Laura Armstrong brings more than 30 years of experience in martial arts, leadership training, and empowerment education. With high-level ranks in multiple disciplines, including Grandmaster in Filipino Martial Arts and 4th Dan (Yon Dan) in Aikido, she has dedicated her career to teaching practical, accessible self-defense to people of all ages and backgrounds. Her extensive training also includes Hap-ki-do, Shotokan Karate, and a wide range of self-defense methodologies. A seasoned National Martial Arts Coach for over two decades, Laura has helped produce world champions and strong leaders through her impactful coaching style.

Jess Gordon is a certified teacher, Empowerment Self-Defense instructor, and the founder of Arise, a self-defense and confidence-building program for children, youth, and adults. With more than 15 years of experience in education, she blends Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, social-emotional learning, and practical safety tools to help people strengthen boundaries, build confidence, and feel grounded and capable in their everyday lives. She holds a Master’s degree in Health, Outdoor, and Physical Education, along with multiple credentials in both teaching and martial arts, including certification as a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Women Empowered instructor.

Tasha Church is an Empowerment Self-Defense instructor, holistic practitioner, and the founder of ElleLiveAction. With 24 years of experience, she specializes in real-world, trauma-informed self-defense that adapts to people’s actual lives and environments. Her teaching philosophy centers on accessibility — demonstrating that self-defense should work whether someone is wearing heels, a dress, shorts, a suit, or everyday clothing. Her programs integrate self-care, somatic awareness, and practical skills to help people feel safer, stronger, and more grounded in their daily lives.

Obadiah Mshindi is the owner and founding member of Mshindi Pan African Cultural Arts, LLC, where he leads community education, empowerment programs, and outreach initiatives. Based in Philadelphia, he has more than 30 years of teaching experience and a lifelong foundation in African combat systems. After earning expert Black Level status at age 11 – the youngest to do so within his system – he continued to advance MPACA’s mission and develop training programs rooted in cultural arts, functional movement, and practical self-defense.

Kassoum Coulibaly is an esteemed economist, strategist, governance, and gender expert dedicated to advancing global economic and social progress, sustainable development, and universal peace promotion. With over 21 years of experience, he has worked extensively with youth and women in Africa aa well as across the globe. His career has seen collaborations with numerous national, continental, and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and United Nations (UN) agencies.

With two decades of expertise in policy research, advocacy, and community engagement, the distinguished career of Adanma Nwokoma has left an indelible mark on the landscape of communications and public service. Serving as an on-air personality dedicated to addressing pressing social issues, Adanma has consistently demonstrated a knack for fostering relationships and driving organizational growth, all while impeccably representing the ethos of the institutions under her stewardship.

Sarah E. McArthur considers herself a “Flow Architect” for change-makers, guiding leaders, coaches, and helpers to understand the power of self-resourcing so they can lead from inner well-being and create greater impact. For more than 15 years, Sarah has worked as an entrepreneur and leader with expertise in personal development, personal safety, and trauma healing. Her own empowerment journey began at IMPACT Personal Safety of Colorado, where she started as a student, grew into an instructor, and ultimately became Executive Director.

PowerUp Moves LLC, San Francisco State University

TigerLily Eastern Arts

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RIA Abya Yala