NU’s Women Kicking Glass

Rook Arrival Day.

The blazing August sun beat down on them as they heard the 5:30 cannon fire for the first time, setting their hearts racing and altering the trajectory of their lives forever. Endless hours spent squaring off the Upper Parade Ground, reciting “knowledge” from the infamous little red books, and enduring piercing morning bugle calls gave Andrea Moreno and Katarina Wabrek a sense of purpose during their time at the Military College of Vermont. This period was not just a chapter in their lives but a formative period that forced personal growth, established their vision, and forged a lifelong friendship.

From Michoacán, Mexico, to Alumni’s third-floor deck, Andrea attended Norwich University, where she received her bachelor’s in International Studies and French. The drive and determination instilled by her cadre motivated her to attend Vermont Law School after graduating from Norwich in 2016. Andrea earned her Juris Doctorate in 2019 and was admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania. Norwich’s introduction to the U.S. military lifestyle established a strong foundation in Andrea’s life as she now serves as a captain in the U.S. Army JAG Corps. She is currently the Brigade Judge Advocate for the 65th Medical Brigade in South Korea. 

Massachusetts-raised with Dominican roots, Katarina has always had close ties to Vermont’s military college. She is the proud daughter of two Norwich graduates, Michael Wabrek ’88 and Mary Adams Wabrek ’91. The bricked barrack parade ground with its iron Plumley gates proved to be a second home as it helped Katarina pursue her passion for Architecture within Chaplin Hall. There, she earned her undergraduate degree in Architectural Studies, a minor in Engineering Management, and a Master’s in Architecture. Currently, she works at a prestigious contemporary architectural firm in Boston, aiming to obtain her architectural license, delve into interior design, and enhance her design skills.

Their home will always be the ‘Hill,’ with its freezing cold Paine Mountain morning fog. It has taught Andrea and Katarina discipline, determination, and the importance of giving back. The values of the Corps of Cadets continue to shine today, as they have allowed them to pay it forward through civic engagement with the birth of their 2020 nonprofit organization, Dos Rosas. 

Dos Rosas is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of Latinas through professional development and mentorship while bridging opportunity gaps and economic disparities within the Latin community. Dos Rosas was founded to encompass all aspects of a Latina’s development that will influence and assist her educational and career aspirations. Within four short years, Dos Rosas has expanded to over seven states, hosted over fifty professional development events, and provided thousands of dollars in grants to Latinas committed to positively impacting the Latin community. 

As President Schneider once said on the morning of rook arrival day, “[t]his is not for the faint of heart, and many, next to you, will not make it.” The leadership qualities, persistence, and effective teamwork Norwich has instilled in Andrea and Katarina continue to allow their female-founded coalition to advocate for the integration of Latinas within all aspects of the classroom, community, and corporate structure. 

Andrea and Katarina are committed to their shared mission, and thanks to Norwich University and its Corps of Cadets, the founders of Dos Rosas have been able to achieve distinction and are eager to inspire others to do the same.

Norwich Forever!