Not Your Average Gym. Not Your Average Girls.

Milwaukee needed something different.

So we built it.

Lioness Academy is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Lioness Academy is where girls grow into warriors, leaders, and change makers. Through boxing, mentorship, and whole-self wellness, we’re rewriting what power looks like for young women.

We're not here to play small. We're here to take up space, throw punches (with purpose), and demand more of ourselves, our city, and the world.

Who we are

Our Mission

To empower girls and young women through boxing, mentorship, and holistic wellness —providing accessible, strength-based programs that build confidence, leadership, and community.

OUR PILLARS

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OUR PILLARS

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OUR PILLARS

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OUR PILLARS • OUR PILLARS • OUR PILLARS •

  • Empowerment Through Movement

    We believe power lives in the body. Through boxing and strength training, we help girls own their space and their story.

  • Mental And Emotional Resilience

    Strength isn’t just physical. We equip our girls with the emotional tools to survive—and thrive—in any arena.

  • Leadership and Voice

    We don’t just teach them to speak—we hand them the mic. Lioness girls are trained to lead from wherever they stand.

  • Education and Opportunity

    We’re the bridge to what’s next—college, careers, and life. With skills, exposure, and mentors, the ring is just the beginning.

  • Equity and Access

    We tear down the barriers—financial, cultural, systemic—so that every girl has a shot at greatness.

Events

  • The Pride Showcase

    Join us as we celebrate the grit, growth, and next-level achievements of our girls in the ring.
    This special luncheon honors those rising through the ranks in their boxing training, and in life.

    Date Coming Soon – Stay tuned and stand with the future champions of Milwaukee.

  • Lioness Legacy

    Witness the culmination of courage, discipline, and transformation.
    Our girls step into the spotlight to demonstrate their power, skills, and everything they’ve built, leaving their mark and inspiring what’s next.

    Date Coming Soon – Celebrate the legacy they’re creating.

Meet the People Behind the pack

Board of directors

  • Marnie Russ

    Treasurer

    Bookify LLC, Owner

  • Donna Gallardo

    President & Founder

  • LIndsey Vang

    Vice-President

  • Sarah Dollhausen-Clark

    Sarah leads Talent Partnerships & Pipelines at Northwestern Mutual, working at the intersection of talent, community engagement, workforce development, employer branding, and strategic partnerships. Sarah also serves as chair of the Women's Employee Resource Group at NM and serves on community nonprofit boards.

  • Sarah Hoye

    Sr. Dir. Marketing & Communications

    The Student Conservation Association, Inc. 

    Sarah Hoye is an award-winning journalist and strategic communications expert who oversees the SCA’s communications, media relations and marketing efforts.

  • Derek Mosley

    Lubar Center Director

    Marquette University Law School

    Former Chief Judge, Milwaukee Municipal Court

our partners

COACHES

  • Caroline Cavalcante

    A message to your younger self:

    One day, you’ll build a life filled with purpose, shaped by your willpower, your kindness, and your hunger to grow. The pain you’re carrying won’t define you—it will fuel you. Keep going. You’re so much stronger than you think. And you deserve so much more than you’ve been told.

    With love,

    Your future self

  • Andrea Gibbs

    A message to your younger self:

    I want you to know that you are far more confident, strong, and capable than you realize. Your dreams and ambitions are not silly or unrealistic; they are valid and attainable. Remember that anything worth having in life requires patience and hard work. Embrace the journey, believe in yourself, and know that you have everything within you to achieve your goals. Also, embrace the camouflage and baggy clothes, you’re still wearing it now and rocking it.  

    With love and support,

    Andrea

  • Donna Gallardo

    A message to your younger self:

    You don’t know it yet, but your strength is going to show up in unexpected ways. Your discipline and consistency will pay off. You are going to pave the way for so many young girls and show them how strong and confident they are. Keep going!

    Donna