Attendees of the Be You Women’s Empowerment pose for a photo on Sep. 20 (Charlotte Smith/CU Independent).
The Big 12 Conference’s Be You Women’s Empowerment Tour is a series of dynamic gatherings celebrating the strength and resilience of women in sports and beyond. In partnership with Tarte Cosmetics and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, the event aims to inspire and empower attendees through engaging discussions, networking opportunities, and a showcase of powerful female role models.
On Sep. 20, The University of Colorado Boulder hosted its own Women’s Empowerment Event, aligning with the Big 12 initiative. This local gathering empowered female students and athletes through interactive sessions focused on personal growth and leadership.
The event featured insightful panels with influential figures from athletics, media, and business, as well as hands-on workshops designed to boost confidence and foster leadership skills. A standout panel included SI Swimsuit models Camille Kostek, Jasmine Sanders, Kamie Crawford, and Penny Lane, who discussed self-love and body positivity in today’s appearance-centered world.
“I love our ability to be nurturing and caring while being strong. Our resilience, confidence, drive, and determination are unmatched,” Sanders said.
The gathering aimed to empower female students and athletes through sessions with sports business professionals and alumni. Attendees heard from successful graduates, including CU Track and Field alumna and Olympian Valerie Constien.
Constien credited her achievements to “a mix of hard work, dedication, patience, and confidence,” urging young women in the audience to “follow [their] dreams, no matter the stakes.”
Another panelist, Romi Bean, is a sports broadcaster and journalist known for her work in sports media, particularly in the Denver sports scene. Bean attributes her success as head anchor of CBS Sports Colorado to the support of her mentors and colleagues. She encouraged CU students to “reach out, unapologetically” to those who inspire them.
In addition to the three powerful panels, female-focused booths provided networking opportunities with the Women’s Sports Foundation, self-love practices from Tarte Cosmetics, and mental health resources.
With a strong emphasis on community, CU Boulder’s event fostered connections among participants, encouraging them to support one another as they navigate their journeys in sports and young womanhood. Focusing on themes of female empowerment, body positivity, and the importance of community, the event captured the vibrant energy that defines women’s participation in sports.
Contact CU Independent staff writer Charlotte Smith at chsm5601@colorado.edu
