Five women from the Nevada Athletics Department, including four student-athletes, were part of a special collaboration between the Wolf Pack, local nonprofit , and business leader Alexis Meruelo on Wednesday.
Gabby Kano (Women’s Golf), Natalia Martino (Women’s Track & Field), Lexi O’Gorman (Softball), Madi Simons (Women’s Swimming & Diving) and Mariana Jacinto (Nevada Ticket Office) will be part of a total group of 10 women from the ҹɫÊÓƵ who will attend the , a one-day event on Saturday, Nov. 15 at Sahara Las Vegas, which invites women at every stage of leadership — entrepreneurs, executives, creatives and change-makers — to come together for inspiration, networking and growth. Through the support of Sahara Las Vegas and Martin Harris Construction, all travel, lodging and registration costs were covered.
“This is what makes Nevada’s College Town so special,” said University of Nevada Vice President for Student Services Heather Speed. “When the University, business leaders and local nonprofits come together, we create opportunities that support and inspire the next generation. That is the true spirit of Nevada.”
To help the attendees look and feel their best for the event, Dress For Success stepped up to provide each woman with a complete professional outfit, including shoes, clothing and jewelry, all at no cost. Over multiple personalized fitting sessions, Dress For Success volunteers spent time with each individual to help them find an outfit they loved and felt confident in.
“This partnership is about more than travel or clothing — it is about confidence, opportunity and the power of community,” said Nevada Director of Athletics Stephanie Rempe. “Alexis’ generosity and Dress for Success’ kindness created something deeply meaningful for our students. It is a perfect example of how ‘Excellence Lifts All.’”
On Wednesday, six members of the group had their final fittings at Shop for Success Thrift Boutique in an event featuring representatives from the University, Nevada Athletics and Dress for Success.
“This is exactly what our mission is about,” said Jessica Stack, executive director of Dress for Success Northern Nevada. “Helping women walk into new experiences with confidence and pride, and knowing that their community stands behind them.”
The initiative began when Meruelo, chief vision and purpose officer for Meruelo Group and founder of Business of Her, reached out to offer an opportunity for Nevada women to attend the national conference.
Among the featured speakers at the Nov. 15 event is University of Nevada First Lady Lauralyn Sandoval, a Nevada alumna and former Wolf Pack women’s tennis student-athlete. Sandoval, who has built a distinguished career in business and leadership, brings this experience full circle — showing these young women what’s possible when education, hard work and opportunity intersect.
