During Homecoming 2024, Alexa Watson ʼ25 attended the Homecoming Leadership Lunch hosted by the Women’s Leadership Council (WLC). Watson is a member of the Women’s Network, a group of undergraduate women leaders, and she was inspired by the keynote speech delivered by WLC member Mandy DiMarzo ʼ02.
In January, Watson reconnected with DiMarzo, founder of the health and fitness company Burn by Mandy, to organize an exercise class followed by a group discussion. It was exactly the reaction DiMarzo was hoping for when she stood behind the podium during Homecoming weekend. “This is what it looks like when women stop waiting for permission and start building the spaces we need,” DiMarzo said.
The high-energy workout was physically demanding, but the discussion that followed was emotionally so—pushing the attendees to show up as their most authentic selves. DiMarzo encouraged them to let go of their insecurities by writing down a fear or self-doubt on a card. “Letting go of those cards felt symbolic,” Watson said. “This event was more than just a workout. We created space for connection, confidence, and reclaiming our power.”
DiMarzo returned to vlog on April 3 for another workout and discussion and is co-sponsoring a fundraiser for Pippy’s Pals dog rescue and fostering group with the Women’s Network. “This is the kind of energy that ripples outward,” DiMarzo concluded. “This is how we change things.”