Q&A with Dotti Shields

Epsilon Beta Chapter at Ferris State University

Phi Sigma Sigma’s volunteers dedicate so much of their time to our sisterhood — sacrificing time with their families, spending free time at chapter or recruitment or clocking Phi Sig hours after work.

Throughout Volunteer Appreciation Month 2026, we want to highlight the stories of some of the incredible women who have served as chapter key advisors, helping our collegian sisters navigate the roses and thorns of leadership and growth. Read more stories, here.

Enjoy the interview below as we learn more about Dotti Shields, alumna of the Epsilon Beta Chapter at Ferris State University, who served as CKA for Kappa Chapter at The George Washington University from 2001–2014. Dotti is joined by Tess Stovall, Phi Sigma Sigma’s Grand Archon and former archon of the Kappa Chapter who benefited from Dotti’s mentorship and is now proud to call her a friend.

Dotti, you’re alum from the Epsilon Beta Chapter at Ferris State University in Michigan. How did you get involved with the Kappa Chapter at George Washington University?

DS: I traveled to

D.C. when I was in high school for a government program and fell in love with it. I knew that eventually I wanted to make my way back. Surprisingly enough, I've never actually worked or lived in D.C. — I'm always out in Virginia. I started volunteering for Phi Sig immediately after graduating college and did a number of different roles.

A friend of mine, Michelle Dominiak, was advising Kappa and asked me to join as recruitment advisor in 2000. The next year, she's like, “Okay, so I'm leaving. Do you want to be CKA?” And I said, "You did that on purpose, didn't you?” So, I became CKA.

Dotti Shields was my CKA during my incredible time in Phi Sigma Sigma's Kappa Chapter at George Washington University. Dotti bridged the gap between a big sister, trusted friend and advisor, all in one little, "Dotti-sized' package — she was a constant presence at chapter meetings, socials and around the house — someone who knew everything about each of us, and was always there with a warm smile and a kind word. As I grew older, into my later years of college, I began to respect Dotti more, not just as a CKA but as a true mentor. She was grounded in her advice, even through challenging times. I remember thinking that it was weird to remember that Dotti wasn't a Kappa sister herself, because she was such an extension of our chapter for so long. Once I graduated and became an alumna, I continued to stay in touch and see Dotti during my visits back to D.C. — it was like a long lost friend. She has — and will always have — a special place in my heart and will always be a big part of the fond memories I have of Phi Sigma Sigma. —Shari (Diamond) Newman

Can you talk a little bit about that experience and how you came to know Tess?

DS: My first recollection of Tess was when she was panhellenic delegate. There were concerns raised by a couple of members of the chapter’s executive board about what would happen to the chapter after graduation; concerns that the chapter would fall apart. I distinctly remember Tess because I was thinking, “Wait a minute, we've got all these great young women” and Tess was one who came to mind.

Dotti was such an integral part of my experience in Phi Sigma Sigma. She had an easy way of connecting with the sisters that made her the best kind of advisor — trusted, respected and transparent. There are two moments I’ll never forget from my time as archon that were a direct result of Dotti pushing the chapter to be the best we could be. I don’t remember the order that they happened, but being recognized among all of GW Greek life as chapter of the year and then when we got the phone call that we were selected to move into an open house on Townhouse Row, which felt like we had finally made it. I remember the excitement we shared because she was right there with us through it all. She showed us all what loyalty, dedication and hard work can accomplish, and I think I carry a lot of what I observed in Dotti in how I move through my life today. There is no one better placed to be honored for her work as a dedicated CKA! —Laura Riegler

Tess, can you talk a little bit about what it meant to have an advisor who was active and visible in the chapter and how that shaped your leadership over time?

TS: When you're a chapter leader, it can be so isolating. You're really the one who has all the information and like everybody else has bits and pieces of the information. Sometimes the only person you're able to really talk to is your advisor. And that was Dotti.

Having someone who was not only accessible, but also very present was wonderful. Even if there is animosity my Kappa Chapter sisters feel sometimes about Phi Sigma Sigma, there's only love for Dotti. She was always there, always responsive. As a leader dealing with the challenges and the ups and downs, it was great having someone I knew I could call who was supportive of me and of the chapter. Someone who only wanted the best for us.

I served as membership recruitment chair for the Kappa chapter in Spring and Fall 2013 under Dotti, after previously serving as tribune in 2012. Those back-to-back leadership roles were a major turning point for me. I started out shy and unsure of myself, and Dotti was one of the people who helped me grow into a confident leader. She was a steady, reassuring presence during some of the most formative moments of my college experience. Taking on recruitment was a big responsibility, and Dotti had a way of making even the most overwhelming situations feel manageable. She brought calm, perspective and an incredible sense of care to everything she did. For so many of us, Dotti was more than an advisor. She was a trusted mentor and a true source of comfort. In a season of life when you are still figuring out who you are, she was the kind of person who made you feel supported, capable and never alone. She showed up for our chapter in a way that went far beyond what was required. What always stood out to me was how deeply invested she was. Even while balancing a full-time career, she made us feel like we mattered. She was responsive, present and genuinely there whenever we needed her. During my time as recruitment chair, when there was a lot of pressure and a lot to navigate, Dotti was a constant. She helped me lead with more confidence, more maturity and more grace. Looking back on my time at GW, Dotti is one of the few adults who stands out so clearly as a role model. Her impact was lasting, and I know I was far from the only one who felt it. —Julia (Cook) Pasqualini

Dotti, can you talk about some memories you have an advisor — both the things you’re proud of and the challenges you faced?

