Meet the Board of Directors
Christina Leonatti- President and Founder
Christina Leonatti- President and Founder
Christina Leonatti- President and Founder
"I started lifting during a dark period in my life. I wasn't sure why I needed it so badly, or what I was trying to prove, but ultimately, it didn't matter. Lifting gave me hope and eased my suicidal thoughts. It became my therapy. It made me wonder...What if I had discovered this sooner? Who else is out there struggling to find a way, a
"I started lifting during a dark period in my life. I wasn't sure why I needed it so badly, or what I was trying to prove, but ultimately, it didn't matter. Lifting gave me hope and eased my suicidal thoughts. It became my therapy. It made me wonder...What if I had discovered this sooner? Who else is out there struggling to find a way, an answer, or a reason to keep going? I now compete nationally and hold a world record bench in my weight and division. I truly believe that if you build a strong body, a strong mind will follow. I hope to create a program that supports and inspires others to realize their potential and achieve their goals."
Manda Wolff- Vice President
Christina Leonatti- President and Founder
Christina Leonatti- President and Founder
"I found my strength only after I knew weakness. I was assaulted at a young age, which developed an eating disorder into my early twenties. When I was told I would die if I kept living the way I was, I decided to live, and find something worth living for. I've since worked with homeless youth and at risk-populations. I believe there is h
"I found my strength only after I knew weakness. I was assaulted at a young age, which developed an eating disorder into my early twenties. When I was told I would die if I kept living the way I was, I decided to live, and find something worth living for. I've since worked with homeless youth and at risk-populations. I believe there is hope for everyone, and finding outer strength saved my life in helping me unlock my inner strength".
Aimee Markwardt- Secretary
Tricia Garrett- Development Director
Tricia Garrett- Development Director
"I began lifting weights to increase lower-body strength after seven years of aerial dance (circus tricks!). I fell in love with the feeling of power and surprise that came with being a small woman moving big weights. What means the most to me is the community I found: A group of women who are incredibly supportive, accepting, and real. T
"I began lifting weights to increase lower-body strength after seven years of aerial dance (circus tricks!). I fell in love with the feeling of power and surprise that came with being a small woman moving big weights. What means the most to me is the community I found: A group of women who are incredibly supportive, accepting, and real. This community, along with lifting, has helped me process my past trauma. I am a survivor of domestic abuse. I want other people people to feel the love of the lifting community and their own strength under the barbell".
Tricia Garrett- Development Director
Tricia Garrett- Development Director
Tricia Garrett- Development Director
“My passion is faith, family and fitness. On top of being a competitive powerlifter for four years, and competing on some of the biggest stages in the world, I am a mom of two boys and an Australian Shepherd. My passion has always been giving back, whether it be through charity meets, homeless outreach with the church, or helping other women in the gym.”
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Jenalise Long- Community Outreach
Jenalise Long- Community Outreach
Jenalise Long- Community Outreach
"Having battled PTSD for years after being one of the fortunate survivors of the Aurora Theater shooting, I was able to finally find my peace through the gym. I started lifting initially to be stronger and in shape for my children, but quickly realized it was more than just a hobby- it became my passion. I tried various programs, but eventually found powerlifting the following year and the constant noise inside of my head began to quiet. In the gym, moving iron, sweating, and giving it my all is my sanctuary. Building myself to be strong physically directly impacted my mental strength. My goal is to assist our communities to realize their true strength, recognize their worth, and provide an outlet to show that they are not alone. together, we can conquer any obstacles in our way.
Angel Flores- Community Outreach
Jenalise Long- Community Outreach
Jenalise Long- Community Outreach
"As a transgender woman and barbell athlete, I know what it's like to walk into spaces that I know I'm not welcome in. With competition and coaching experience in both Olympic Weightlifting and Powerlifting, I teach everyone I can that the hard work and discipline that it takes to be an athlete isn't out of reach, especially for marginalized groups. After years of not being who I truly was, years of hiding from the world and myself, I want to reach out and show the world, and people like me, that we can have the same dreams as those unlike us. I want to show that it's not our job to ask for our space, it's our job to take it. It's our job to use it. And, most importantly, it's our job to show the rest of the world how much we can excel in it."