Lisa Vanahn

Mentor, Teacher and Creator of the I AM initiative for Young Women

I am a retired athlete who fought for the US National Kickboxing team and fought on an international level. In 2012, I rose to the top and won a North American title for Kickboxing, as well as bringing home a bronze from the PanAm games in Brazil. Fighting isn’t the most important thing about me, but it explains a lot about who I am. I found my way to the sport when I was 19 years old. Back then, I was suffering from a lack of motivation, depression, and a really skewed sense of my skills and talents. 

I created the I AM Initiative, a dynamic and adventurous curriculum for young women that teaches self-love and self-protection because I believe it’s critical to know how to love yourself and protect yourself. I know these two things are intrinsically connected.

My intention in creating this company is to inspire girls to celebrate their unique qualities, see the value in other’s uniqueness, view the protection of their personal safety as the highest priority, and take on self-responsibility so they can be a positive change in the world.

I want Every Girl to discover the I AM Girl that lives inside her.