Lisa Van Ahn is an I AM Girl.
I am an athlete who fights for the US National Kickboxing team and has 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 lack of motivation, depression, and a really skewed sense of my skills and talents.
I was vulnerable, exposed, and directionless, but then something incredible happened. I put on gloves and punched some pads. My life changed right there.
In that specific moment I felt strong and confident, but the feeling didn’t stay with me right away. I persevered and continued training and kickboxing and though I was still struggling to find that sense of purpose in my life, fighting helped ground me and guide me to listen to my inner voice of power. Today I am proud of who I am. I am someone who walks boldly towards my dreams. I see the path unfolding before me, and I’m going for it. The journey I am on right now, the one that was spawned from that first kickboxing class, has pointed my path towards fighting and competing as a professional athlete. That journey has taught me about persistence and appreciating my talents, but it also has taught me to follow my dream of “going for gold” in my life.
My grandest dream is to empower young girls to follow their dreams, believe in themselves, and live their lives proudly & joyfully in the body that was gifted to them. I know how it feels to doubt, dread, and experience those “I’m not good enough” moments in life. I have so been there. In fact I’m conquering it every day and I want to help other girls realize their own inner I AM powers so they can too.
I firmly believe that when you know who you are, and trust yourself, you will be internally guided to choose the best path for yourself. But first you need to find and unleash that inner I AM super power (that every girl has) and rock it as hard as you can. This is how and where change happens and it begins with One Girl, like it began with me.
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, to view protection of their personal safety as the highest priority, and take on self-responsibility so they can be positive change in the world.
I want Every Girl to discover the I AM Girl that lives inside her.
“Our best defense is a great offense” is not just a catchy sports term; it’s something I firmly believe in. Our best offense begins by trusting ourselves and knowing that we are enough. We all need to weed through the daily messages around us that insinuate that, as females, we aren’t “smart/popular/attractive/athletic” enough. Whether it originates from the media, from peers, or our own thoughts, these debilitating messages leave many girls believing they truly aren’t enough and are unworthy of success and their dreams.
When we believe we’re unworthy, there isn’t a defense system in the world that will protect us. I know this is true because I experienced it. I grew up believing in the negative things that others were saying about me and I let it shut me down.
When the time came to defend myself, I had no clue how to do so. As a result my self-doubt increased and stole my ability to see the brilliance that was my birthright. Once my thoughts about my unworthiness yielded to the realization that I did have value, I was finally able to stand upright, plant my feet firmly on the ground, look naysayers in the eye and announce that YES, I AM strong and I AM enough.
I am here to share this with the girls in our world. These girls are in my heart. I want to embrace every one of them, look them in the eye, and say “I love you. You matter”. But most of all I want them to know how to say it to themselves!
I’d love to get to know you, have you join me on this journey an be part of the magic that is finding your I AM Girl. Perhaps you think this unique initiative would be a great opportunity for your daughter, your niece, your granddaughter, or yourself. If so I’d love to hear from you. Connect with me and share your story. I’m all ears.
Thanks for being here,
Lisa