UCF Hosts Empowering Big 12 Homecoming With SI Swim Models Camille Kostek and Olivia Ponton

Camille Kostek and UCF students at the Maybelline beauty bar.Nicole Whitaker

The Big 12 Homecoming tour visited Additional Financial Arena at the University of Central Florida on Thursday, Sept. 28. SI Swimsuit and the Big 12 teamed up to bring the “Be You Women’s Empowerment Series,” presented by Maybelline, to Orlando. The event brought together women of all ages and backgrounds to share their experiences with each other.

Doors opened at 10 a.m., when students and student-athletes enjoyed numerous free activations. Multiple photo opportunities covered the floor of the arena, as well as free makeovers at the Maybelline beauty bar and a professional headshot setup. Guests were also able to mingle with SI Swimsuit models Olivia Ponton and Camille Kostek.

The first panel kicked off at 11 a.m., and featured local Orlando women leaders: Shelly Wilkes, senior vice president at the Orlando Magic; Suzanne Worthington, senior vice president at Orlando Health; Kay Rawlins, senior vice president and founder of Orlando City Soccer; and Ashley Turner, director of external affairs and partnerships at UCF’s DeVos Sport Business Management Program.

The panel participants spoke about the importance of including women in rooms where important decisions are being made, as well as helping to create space for fellow women once one gets their own seat at the table.

Maybelline beauty bar.

Nicole Whitaker

“Bring people into meetings that aren’t normally present and have a space for them. Literally, save a space,” Rawlins said. “Those big board rooms can be overwhelming for the first time. Having someone in that room who smiles at you and tells you ‘come sit here’ is huge. Be that person or find someone who will be that person for you.”

Following the opening panel, SI Swimsuit talent Ponton and Kostek took the stage for the “Be Your Best You” panel, along with MJ Day, the magazine’s editor in chief, and Hillary Drezner, the brand’s general manager. Together, they talked about the importance of mental health and how to reach your personal and professional goals.

UCF students.

Nicole Whitaker

Ponton opened up about her struggles with social media comments and day-to-day life as a woman. She shared that she turned to her therapist and closest friends for support as she navigated being a woman in the public eye. “I’ve been in therapy since I was 14 and had a life coach for three years because I didn’t know how to handle people being mean to me,” Ponton explained. “I met with her three times a week and we talked about every single feeling I was going through.”

Drezner and Day spoke more in depth about the business side of SI Swimsuit and how they navigate the power of being women. “Whether or not you want to be in Sports Illustrated or be the president, you need to own yourself,” Drezner stated. “That is an important message that women need to keep hearing and taking with them wherever they are. You need to be confident in who you are and go forth.”

Members of the UCF dance team.

Nicole Whitaker

“Hearing from these women has truly opened my eyes to see that we all experience similar struggles,” UCF senior Sophia Bonwit said. “Because of this, we are able to turn to each other and get support. Being open about our struggles, and our achievements as well, brings us together as women and shows that we all have each other’s backs.”

The “Be You Women’s Empowerment” series will make one final stop on Thursday, Oct. 19 at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Numerous senior members of BYU athletics and the Church of Latter Day Saints will be in attendance, as well as participating SI Swimsuit talent.

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