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If you’ve ever Googled “AOII famous members” at 1 a.m. (no judgment), you’re in good company. Alpha Omicron Pioften called
AOII or “Alpha O”has been around long enough to collect an impressive roster of actresses, athletes, journalists,
reality-TV strategists, and history-making professionals. And yes: there are pandas involved. [1]
This guide rounds up notable, publicly documented AOPi members and explains how “famous” AOPis tend to be verifiedbecause
sorority membership isn’t the kind of thing you want to guess at, like a TikTok trend or your friend’s “secret” crush.
What Is Alpha Omicron Pi?
Alpha Omicron Pi (ΑΟΠ) is an international women’s fraternity (often casually called a sorority) founded in 1897 at Barnard College in New York City.
Its long-running message is basically: build lifelong friendships and keep your standards highcharacter, dignity, scholarship, and loyalty aren’t just
pretty words for a banner. [1][2]
AOPi is also part of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), which is the umbrella organization for many major women’s sororities in the U.S.
So when you hear someone say “Panhellenic,” that’s the neighborhood. [2]
AOPi’s modern emphasis includes leadership development, belonging, service, and “Inspire Ambition”a motto that sounds like it was designed to be printed
on a water bottle (and honestly, fair). [3]
How “Famous AOPis” Are Verified
Before we jump into the names: a quick, reality-based note. Sorority membership is sometimes easy to confirm (official chapter pages, awards listings,
university profiles) and sometimes harder (older records, privacy choices, or outdated fan lists).
Reliable ways membership shows up publicly
- Official AOPi pages and publications (news posts, archives, timelines, awards lists). [6][14]
- University Greek life profiles that list notable alumni or chapter facts. [8][12]
- Major biographies (credible entertainment bios, reputable profiles, or widely referenced reference pages). [9][7]
In other words: this list sticks to publicly documented information. No “my cousin’s roommate swears…” energy here.
Famous AOPis: Celebrities & Notable Members
Below are notable Alpha Omicron Pi members grouped by the kind of fame they’re known for. Some are household names, some are “you definitely know her face,”
and some are “waitthat’s the person who helped shape a whole field.” All are interesting.
Reality TV & Pop Culture
Parvati Shallow (Reality TV)
Parvati Shallow is one of the most recognizable faces in the Survivor universeknown for strategic gameplay and big on-camera confidence.
She’s publicly listed as an AOPi member, and she also appears in university Greek-life materials naming notable AOPi alumni. [7][8]
Why she fits an AOPi “famous member” list beyond the TV angle: reality competition rewards the same things campus leadership roles often teachreading a room,
building alliances, and communicating under pressure (minus the bugs… hopefully).
Natalie White (Reality TV)
Another Survivor winner associated with AOPi in university Greek-life materials is Natalie White. [8]
She tends to show up in “notable alumni” roundups because she’s one of the clearest examples of Greek-life-to-pop-culture crossover.
Brittany Allen (Fashion / Project Runway)
Brittany Allen competed on Project Runway and is listed as a notable alumna on the University of Arkansas AOPi page. [12]
The University of Arkansas also profiled her selection as a contestant, highlighting her background and work. [13]
This is a good reminder that “celebrity” isn’t only Hollywoodit’s also the people whose skill becomes visible on national stages.
Actresses & Entertainment
Aneta Corsaut (TV Actress)
Aneta Corsautbest known to many viewers for her work in classic televisionis included among notable AOPi alumni in university Greek-life materials
and in widely referenced membership listings. [8][7]
Her place on this list is a nice example of AOPi spanning entertainment eras: from black-and-white TV to streaming everything everywhere.
Ashley Crow (TV Actress)
Ashley Crow (known for roles including on TV dramas) is directly described in a major entertainment bio as having been a member of Alpha Omicron Pi while at Auburn University.
She’s also listed among notable AOPi alumni in university Greek-life materials. [9][8]
If you’ve ever wondered why so many actors talk about “community,” Greek life can be one of the earliest structured communities where you learn teamwork,
time management, and being “on” even when you’re tired.
