Reposted from my LinkedIn reflection on the MASFAA 2025 Conference experience.
The MASFAA 2025 conference was a reminder of why I love this profession.
Serving on the Program Committee gave me a front-row seat to collaboration at its best. I worked alongside incredible colleagues from all over the MASFAA region to build a program that reflected our members’ needs, from a dynamic keynote to pre-conference sessions that delivered real value, to eight full session blocks filled with timely and thoughtful topics that spanned job functions. Even when a few unexpected absences required quick pivots, our team rose to the challenge. Kudos to the entire program committee for an AMAZING conference!
As a financial aid communicator, I felt especially proud to help present Fueling Your Enrollment Objectives: The Value of Transparency and Simplicity in Connecting with Today’s Students. The conversation reinforced how much clarity and trust matter in the work we do every day. Thank you to my co-presenters, Heather and Elyse, for your expertise in this area as well!
I left the week energized by sessions like I’m Worth the Investment: Practical Strategies for Aspiring, New, and Season Leaders, Driving with Data, Advising Professional and Graduate Students from Pre-Enrollment to Graduation (& Beyond), and Ladies Night: Empowering Women in Financial Aid and Beyond. I heard rave reviews from so many attendees about other sessions, too; the depth of expertise in our region is unmatched.
The biggest surprise of the week came on Monday night when Dr. Betsy Johnson began announcing the Outstanding New Professional Award. I remember thinking how special it must feel for the recipient to have the MASFAA president presenting it. Then she started describing experiences that sounded awfully familiar. When my name was called, I was caught completely off guard and honestly moved. To be recognized by such an inspiring, thoughtful, and impactful leader made the moment unforgettable. It reminded me how generous and supportive this community truly is.
I love the work I do every day in my financial aid office, but being part of Iowa Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (IASFAA) and Midwest Association of Financial Aid Administrators (MASFAA) has amplified that purpose. The people, the collaboration, and the shared drive to serve students...it all matters.
And yes, I ended the week singing my heart out at the legendary karaoke night with Tim, everyone's NASFAA BFF. I didn’t make it to the stage, but that didn’t stop me from joining in from the floor. Next year, I promise to come prepared with a song or two.
Working with Michelle Trame, Alexandria Miller, MBA and Dr. Betsy Johnson was a masterclass in leadership and teamwork. I learned so much through the process. Now, the excitement continues! I can’t wait to work with Emily Haynam, MBA, FAAC® and Sarah Freestone, M.Ed, FAAC to bring another incredible MASFAA conference to Iowa next October. MASFAA 2026 will be something special.
