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Member Spotlight
Phi Theta Kappa is very excited to announce Miss Tayler Hirstius will be our first
Phi Theta Kappa alumni member to be spotlighted in our new series which shares the
stories and experiences of current or past members in their journey towards their
academic and professional goals. Professor Hirstius’ story is a testament to hard
work, persistence, and academic excellence. She graduated here at Delgado Community
College in 2019 with her Associates of Applied Science in Business Management. She
then went on to pursue her undergraduate and graduate degrees, receiving a Phi Theta
Kappa transfer scholarship and a Partial Institutional Merit Based Scholarship for
Loyola University of New Orleans. She then earned her Bachelors of Arts in Interdisciplinary
Studies, Psychology and Business Management, in 2021 and her Masters of Science in
Marketing and Communications in 2023, both from Loyola University of New Orleans.
In 2024, she also completed the Loyola University New Orleans Women’s Leadership Academy (WLA), which selects a cohort of 50 women per year across the Southeast region.
Professor Hirstius is now currently pursuing her PhD in Organizational Leadership along with an additional master's in business administration, MBA. Her expected graduation will be in 2027.
Professor Hirstius’ journey is an inspiration for many. She created a path for herself encouraging students of the possibilities available to them. For many, our professors are what help shape our goals as we pursue higher education and our professional dreams and Professor Hirstius’ is no exception to this. In a span of a little over five years, she went from student to professor of the very college she began her journey at. Creating a legacy for current and future students to learn from.
One of my favorite memories as a member of Phi Theta Kappa was my induction ceremony,
which was made even more special because it coincided with my induction as an officer.
It was an incredible feeling to be recognized for my achievements and to take on a
leadership role within the organization. I felt an overwhelming sense of pride in
myself and my accomplishments. That moment will always stand out to me as a highlight
of my PTK experience.
Advice to New Members:
If I could give any advice to new members of Phi Theta Kappa, it would be to not be afraid to take risks and seize opportunities. Running for officer roles, for example, can be intimidating, but it's a great way to challenge yourself and gain valuable experience. Being active and participating in everything your chapter does is also crucial. There are so many opportunities available to you as a PTK member, from leadership development to community service and networking. Don't hesitate to get involved and make the most of your time in the organization. By being proactive and engaged, you'll be amazed at what you can achieve and the connections you can make.
Woodleina Mondesir