9 years after Google employee’s death, foundation strives to empower women
Vanessa Marcotte went for a run one afternoon in August 2016 in Princeton and never returned home.
On Aug. 7, 2016, the Google employee’s body was found in the woods off Brooks Station Road, close to her mother’s home. Her body was found less than a mile away from her mother’s home, partially naked and burned. Six years later,
Angelo Colon-Ortiz appears in Worcester Superior Court on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022. The 36-year-old pleaded guilty to the killing of Vanessa Marcotte.Tom Matthews/MassLive
Angelo Colon-Ortiz pleaded guilty to her murder.
Nine years after Marcotte was found, on VTM Day, the Vaness T. Marcotte Foundation works to honor her memory and strives to empower women.
"On this VTMday, we invite you to honor Vanessa by showing us how you (live for Vanessa)," the foundation stated Thursday in a Facebook post. “Whether it’s a random act of kindness, a walk in nature, a beach day or time on the yoga mat — do something today that celebrates life, strength and joy."
The support that the foundation has received has led to it hosting over 200 self-defense and violence prevention workshops; reaching out to over 5,000 people using its safety education programs; partnering with over 50 schools, colleges and organizations; and raising awareness across all 50 states, the foundation stated in a separate post.
Resources and programs, from safety tips for runners and walkers to self-defense, are offered through the foundation’s website . The foundation also offers programming for mentoring young girls and helping boys to fend off future negative behaviors.
The foundation has raised over $1 million to go toward these program and resource opportunities, according to its website.
“More than 600 women are assaulted each day,” the foundation’s website reads. “We need to fight back. We need to step up. We need to advocate for a world where women are safe and free to live boldly and fearlessly.”
The foundation also offers volunteering opportunities and chances to join VTM running teams to spread awareness and raise money, as well as educate the public.
Through all that it offers, the foundation hopes people will join their cause and help continue to spread awareness and keep women safe.
“By joining this important cause, we can work together to make a difference,” the website states. “And we know that Vanessa would want us to do so.”
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