Gamma Phi Beta Presents: True and Constant Podcast - Entrepreneurs: Community Over Competition with Mari Jones (Colgate) and Abby Wempe (Kansas State)

Entrepreneurs: Community Over Competition with Mari Jones (Colgate) and Abby Wempe (Kansas State)

06/19/24 • 51 min

Gamma Phi Beta Presents: True and Constant Podcast

Being your own boss can be difficult. Just take it from entrepreneurs Mari Jones (Colgate) and Abby Wempe (Kansas State). They both agree that it takes a support system to help you rise up and overcome the obstacles of entrepreneurship. Join our True and Constant Podcast hosts, Lex and Emma, as they explore the power of community within entrepreneurialism with Mari and Abby! California native Mari Jones grew up playing, camping and learning to drive on her father’s sprawling Sonoma-Cutrer estate. By 12, she took her first trip to Burgundy with her father. It was there that Mari discovered pinot noir and became hooked. After earning a degree in philosophy at Colgate University, Mari lived in Colorado before returning to Sonoma in 2012 to work with her father. At Emeritus Vineyards, Mari has led the transition and transformation of the Emeritus team to the next generation of pinot noir icons. She oversees all aspects of Emeritus Vineyards, cultivating the highest standards of excellence. Under her leadership, both estate vineyards have become certified sustainable and carbon negative. Raised in Lawrence, Kansas, Abby Wempe was inspired by her parents’ dedication to their professions. Drawing from her father's experience as a golf pro on event days and her mother's skills as a nurse, Abby became an event planner. Abby loves the excitement, stress and anticipation that comes with pulling off amazing events. After graduating from Kansas State University in 2011, she took a corporate job but quickly realized her true passion was the hospitality industry. Since 2013, she has fully embraced working weekends and diving into the entrepreneur lifestyle as an event planner.

Previous Episode

Capturing the Magic with Ren Morrison (Southern Methodist)

With a portfolio that boasts collaborations with US Presidents and foreign dignitaries, celebrities, artists and industry leaders, she demonstrates a broad talent forming connections—visual and interpersonal—with some of the most inspirational individuals across the globe. Ren's work has featured prominently in prestigious publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, Modern Luxury, Travel & Leisure, D Magazine, and Voyage Magazine, where it has garnered acclaim. She has been recognized as one of the Top 40 Women Under 40 in the United States by The Crescent, further solidifying her status as a leading talent in the industry. Ren tells all in our True and Constant Podcast about what it’s like to be a world-renowned photographer, how she gets the best shot and most importantly, what it means to be a Gamma Phi Beta. Listen today!

Next Episode

Valuing Connection with Autumn Hansen (Idaho)

The July episode of The True and Constant Podcast has a very special and familiar guest, International President Autumn L. Hansen (Idaho)! Autumn is currently finishing her second term as International President of Gamma Phi Beta. Autumn has served on IC since 2012 as Education Vice President (2012-16), Alumnae Vice President (2016-18) and Vice President (2018-20). Before becoming International President, she chaired the Sorority’s Governance and Personnel Committee and was also a member of the Leadership Development Committee. A member of Xi Chapter at the University of Idaho, Autumn has Bachelor of Science degrees in sociology, psychology and crime and justice studies. She also has a master’s degree in social work from Indiana University. Professionally, Autumn is a licensed clinical social worker and currently works at the IU Health Employee Assistance Program as a clinical supervisor and counselor. She recently became a certified employee assistance professional. Autumn lives in Whitestown, Indiana, with her spouse, Nathan Hand, and twin daughters, Mary Jo and Hazel. With over 14 years of volunteer experience for Gamma Phi Beta, Autumn offers valuable insights into serving at every level of Gamma Phi Beta’s volunteer structure. Join hosts Emma and Lex as they explore what it’s like to be International President with Autumn in the latest edition of our True and Constant Podcast.