Cassetta stresses importance of physical, mental self-defense

Featured author and keynote speaker, Jennifer Cassetta, informed students on “How to defend your mind, body, and heart against people who suck” at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Student Center Ballroom.
Cassetta’s appearance, sponsored by Student Senate and Project Strive/Trio, brought in a crowd of approximately 30 students from varying grade levels, as she shared her fun, upbeat presentation to some heavy topics including rape and self-defense.
The third degree black-belt, personal safety expert, and clinical nutritionist, shared her keynote address titled “Hear Me Roar”, which covered information about date rape, domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault prevention on college campuses and in the greater community.
In addition, she discussed how to remain aware of your surroundings, maintain appropriate boundaries from others, and communicate effectively in situations where an assault may occur. Making her presentation interactive, Cassetta also chose members of the crowd to demonstrate some basic self-defense moves.
Cassetta has been featured on “The Doctors,” “Rachael Ray,” “Marie Osmond,” “My Diet Is Better Than Yours,” and “The Today Show,” working with everyone from college students to teaching the best ways to attack sexual violence prevention, feel strong and confident, and enjoy healthy living.
She has also worked with corporations such as Warner Brothers Studio, Neutrogena, Concord Music Group, Starcom MediaVest Group, and Meruelo Group to create company wellness plans.
“We tend to bring the same “type” of speakers all the time which all talk about the same thing,” Graduate Assistant for Athletics Alyssa Bauer said.
“In addition to bringing in a female speaker, we were also looking to find someone who could present a topic other than leadership.”