriter. Shelli has published over 25 children’s books, including the “Cece Loves Science” series, “Penny (An Engineering Tale of the Fourth Pig)” and the new “Farm Friends” series. In addition to penning five teen novels, she is the author of the “Theo Thesaurus” series, “Shine Like A Unicorn” and “Florence Nightingale,” based on the “She Persisted” series by Chelsea Clinton. Join the conversation about her Gamma Phi Beta experience, the multitude of voices she brings to life through her words and her own pack of unicorns at home.

#3: A Roadmap to Living Your Passion

Self-proclaimed "boss babe" Harper Matthews (Pepperdine) dedicates her days to seeking out the most promising emerging leaders on college campuses across North America as a university recruiter for Washington, D.C.-based McKinsey & Company. In this episode of “The True and Constant Podcast,” Harper imparts wisdom to sisters of all ages, particularly those on the brink of graduation and about to embark on their first professional endeavors. She delves into topics such as networking, navigating the corporate landscape and becoming a catalyst for positive change.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Harper actively supports numerous organizations dedicated to empowering women, advocating for youth and improving the lives of communities of color. She channels her fervor for fostering genuine communities and her expertise in recruitment, retention and member experience into her volunteer roles. These roles include past positions such as Gamma Phi Beta Nominating Committee member and current roles such as membership services chair for the National Urban League Young Professionals.

#4: The Healing Power of Art

Mallory Montgomery (Alma), MS, ATCS, ATR-BC, CCTP, has a deep commitment to healing and social change, Mallory's contributions extend far beyond the therapy room.

As a board-certified art therapist and certified clinical trauma professional, Mallory brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and compassionate support to her work. Currently serving as the Director of Counseling and Advocacy for a survivorship program dedicated to individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, Mallory is deeply invested in empowering survivors to reclaim their lives and find healing through creative expression.

In addition to her clinical role, Mallory is a trailblazer in the field of mental health advocacy. She is actively engaged in efforts to license art therapists in Michigan, working tirelessly within the state legislature to expand access to vital mental health services for underserved communities.

Outside of her advocacy work, Mallory is a dedicated artist who finds solace and inspiration in creative expression. From figure drawing to watercolor, acrylic, and oil painting, as well as ceramics, Mallory's artistic talents enrich both her personal life and her therapeutic practice.

#5: Capturing the Magic

A seasoned photographer, Ren Morrison (Southern Methodist) is renowned for photographically capturing esteemed figures across diverse sectors.

With a portfolio that boasts collaborations with US Presidents and foreign dignitaries, celebrities, artists and industry leaders, she demonstrates a broad talent forming connections—visual and interpersonal—with some of the most inspirational individuals across the globe.

Ren's work has featured prominently in prestigious publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, Modern Luxury, Travel & Leisure, D Magazine, and Voyage Magazine, where it has garnered acclaim. She has been recognized as one of the Top 40 Women Under 40 in the United States by The Crescent, further solidifying her status as a leading talent in the industry.

Ren tells all in our True and Constant Podcast about what it’s like to be a world-renowned photographer, how she gets the best shot and most importantly, what it means to be a Gamma Phi Beta. 

#6: Community Over Competition

Being your own boss can be difficult. Just take it from entrepreneurs Mari Jones (Colgate) and Abby Wempe (Kansas State). They both agree that it takes a support system to help you rise up and overcome the obstacles of entrepreneurship. Join our True and Constant Podcast hosts, Lex and Emma, as they explore the power of community within entrepreneurialism with Mari and Abby!

California native Mari Jones grew up playing, camping and learning to drive on her father’s sprawling Sonoma-Cutrer estate. By 12, she took her first trip to Burgundy with her father. It was there that Mari discovered pinot noir and became hooked. After earning a degree in philosophy at Colgate University, Mari lived in Colorado before returning to Sonoma in 2012 to work with her father. At Emeritus Vineyards, Mari has led the transition and transformation of the Emeritus team to the next generation of pinot noir icons. She oversees all aspects of Emeritus Vineyards, cultivating the highest standards of excellence. Under her leadership, both estate vineyards have become certified sustainable and carbon negative.

