By Maria Carrasco, NASFAA Staff Reporter

This month, we have the opportunity to hear from our colleagues from Nevada, Florida, Washington, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina about upcoming conferences happening in October and beyond. 

Additionally, we get to hear from our colleagues from Massachusetts about recently held trainings. Our colleagues from Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and the Eastern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (EASFAA) also give us exciting updates about their associations. 

Upcoming Conferences 

• Ambra Reed, president of NAFAA (Nevada), shares that the association’s Conference Committee has been hard at work to produce an information-packed, fun-filled conference designed for both new and seasoned financial aid professionals next month in Las Vegas.
  
  This year, NAFAA and IASFAA (Idaho) are combining states for one exciting conference experience, Ambra writes. This special collaboration brings together financial aid professionals from across Nevada and Idaho for an opportunity to connect, learn, share ideas, and build lasting professional relationships. Ambra adds that the associations are pleased to welcome representatives from NASFAA and the Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General (OIG), who will be joining in-person to lead informative sessions and share valuable insights with our attendees.
  
  This year’s conference theme is about finding the gems in the profession, where some of the most valuable treasures are the insights, connections, and ideas waiting to be discovered, Ambra shares. Attendees will uncover fresh insights and strategies to sharpen your skills, build valuable connections with peers, mentors, and colleagues from across the profession and both states, experience engaging sessions and activities that bring learning to life and make professional development fun, and much more.
  
  “So, grab your pickaxe, shovel, and a little adventurous spirit, and get ready to stake your claim at the table,” Ambra writes. “With hidden gems around every corner, this is one conference you won’t want to miss. The stakes are high. The gems are waiting. Your seat is calling. We can’t wait to see you in Las Vegas!”

• Arminta Johnson, president of FASFAA (Florida), shares that registration for the association’s Clock Hour Conference is now open. The Clock Hour Conference will take place on November 2-4, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Join members of the clock hour community to build connections, receive training, and collaborate on addressing the unique challenges faced by clock hour schools,” Arminta writes. Along with the other exciting sessions, the association will be hosting two sessions with the federal trainers. They will also be available during the conference for one-on-one Ask-a-Fed sessions.  

• Molly Walsh, president of WFAA (Washington), shares that the association is getting ready to host its conference on October 21-23 at Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, Washington. This year's theme is “Rise of the Pack: Resilience, Renewal and the Future of Financial Aid.” It will be three engaging days of learning, networking and building our pack, Molly writes.   

• Robin Walker, president of PASFAA (Pennsylvania), shares that the association is planning its yearly conference, which will be held at The Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center on October 26-28. This year’s conference has a robust agenda with something for everyone, Robin writes.

• Samantha Hicks, president of SCASFAA (South Carolina), shares that registration for the association’s annual conference is now open. “Forging the Frontier” calls on financial aid trailblazers to ride into new territory with grit, innovation, and a student-first spirit.
  
  “Together, we’ll wrangle emerging challenges, swap strategies around the campfire, and blaze new trails that expand access and success across South Carolina,” Samantha writes. “So dust off your boots and get ready – because the future of financial aid isn’t waiting, and this posse is leading the way forward.” 

Trainings

• James McGehee, president of MASFAA (Massachusetts), shares that the association’s Professional Development & Training Committee hosted several events in September. Notably, FISAP expert Carla Minchello of Wheaton College presented a FISAP Completion Webinar to provide tips and tricks to new and old FISAP completers. Additionally, the association’s annual “Just the Facts” training series for new aid officers began in September and will continue through mid-October. The Financial Wellness Education Committee also hosted a webinar on making financial wellness curriculum more inclusive to international students.  

Additional Updates

• Nick Rendon, a member of CAPFAA (Connecticut), shares that the association hosted its 8th Annual Golf Classic on September 15, benefiting the CAPFAA Scholarship Fund. Nick thanked the event’s 13 sponsors and 72 attendees for supporting the event and funding scholarships awarded to students attending colleges and universities in Connecticut.
  
  “We look forward to welcoming sponsors and guests back in 2027!” Nick writes.

• Robin Walker, president of PASFAA (Pennsylvania), shares that the association is continuing its advocacy work, providing professional development resources for its members and promoting access to higher education funding for Pennsylvania students and families.
  
  PASFAA is also working with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and other stakeholders to help high school graduates and postsecondary students complete their first FAFSA or renewals with the PA FAFSA Go! Initiative.
  
  October is the last month of Robin’s presidency, which will be coming to an end with the conclusion of our annual conference.
  
  “Serving in this role has been an honor and a privilege, and I am incredibly thankful for the support, collaboration, and dedication that this community has demonstrated throughout my tenure,” Robin writes. “We are student success."  

• Aurie Clifford, president of AASFAA (Arizona), shares that the association has successfully passed several key initiatives that align directly with the association’s goals and strengthen community support.
  
  As part of AASFAA’s commitment to improving member engagement, the association has been hard at work overhauling the AASFAA website. Aurie writes that the new, cohesive, and user-friendly platform is officially live! Be sure to check out the updated site and features directly at aasfaa.org. In addition to the website refresh, AASFAA has also officially re-established its Facebook and LinkedIn accounts to keep everyone connected and informed across all platforms.
  
  Aurie also gave a shoutout to Chantelle Isaacs, Melissa Stoddart, and Blanca Ramos, who lead the association’s Electronic Services team.
  
  “Their incredible dedication and behind-the-scenes volunteer work directly support the vital mission of our association,” Aurie writes. “Chantelle, Melissa, and Blanca—your hard work, technical expertise, and awesome volunteer spirit make a world of difference for all of us.”
  
  Aurie also gave a shoutout to Hilary O'Donnell, the association’s long-standing Communication Chair.
  
  “Hilary, thank you for your ongoing leadership, tireless dedication, and for keeping our community connected year after year,” Aurie writes. “Thank you all for everything you do!”

• Nicholas Prewett, president of EASFAA, shares the launch of the EASFAA Leadership Pathway, a new year-long leadership development program designed to help members build the skills, connections, and confidence needed to take the next step in their professional and association leadership journey. The program kicked off in September with an inaugural 15-person cohort, who will participate in a combination of virtual learning sessions, an in-person leadership institute, and development opportunities throughout the year, culminating with a capstone project.
  
  “The program was created to strengthen EASFAA's leadership pipeline while providing members with a meaningful opportunity to grow professionally, expand their network, and become more actively involved in the association,” Nicholas writes. “We are excited to launch this new member benefit and support the next generation of EASFAA leaders!”

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: 10/19/2026

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