Meet Alissa Casey 2024-2025 Leadership Pipeline Mentee.
My name is Alissa Casey. I have been a Scholarship Program Coordinator at the University of Wyoming for about 2.5 years. My main job duties are coordinating Wyoming State scholarship programs. I love working with Wyoming residents as someone who has lived in Wyoming for 20+ years, and when I attended college in Wyoming, I benefitted hugely from the Hathaway scholarship that I now coordinate! I also dabble in working with institutional departments on scholarships, and I love to meet and advise new students at some of UW’s new student events.
Who is your mentor?
My mentor is Kim Nida who is the Associate Director of Financial Aid at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. Meeting with Kim regularly has been one of the most enjoyable parts of Leadership Pipeline. The more I learn from Kim, the more I realize that we have similar perspectives on leadership. She has turned me on to some great resources to inspire myself and others in my office, as well as listening to scenarios I bring up and offering advice.
Why did you decide to join Leadership Pipeline?
I decided to participate because I felt it offered a professional development opportunity that my office could not provide. I wanted to hear perspectives from people outside of my institution, and I wanted to connect with other financial aid professionals. It also helped that LP gives me a way to start my journey with RMASFAA, and I love to read books! I am always looking to expand my circle of financial aid friends, and joining a cohort of aspiring leaders seemed like a great start.
I heard of Leadership Pipeline before I even attended my first RMASFAA conference. RMASFAA had sent out a call for mentees for Leadership Pipeline, and Allison Murray encouraged people in my office to apply. I had known Allison participated in 2023-2024, and she supported me in applying. When I got accepted, I forwarded it on to Allison, and I remember her rushing to my office to celebrate!
What is the most valuable thing you have learned so far?
The most valuable thing I have learned so far is to say YES. I am coming to Leadership Pipeline as someone who does not directly supervise others, but I have learned that leadership takes place in any position. Our profession is so frequently looking for people willing to lead in a number of ways, and LP has given me the confidence to step up when I have the opportunity, and when I do step up, to give it my all.
What are you hoping to gain from the experience?
I am hoping to gain connections and confidence. I firmly believe I have already gained both of those things through this program. By the end of Leadership Pipeline, I will have confidence to influence my office and my associations by being a dedicated leader. I also will have a new group of people in financial aid to connect with. As I continue with financial aid as a career, I know the things I have learned will stick with me.
Why would you recommend this program to others?
Let me start with where it has already led me. I recently was elected as the treasurer for WyASFAA (Wyoming Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators). I do not think that I would have run for that position if it hadn’t been for Leadership Pipeline because Leadership Pipeline has been the main motivation for me to volunteer.
As for future opportunities, my short-term goals are to present something at a RMASFAA conference, and I want to serve on a RMASFAA committee. My longer-term goals are to hold a position at a regional or maybe someday at the national level. I am also confident that my experience with Leadership Pipeline will help me to climb the financial aid career ladder.
Why would you recommend this program to others?
YES! I would recommend this program. I think that Leadership Pipeline is an irreplaceable experience. There has been so much effort put into giving the mentees a good experience. First, the syllabus is star studded! We have had so many great guest speakers to talk to us about leadership in financial aid. The books we have read are a great way to spark a discussion, and I love hearing everyone’s ideas and perspectives. There are many ways to be a good leader, and this program gives you the opportunity to learn them so you can make informed decisions about your own leadership style.