2025 Jeanine Jacobs Goldberg Archon of the Year Finalists

The Jeanine Jacobs Goldberg Archon of the Year Award is presented to the collegiate chapter archon deemed by the grand archon to be the most outstanding based on her contributions to the chapter and her relationship with the Fraternity. She shall have successfully completed one full term as archon.

The following sisters have been named as the 2025 finalists:

• Kaiya Dunn, Iota Phi Chapter at Lindenwood University

• Gianna Lo Cascio, Epsilon Alpha Chapter at Illinois State University

• Grayce Miller, Delta Delta Chapter at Linfield University

• Carrie Castillo Ramos, Epsilon Theta Chapter at Montclair State University

• Emma Trinneer, Theta Eta Chapter at Rider University

Kaiya Dunn, Iota Phi Chapter at Lindenwood University

During her term as archon, Kaiya Dunn led her chapter with a strong sense of purpose and drive. Kaiya wanted to take the chapter to new heights, and her strong leadership did just that. Under her leadership, the chapter flourished. She helped create a strong sense of sisterhood, led the charge to raise the chapter’s GPA and pushed to connect with the broader fraternity and sorority community at Lindenwood. Under her leadership, the chapter had a 100% retention rate from bid day to initiation in the fall.

Kaiya consistently sought innovative ways to elevate programming and engagement. She collaborated with her philanthropy chair to introduce a new event, Princess for a Day, which raised funds for the chapter’s community impact fund while bringing children from the surrounding community together for a memorable experience. When Iota Phi was selected to participate in a pilot program during officer elections, Kaiya approached the opportunity with organization, intention and attention to detail. Her leadership was defined by a willingness to think creatively, ask thoughtful questions and push the chapter to continually improve.

Beyond the chapter, Kaiya is a highly engaged campus leader. She has served as an orientation leader, worked in the university’s career services office and participated in Order of Omega and Greek Week executive leadership. She is also a social media intern for WISHING (Women in Sports Helping Inspire the Next Generation). After attending Phi Sigma Sigma’s Emerging Leader Program in 2023, Kaiya became a passionate advocate for leadership development and has encouraged her chapter sisters to apply for the program. Her pride, involvement and commitment to excellence continue to inspire both her chapter and the greater Lindenwood community.

Gianna Lo Cascio, Epsilon Alpha Chapter at Illinois State University

Gianna Lo Cascio exemplifies the values of Phi Sigma Sigma through her collaborative leadership and strong commitment to her chapter’s growth. During her two terms as archon, she consistently led with integrity, teamwork and purpose, playing a central role in the Epsilon Alpha chapter’s continued progress. Under her leadership, the chapter experienced meaningful growth in operations, engagement and leadership development, reflecting Gianna’s dedication to creating lasting impact.

Gianna prioritized reflection and accountability by guiding the chapter to identify authentic areas for improvement. She was instrumental in strengthening academic efforts, supporting recruitment and retention and fostering a positive, inclusive membership experience. Through strong partnerships with her executive board, advisors and Headquarters staff, Gianna ensured clear communication and effective implementation of national programming, increasing participation in the Emerging Leader Program and other leadership development opportunities.

Gianna’s inclusive leadership extended beyond the chapter, as she encouraged Panhellenic involvement and campus engagement. During her tenure, seven chapter sisters participated in the Emerging Leader Program, contributing to a record number of members pursuing leadership roles, including involvement in the campus Panhellenic Association. Her emphasis on unity, accessibility and advocacy, shaped by her background in special education, has strengthened the chapter’s leadership pipeline and reinforced Phi Sigma Sigma’s commitment to empowerment and service. Gianna’s leadership has left the chapter more connected, confident and prepared for continued success.

Grayce Miller, Delta Delta Chapter at Linfield University

As a two-term archon, Grayce Miller demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience and dedication. Throughout her two terms as archon, she successfully navigated complex challenges, including maintaining good standing with university administration, initiating four new member classes and leading the chapter through a significant flooding incident by coordinating repairs and advocating with Headquarters and campus partners.

Beyond these accomplishments, Grayce’s most lasting impact is the leadership legacy she created; one rooted in integrity, accountability and service. Grayce leads with a servant leadership style that prioritizes the long-term success of the chapter while fostering trust, inclusivity and collaboration. She created an environment where members felt supported, heard and empowered, balancing high expectations with compassion and confidentiality. During periods of transition, Grayce assumed additional executive responsibilities without hesitation, guiding the chapter with stability and professionalism while maintaining her academic, athletic and professional commitments. Her ability to lead through challenges with grace, consistency and humility embodies the values of Phi Sigma Sigma and reflects uncompromising principles. By modeling what it means to lead with purpose, she inspired members to step into leadership roles and strengthened the foundation of the chapter for future members.

Carrie Castillo Ramos, Epsilon Theta Chapter at Montclair State University

Carrie Castillo Ramos’ greatest accomplishment as archon was her unwavering dedication to her chapter. Even in difficult moments, she continued to lead with strength and commitment and encouraged sisters to reconnect with their “why.” She reminded sisters why they joined, what keeps them here and the importance of staying united. Her service was driven by purpose and love for Phi Sigma Sigma. Carrie’s vision was to become a leader others could look up to. She wanted to be a role model who led with grace and resilience. She accomplished this by showing up consistently, keeping her chapter moving forward through challenges and proving that leadership is about action, strength and serving others.

She created a culture of honesty, openness and communication. She encouraged active sisters and new sisters to stay grateful for their experiences and to contribute to the success of the chapter. She helped build an environment where sisters felt supported, capable and motivated to give back. Carrie’s leadership style is bold, strong and intentional. She led by example and held herself accountable to the same values she asked of others. Her leadership was rooted in values of accountability, confidence and responsibility, reflected in her handwritten statement from the 2023 Emerging Leader program: “leadership means serving as a guide, standing as a pillar and taking responsibility for your actions while staying true to your goals.”

Emma Trinneer, Theta Eta Chapter at Rider University

Emma Trinneer’s leadership style was shaped by her experience as a transfer student who found a true sense of home in Phi Sigma Sigma. After attending the Emerging Leader Program in 2024, she was inspired to step into the role of archon, leading the Theta Eta chapter with a smile, a positive attitude and commitment to Phi Sigma Sigma. Emma had an understanding that a strong chapter begins with connected sisters. As a result, Emma intentionally created spaces where members felt seen, valued and excited to participate. She became a driving force behind increased member engagement, recruitment success and overall chapter morale.

As archon, Emma approached challenges as opportunities for growth and used difficult moments to bring sisters together rather than allowing them to divide the chapter. Her optimism was infectious; bad days became learning experiences, and good days were intentionally celebrated, reinforcing a culture of pride and belonging. Emma’s leadership helped members felt motivated to stay involved, take ownership of their roles and remain committed to the chapter.

Emma played a key role in strengthening recruitment and retention by fostering an environment that reflected Phi Sigma Sigma’s values in action. Potential new members could immediately feel the warmth, authenticity and unity of the chapter, and current members were reminded why they chose to join and why they continue to stay. Emma demonstrated that leadership does not require being the loudest voice, but rather listening closely, valuing different strengths and navigating disagreements with maturity. Her ability to balance kindness and approachability with confidence and firmness earned her the respect and trust of her sisters. She was always eager to learn, never hesitating to reach out with questions or ask for support when needed. She modeled that same openness for the rest of the chapter members. Emma’s leadership left a lasting impact on the chapter, and her influence will be felt long after her time as archon.

Learn more about Phi Sigma Sigma's awards program here.