RENO, Nev. – Five University of Nevada students, including two student-athletes, were part of a special collaboration between the Wolf Pack, local non-profit Dress For Success, and business leader Alexis Meruelo Wednesday.
A group of 10 women from the University, including Nevada Athletics’ 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 attend the 2025 Business of Her Women’s Conference, a one-day event Saturday, November 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 Dr. 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.'”
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.
About Nevada Athletics
Established with the creation of the University’s first football team in 1896, Nevada Athletics boasts 17 varsity programs and has been a member of the Mountain West since 2012. Officially designated the nickname “Wolf Pack” in 1928-29, Nevada teams and student-athletes have captured four national titles, 18 individual NCAA titles, 132 conference titles, and earned 260 All-America honors. Additionally, Nevada student-athletes have claimed 19 College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) Academic All-America honors, and combined for a grade-point average of 3.278 through the Spring 2025 semester.
About Dress for Success Northern Nevada
Dress for Success Northern Nevada is a local affiliate of Dress for Success Worldwide, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women to achieve economic independence by providing professional attire, career development tools, and a network of support. Serving the Northern Nevada region, the organization helps women look and feel their best as they enter the workforce and build lasting careers. Through community partnerships, volunteer support, and programs that promote confidence and self-sufficiency, Dress for Success Northern Nevada continues to change lives—one outfit, one opportunity, and one woman at a time.
