When Ryleigh Diamond decided to become an Avanti at The University of Alabama, she wasn’t just stepping into a new role — she was stepping into a legacy. Her aunt, Katie Smith, walked this same campus, wearing the same title and determined to follow a shared mission: to welcome students, build connections and leave a lasting impact. Now, the bond they share runs deeper than family, and it’s rooted in a program that shaped them both.
Katie graduated from the Capstone in 2014 with a degree in political science. As a student, she became an Avanti because she wanted to make a difference and inspire others.
“There is so much to love about Alabama,” Katie said. “Being an Avanti felt like the perfect way to share that and help students feel at home right from the start.”
Katie describes her Avanti experience as her favorite part of college. The friendships she formed while working the long summer hours became lifelong connections and have taken her around the world as she’s celebrated important milestones in her friends’ lives such as weddings.
“You form really strong bonds. I still think about those late-night talks, inside jokes and the kind of fun that only happens when you are surrounded by people who just get it,” she said.

Years later, Ryleigh is blazing her own path while honoring the one Katie helped pave. As a sophomore studying political science, Ryleigh is honored to follow in her aunt’s footsteps both in and outside of the classroom.
“I chose to be an Avanti mainly because of how much fun Katie had, but I also knew it would be a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and put myself out there,” Ryleigh said.
Now in her first year as an Avanti, Ryleigh has already started building her own connections and memories. She says the best part of the role is the people she works with every day, and what has made it even more powerful is the sense of purpose it brings.
“Getting to make an impact on the incoming students and parents is so rewarding and means so very much,” she added.
For Katie, watching her niece step into the same role has been a full-circle moment. They now call it a family tradition! Katie remembers when Ryleigh came to visit campus one summer when she was working as an Avanti, posing for photos with Big Al. Their bond has always been close— Katie was twelve when Ryleigh was born and has been a built-in babysitter, cheerleader and big-sister figure ever since. Seeing Ryleigh thrive in a role that meant so much to her gives her a deep sense of joy.

“Here she is, going through the same experience, and I could not be more proud of her,” Katie said.
Ryleigh agrees that sharing this experience with Katie has made it even more special. She says Katie’s support has helped her approach it with a positive mindset, and she feels confident in her decision.
“I have followed very closely in Katie’s footsteps throughout my life,” she said. “So getting to continue sharing experiences with her is really special to me.”
The experience has also been transformative for Ryleigh on a personal level. She says being an Avanti has helped her feel confident in herself and put her best self into all she does. One of her favorite parts has been the sense of community and support.
“The people I am around every day are wonderful and make every day a great experience,” she shared. “When I, or a team member, seem like they need a pick-me-up, there is always someone there that will show up for you.”

And while the Avanti program has evolved over the last few years, Katie believes its core remains unchanged.
“The heart of the Avanti experience is still the same,” she said. “It is still about leadership, service, and helping students feel seen, welcomed, and supported.”
That spirit has endured through both of their journeys, and it’s what continues to connect Avantis across generations. As Ryleigh continues building her own Avanti legacy, Katie offers simple but meaningful advice that reflects both their shared values and the lasting impact of the role.
“Be yourself,” she said. “The students you work with will always remember how you made them feel. You are going to make a bigger impact than you realize and have fun!”
