Sisterhood Across the Miles: Q&A with Kaila Stewart

Kaila Stewart, an alumna of the Iota Upsilon Chapter at the University of New Hampshire discusses the transition from collegian to alumna and how Phi Sigma Sigma remained a key source of support as she navigated her early career journey.

Kaila is from Dunbarton, NH and has a degree in political science and communications from the University of New Hampshire. She was founding archon of Phi Sigma Sigma's Iota Upsilon Chapter and continues to remain involved after graduation, serving in a variety of volunteer roles including as a mentor in Phi Sigma Sigma's mentorship program and Emerging Leader Program. Kaila also served the bylaws committee for Convention 2022 and 2025. Professionally, Kaila is a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines.

When you graduated, what role did you see sorority or Phi Sig playing in your life?

Kaila Stewart: I left university with the intention to never let my connection to sisterhood dissipate. I went off to begin my career knowing that when the opportunities presented themselves, I would volunteer and lend myself to the greater organization. I expected to attend alumnae and philanthropy events at my chapter.

You clearly saw value in remaining involved and connected, how did that come to life as you moved further into your 20s/30s?

KS: I have volunteered as much as hoped I would. And as I get older, I find the opportunities to give back to the national organization and collegiate women in my area continue to grow. I’ve made several new sister friends around the country through my volunteer role on the bylaws committee. And I've had the privilege of supporting collegiate sisters looking to expand and develop their leadership skills by participating in our mentor program.

Phi Sigma Sigma aims to foster skills that will help sisters navigate life after graduation. Which experiences, skills or values did you cultivate as a collegiate member that still serve you? What does that look like in your work and personal life?

KS: Serving as the founding archon of my chapter helped me develop numerous leadership skills that serve me today in my work as an onboard leader for international flights. As for my personal life, I believe I learned some invaluable lessons regarding effort and understanding required to maintain strong friendships and connections with those I care about.

And what was your experience navigating the transition from the close-knit environment of a collegiate chapter to the alumna experience, especially considering you embarked on a demanding new career immediately after graduation?

KS: The transition from collegiate member to alumna was not an easy one. I believe in transparency and honesty, and I will say this chapter of life was very difficult. I left for Delta training the day after finishing my final exams. Not only did I have to navigate a new job flying around the world, being away from family, but I also felt as though I had lost my community.

I was sad to realize perhaps I had not appreciated my sisterhood enough until it was no longer a daily presence in my life. In some ways I had been stripped of my identity. I had to work hard at maintaining the bonds with friends I had made within the sorority and work at making new friendships in a new city with a new career.

When I received an email six years ago asking if I wanted to be part of a mentorship program designed to have recent grads help seniors with this same transition, I jumped at the opportunity to regain this sense of belonging. Though it wasn’t with my chapter, this role began my journey as a volunteer for Phi Sigma Sigma in many different capacities and helped bring back that sense of community and connection I was missing.

Phi Sigma Sigma often provides unexpected connections, as you've navigated adulthood have you had any serendipitous "Phi Sig moments" or chance encounters with other sisters?

KS: When I first started at Delta, I was riding the employee bus before beginning a long workday and two women on the bus said hello and asked me where I was off to. I think they could see I was nervous and asked if I was new to flying. They asked me where I was from and where I went to school. When I said University of New Hampshire one of the women said oh, “We just started a new Phi Sigma Sigma chapter there!” Immediately I said, “I’m a Phi Sig!!” And thus began two new friendships I still maintain today. I’ve watched them both get married and have baby boys just months apart. You never know where you might find a fellow sister!

Finally, as you reflect on your own journey, what insights or advice would you share with recent graduates in their first few months out of college?

KS: Please do NOT stress about having to have It all figured out. You will learn the best lessons from the “mistakes” you make. Then realize there really is no such thing as mistakes. Merely decisions made on your path to happiness. Take a job you’d never thought you’d like. Try living in a new city. Start conversations with strangers. Try new hobbies. Buy some new clothes. Learn who you really are and what you are passionate about. Do not be surprised if this person is different from who you were in college. Change is the only real constant in our lives.

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