Dr. Kristen Gwinn-Becker: Using History to Build Engagement

Dr. Kristen Gwinn-Becker: Using History to Build Engagement

Author: Dr. Michael Ayalon April 29, 2026 Duration: 33:17

Dr. Kristen Gwinn-Becker is a professional historian, digital strategist and established thought leader in the field of digital preservation. She holds a PhD in U.S. History from George Washington University and has worked for over 15 years in software development. Kristen is a published author, accomplished scholar and experienced public speaker, including her TEDx talk on the Future of History. Kristen is the CEO and Founder of HistoryIT, headquartered in Portland, Maine, and they maintain outposts in Chicago, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh and Southern California.

In episode 675 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out when she realized that so much important history was actually at risk of being lost, what exactly does HistoryIT do, why they started working with fraternities and sororities, why she described history as "essential infrastructure", what is the most surprising thing she's uncovered while working with fraternity or sorority archives, how chapters use their own history to build stronger brotherhood/sisterhood, how can digitized history actually drive engagement with alumni and donors, how do you begin to organize composites, scrapbooks, and boxes in basements without feeling overwhelmed, what's the one idea about history that she wishes more leaders truly understood, and how Kristen thinks about her own legacy. Enjoy!


Hosted by Dr. Michael Ayalon, the Fraternity Foodie Podcast by Greek University moves beyond surface-level chatter to engage with the complex realities of campus Greek life. This isn't about social calendars or party themes; it's a dedicated space for necessary dialogue, pulling in leading voices and practitioners who work directly within the fraternity and sorority community. Each episode tackles a specific, often challenging, aspect of the student experience, from foundational safety issues like hazing and sexual assault prevention to the nuanced pressures surrounding substance use, mental wellness, and recruitment. The conversations are built on a practical educational framework, aiming to translate expert insight and frontline experience into actionable understanding for listeners. By focusing on these critical topics, the podcast seeks to contribute to stronger, healthier, and more accountable campus cultures. Tune in for thoughtful, solution-oriented discussions that address the questions at the heart of modern fraternity and sorority life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Fraternity Foodie Podcast by Greek University
Podcast Episodes
Ellen Raim: The Unwritten Rules for New Graduates at Work [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:57
Ellen Raim is a former Chief Human Resources Officer at global companies, she sat in rooms where decisions about early-career talent get made. She knows what executives think reviewing performance. What makes someone "pr…
Pilar Herreros: Mindfulness for Busy College Students [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:19
Pilar Herreros is a certified Life Coach, Meditation and Reiki specialist, former professional dancer, and one of Miami's Pilates precursors. Her passion lies in inspiring her clients and taking them on an inner journey…
Charles Grimes: What Does Great Leadership Look Like? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:48
Charles Grimes is a Business Psychologist. For almost 30 years he's been coaching individuals and teams to achieve way more than they ever thought they could. He's worked with many global brands - companies such as Barcl…
Chad Betz: Avoiding the Comparison Trap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:21
Chad Betz has a proven track record of delivering results by cultivating meaningful relationships within and outside the organization. His expertise lies in enhancing processes, coaching individuals, and driving producti…
Rei Vardi: How Entrepreneurs Create Momentum [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:16
Rei Vardi is the Founder and CEO of Eon. He started it as a side project in his dorm room at Boston University and built it into a national EV mobility platform with 3,000+ cars in over 30 cities. He bootstrapped everyth…
Dr. Ellyn Hilliard-McLeod: Improving Energy and Mental Focus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:25
Dr. Ellyn Hilliard-McLeod dedicated her life to helping others find healing and wholeness through a holistic approach to health. She earned her PhD in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health, where her…
Monica Hightower: Why Some Students Get Overlooked for Jobs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:31
Monica Hightower is a Fortune 500 HR Insider, Speaker, and Career Strategist. With nearly two decades of experience inside major corporations, she has designed intern programs, made return offer decisions, and sat in the…
Dr. Allen Lycka: Get Out of Survival Mode and Start Living [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:31
Dr. Allen Lycka is acknowledged as one of the leading cosmetic dermatologists globally for three decades. In 2003, Dr. Lycka was misdiagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), and, after additional research, discovered he…
Chloe Hechter: Connecting to Gen Z With Authenticity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:21
Chloe Hechter is based in New York City, she graduated from Syracuse University in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication & Rhetorical Studies Bachelor of Arts in Writing. She has an avid social media prese…