RECRUITMENT TEAM

Ava Sargent

Hi! My name is Ava Sargent, and I have the honor of serving as Vice President of Recruitment for our chapter this year. As we get closer to welcoming a new group of incredible women into our sisterhood, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on what makes this chapter so special—and how excited I am to share it with you.

Recruitment is more than just a week of events. It’s a chance to find a genuine connection, to be surrounded by people who uplift and support you, and to discover a place that feels like home. Every detail we’ve planned was done with care and intention, all in the hopes that you’ll walk through our doors and feel that something just clicks.

This sisterhood has given me friendships, growth, and memories I’ll carry with me for life—and I can’t wait for you to experience that for yourself.

While we anticipate the recruitment process beginning in August, I encourage you to get connected with us on Instagram @auburnzta and TikTok @auburnzeta! We are so eager to meet you soon!

Jaylen Santivasci

Director of Logistics

Hi! I’m Jaylen Santivasci, and I’m from Oxford, Alabama! I have the pleasure of serving as this year’s Director of Logistics for Zeta Tau Alpha’s recruitment team. It’s been a dream come true to serve in this position for the past few months, preparing to welcome PC 25 in the fall! I remember applying for recruitment as a senior in high school, filled with nerves and anticipation for the next chapter of my life. I was scared I wouldn’t make friends, find my perfect chapter, or “fit in” the narrative I created in my head. Needless to say, the second I began the process and walked into ZTA, every ounce of anxiety disappeared.
The recruitment process is such a unique and truly exciting experience. Don’t let the nerves, fear, or expectations get in the way of you truly making the most of it. I went all in with recruitment and fell in love with both sides of the process, allowing me to step into this leadership role and lead the chapter in this way. There is nothing more that we, as members of the chapter, ask of PNMs than for their true, authentic selves when walking through the doors. The process is truly special and different for each PNM, so no matter what, know that you will find your place. I have formed lasting friendships, found a home away from home, discovered a group of sisters, despite leaving mine two hours away, and found a true community that loves this chapter and loves serving a truly special philanthropy. I am genuinely so excited for you to step into this new chapter of your life, just as I remember doing a few years ago. I truly hope you are met with joy, love, and so much excitement! It goes by fast, so take a deep breath, enjoy the experience, and know you will find your home! We cannot wait to meet you!

Jaylen Santivasci, Director of Logistics

PC ‘23

Hometown: Oxford, AL

Major: Political Science, Pre-Law & International Relations

Kalea Townes

Director of Philanthropy

Hi y’all! My name is Kalea Townes, and I’m from Birmingham, Alabama! I am so honored to be serving as this year’s Director of Philanthropy! I can not wait to welcome PC’25 home in the fall! Serving this chapter has been such a blessing, knowing I can share my love for Zeta Tau Alpha’s philanthropy through recruitment. I am looking forward for PNMs to learn, truly, how much our philanthropy has impacted so many lives. My advice to PNMs going through recruitment is to enjoy the moment, as this is an amazing experience. Make sure you embrace it, be present, and of course, have fun with it. Recruitment builds relationships that are truly so special, and I am beyond thankful for the friendships that this process has given me. I am so excited to meet you!!

Kalea Townes, Director of Philanthropy

PC ‘23

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Major: Civil Engineering

Sarah Bowdouris

Director of Sisterhood

Hi everyone! My name is Sarah Bowdouris, and I am from Flower Mound, Texas! It has been such an honor to serve on our recruitment team these past few months, and I cannot wait to welcome PC ’25 home in August!! It has been an amazing opportunity to prepare for you all and serve in this chapter as part of this team. Recruitment is such an amazing experience. I truly loved going through recruitment as a PNM and also recruiting PC’24 last summer! The best part of recruitment, in my opinion, is the opportunity to grow within our sisterhood together. My advice to PNMs coming through is to trust the process and be yourself throughout every round.  I am so excited for each and every one of you, and I hope you cherish every moment. Can’t wait to meet y’all!

Sarah Bowdouris, Director of Sisterhood

PC ‘23

Hometown: Flower Mound, TX

Major: Supply Chain

Maci Simmons

Director of Preference

Hey ya’ll! My name is Maci, and I am from Dacula, Georgia! I am beyond honored to be serving on this year’s recruitment team as the Director of Preference, and I absolutely cannot wait to welcome PC’25 home so soon! I’ve felt so much gratitude for the opportunity to serve this chapter in such a meaningful way and help prepare for all the amazing new sisters to come. Recruitment has genuinely been one of the most exciting experiences for me, both as a potential new member just a few years ago and now being on the chapter side of things. Gamma Rho has filled my life with so much love, purpose, and joy. The relationships I’ve built here are ones I know will last a lifetime. I feel truly blessed to have found my home in this sisterhood, surrounded by the most inspiring and supportive women. To any PNM reading this, my best advice is to have fun! This experience is one you’ll remember forever as you come into Auburn University. Keep an open mind, stay positive, and trust the process- you’ll end up exactly where you’re meant to be. I'm so ready to meet you!

Maci Simmons, Director of Preference

PC ‘23

Hometown: Dacula, GA

Major: Law & Justice