BYU Women’s Empowerment Event Welcomes SI Swim Models Jasmine Sanders, Mady Dewey and Berkleigh Wright

Be Your Best You Panel.Courtesy of Brigham Young University

The Big 12’s Homecoming Tour made its final stop at the Marriott Center on Brigham Young University’s campus in Provo, Utah, on Oct. 19. The event, in partnership with SI Swimsuit, was part of BYU’s homecoming week, with more than 1,800 people in attendance.

Women involved with BYU were invited to connect with one another as part of a women’s empowerment event branded as “Lean into Light TogetHER,” an extension of the school’s homecoming theme.

The event included many activities for Cougars students and attendees to enjoy, including a bouquet bar, a photo booth, Nike headband customization, makeovers at Maybelline’s beauty bar, friendship bracelet making, access to informational booths featuring women’s services, a taco bar and much more.

BYU Women’s Empowerment event.

SI Staff

Five-time brand model and 2020 cover star Jasmine Sanders, 2023 rookie and ’22 Swim Search winner Mady Dewey and Berkleigh Wright, who was just announced as co-winner of this year’s open casting call, joined Big 12 chief impact officer Jenn Hunter on stage for the “Be Your Best You Panel,” presented by Maybelline. The women discussed mental health, ways to overcome challenges and the power of having women in organizations.

“You are not defined by one thing,” Wright said. “You are able to wear many hats and do them all well, as long as you are yourself, because that is the most beautiful thing you can be.”

Sanders, who has more than 6.3 million Instagram followers, spoke to her experience of growing a following on social media.

“You have to find ways to balance it all,” Sanders said, as she described ways to overcome struggles in life. “Sundays are huge days for me. I love church, and I love the farmers market. Those are two things that no one will stop me from doing on a Sunday. Select a day to take time for yourself, and stand by it.”

Along with her comments on self-care, the Golden Barbie touched on the importance of being open with those in your life who love you, even if they do not share the same experiences. Sanders added that talking with her mother, sister and other elders in her life has helped her to be more empowered.

Berkleigh Wright, Mady Dewey and Jasmine Sanders.

Courtesey of Berkleigh Wright

“The only thing that we have guaranteed is this moment, not tomorrow or the next day, [is ourselves],” Dewey agreed. “There are going to be things happening that are not in your control, but there are things that you can control. Your outlook is something that you can control, even when situations are hard.”

A second panel discussion featured speakers Liz Darger, BYU Athletics senior associate athletic director and senior woman administrator; Diljeet Taylor, BYU’s women’s cross country head coach and associate director of track and field; and Camille Johnson, president of the Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The panel focused on being an empowered woman who empowers other women.

Short TED Talk-style speeches were delivered by other women involved in the BYU community, which focused on the unique abilities of women and the power that women have when they lift each other up. Performances by 2023 Miss Utah Sarah Sun, the BYU Cougarettes, the women of BYU Afro Dance Ensemble and HIGH Fitness helped complete the event. 

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