I sat across from Mandie Romano at a charming breakfast table on the patio of her bakery, The Sweet Spot. The delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the air as one of her employees served me a hot chocolate alongside cookies as warm and inviting as Mandie’s cheerful demeanor. With gracious warmth, she welcomed me, ready to share her story.
When I inquired about her priorities, she mentioned that she began working on her goals before becoming the Student Council President. “I wanted a diversity column in the Beaver Pride newspaper,” she said, noting that Stiles Winchester now leads this initiative. Mandie expressed her appreciation for the inclusive environment at Woodcrest, which influenced her decision to attend the college.
Her enthusiasm is evident in her active participation in campus events and eagerness to embrace new experiences. She enjoys the family-like atmosphere at the college. Mandie recalled her morning walks through the fields near her home and mentioned discovering a similar sanctuary by the beach. “I love watching the waves and just thinking,” she said, referring to it as her “thinking spot.”
For Mandie, baking is a form of therapy. ‘It forces you to focus, leaving no room for worries,’ she shared. Her calm, organized approach helps her balance responsibilities while enjoying a variety of reading materials. One book that’s particularly influenced her is It’s Your Ship by Captain D. Michael Abrashoff, which highlights the power of collaborative leadership.
When asked which historical figure she would like to dine with, Mandie chose Napoleon Bonaparte. Despite his controversial history, she is fascinated by his resilience and lasting contributions to education and social reform. “It would be incredible to hear his perspective, especially on ambition and perseverance,” she said.
Mandie is known for her cheerful, fashion-forward style, and she hopes people see beyond first impressions. “Just because I wear pink and have blonde hair doesn’t mean I’m not serious,” she explained. For her, fashion is a creative outlet, a way to express her personality through thoughtfully curated outfits.
Mandie’s adventurous spirit shines through in everything she does, from exploring new places to volunteering and making people smile—activities that fuel her passion for a future in nursing. She sees her role as Student Council President as invaluable preparation for the caring and leadership skills her nursing career will require. “Being a nurse requires understanding diversity and maintaining kindness under pressure,” she noted. Her leadership experience at Woodcrest has equipped her with the skills to balance compassion with responsibility, which are essential qualities for her nursing journey.
She encourages others to get involved by saying, “Step out of your comfort zone.” For Mandie, leadership is about making meaningful connections and positively impacting the community. As our interview concluded, her warmth and dedication made it clear that she is both sweet and substantial, much like her cookies.