JESSICA MARANO
FOUNDER & CEO
My name is Jessica Marano and I am the CEO and founder of this LADIES Empowerment Program. I am currently a teacher, coach, and yoga instructor. My biggest accomplishment thus far has been completing my Masters in Trauma and Resilience which has opened doors to endless possibilities and fueling this program. My goal is to help all young ladies gain a positive mindset that will lead them throughout their journey of life as optimistic, driven leaders who celebrate their uniqueness. Through this sisterhood, I will empower young females not to be followers, but to become strong leaders of their own lives and in the lives of others while supporting one another.
What has led me to the development of this program? Being an athlete my entire life led me to experience what it meant to be on a ‘team’. A team of like minded individuals who are like sisters. No matter how tough life got, I always had my team. From a very young age, the sport of soccer alone kept me driven and focused on what made my heart happy, despite the ongoing bullying and teasing. It became my escape. Having been born over 2 months premature in Italy, a visible birthmark on my face was the most notable complication. It heavily impacted many experiences and encounters, and how I perceived myself and the world around me. I taught myself how to overcome adversity and accept who I was. How I was born was not something I could control, but what I could control, was how much effort I put forth in the things I loved and how I could change the narrative. I was always made to feel as if I was at a disadvantage so I worked harder than most and everything I did, I did giving 200% of myself. This work ethic helped me in getting a full ride scholarship as a university athlete, being the youngest in my cohort to complete my Bachelor and teaching degree, become a high school teacher, a yoga instructor, develop my own curriculum and ladies empowerment program, and complete my masters degree in trauma and resiliency by the age of 27. With a resilient mindset, and the support of my sisters, I was unstoppable. This is what I hope to create for all these young ladies.
I believe one great connection can send an individual soaring through life. As a teacher, mentor and coach, I am driven to build relationships, connect, and help create amazing experiences for all my students and athletes, despite the barriers they may face in life.
“Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” (R.Pierson,TED Talks)
This is my why.
ABBEY VOGT
CCEO
Hi, my name is Abbey Vogt and I am the CCEO of this LADIES Empowerment Program. While completing my bachelors degree at Simon Fraser University, I competed as a dual sport varsity athlete competing on both the Women’s Soccer and Track & Field teams. I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to not only compete on both teams but also receive a scholarship for both sports and be one of the handful of female varsity student athletes to ever compete as a dual sport athlete at the collegiate level for Simon Fraser University. When Jess first proposed the idea for this group and came to me asking if I wanted to be a part of her program, as a big sister and mentor, I felt honoured and jumped at the opportunity. I knew it was something that I wanted to be a part of and instantly felt a connection and passion to be involved.
I am the youngest sibling of 3 and have always wanted to be a big sister, someone to help guide, mentor, empower and just watch grow into her own being and self. Playing sports my whole life, from the time I could virtually stand and walk, I have always found myself in a leadership role. As a result of a lifetime of surrounding myself in the sports environment I have learned the true aspect of being on a team and having a network of like minded individuals by my side who ultimately are there for support and guidance as well as always pushing me to be the best I can be and to always strive to achieve the next level in everything that I do. I have taken these skills and mindset and applied it not only in my personal but my professional life as well. Every single one of us face different challenges and obstacles in our lives as we are all on different journeys and paths, but the one thing I know is that you can accomplish so much more with the power of a unified group by your side and that is what I am so pleased and proud of this program for providing exactly that, a true sisterhood that does not judge and is only about uplifting, empowering and supporting one another.
I am beyond grateful and blessed for the opportunities and experiences that have played a role in shaping me and my life thus far and for the connections I have made along the way. I believe that we never stop learning and building and that there is always room for growth and I want to help empower young women and be an impact on their lives. I want to be an example for the upcoming generations, that no matter the barriers set in front of you, that does not determine you and that you can accomplish anything that you truly desire and set your mind to.
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou
LADIES CLUB LEADERS
We are so excited to have LADIES be integrated into some of the high schools in British Columbia as a club. These LADIES Clubs are an extension of our LADIES Empowerment Program lead by some of our very own LADIES members. These women have been monumental and exponential in our programs growth and have shown incredible amounts of passion and leadership along with willingness to succeed and empower other young ladies. We are confident in their abilities to be big sisters, fellow mentors and advocates for our LADIES program.
COMING SOON...
Please contact us if you are interested in starting a LADIES Club at your school or becoming a leader.