Future FearLess Females

“Be the woman I want my daughter to become.”

This is my mantra when it comes to raising my own future FearLess Female.

When I face a choice or challenge, I often ask myself, “What would you do if she were watching?”  If she were in my position, how would I advise her? 





I have learned so much along my own journey, and I wish to pass along to her all the knowledge, wisdom, and confidence possible.  

I will do my best to teach her that she is perfect just as she is.  On the one hand, she is unique and has her own special spirit, but she is also a member of the global community, which includes other unique souls following their own paths. 

I hope she stays true to herself and goes after what she wants, without concern for naysayers or what may appear to be limiting factors.  I want her to climb mountains, swim in the sea, write a book, do work she's passionate about, serve others, discover the world. ..and in the end, come home to her loving family.  

Oh, who am I trying to kid… I want to be right there alongside her!

Below, mothers share their wishes for their daughters--future FearLess Females-- and talk about how they create an environment to help make those dreams become reality. 

Lori Rypka

About three years ago, my shy daughter expressed an interest in martial arts. I took her to a studio owned by folks I know, so that she would be more comfortable. When she realized she would have to use her voice, she said she wasn't ready, and I respected that. 


A year later, she came to me on her own and said she wanted to try again. I took he,r and she let go of what she was afraid of and used her voice. I joined her, my son and eventually my husband in class. 

Since we started training over 2 years ago, she has blossomed into a more confident little girl who is more willing to face her fears. She is no longer worried about speaking up, and gives presentations in school with ease. She has also learned how to take constructive criticism without getting upset. 

It has been such a privilege to be a part of her journey in this. It hasn't always been easy! I couldn't be more proud of her!

Julie Havens

I picked the name "Riley" for my baby for a reason. "Riley" means "courageous” or “valiant", and it's those traits that I most wanted for her. I want her to never be afraid to stand up for herself, to speak up against injustice, and to care for herself and others. I want her to be a gladiator. However, words don't mean anything unless they're followed by action. I lead by example-- my daughter is too young right now to recognize the times when I show courage by standing up for different people and groups, or by helping others when I can, but one day she will.  She will grow up knowing how to do the right thing and help others, because that's what she'll see me do.

Tamijo Coleman

I have brought my daughter to watch me work out once in a while, so she could get some exposure to fitness. I've also showed her pictures and videos of me working out. I have many home videos of my old days playing sports in high school and college, plus the Deaf Olympics. I could see that my daughter wants to do that someday, herself. My hopes and wishes for my daughter are that she becomes a confident lady who is happy and content with what she is doing. I want her to live a healthy lifestyle filled with happiness. 

Nicole Morouse

Much of what my Husband and I teach our kids is based on our faith and what we believe in our hearts about God's love for us: that He created each of us for something incredibly unique.  It helps a great deal that my husband and I both believe that, about what God has made us to do. We both love our careers and feel that we were called to them, and to the journey of bringing up our family! 

I was unfortunately at one time involved in a very abusive relationship. Teaching my daughter personal value and self worth is very important to me. I also want to model that women are strong and can accomplish anything. CrossFit helps a lot with that! She loves watching me WOD (Workout of the Day) and I think she truly looks up to me because of how hard she sees me work at being healthy for myself and for our family.

Judi Rockhill

I think (hope) I teach my kids to think independently and to not follow the crowd.  That’s a hard thing to do in the teenage/middle school years.  It’s tough to teach them that a sweater or song or book they like is okay, even if their friends don’t like it.  Peer pressure is a tough barrier to get across.

One thing I do that I really enjoy is teach them to leave a positive impact on a daily basis.  For us that means a dinnertime ritual of sharing “What did you do for someone else today?” or “How did you leave a positive impact today?”  It encourages them to think about their behavior and realize their actions --even small ones--can make a difference to someone.

Sari Sheridan

I wish for my daughter to grow up to be a strong, independent woman, who understands that she does not need a man to make her feel worthy of love and affection. I wish for her to be confident in herself and walk through life with a sense of humility. 


I dream that she grows to be everything she aspires to be, and that she is motivated to achieve those goals. I dream that she is supportive of others and willing to give to those who need it the most. I hope that she does not pressure herself to win all the time, and that she will understand that it is okay to lose sometimes. I hope that no matter whether she wins or loses, she will do either with dignity and class. I hope that she is healthy, happy, and fulfilled. I hope that she laughs more than she cries, and she loves more than she hurts.

As her mother I will foster these wishes, dreams, and hopes by setting the example within myself. I will surround her with only those who will motivate her to be the best version of herself. I will encourage her to always believe in herself and to not let the doubts of others become hers. The unconditional Love and support from her parents will be the stepping stone to her becoming a “FearLess Female.”