IN CONVERSATION // FOUNDER + ADVOCATE
Gina Lamanna from The Fondle Project
How would you describe the intersection of education + awareness?
The intersection of education and awareness is where empowerment truly begins. Education equips individuals with the knowledge they need to understand their health, while awareness brings that knowledge to life by fostering conversations, breaking down stigmas, and encouraging proactive action. In the context of breast health and cancer awareness, it's not enough to simply inform — we need to cultivate a deeper awareness that inspires self-advocacy, confidence, and connection. At FONDLE, we merge these two by educating women on the importance of breast health while raising awareness through storytelling and community-building, ensuring that women not only know what to do but feel empowered to take action for themselves and others.
What does being a female founder mean to you?
Being a female founder means leading with passion, purpose, and resilience in spaces that often haven't been built for us. It’s about pushing boundaries, breaking norms, and using my voice to create something meaningful, especially in areas that deeply affect women, like breast health and cancer awareness. It means balancing the weight of responsibility with the excitement of possibility — not just for myself, but for the women I aim to serve and inspire. It’s about empowerment, not only for myself as a leader but for every woman whose life is touched by this movement. As a female founder, I carry the stories, struggles, and strength of women everywhere, and I strive to build something that reflects their power, their beauty, and their resilience.
How does your own personal story inspire you and your work?
My personal story is the heartbeat of everything I do. Being misdiagnosed after two normal screenings taught me the critical importance of self-advocacy and trusting my own instincts. I had to be my own advocate and find my cancer through self-detection, which saved my life. This experience fuels my work because I know firsthand how vital it is to educate and empower women to take control of their health. It’s not just about following medical protocols; it’s about trusting yourself, listening to your body, and advocating for your well-being. My journey reminds me every day why this work matters, and I want other women to feel that same sense of empowerment — to know that their voice, their vigilance, and their connection with their bodies can make all the difference. That’s why FONDLE exists: to inspire women to be their own advocates and to thrive, no matter what challenges they face.
Any body positivity rituals you’ve incorporated into your daily routine?
My body positivity rituals are about celebrating my body through movement and self-expression. I start each day by stepping into the morning sunlight, soaking in its warmth and letting it set a positive tone for the day. Dancing has become one of my favorite ways to connect with my body — it’s a way to move freely, release stress, and just feel alive. I also find joy in getting dressed daily, not just for practicality, but as a ritual of self-care and confidence. It’s a way to remind myself that no matter what my body has been through, it deserves to be celebrated. I complement this with moments of stillness, like infrared saunas or relaxing baths, and time spent with my daughters, all of which help me nurture my body and soul.