At Dickinson College, the Hera Society is one of the school’s “hatted societies,” a tradition of senior-only groups with distinct missions. Hera was founded in 2016 to give female athletes a dedicated platform—something that hadn’t existed before on campus. Each year, eight senior athletes from different women’s teams are selected to carry the torch, representing leadership, scholarship, service, and a commitment to equality in sports.
The society takes its name from the Greek goddess Hera, a figure of strength, resilience and leadership. In the same spirit, the women who wear the Hera hat aim to bring visibility to women in athletics, support one another and encourage the next generation to dream bigger.
For Amiyah Priebe ’24, now a Division I cross country and track and field athlete at Appalachian State, the experience was pivotal. “Being part of a group of eight powerful, talented, and accomplished women was an amazing privilege,” she said. “To me, it meant being part of something bigger than myself—bringing light to women in athletics and being a voice for female athletes on campus.”
Priebe explained that Hera was about more than recognition—it was about impact. “Celebrating women and girls in sports serves as a reminder that women belong on every field, track, and court as leaders,” she said. “Hera gave me a platform to connect with other athletes who share the same drive and passion. It reminded me that being a female athlete is about paving the way for the next generation, lifting each other up and leaving campus better than we found it.”
One of Hera’s signature efforts is its mentorship program, Sister Devs. Unlike membership in the society itself, Sister Devs is open to any female athlete at Dickinson. Groups of athletes from different sports and class years are paired with an upperclassman leader who helps build bonds across teams. The current Hera Society—Leah Dubin, Sylvie McMaken-Marsh, Lillian Bigsby, Caroline Cavendish, Lysie Warner, Maddie St. Amand, Maggie Carson and Jane Lloyd—shared how the program has grown.
“Currently we have around 40–50 people who are involved and hope to have more sign up,” the members explained. “We basically make groups of female athletes across different teams with a designated team leader. These groups make sure to keep in contact and build connections, hopefully show up for each other’s games or meets and support one another.”
Sister Devs has hosted events like yoga classes, bracelet-making, and study halls—simple but meaningful ways to bring athletes together. “This year we really want to get people involved and show up for each other’s events and activities,” the group said. “We’re hoping to be a guide in doing that and foster opportunities for female athletes to feel supported by our community and confident in all their endeavors both at Dickinson and in their future.”
The Hera Society also emphasizes that advocacy is central to its mission. This fall, the group is supporting Walk the Mile, a fundraiser hosted by YWCA Carlisle to raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault. “Walk the Mile is a great opportunity to use the power of our community to raise awareness,” the members said. “Anyone, athlete or not, can come and support this cause by donating or signing up to walk.”
Looking ahead, Priebe believes Hera’s true legacy lies in the foundation it has built and the promise it holds for the future. “We are still a relatively new group, but we’ve already grown a lot in the time we’ve had,” she said. “This year’s class of Hera women has already stepped up the game, and I see the group continuing to expand our campus presence, improve outreach, and provide even stronger support for women athletes at Dickinson.”
In less than a decade, the Hera Society has become a visible and supportive community for women athletes at Dickinson. Its members are united by a shared mission: to empower women, strengthen connections and raise their voices on and off the field. With continued growth through programs like Sister Devs and partnerships with advocacy events such as Walk the Mile, the future of Hera looks brighter than ever. Supporting Hera—whether by attending fundraisers, cheering on female athletes or joining Sister Devs—is a way for the entire Dickinson community to help carry forward the society’s vision: that women belong everywhere in sports, and they belong there as leaders.