Sofia Vassilieva (Actress)
Actress Sofia Vassilieva is publicly listed as an Alpha Omicron Pi member in reference listings and is also mentioned in the University of Arkansas AOPi page’s famous alumnae section. [7][12]
The broader point: AOPi “celebrity lists” often include working actorspeople with recognizable resumes who built careers through consistency, training,
and (let’s be honest) serious resilience.
Sports Legends & Elite Athletes
Courtney Kupets Carter (Gymnast)
Olympic medalist and world champion gymnast Courtney Kupets Carter is repeatedly associated with AOPi in membership listings and in university Greek-life materials.
She also appears as “Gymnast: Courtney Kupets” on a university chapter profile’s notable alumni section. [7][8][12]
Elite sports and Greek life overlap in one big way: structure. If you’ve ever watched an athlete’s schedule, it looks suspiciously like a color-coded chapter calendar
just with more chalk and fewer email threads.
Kendall Gretsch (Paralympic Champion)
Kendall Gretsch, a Paralympic champion across summer and winter sports, is listed in notable AOPi membership references. [7]
She’s a strong example of why “famous AOPi” doesn’t have to mean “celebrity gossip”sometimes it means excellence in sport, science, and persistence.
Mercedes (Asmahan) Farhat (Olympic Swimmer)
Mercedes (Asmahan) Farhat, an Olympic swimmer, is also listed in notable AOPi membership references. [7]
She’s frequently cited as an example of AOPi’s reach across international competition and professional life.
Journalism, Media, and the People Who Explain the World
Margaret Bourke-White (Photojournalist)
Margaret Bourke-White is one of the most historically significant names connected to AOPi. AOPi’s own historical features identify her as an initiated member
and highlight her trailblazing career in photojournalism. [6][7]
If you know her work, you know why she lands on “famous AOPis” lists: she helped define what modern documentary photography could behigh stakes, human,
and unafraid to go where the story was. [6]
Janis Mackey Frayer (Journalist)
Janis Mackey Frayer appears in AOPi convention award documentation, including her chapter designation. [14]
She’s a good example of how AOPi recognition sometimes shows up through official fraternity channels rather than entertainment headlines.
Angie Goff (Broadcast Journalist)
Angie Goff is included in widely referenced AOPi membership listings. [7]
Her career is another reminder that “famous” can mean “trusted”the person millions rely on for clear, calm information.
Politics & Public Service
Susan W. Brooks (Public Service / Former Member of Congress)
Susan W. Brooks is explicitly described by Miami University as having been president of her Alpha Omicron Pi sorority during her college years, with that experience helping shape her leadership path. [10]
She also appears in notable AOPi member listings. [7]
Teresa Lubbers (Higher Education Leadership)
Teresa Lubbers is included in notable AOPi member references connected to education leadership and public service. [7]
If you’re looking for the “Greek life → leadership pipeline” example that doesn’t involve a red carpet, this category is it.
Worth a Mention: “Famous” Isn’t Always Celebrity
Some AOPis are famous in a quieter waythrough programs built, policies changed, or communities served. For example, AOPi’s own historical features highlight
additional notable women connected to major social impact work. [6]
If your definition of success includes “made life better for other people,” you’ll find plenty of “famous” AOPis without ever opening an entertainment app.
Why Greek-Letter Skills Show Up on Big Stages
Here’s the pattern you’ll notice across actors, athletes, journalists, and public leaders: AOPi fame often correlates with skills that are trained early in
campus organizationsplanning events, speaking publicly, navigating conflict, and learning how to lead without turning into a cartoon villain.
Three repeatable takeaways from the “Famous AOPi” list
- Visibility is a skill. Whether it’s a gymnast on a world stage or a journalist on live TV, being seen is part of the job. Chapter life can be an early arena for that.
- Networks matter, but so does follow-through. Connections helpyet the famous members tend to be the ones who paired community support with consistent work.
- Leadership doesn’t have one aesthetic. Parvati’s game is charisma and strategy; Bourke-White’s legacy is fearless craft; Brooks’ story highlights structured leadership development. Different lanes, same engine.
