Elevate & Influence

Caitlyn Kramer, IH UNIVERSTY OF ARIZONA

What first drew me to Alpha Sigma Alpha was the focus on serving others and the community. My time in A Σ A was filled with community service, volunteer opportunities and my favorite, D.O.T. Days!

I’m a former foster care and adoptions specialist and now I work at Compass High School. I teach student council and work as the school social worker and student support coordinator. I’m also blessed with the opportunity to be Miss Sierra Vista 2023, which is under the Miss America organization on a local level. My social impact as Miss Sierra Vista is “Putting the Care Back in Foster Care.” I’m able to use my experience as a social worker to advocate for youth in foster care, host drives to collect supplies for these youth and educate others on the adoption and foster care process. My favorite A Σ A core value is generosity. I have always been passionate about serving others and I see the value in giving back to those who are in need. Even though my collegiate time with A Σ A has ended, I’m still able to implement the core values in my everyday life as I give back. I host an annual back to school drive where I collect school supplies that are donated to youth in need. I have also been collecting backpacks and suitcases for foster youth to use as they change placements. I founded my own organization called Project Happiness Arizona in 2017 and A Σ A members have continued to support my organization. Earlier this year, I was invited to my chapter to speak about my social impact, and a few members even donated towards my cause.

I’m honored to be featured in this magazine and be able to share how A Σ A has continued to fuel my passion and helped to develop my social impact. In June of 2023, I will represent the city of Sierra Vista and compete for the title of Miss Arizona. If you would like to help make a difference in the lives of foster youth or watch my journey as I get ready to compete for Miss Arizona, please connect with me via Instagram: @caitlynkramer or @misssierravista. I leave you with this final quote by Maya Angelo: 'People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.' I’m thankful that A Σ A has given me the opportunity to find ways to give back, inspired me to continue to serve others even after my collegiate career and allows me to share my social impact on a national level."