Hygiene Accessibility Drive

In collaboration with the Gossett Fellows program, a dedicated group of student-athletes took a proactive approach to community engagement, demonstrating the profound impact of collective action. 

The group — Tasha Brozowski (gymnastics), Ethan Gough (football), Emmi Simon (track & field), and Katie Altieri (track & field) — focused their efforts on addressing hygiene accessibility for young students within their local community.  

Understanding the importance of personal hygiene in a child's daily life and education, the team spearheaded a hygiene drive to support a local elementary school. Their goals were to provide essential hygiene supplies and to educate students on proper hygiene etiquette. To maximize their outreach, they partnered with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) to gather supplies and distribute them to those in need.

“This hygiene drive project holds such valuable significance to me because I’m able to strengthen young individuals’ self-esteem and access to resources through providing these hygiene products,” Brozowski said. “Being able to reduce stigma around hygiene health will help these young students feel valued and confident both at school and home while understanding the proper use of the items. Involving the Maryland Athletics community is also really special to me because it brings awareness to the needs of those around College Park, hopefully inspiring others to get involved.”

The fundraising campaign occurred from Feb. 11 to March 9, during which the group raised over $1,100. These funds were allocated to purchase hygiene products and assemble 120 kits tailored for elementary students. The SAAC team completed the hygiene kits on March 31st, and members of the Gossett Fellows Community Group will personally deliver them to Flora M. Singer Elementary School on April 9th. 

In addition to providing tangible resources, the group will engage with students in an educational session on hygiene etiquette, reinforcing the importance of personal care.

“I have learned through this project that it takes good, hard work in order to give back to the community,” Gough said. “However, it is all worth it, and I wouldn’t want it to be any other way. … This drive is so important to me because I have always loved giving back to less fortunate communities. Any way that I can help others in need, I seize the opportunity.”

This initiative garnered praise from Lonnie Mulligan, Big Ten Diversity Fellow and SAAC Advisor. She highlighted the power of the group’s collaboration. 

“As the co-advisor of SAAC, it's beautiful to see students come together to make a greater impact,” Mulligan said. “When different student groups and programs collaborate, they can reach a wider audience, increase resources, and create lasting change, demonstrating the power of teamwork in broadening the scope of community efforts.”

Similarly, Adaeze Alaeze, Program Director of Student-Athlete Career Development, emphasized the significance of the Gossett Fellows' action project. 

“The Gossett Fellows program's implementation of the action project has been one of the most impactful additions to this program thus far,” Alaeze said. “I am so proud of this group for raising over $1,100 to support and build hygiene kits for local elementary students. Their impact is going to make a huge difference in someone's life, and I think that is the true essence of being a part of a community.”

This project exemplifies student-athletes' commitment to community service, proving their influence extends beyond their respective sports. By leveraging their platform and resources, these individuals have demonstrated leadership, empathy and the true power of community-driven change. 

“The Gossett Fellows Action Project has aided in my career readiness journey by increasing my courage and confidence regarding making executive decisions, working with others and following through with actions throughout this process,” Brozowski said. “This belief in myself will be so important in my journey as a healthcare provider thanks to this project that has shown me I am capable of making sound decisions and offering effective care and support for others.