After last night’s election process, Penn State’s Panhellenic Council (@PennStatePHC) chose Rachel Franceschino (@rachelfran1) of Alpha Delta Pi as their new Executive President. Also the Governmental Affairs Chair of UPUA, Franceschino will work with seven other members of various sororities for a full year organizing events for the 22 chapters on campus. Other positions will be voted upon throughout the week.

We sat down with Rachel for 10 questions about her new role with the PHC.

Onward State: How does it feel to be chosen to be a part of Panhellenic’s Executive Board?

Rachel Franceschino: I am so excited to be on Panhellenic Exec! This has been something I have desired to be part of for a while, and am very honored to have been chosen.

OS: What inspired you to join Panhel?

RF: I am currently serving as my Chapter President, but was not ready to be done with a leadership role in the Panhellenic Community. After talking with members of the current Panhellenic Executive Board, I decided it would be the right decision for me!

OS: What are some of your plans for the rest of the semester?

RF: I would like to increase awareness of events in the Panhellenic Community to our members, as well as work with the incoming Chapter Presidents on their transition. In addition, I would like to provide training on mental health issues to sorority executive board members.

OS: Do you plan on doing anything differently?

RF: I plan on holding more meetings that combine various executive members (and other key roles for the chapters) together so Panhellenic can communicate our messages as clear as possible. This will be especially important at the beginning of next semester when all the sororities have new officers.

 OS: How do you think UPUA has prepared you for Panhel?

RF: UPUA has prepared me for Panhellenic because I have experience working in leadership roles with people in a diverse background. Additionally, I currently serve as the Panhellenic Representative within UPUA, so I am already used to speaking on behalf of Panhellenic women.

OS: What are some other leadership roles you have been part of in the past?

RF: I am currently Alpha Delta Pi’s Chapter President. I also served as the chapter’s Philanthropy Chair. In addition, I was involved in Junior Panhellenic Council my freshman/sophomore year. I serve a leadership role currently as Governmental Affairs Chair for UPUA. I am a member of the Student Alcohol Advisory Committee. I have been involved in leadership positions in high school as well.

OS: What are some things you hope to learn while being on the committee?

RF: I am looking forward to learning more from the other chapters in the Panhellenic Community as well as continuing to grow as a leader!

OS: What are your favorite parts about Greek life? 

RF: Since I joined Alpha Delta Pi as a freshman, I could not imagine my life at school without being part of the Greek Community. I truly believe joining Greek Life has made me a much more well rounded person, and provided me with so many opportunities to make irreplaceable friendships while building great leadership skills. As a previous Philanthropy Chair, I also really appreciate the service aspect of Greek Life as well.

OS: What are some of your responsibilities as President?

RF: My duties as Panhellenic President include a variety of roles such as: presiding over Executive Board Meetings, Presidents’ Council and Delegates’ Council. I will report to the staff of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life as well as the Panhellenic Area Advisor. I also sign all contracts related to the Council as well as generally act as the face of the Panhellenic Community.