VILLANOVA, Pa. – For the third consecutive year, Villanova had a pair of student-athletes attend the Athlete Activism Summit, this time held in Poconos of Pennsylvania in early June.
 
Joined by Assistant AD for UNITAS - Community, Culture and Engagement Leashia Lewis, Lauren Short of water polo and Maria Deaviz of women's track and field represented Villanova at this year's event. The summit is an annual gathering for college athletes, coaches and administrators from across the country to learn and discuss ways to create a more welcoming environment in sports.
 
"It is clear to me that Athlete Ally embodies inclusivity, belonging and excellence in advocacy in a way that few organizations do," Lewis said. "The Summit was an incredible experience, offering us opportunities to learn from professional athletes about leveling the playing field, to better understand the legislation impacting transgender student-athletes and to engage in meaningful conversations about the importance of athletics as a space where people can be their authentic selves, love who they love and accepted for who they are."
 
Throughout the four days, those in attendance had the opportunity to take part in workshops, hear keynote speeches and panel discussions led by Athlete Ally staff and guest speakers. All of the programming centered on equipping athletes and leaders with the tools to make positive changes on their teams and campuses through education, leadership development, team building and communication skills.
 
"Throughout the Summit, the values of Caritas and Unitas were ever present," Lewis said, "creating space to connect with leaders from across the country and, most importantly, to listen to students whose lived experiences challenge us to grow, lead with empathy, and build stronger communities.
 
"I am grateful to Villanova Athletics for continuing to invest in these transformative professional development opportunities for both our student-athletes and staff."