Raised in Lawrence, Kansas, Abby Wempe was inspired by her parents’ dedication to their professions. Drawing from her father's experience as a golf pro on event days and her mother's skills as a nurse, Abby became an event planner. Abby loves the excitement, stress and anticipation that comes with pulling off amazing events. After graduating from Kansas State University in 2011, she took a corporate job [remove comma] but quickly realized her true passion was the hospitality industry. Since 2013, she has fully embraced working weekends and diving into the entrepreneur lifestyle as an event planner

#7: Valuing Connections

The July episode of The True and Constant Podcast has a very special and familiar guest, International President Autumn L. Hansen (Idaho)!

Autumn is currently finishing her second term as International President of Gamma Phi Beta. Autumn has served on IC since 2012 as Education Vice President (2012-16), Alumnae Vice President (2016-18) and Vice President (2018-20). Before becoming International President, she chaired the Sorority’s Governance and Personnel Committee and was also a member of the Leadership Development Committee. A member of Xi Chapter at the University of Idaho, Autumn has Bachelor of Science degrees in sociology, psychology and crime and justice studies. She also has a master’s degree in social work from Indiana University. 

Professionally, Autumn is a licensed clinical social worker and currently works at the IU Health Employee Assistance Program as a clinical supervisor and counselor. She recently became a certified employee assistance professional. Autumn lives in Whitestown, Indiana, with her spouse, Nathan Hand, and twin daughters, Mary Jo and Hazel.

With over 14 years of volunteer experience for Gamma Phi Beta, Autumn offers valuable insights into serving at every level of Gamma Phi Beta’s volunteer structure. Join hosts Emma and Lex as they explore what it’s like to be International President with Autumn in the latest edition of our True and Constant Podcast. 

#8: Timeless Sisterhood

Calling all wine enthusiasts — this one's for you! The August edition of The True and Constant Podcast features two special guests: Carey Kaspari (Indiana), proprietor of Fairwinds Estate Winery and First Moon Napa Valley, and her daughter, Megan Kaspari (Colorado-Boulder). Fun fact: First Moon Napa Valley is the only wine brand made exclusively for Gamma Phi Betas!

Carey is a graduate of Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, holding degrees in international studies and marketing. As the owner of three multimillion-dollar companies — Global Tracks, the Professional Education Society and Sunrise Travel — she brings over 30 years of extensive experience in the travel industry. Having explored more than 100 countries, Carey reflects, “Travel inspires me more than anything else I do.” She resides in Pueblo, Colorado, with her husband and business partner, Mark Kaspari, and their four children.

Megan, originally from Pueblo, Colorado, is currently pursuing a double major in accounting and finance at the University of Colorado-Boulder. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor adventures with friends and family. Having just completed her junior year, Megan recently returned from a study abroad program in Barcelona, Spain. A proud member of Gamma Phi Beta for the past three years, she now enjoys living off-campus with her sisters.

#9: An Entrepreneurial Legacy

Recorded live at our 81st Convention this past June in Chicago, we had the pleasure of hosting Cary Singleton (Southern California) from the Singleton Foundation.

Cary is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, writer and producer. Following her Initiation at Convention 2006 in Phoenix, Arizona, she founded Singleton Ink, where she develops stories for film, stage and books. In 2015, she and her husband, Will, launched the Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship, aiming to combat financial illiteracy and promote entrepreneurship as a path to personal success. At this year’s Convention, Gamma Phi Beta announced an exciting partnership with the Singleton Foundation to provide members with dynamic tools and education on financial literacy, wellness and entrepreneurship.

Join True and Constant Podcast host Emma Oremus (St. Louis) and special guest host Jessica Budzianowski (College of Idaho) as they chat with Cary about her journey with Gamma Phi Beta, the creation of the Singleton Foundation and much more.

#10: The Five Ring Circus

Who runs the world? Girls! Hosts Emma and Lex dive into that question as they sail through the impressive accomplishments of five-time Canadian Olympian Nikola Girke (British Columbia). In this episode, they explore how Nikola measures success and what it truly means to be a Gamma Phi Beta.

