MASFAAmeUP

In this episode, MASFAA SILS Co-Chairs Sara Bauer and Jamie Davis get us ready to grow, connect, and lead at the 2026 MASFAA Summer Institute & Leadership Symposium! Hosted June 1–5 at Indiana University Indianapolis, this week-long professional development experience brings together financial aid professionals from across the Midwest for hands-on learning, leadership development, networking, and inspiration. Whether you’re newer to the profession looking to build a strong foundation or an experienced professional ready to sharpen your leadership skills, there’s something for everyone.Summer Institute focuses on the fundamentals of financial aid administration and NASFAA credential preparation, while Leadership Symposium is designed to cultivate future leaders within MASFAA, state associations, and campus communities. Participants will engage with seasoned financial aid professionals, collaborate with colleagues from across the region, and leave energized with new knowledge, connections, and ideas to bring back to their institutions.Learn more about the event and MASFAA at MASFAA Summer Institute & Leadership Symposium

In this MASFAAmeUp podcast episode, Chad, Alex, and Emily talk with special guest Ben Montecillo from the University of Houston.  In this episode, we get to know Ben a bit, and some of the key lessons he learned from "Coach" (aka Bob Knight).  Ben also helps us break down the current guidance from the consensus language for the OB3 Pell changes, and we chat about tips for administering athletic aid and the importance of building strong relationships with campus partners.Ben also laid down a challenge from SWASFAA to MASFAA for the upcoming NASFAA conference in a 5k challenge - more to come on this, but the challenge was accepted! Tune in, have a listen, stay warm, and cheers, MASFAA! NASFAA AskRegs Link referenced: https://askregs.nasfaa.org/article/37252/how-will-the-prohibition-on-pell-grants-for-students-with-nonfederal-grants-and-scholarships-covering-the-entire-coa-work 

In this episode of the MASFAAmeUP Podcast, Chad, Alex, and Emily gather to reflect on what’s energizing them as we head into the holiday season, and then diving in on a conversation about OB3 changes from the RISE committee, and then a little bit about preparing for and handling the growing challenge of fraud prevention.  

What an episode...!  Tune in for an inspiring growth conversation with Dr. Keyimani Alford - upcoming MASFAA President-Elect, and Associate Vice President of Student Access and Success at Madison Area Technical College. A space where profound thought meets practical growth. Dr. Key — a leader, motivator, mentor, and lifelong learner — we explore his journey into higher education, becoming an author, his passion for mentorship and development, leading through change and tackling difficult tasks. We learn about building your personal brand, turning keywords into motivational content and the power of storytelling in leadership.  

In this powerful episode, we step into the ring — metaphorically and literally — with WWE Superstar Angelo Dawkins as he shares his journey to the global stage of professional wrestling. Speaking directly to financial aid professionals and student success advocates, Angelo opens up about what it means to navigate high-pressure environments, choose the harder path, and stay true to your identity through it all.Known for his charisma and resilience, Angelo’s story is one of perseverance, self-belief, and authenticity. Whether it's staying mentally strong when no one is watching or stepping into the spotlight with the weight of expectations, Angelo’s insight resonates far beyond the squared circle.Join us as we explore:How high-stakes decisions in the ring mirror life’s academic and career challengesThe value of authenticity in building long-term successWhy choosing the tougher route often leads to the most meaningful victoriesWhat financial aid pros can learn from Angelo’s journey to better support the students they serveThis episode is more than just a conversation — it's a reminder that the fight for your future is worth it, and believing in yourself is the most powerful move of all.

In this special episode, we are delivering you the inside scoop on the 2025 MASFAA Annual Conference happening October 12-15 in St. Charles, Missouri.  Don't forget the early bird special ends September 5th. https://www.masfaaweb.org/conference/register From sharing meaningful MASFAA conference moments, to teasing out powerhouse keynote speakers and a new director's roundtable event, this year's agenda is stacked with leadership insights, policy strategy, compliance sessions, NASFAA credential opportunities, and highlight the networking MASFAA magic that happens when financial aid pros from across the Midwest to gather to swap stories, share solutions, and laugh through all the regulatory changes. Be sure to make it all the way to the end, where ummm, there is ummm, a fun outtake from one of our co-hosts, Alex DeLonis. Whether you are a first-time attendee or a seasoned MASFAA veteran, this episode will get you hyped, and ready to pack your lanyard and laptop.  Tune in and we will see you in St. Charles! 

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with the President of the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (MASFAA) for an honest and uplifting conversation about leadership, growth, and the power of community. She shares her personal journey through the financial aid profession, the pivotal role MASFAA has played in her development, and how the association continues to support and empower aid professionals across the region. We also explore how to navigate change with resilience, lead with kindness, and extend grace—to others and to ourselves. Whether you’re a long-time MASFAA member or just starting out in the field, this episode offers encouragement and perspective you won’t want to miss. 

Join co-hosts Alex and Emily for a dynamic conversation as they dive into the heart of what makes great customer service in our profession. From managing high-stress peak seasons to ensuring the processes align with the front end business, this episode is packed with real-world strategies, leadership insights, and practical tips tailored for financial aid professionals. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned expert, you'll walk away with fresh ideas to elevate your office's service and student experience. 

In this episode of MASFAAmeUP, Chad, Emily, and Alex talk with NASFAA Chair, Heidi Carl, following up on the speech she gave when she accepted the gavel at NASFAA and how financial aid professionals can be the storm!  We chat on optimism and leadership skills working in financial aid, and handling all the ups and downs as we work hard to make a difference in the lives of our students. Book links discussed in the podcast:Together is Better - https://simonsinek.com/books/together-is-better/The Infinite Game - https://simonsinek.com/books/the-infinite-game/Find Your Why - https://simonsinek.com/books/find-your-why/

In this episode Alex and Chad discuss the proposed reconciliation bill, talking about it to your campus partners, advocating, and then what they are looking forward to at the NASFAA Conference.This is our 3rd episode of the relaunch, and 18th episode overall!  

Relaunch Episode 2 - Co-Hosts Alex & Emily dish on what their campuses are doing and thinking about as it relates to communicating with former borrowers and the recent federal guidance. Also, Alex has the 411 on what to do with kids and how to keep track of them in St. Louis. Let's go! 

This is the first episode of our relaunch of the MASFAAmeUp Podcast!  To list to the first 15 episodes, check out the former podcast of MASFA Me Up! on Apple or Spotify. In this episode, we’re diving into the debut of Mini-MASFAA—a brand-new, fully virtual and tech-focused professional development event happening the week of June 9, 2025. Designed for all MASFAA member institutions, Mini-MASFAA features sessions on software conversions, AI in compliance, Microsoft tools, and free tech resources to elevate your office and association work. Plus, we’ll preview the week’s big finale: a system-wide get-together to close things out in style. Tune in for insights, inspiration, and a look at what’s ahead in the world of financial aid technology!  https://www.masfaaweb.org/event-6147786