Ending the Cycle of Bullying: Alyson Casagrande’s Fight for a Kinder Future

From Personal Struggles to Powerful Change

NATIONWIDE - DECEMBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) — Alyson Casagrande’s journey began in Yonkers, New York, where she faced years of bullying. As a young girl, she was subjected to exclusion, ridicule, and betrayal by girls she once called friends. Rather than allowing these painful experiences to break her, Alyson channeled her anguish into a mission to protect others. Today, she leads End Mean Girl Culture Movement Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating bullying and its lasting damage for girls and women.

Alyson’s childhood was marked by hardship, including the loss of her father to lung cancer. Raised by a resilient mother, she learned to be compassionate and understanding toward others. She attended Sacred Heart Parish for her sacraments and graduated from The Ursuline School in New Rochelle, NY, in 2000. Alyson later pursued her studies at Pace University in Pleasantville from 2001-2005.

After college, Alyson worked for well-known companies like Ameriprise Financial and IBM, developing a solid corporate background. However, after relocating to Sarasota, Florida, she faced a shift in her career path, moving into customer service roles due to fewer corporate opportunities in the area. This change in direction ultimately led her to focus on a mission much larger than herself.

A Lifelong Battle with Bullying

Alyson’s struggles with bullying began at the age of 12, when she became the target of girls she thought were friends. The bullying was relentless, with incidents like having her car egged by peers outside her home. These painful moments haunted her throughout her adolescence, leading to feelings of isolation and anxiety.

As high school continued, the bullying intensified. A girl from the Bronx and her group of friends singled Alyson out, subjecting her to constant mockery, exclusion, and cruel behavior. "It felt like I had a target on my back every day," Alyson recalls. "The hardest part was not knowing how to defend myself."

Despite the emotional toll, Alyson drew strength from her experiences. After moving to Sarasota in 2015, she hoped for a fresh start. Unfortunately, the cycle of bullying followed her. In adulthood, she encountered similar issues, including workplace bullying. As a makeup artist in a department store, Alyson was isolated by her colleagues. Her experience as an esthetician student in 2019 was marked by rumors and exclusion when a new woman entered the group and spread false stories about her. Alyson soon discovered that study groups were being held without her, deepening her sense of betrayal.

Even her relationships with female coworkers were tainted by cruelty, as older women in her workplace made degrading comments about her appearance and belittled her contributions.

Turning Pain into Purpose

In 2024, Alyson made the decision to step away from toxic environments. She took a job as a cashier at a local grocery store, seeking peace from years of emotional turmoil. However, even in this new role, she was subjected to bullying by coworkers who should have been her mentors. This was the breaking point for Alyson.

"I couldn't take it anymore," she says. "I had to stand up for myself, but more importantly, for others who were enduring the same torment."

That moment of clarity inspired Alyson to create End Mean Girl Culture Movement Inc., a nonprofit aimed at eradicating bullying and its harmful effects. "Alyson is one of the most resilient people I know," says a close friend. "She has faced so much, yet she keeps rising above it all. Now she is using her experience to help others."

A Movement for Change

End Mean Girl Culture Movement Inc. was born out of Alyson’s desire to help others who have suffered in silence. Her mission is to foster a cultural shift where leaders in schools, workplaces, and communities intervene when bullying occurs, ensuring that no one is left to fight alone.

Despite limited resources, Alyson has taken on the enormous task of running the organization and developing its outreach and programs. She has used her personal experiences and corporate skills to make a difference.

A standout feature of the movement is the Incident Reporting System, a tool Alyson developed using her background in technology at IBM. This system allows individuals to confidentially report instances of bullying, providing victims with a voice in a system that often silences them. The system also helps track patterns of harmful behavior, allowing organizations to address the root causes of bullying and create a safer environment for all.

Alyson’s Incident Reporting System is customizable for each organization, and she personally trains staff on its use. It allows individuals to report bullying, either anonymously or openly, ensuring that each report is addressed. Once an incident is reported, it is uploaded to the system and reviewed by the head of the organization as well as Alyson, who personally ensures follow-up. The tracker is accessible only to those who have signed non-disclosure agreements to protect the privacy of victims.

This tool represents a much-needed advancement in the battle against bullying, helping organizations tackle the issue at its core.

The Nationwide Bullying Crisis

Bullying isn’t limited to schoolyards—it’s a nationwide epidemic affecting girls and women at every stage of life. Studies show that women are more likely to bully other women in professional settings, employing tactics such as sabotage, gaslighting, and rumor-spreading, which can severely affect mental health and well-being.

A 2024 study found that 18% of bullying incidents involved woman-on-woman aggression, and up to 70% of women reported being bullied by other women in the workplace. The emotional and professional toll of this behavior is significant, contributing to decreased morale and increased turnover rates.

End Mean Girl Culture Movement Inc. works to raise awareness of these devastating effects. Alyson is committed to shifting the narrative, creating an environment of inclusion and support rather than exclusion. Too many young girls and women suffer due to bullying, and this movement honors their lives by speaking out and ensuring no one faces this battle alone.

Services Offered by End Mean Girl Culture Movement Inc.

The organization provides a range of services designed to help schools, workplaces, and other institutions address bullying. These include:

• Keynote speaking and workshops for schools, workplaces, and parents.

• Mental health education and support.

• Anti-bullying programs and curriculums.

• Corporate training on conflict resolution and female professional dynamics.

• Consulting services to help organizations create safe, inclusive environments.

• Merchandise such as T-shirts, hoodies, and caps designed to raise awareness and support the movement.

How to Contact Alyson

Alyson is passionate about supporting others and spreading awareness about the impact of bullying. If you or someone you know is affected, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance and help.

Phone: (941) 444-0361
Email: endmeangirlcultureorg@proton.me 

To support the movement, donate, or learn more, visit the fundraiser page on GiveButter – End Mean Girl Culture Movement.

Testimonials:

“Aly is one of the most genuine and caring people I know. From the moment I met her, she showed nothing but kindness, and she continues to inspire everyone around her.” – Matt Simpson

“I met Aly while she was bartending, and I was immediately struck by her warmth and generosity. No one else compares to her.” – Georgia Cocca