Annually, the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation grants funds to Sorority initiatives and programs, including the Chapter Support Coordinator (CSC) experience. With a competitive application process, the current CSC cohort comprises only six individuals, each supporting a district or a recently established chapter.

Through district support and chapter visits, CSCs serve as ambassadors for our sisterhood. They provide support, mentoring, coaching, training, and education to collegiate officers and alumnae volunteers in all areas of chapter operations while also supporting the Sorority’s overall educational programming efforts to address critical needs and trends impacting our members today. But more than that, the CSC program provides personal and professional development for the sisters serving in the CSC role, challenging and growing them to reach their fullest potential.

The Foundation is proud to support educational and leadership development initiatives that develop the skills not only for this CSC cohort but for each of the sisters who benefit from their shared knowledge and expertise. We recently sat down with Ella Casto-Waters, Eta Xi – Presbyterian College, Chapter Support Coordinator for the Central District to discuss her CSC experience.

Q: How did you decide to apply for the Chapter Support Coordinator position?

Ella: During winter break of my senior year, I was faced with the reality that I would be graduating in May without a clear plan for what came next. I had applied to five graduate programs, but none of them felt quite right. The only thing I knew for certain was that I wanted to help students make the most of their educational experiences.

One afternoon in December 2024, while taking a break from writing personal statements, I came across the job posting for the Chapter Support Coordinator position. I asked myself: “What’s one more application?” I drafted a cover letter, updated my résumé, and submitted the application, not realizing how much that spontaneous decision would shape the next year of my life.

Chapter Support Coordinator, Ella Casto-Waters, second from left with Eta Xi – Presbyterian College chapter sisters on her Bid Day.

Q: What was the CSC interview experience like? How did it feel when you got the call from Executive Office that you’d been selected as a CSC?

Ella: My first interview lasted about thirty minutes, and by the end of it, I had a strong sense that this role was exactly where I was meant to be. The CSC position would allow me to help young women make the most of their college experience by enhancing their sorority membership.

A few weeks later, when the Director of Collegiate Services called to offer me the job, my immediate response was: “YES! This is just like Bid Day!”

Q: What makes you want to give back to Alpha Delta Pi and the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation?

Ella: As a legacy of the Eta Xi Chapter, Alpha Delta Pi has always been a part of my story. My mom used to sing “I Love the Pin” and “Linger” to help me fall asleep when I was a baby. Her Alpha Class Sisters helped raise me. When I started at Presbyterian College, I knew I wanted to call ADPi “home,” too.

I give to the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation because I experience the impact of this organization every day, and the Foundation supports not only my experience but the experience of the sisters I work with. It is a privilege to work with our collegians and encourage them to become the best versions of themselves. Whether it’s expanding their networks, creating educational resources, or developing new leadership skills, Alpha Delta Pi provides countless opportunities for members to learn and grow, and the Foundation helps make those opportunities possible.

Q: How did your collegiate officer experience prepare you for the CSC role?

Ella: My time as a collegiate officer empowered me to pursue other on-campus leadership roles and eventually motivated me to run for Student Body President. ADPi gave me the confidence I needed to believe in my own leadership potential, and I want to share that with as many young women as possible.

Today, as a Chapter Support Coordinator, I have the opportunity to inspire our collegians grow in many of those same ways. My work focuses on leadership and professional development. I help our members broaden their skill sets and then teach them how to apply the knowledge they gain to their future careers.

Q: Can you share some specific examples of how your role as a CSC impacts the chapters you work with?

Chapter Support Coordinator, Ella Casto-Waters pictured middle, with two Epsilon Tau – Middle Tennessee State University chapter members.

Ella: For example, I coach Chapter Presidents and Vice Presidents of Operations on how to effectively run an Executive Committee meeting. Writing a meeting agenda, respecting parliamentary procedure, and facilitating productive discussion helps prepare our members to lead organized, thoughtful meetings in their future careers.

Other aspects of the role lead to meaningful conversations about stewardship—helping our chapter leaders lead transparently and appreciate their peers’ contributions to the chapter’s success. When discussing dues, I help ensure chapter leaders learn the importance of budgeting and the value of clear communication. Both skills that will help them later in life.

Q: How has serving as a CSC impacted you individually?

Ella: The Chapter Support Coordinator position doesn’t just impact our collegians— it has pushed me to grow as a lifelong member. I’ve deepened my appreciation for our core values and what it means to represent our Sorority. I’ve built relationships with higher education professionals across the country, participated in risk management and facilitation training, and honed my public speaking skills. I never could have imagined teaching 800+ women recruitment chants on stage at ADPi Academy before starting this role!

One of the most rewarding aspects of my CSC term has been the peer-to-peer mentorships I’ve found in the program’s cohort model. I am so grateful to be able to call my CSC sisters when I need help figuring out a problem or even just want a laugh. The friendships we formed in the Executive Office bunk room will always be dear to our hearts!

My time as a CSC inspired me to “Be the First” and become an inaugural member of the Giving Circle. I have seen firsthand the impacts of the Foundation’s meaningful work, and I feel fortunate to play a part in it. Alpha Delta Pi taught me the importance of philanthropy, and I cannot imagine a more fitting organization to give back to as a young alumna.

Interested in supporting the Chapter Support Coordinator experience and the positive impact these leaders have on our collegiate chapter members, consider making a gift in support of the Foundation’s Annual Fund today!