DS: I have lots of recruitment memories. We had a lot of challenges in Kappa. We were the smallest chapter on campus, so we always struggled.

Every year, the women would work so hard during recruitment. I remember being there, early on when we had food and just standing for hours in my heels, serving food. We would work so hard and then, when it came to the end of recruitment, and we wouldn’t make quota — it was just devastating.

A lot of the challenges I remember were wrapped up in recruitment. Questions of how we keep working and getting the women motivated. And it all came back to the leaders of the chapter because we just had some great leaders who were great motivators, and they did what they had to do to get the women hyped up.

I still remember distinctly the year when we actually made quota. I don't remember which year it was, but I would usually get a hotel room and just stay down near campus because it was easier than going back and forth. And I remember every year I would get the phone call telling us that we'd have to snap bid, unfortunately, “you didn't make quota.”

This particular year, my phone rings, and it was the Greek advisor. She said, “Dotti, I'm calling to tell you that you don't have to snap bid.”

It still chokes me up. I'm not kidding. It still chokes me up because I literally started crying. She said she wanted to make that phone call to tell me that we made quota. It meant so much to her because she knew the chapter had worked so hard. It was really important to her to be the one to tell me. That was a great accomplishment when we hit that quota.

Then we just kept growing and growing, and the next thing you know, we've got this huge chapter. Being there for 14 years and watching the struggles and then seeing the chapter grow, it was so satisfying and it just meant so much to me. I was very, very proud of the chapter and the women over the years.

When I think about my time, not only as a collegiate member of Phi Sigma Sigma, but my time as a young college student, Dotti Shields (affectionately nicknamed "D$") is a standout as someone who played a pivotal role in my success in undergrad and in life. Dotti is the reason that I am a volunteer today, on top of being a single mom, working full-time and working a side hustle! I'm not sure whether she is aware of her impact during the short time I had the privilege of working with and getting to know her, but she is a big part of who I am today, not only as a volunteer within our organization, but as a confident female leader who seeks to inspire other young women. I was not someone who had many strong female role models in my youth, and I really needed that kind of influence as I navigated college and young adulthood. The universe delivered Dotti. She is truly a gift in my life and in the lives of all who have the privilege of knowing her. She never hesitates to give of herself — her knowledge, kindness, insight, care and her constructive, loving feedback and guidance. She is a true sister and friend for life. I am eternally grateful that our paths crossed back then and that we’ve been able to stay in touch across the last few decades. There is no better way to pay it forward and honor all that she’s given me than trying to do the same in my role as CKA. I often find myself asking, “What would Dotti do?” Though she is small, she is mighty — in substance, character, generosity and integrity. Dotti has set an exceptionally high bar. I hope that I leave a legacy that is even a fraction of the positive impact she has made in so many lives — we could all stand to be a little bit more like Dotti. There is no one more deserving of this recognition. —Leigh (Floody) Milender

Can you talk a bit about the relationships you’ve maintained over the years with the women, like Tess, whom you advised?

DS: It's so fun when I go to things like convention. I know I'm going to see Tess and Maggie and different people, but it's fun to be surprised to see the sisters who show up, the ones I might not have seen in a while.

Katie [Vlietstra Wonnenberg] hosted a Galentine’s Gathering at her house, so a few of us got together there. I run into them occasionally here and there. I remember when COVID happened there was a Zoom call with a bunch of Kappa women, and I don't remember who, but somebody said, “Dotti, you need to join us.” I dialed in and it was really fun because they were really excited to see me on the call. Most of the time I just sat back and listened to them talk, but it was fun to just catch up with all the women and see what's going on.

Of course, with Instagram and Facebook and everything, that's how I find out who’s gotten married and who's having kids, but it really means a lot when I do see them in person. I see Tess at convention, and when she first became Grand Archon, it meant everything to see her get to that point.

Dotti Shields has been an incredible mentor, trusted advisor, problem-solver and thought partner to so many Kappa women over the years. During my time as archon, Dotti helped me and our chapter navigate major challenges and transitions, including very rapid chapter size scaling, shifting from a non-housed to housed chapter and more. She always made herself available and was the perfect balance of supportive and strict. She not only taught me a great deal during my time in the chapter, but also as an alumna and dear friend these many years later! —Fiona Conroy

Tess, you talked about being a chapter leader and how it felt to have a supportive advisor. Would you like to elaborate on how that relationship impacted you and continues to impact you in your life now?

TS: It’s very interesting when you look at how many Kappas are still very involved with Phi Sigma Sigma, and I think a lot of that has to do with Dotti. She exposed us to alumnae in the area, so we knew this experience actually extends beyond the four years at GW. She is the reason why I met many alumnae in the D.C. area and realized that there were options for me after I graduate.

