It is an absolute honor to serve as your President for the upcoming year. As someone who has been in financial aid for over two decades, I can confidently say this profession has not only shaped my career but also my heart. Like many of you, I started in financial aid not fully understanding the depth of the work only to discover that it’s one of the most impactful, challenging, and rewarding careers one could have.
MSFAA has been a cornerstone of my professional journey since I attended my very first conference many years ago. I vividly remember being the new face in the crowd, overwhelmed but welcomed. I met colleagues who quickly became mentors, confidants, and lifelong friends my “go-to” people. That’s the power of this association: it connects us, lifts us, and keeps us grounded in our shared mission.
This year, our theme is"Celebrate the Climb."It’s a reminder to pause and acknowledge the effort, perseverance, and small victories that make up our journey. The last few years have pushed us in ways we couldn’t have imagined navigating sweeping changes, increased workloads, and ever-growing expectations. And yet, here we are, still standing, still showing up for our students, still committed to the greater good. That is worth celebrating.
As President, I want to continue building a culture of support, transparency, and collaboration. Whether you're brand new to MSFAA or a seasoned member, there is a place for you here. This year, I challenge you to reach out say hello to someone new, join a committee, attend your sector meetings, or simply share your story. Each of us brings something valuable to the table.
Let’s continue to lean on each other, learn from each other, and lead with heart. And most of all let’s not forget to Celebrate the Climb.
Thank you for trusting me with this role. I am proud to serve and even prouder to servewithall of you.