In other words: AOPi doesn’t “produce” celebrities like a factory. But it does sit at an intersection where ambition, structure, and community can help people
build momentum. [3]
AOPi’s Signature Cause: Arthritis Advocacy
If you ask many AOPis what they remember most, philanthropy will come up fastespecially the long-standing relationship with the Arthritis Foundation.
The partnership dates back to 1967 and has remained a defining service focus for the organization. [4][5]
The Arthritis Foundation has described AOPi’s decades of support as fueling research, advocacy, and community programsespecially for kids and families dealing with juvenile arthritis. [4]
More recently, Arthritis Foundation reporting also highlighted ongoing partnership commitments into the 2025–2026 period, including major announced donations and program support. [5]
This matters for a “famous AOPi” conversation because public visibility often amplifies service. When notable alumnae are connected to a mission, it becomes easier
for people outside Greek life to understand what the organization stands for beyond the stereotypes.
Quick FAQ
Is Alpha Omicron Pi a sorority or a fraternity?
You’ll see both terms used. AOPi is commonly called a sorority, and it also identifies as an international women’s fraternity in official descriptions. [1]
What does AOII stand for?
You’ll often see AOPi shortened to AOII (a common nickname), and members may also say “Alpha O.” [8]
Does AOPi have policies about safety and conduct?
YesAOPi publishes member policies and includes risk management topics such as hazing and other conduct expectations. [11]
Why do some “celebrity in AOPi” lists disagree?
Because not every claim is documented the same way publicly, and sometimes lists mix up “pledged,” “attended events,” or “was on campus” with “initiated member.”
The best lists stick to official and verifiable documentation. [14][12]
Experiences: What the “Famous AOPi” Conversation Feels Like in Real Life
Talking about famous AOPis is funwho doesn’t love a “wait, she was in your sorority?” momentbut the more interesting part is what that conversation
does to people who are not famous (which is most humans, including the ones with impressive Costco memberships).
One common experience is the sudden shift from “Greek letters are just campus decor” to “oh, this is a real network of real people.” When you learn that a
well-known journalist is an AOPior that a world-class athlete is, tooit reframes the organization as a community that spans careers and generations. For some
members, that’s the first time “alumnae network” stops sounding like a brochure phrase and starts feeling like something practical: mentorship, introductions,
and encouragement at exactly the moment you’re trying to figure out your next step.
Another experience is discovering how much of chapter life is actually skill-building disguised as “just an event.” Planning a fundraiser, recruiting volunteers,
coordinating schedules, writing announcements, and showing up on timenone of it looks glamorous in the moment. But later, those routines resemble professional
life in an eerie way. It’s not hard to see how someone could move from chapter leadership to public leadership (as Susan Brooks’ reflections on leadership development suggest),
or from campus involvement to high-pressure performance environments. [10]
Philanthropy is where the “experience” becomes easiest to explain to outsiders. AOPi’s decades-long relationship with the Arthritis Foundation means many chapters
organize service and fundraising efforts that connect members to real families and real needs. [4][5]
Even if you’ve never met a famous alumna, you can remember the feeling of a community working together for something that matters. That shared mission can become a
glue stronger than the usual college friendshipsbecause it’s not just about having fun; it’s about showing up.
A practical, modern experience worth naming: navigating Greek life responsibly. Many students want belonging and leadership, but they also want safety and respect.
Policies and expectations around conduct exist for a reason, and the healthiest chapter cultures are the ones where members feel comfortable setting boundaries,
saying no, and asking for help when needed. [11]
If you’re reading this because you’re curious about AOPi, it’s completely fair to care about culture as much as letters.
Finally, the “famous AOPi” topic often sparks a quiet kind of ambition. Not the “I must become a celebrity” kindmore like: “If someone from this organization
can do that, maybe I can do my thing too.” That’s the best version of a notable-alumnae list: not a trophy case, but a set of proof points that
women with community support, structure, and determination can end up on a runway, on a world stage, behind a camera that changes history, or in a role that
shapes public life. [3][6]