And I think that's so incredibly important to name — having an advisor, especially an advisor who wasn't from my chapter, showed me there’s this bigger world out there that I had no idea existed. Also, look at all these friendships where none of them attended the same chapter. The only reason they're connected is because of Phi Sigma Sigma. They just happened to live in the same area and have these shared common values. I think that's a unique experience that really paved the way for my own volunteer journey.

After I graduated, Dotti and I were able to develop this relationship that was a post-collegiate relationship, more of an adult friendship. She came to my wedding and still gets my Christmas card and sends me hers. When I think of people in my life, people who have 100% transformed my life, Dotti is in the top three people.

During my time as a leader in the Kappa Chapter, we went through some really challenging times. But she stuck by me, by the chapter. She was always supportive throughout the experience of learning and growing and being a better leader in a better chapter. And it's cool to see Dotti now working with a new chapter. Whenever I interact with the ladies in the Iota Chi Chapter at James Madison University [where Dotti served as CKA for four years and is currently on the advisory board], I'm always like, you just don't know what you have. Don't waste this experience because you have someone who is so dedicated to growing women leaders, growing the sorority experience and giving up their time for you.

DS: Watching Tess and the other women that I advise move up in the organization and take on leadership roles, become members of supreme council, those were the proudest moments for me, to watch them grow in their Phi Sig world and lead the organization.

As a collegian I didn't know Phi Sigma Sigma without Dotti Shields. I guess it never occurred to me at the time that chapters didn't have a Dotti. She was always present, available before and after meetings, at events and of course recruitment. While I wasn't an executive board member, I was involved on e-council and I think she saw me as a leader. She made it seem completely natural to be involved after college. Dotti is a huge reason why I had a great experience in my college years, her guidance ensured our chapter grew, flourished and accomplished things that other leaders in the organization did not think possible. When I think about my alumna years, I think about Dotti, about her busy career and life and how she made time for us each and every week. And so that is why, 21 years later I'm still here, putting in the time in my own way. —Cara (Wood) Fabrocini

Is there anything you’d like to share from your work with the Iota Chi chapter, Dotti?

DS: It was interesting to come back because I had stopped advising Kappa at the end of 2014. It was 2020 when I was asked to remotely be Iota Chi's CKA, which was so foreign because I was down at George Washington University with the Kappa Chapter all the time. I mean constantly.

I was used to being in person, having one-on-ones, seeing the women and going physically to the meetings; doing everything remotely was so foreign. I didn't know how to do it. It was really difficult for me.

Then even after everybody returned to school, James Madison University is about an hour and a half from me. So again, I couldn't just get in the car and run downtown for a meeting. I would go to campus probably a couple of times a month.

It was fun to get involved with a new group of women in a huge chapter. Iota Chi is much larger than Kappa ever was, so that was interesting too. It's a different dynamic at that campus, but wonderful group of women, great chapter.

I had a lot of fun, and it was interesting to see everything from a different campus and how things were run, and I built some good relationships with the women that I advised.

Dotti was someone you could always count on during a time in life that can feel uncertain and overwhelming. She showed up not just as a leader, but as a steady and genuine support system for every woman in the chapter. She cared about the big moments, like recruitment, but she cared just as much about how each of us was doing as people. She had a way of making you feel seen, capable and proud to be part of something bigger than yourself. Whether you needed guidance, encouragement or just someone to listen, Dotti was always there. Her impact goes far beyond any single achievement. She helped shape confidence, build lasting connections and support young women as they figured out who they were and who they wanted to become. —Molly (Taylor) Gunion

Is there anything else you’d like to touch on that we haven’t talked about?

DS: As Tess said, I think we've really built a relationship even after she graduated. It was really important to me to be at her wedding. That was a big deal for me. And getting to know her husband, watching her grow and now watching her family grow. I met her parents —

TS: They knew this person, knew Dotti. My parents were in Nashville, but they would hear about Dotti all the time. It was so fun for my parents to meet this Dotti person who was kind of like a surrogate adult in my life in D.C. That's how important Dotti was. People in my family knew who she was even though they had never met her.

DS: It was the same on my side, too. The guy I was dating at the time knew Tess, knew the name. People around you get to know, “oh, the girls at GW and Tess,” and that sort of thing. It's been important to me to continue this relationship, and I'm so glad that we've been able to. It means a lot to me with all the women from the Kappa Chapter.

When I run into them, it just means the world to me. A few years ago, we did an event at Rutgers, and I saw Leigh [(Milender) Floody, CKA for the Iota Nu Chapter at Sacred Heart University] who was another one who just meant the world to me when she was at GW. We had such a great relationship. And when left the event I was like, oh my God, she was so happy to see me. And I was so excited to see her! We ended up doing karaoke that night. It was just so much fun to reconnect with these women that meant the world to me. They really, really did.

It was a hard decision when I decided to retire from advising Kappa Chapter. Because of the relationships I'd built and the women, it just meant so much to me. It makes me proud to see everything they've done with their lives. And like I said, whenever I get an opportunity to connect with them, it means everything.