Finding Confidence Through Sisterhood
- Tri Sigma Foundation
- Dec 15, 2025
- 2 min read
Pamela Minoski Runac
Gamma Zeta–Slippery Rock University
I was always a quiet young girl, more comfortable in the background than at the center of things. That changed during my sophomore year at Slippery Rock University, when I joined Tri Sigma.
It was in Sigma that I truly found my voice. Sometimes I stop and ask myself, "What would I have done without my sisters and the experiences we shared?" The leadership positions I took on and the lifelong friendships I built gave me the confidence and strength to navigate so many parts of life, motherhood, my career, and the challenges and lessons along the way.
To think there were only two spots open that year in a chapter of 65 members, I still feel so grateful that one of those spots was mine.
Recently, I volunteered as a scholarship reader for the Foundation. Reading letters from young Sigmas and learning about their journeys and struggles brought me right back to my own college days. It reminded me of just how impactful Tri Sigma was in helping me discover who I was and the power of my own voice.
That experience inspired me to take my giving one step further. Endowing a scholarship felt like the best way to give back and ensure future Tri Sigmas have the same opportunities I did: to be lifted up, to find their confidence, and to know that their sisters and this sisterhood will always believe in them.
I hope my gift reminds every young Sigma that they have a voice that matters and that they have sisters cheering them on every step of the way. If I could give every sister one piece of advice, it would be this: embrace the moments that push you forward, lean on your sisters, and never underestimate the power of finding your voice. That’s why I give, and why I will always give back to Sigma.
The Minoski-Runac Family Scholarship will support need-based undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a major or minor in special education. The scholarship awards will encourage and prepare the next generation of educators dedicated to fostering inclusive learning environments and meeting the unique needs of students with disabilities. Click here to learn more about this endowment and others.
