An Inside Look at W4FSU's Atlanta and South Florida Regions

Women for Florida State University has expanded its reach to include five regional groups across Florida and Georgia. As we welcome Atlanta and South Florida as our two newest regions, our regional liaisons give us a glimpse of how they became involved with W4FSU and what they hope to see within their regions.

Meet Atlanta Regional Liaison Beth Vertino ('90)

Q: Briefly explain how you became involved with W4FSU.

A: A friend and co-worker invited me to one of the inaugural W4FSU events in Atlanta. The event was a small luncheon attended by an impressive group of FSU alumnae living in the area, trying to ascertain the mission of W4FSU in Atlanta. It was an interesting conversation, and I was inspired to be surrounded by so many intelligent women.

Q: How many members does your region have?

A: Atlanta is home to nearly 15,000 Seminoles. The W4FSU Atlanta regional group has approximately 50 members.

Q: What has been your favorite event so far?

A: We've had a few brainstorming and happy hour events, but my favorite so far was the Seminole Sparkle event this past August. The afternoon allowed W4FSU to get their "seminole sparkle" prior to the start of the 2019-20 academic year. We were lucky enough to have several women-owned jewelry designers in attendance with FSU-exclusive designs, and they all gave a portion of their sales to the Women's Leadership Institute. The event was attended by over 30 women who perused the jewelry and caught up with friends over drinks, hors d'oeuvres and desserts.

Q: What do you hope the region will look like in the next few years?

A: Given our current circumstances, it is hard to imagine what the region will look like as we work to expand our events. I plan to form a committee that meets regularly to discuss ways to engage the Atlanta regional group, and I'm optimistic we will recruit new members. It is always exciting to look around a room and see a group of motivated, smart and inspiring women working together and, ultimately, connecting women back to FSU.

Meet South Florida Regional Liaison Saisha Delevoe ('12)

Q: Briefly explain how you became involved with W4FSU.

A: I currently work as the regional multicultural admissions officer for Florida State, covering greater Southeast Florida. As a graduate of the CARE program, I became involved with W4FSU during my time as the CARE student transition and engagement coordinator. There was great energy within the organization, and I will never forget former Chair Cassandra Rayne Gross providing me with an opportunity to serve W4FSU in my home of South Florida once I moved back in 2018. I have served as a member-at-large and philanthropy committee member, and currently serve as the regional liaison for South Florida. I have enjoyed my time serving in this role and hope to help recruit the next group of "pow-her" houses!

Q: How many members does your region have?

A: Our area is home to over 40,000 alumni, and the South Florida region has nearly 60 active members.

Q: What has been your favorite event so far?

A: My favorite event, which was also the most well-attended, was our first Taco-Bout It Tuesday Friend-Raiser. We had a great turnout of new faces, including members of the FSU Black Alumni network and South Florida Seminole Boosters joining us for networking and lively conversations. This event allowed W4FSU to get out into the community.

Q: What do you hope the region will look like in the next few years?

A: I hope to see membership grow each quarter with FSU alumnae and friends who want to re-engage with FSU, inspire others to do the same and give back to future generations of Seminoles—and doing it all from their own communities. I also hope to continue spreading our philanthropic efforts across the region to support the university we all love.

Join Women for FSU or find your nearest regional group.