Brother Leigha Larsen has been serving as Section 30's Leadership Chair since September 25, 2017. Commitment to this position is reaffirmed annually and on a volunteer basis at every Section 30 Conference. The duties of the Section 30 Leadership Chair are defined as follows: Visits chapters annually to share National APO leadership development opportunities and programs - including APO LEADS, APO IMPACT webinars, the APO BOLD initiative, the Chapter Organizer program, Basic Training and APO LEADS Content Training opportunities for alumni, and more. Coordinates conferences held within Section 30 - namely Section 30 Conference, and Region 8 Conference (as applicable). Responsible for meeting with student conference chair(s) monthly and keeping meeting notes to be shared with Section 30 Chair and the conference committee. More frequent meetings may be necessary closer to the event. Also helps to coordinate Section travel and participation in Regional and National conferences.
What chapter are you from, and when did you pledge? I am from the Gamma Theta chapter at the University of Colorado, Boulder. I pledged in Fall 2015.
Did you hold any leadership roles in your chapter as a student? I held an executive board position for each of my active semesters. I was a co-service chair in Spring 2016 and Spring 2017. I was a co-pledge chair in Fall 2016.
What is (or was) your major? Are you pursuing further education, or are you all done? My major was Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology with a double major in Biochemistry. I'm not sure if I will go to grad school yet, but it's definitely something I'm considering. I'd love to go to grad school for immunology and genetics. I am also very interested in sign language so I may go back to get my interpreting certificate.
What is your job? I am currently a professional research assistant at the CU CHANGE lab. It is a lab for addiction behaviors. I currently work on three different studies, with two new studies starting very shortly!
What are your hobbies? I am extremely outdoorsy. I love camping, snowboarding, and hiking. I also love hanging out with my friends and family as well as love my dog. I really enjoy trying new things!!
Why did the Section Leadership Chair opportunity appeal to you? I have always been super interested in leadership, and I love developing new skills and helping others achieve their leadership goals. I love APO so much, so after I graduated, my life didn't feel complete without my APO involvement. So, I'm very excited to help current chapters develop their leadership programs, and be an asset to all members. I'm very excited to take on this role!!
