A Shared Commitment to Service: Ability Experience Welcomes New Board Liaison
The Ability Experience is built on the belief that student leadership drives meaningful service. This year, that commitment is reflected in the transition of the Ability Experience Board Liaison role from Jackson Escamilla to John Serafim; two leaders whose records of service demonstrate what it means to put the mission first.
From 2023 to 2025, Jackson Escamilla served as the student representative to the Board of Directors, ensuring that the undergraduate voice remained present in every conversation. A senior from the Iota Beta Chapter at the University of Texas at San Antonio, Jackson carried a deeply personal connection to disability advocacy into the position. His twin brother, Aidan, has a disability, shaping the way Jackson approaches leadership and service.
Jackson matched that passion with action. He raised nearly $13,000 as a member of the Journey of Hope North team, cycled in the inaugural Gear Up New York event and participated in multiple Ability Camps across Texas, often stepping up to lead. On the Board, he played a key role on the Programs and Safety Committee, consistently elevating student feedback and ensuring decisions reflected the reality of the undergraduate experience.
Jackson concludes his term having strengthened the liaison role, refined communication between students and the Board, and helped advance the mission in tangible ways.
The role now passes to John Serafim, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering and a member of the Theta Psi Chapter at Rochester Institute of Technology. John has been an active leader within Pi Kappa Phi, serving his chapter as standards board chairman and archon and representing students nationally as a member of the Council of Archons.
John also brings significant experience from his service with The Ability Experience. In 2024, he completed the Journey of Hope TransAmerica route and earned the Bruce Rogers Award, the highest honor given to a team member. His involvement includes four Ability Camps, launching Theta Psi’s first War of the Roses competition and helping establish long-term volunteer partnerships in his local community.
With a grounded approach and a strong connection to the undergraduate membership, John is prepared to ensure open communication between students and the Board while keeping the role focused on meaningful, mission-driven work.
As Jackson concludes his service and John steps forward, this transition highlights what Pi Kappa Phi strives to develop: exceptional leaders who put service before self and dedicate their time and talent to improving the world around them.
The Ability Experience is proud to recognize both Jackson and John — one for his impact, and the other for the impact still to come.
