TU alumna shares her roar with the world

By Kyle Hobstetter on June 4, 2020

During her four years at Towson University, Olivia Lubarsky did everything she could to bring awareness to the mental and emotional issues that face athletes.

In one of her biggest efforts, she partnered with Towson University’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) to create the “Own Your Roar” initiative, an awareness campaign that brings light to mental health issues that affect student-athletes. 

Read More: Olivia Lubarsky is "Owning her Roar" 

Because of that work, the Los Angeles native and recent alumna was a featured speaker at TEDxSanLuisObispo this past February at the California Polytechnic State University. 

“At first I was surprised when I was invited to contribute to the TEDx conference but was thrilled to see the value that ‘Own Your Roar’s’ model is providing nationwide,” Lubarsky says.

In front of more than 1,000 attendees, Lubarsky shared her presentation, titled “Perfectionism Paralyzes Potential,” in which she stated that a healthy lifestyle values and validates mental health and physical health equally.

“The opportunity to give a TEDx talk was absolutely amazing,” she says. “I was definitely nervous, but the experience was truly unforgettable and one that I will be forever grateful for.

Even right after I walked off the stage, I had a couple social media messages from people in the audience who appreciated the message that I shared.

“It’s incredible to feel the passion at TU extend across the country—especially in my home state of California.” 

After developing “Own Your Roar,” Lubarsky worked with “We’re All a Little Crazy” organization and its #SameHere Student Alliance, became a member of the Mental Health America’s Collegiate Mental Health Innovation Council and is working to turn “Own Your Roar” into a nonprofit.

Lubarsky was asked to take part in the Never Alone Global Mental Health Summit this past May, which saw her present alongside media mogul Arianna Huffington, Pro Football Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, comedian Russell Brand and Grammy-nominated singer Jewel.

“I am so excited with the momentum that ‘Own Your Roar’ is developing,” Lubarsky says. “I think that its immense growth is indicative of the true necessity for these types of resources and programs.”

Lubarsky graduated this spring with a degree in business administration, with a focus on legal studies.  

While she has a few different directions on her to-do list, one thing about her future is clear: the continuation of “Own Your Roar.” Lubarsky envisions including comprising a well-rounded panel to create an official curriculum that values the perspectives of current and former student-athletes, coaches, trainers and clinical professionals. 

As she leaves Towson University, Lubarsky is thankful for the time she spent here, and how it helped shape not only her, but “Own Your Roar” as well.

“Towson University and Towson Athletics have been instrumental to the development of ‘Own Your Roar,’” Lubarsky says. “I am beyond thankful for all of the resources and support they have provided, and I will always be thankful to Towson for the ground level they have helped me set up for ‘Own Your Roar.’”