Nikola is one of the few athletes to successfully transition between sports, having competed in three different disciplines at the Olympic Games (sailing and windsurfing). As an International Coaching Federation master certified coach, she brings extensive experience working with individuals from entry-level contributors to C-suite executives worldwide. As an executive coach, Nikola serves as a thinking partner, using the parallels between sport and business to align with her clients' needs and goals. Founder of Own Your Podium Coaching, she is committed to helping forward-thinking professionals define and achieve their personal concept of success. Her motto, 'Dare to dream, dare to achieve, dare to succeed,' embodies her approach. Nikola graduated from the University of British Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in human kinetics in 1999 and calls Vancouver, British Columbia, home.

#11 I Can't Not Try

Emma Oremus (St. Louis) and Lex Stewart (Ohio) welcome star of stage and screen Kelli O’Hara (Oklahoma City)!

Kelli has earned her place as one of Broadway’s leading ladies, with a career that includes 12 Broadway productions and eight Tony Award nominations. She won the 2015 Tony Award for best leading actress in a musical for her role as Anna Leonowens in “The King and I.” Beyond Broadway, Kelli is also an Emmy, SAG, Olivier and Grammy-nominated actress.

When she’s not on stage, you can catch Kelli’s Emmy-nominated performance in the acclaimed web series “The Accidental Wolf” on Topic or see her in her current role as Aurora Fane in HBO’s hit series “The Gilded Age,” for which she received a SAG Ensemble Award nomination. Kelli has also appeared in several recurring television roles, including Showtime's “Masters of Sex,” “13 Reasons Why,” “Blue Bloods” and “All My Children.” Her additional film and television credits include “All the Bright Places,” “Peter Pan Live!,” “Sex & the City 2,” Martin Scorsese's “The Key to Reserva,” “The Good Fight,” “Numb3rs” and “The Independents.”

In 2015, Kelli made history as the first artist to successfully transition from Broadway to opera with her Metropolitan Opera debut in Lehár’s “The Merry Widow” alongside Renée Fleming. She returned in 2018 as Despina in Mozart’s “Così Fan Tutte” and was last seen at The Metropolitan Opera in the world premiere of Kevin Puts’ “The Hours,” performing as Laura Brown. Her concerts have earned international acclaim, from Carnegie Hall to Tokyo, and she frequently appears on PBS live telecasts, The Kennedy Center Honors, and in performances with The New York Philharmonic and The New York Pops. Her solo albums, “Always” and “Wonder in the World,” are available on Ghostlight Records.

Emma Oremus (St. Louis)

Originally from the Midwest, Emma ventured out to the mountains and now works in communications and development for Savio, a Colorado nonprofit that connects underserved families to mental health support and wellness programming. Being part of Gamma Phi Beta made it possible for Emma to meet some of her best friends, connect with altruistic missions she believes in, and grow in self confidence. This experience inspired her to continue uplifting the sisterhood’s strength by helping as the PR & Philanthropy Advisor for Theta Chapter at the University of Denver. When you’re not catching her on True & Constant, Emma enjoys spending time hiking, traveling, playing trivia, watching old movies, reading a good book, and volunteering with Girls on the Run. 

What is Emma looking forward to while hosting the True and Constant Podcast?

"The chance to explore Gamma Phi Beta’s history and share sisters’ wisdom around the world!"

Lex Stewart (Ohio)

A marketing geek turned career coach & writer, Lex Stewart (they/them) uses stories and levity to spark "aha" moments. As a coach, Lex empowers creative individuals and small businesses to explore and redefine their potential. As a writer, they craft compelling stories and messaging for brands, publications, and artists. Off hours you can find them painting, practicing yoga, and watching movies.

What is Lex looking forward to while hosting the True and Constant Podcast?

"There are so many inspiring sorority members with stories that deserve to be heard. As one of the co-hosts, I'm excited to provide a platform to uplift and showcase these voices. My hope is that listeners will come away feeling connected, empowered, and proud to be part of this community."