November State & Regional Association Updates
By Maria Carrasco, NASFAA Staff Reporter
In this monthly round-up in Today's News, we would like to highlight what’s going on in your state and regional associations.
This month, we have the opportunity to hear from our colleagues from Illinois, Washington, North Carolina, the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (MASFAA), the Southwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SWASFAA), and the Western Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (WASFAA).
Bambie Roy, president of ILASFAA (Illinois), shares that the association has a packed schedule this fall, starting with its 2024 Leadership Academy in October. ILASFAA also sponsored a NASFAA FAAC® workshop in October and hosted a Fall Directors’ Workshop in early November. Those interested in checking out the association’s November events can head over to the ILASFAA website.
Melanie Ruiz, president of WFAA (Washington), shares that the 2024 WFAA conference was a big success. One-hundred-and-forty attendees attended a variety of sessions, including updates from NASFAA and Federal Student Aid (FSA) on October 16-18 in Spokane Valley, Washington. “We look forward to seeing everyone next year at our 2025 conference in Tacoma, Washington on October 22-24, 2025,” Melanie writes.
Lee Bray, president of NCASFAA (North Carolina), shares that the association is excited for its 2024 conference on November 6-7. More importantly, Lee writes, NCASFAA is focused on taking care of the association’s western schools affected by Hurricane Helene. Lee notes that system offices have stepped up to help students, faculty, and staff by creating a centralized donation site. Many schools have pitched in to send truckloads of supplies out west, and more support is needed.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to any school affected by a natural disaster,” Lee writes. “NCASFAA is here to help if needed, just reach out!”
Amanda Fijal, past-president of MASFAA, shares that the association's annual conference was October 7-10 in Columbus, Ohio. The theme of the conference, “You’ve always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself,” certainly proved true after the year of FAFSA simplification, Amanda writes. The conference had sessions from NASFAA, FSA, and many MASFAA colleagues. “We had a great time learning and unwinding with MASFAA Family Feud and an exciting casino night,” Amanda writes.
Amanda notes that MASFAA’s membership year began on November 1 and the association looks forward to another impactful year of training and networking with our new Executive Board.
Audra Main, president of SWASFAA, shares that the association is gearing up for the first AASFAA/SWASFAA A Few of My Favorite Things Super Conference. The super conference begins on Monday, November 11, with a “Winter Elf Academy” boot camp. The super conference will have a FAAC® Workshop and Jingle Bell Trot 5K to benefit the associations’ Logan Ware Professional Development Scholarship. Additionally, the superconference will have a “Pajama Jam” and end with NASFAA Chair Kristi Jovell on Friday. “Can't wait to see everyone in Little Rock,” Audra writes.
Bronwyn Garrison, president-elect of WASFAA, shares that the association held another successful annual Jerry R. Sims Management and Leadership Institute on October 22-24 in Portland, Oregon. FAAs from across the WASFAA region met at the Kennedy School Hotel - McMenamins, which included mentors and mentees from the 2024-25 Rebekah Hoppel Salcedo Leadership Development Program. In addition to speakers addressing project management and networking, the group had the opportunity to work on operational calendars, nearby the WASFAA Executive Council group met to discuss strategic planning, budgetary updates for the new year, and upcoming events.
Additionally, WASFAA is looking forward to two state conferences – NAFAA on November 6-8 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and CASFAA on December 7-10 at Universal Studios, California.
Check back next month to see what your colleagues are doing across the country, and check out your colleagues’ updates from previous months!
Publication Date: 11/12/2024
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