top of page

Search Results

17 results found with an empty search

Other Pages (16)

  • AWARENESS MONTHS | Girls Fight Back

    Check out these great opportunities to bring one of our programs to your group! G ET YOUR FREE sassy SEL F-DEFENSE GUI DE! Mail Awareness Months Check out some great opportunities to bring one of my programs to your school. January Personal Self-Defense Awareness Month National Stalking Awareness Human Trafficking Awareness February Black History Month Relationship Wellness Month March National Women's History Month Spring Break April Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month Alcohol Awareness Month May Missing and Murdered Indigenous People's (MMIP) Awareness Month Mental Health Awareness End of Year Training June Relationship Wellness Month July Student Safety Month Back to School August/September New Student Orientation National Campus Safety Awareness Month Realtor Safety Month National Self-Care Awareness Month October Domestic Violence Awareness Month National Crime Prevention Month November National Runner Safety Awareness Month Nov. 25 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women Not sure which program is for you? Let's discuss your needs! MORE PROGRAMS More Programs Available Below: CONTACT ME!

  • ABOUT | Girls Fight Back

    Learn more about Girls Fight Back, our mission, our owner, our founder, and why we are dedicated to empowering people everywhere to be their own best protector! G ET YOUR FREE sassy SEL F-DEFENSE GUI DE! Mail You Are Worth Fighting For! PHOTO BY Deborah Hart Girls Fight Back was born in direct response to the June 2001 murder of a dynamic, athletic, and loved college student named Shannon McNamara. After Shannon’s death, her friend and sorority sister, Erin Weed, realized the need for practical and empowering options for young women to learn violence prevention and self-defense. Inspired by the way Shannon fought her attacker, Erin immersed herself in training with the best violence prevention experts and self-defense trainers in the world and, from this, developed the GFB seminar. By combining core values, a fun and empowering attitude, and the best safety and self-defense methods available, Girls Fight Back was born. Girls Fight Back is now under the ownership of Nicole Snell , an award-winning international speaker, survivor advocate and self-defense expert who is dedicated to carrying on the mission of empowering women around the world. Nicole was a Senior National Speaker for the GFB for 6 years, and took ownership of Girls Fight Back and all associated programs in 2020. She has developed additional gender inclusive programming as well as programming for outdoor safety, travel safety, and empowerment. Nicole has presented over 450 of these keynotes, seminars, and workshops to groups around the world, including at over 100 US military installations. Girls Fight Back and our associated programs have won numerous awards including most recently, the 2023 NASPA Peer Initiatives award for Students Fight Back at Miami University, OH. OUR Core VALUES WE BELIEVE THAT EVERY INDIVIDUAL IS THEIR OWN BEST PROTECTOR Strong Resilient Spirited Unified STRONG We believe that every individual is their best protector. Our strength is not necessarily made up of mere physical muscle but is built upon making a conscious choice to reclaim our sense of security in the world. We strive to empower individuals to be in control of their lives, to set boundaries that allow them to feel safe, to be wary of anyone who discounts their NO, and to learn how to live a safer life through their actions and help other people around them to do the same. SPIRITED Belief in oneself is essential. We believe that scare tactics do exactly as their name suggests—scare people. Instead, we strive to eliminate the taboo status of topics like violence prevention, self-defense, and personal security. Making these topics approachable and encouraging everyone to tell their stories will begin to change the pattern of violence. RESILIENT Though the statistics are shocking, we are here to say that we will not conform to violence. Our world and most of our individual lives have been wrongfully altered by violence. We believe in recovery on individual, societal, and world levels. Our message is presented without judgment to how anyone handled or felt about a past violent situation. These are very personal issues, and there is no one right way to react or feel, but we can share the tools that empower people to fight back. UNIFIED Though each individual is their own best protector, we also believe that we are here on earth to look out for one another. Protecting yourself is a great first step; the next step is to educate and empower others. By working together, we can spread the word about personal safety and self-defense while simultaneously working to eliminate violence. We want to re-enforce the truth that while most sexual assaults are committed by men, most men are not rapists. Though Girls Fight Back is not the answer to solving the problems of all violence that exists . . . we ARE one key part of the solution, and we stand together with everyone who strives to combat violence in our world. WE HAVE EMPOWERED over 1 MILLION PEOPLE SINCE 2001 "GFB is truly sensational and inspirational. I love that she didn’t make me fearful of attackers or of being attacked. Instead, it made me aware of my surroundings, and her techniques made me feel safer." - SUZANNE SMITH, TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY GFB Professional Snapshot 500+ Speaking Engagements Around the World 100+ Military Installations Trained 350+ Hours of Full Force Self-Defense Training 1,000,000+ People Trained 14 Countries Worked In Self-defense is so much more than physical skills. OUR PROGRAMS ARE EFFECTIVE AND ENGAGING Peer Reviewed and Evidence-Based! THE SEXUAL ASSAULT REPORT FAMILY AND INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE QUARTERLY RESEARCH BUSINESS CERTIFICATIONS ALLIES & PARTNERS “This was an eye opening, and a fun way of learning about some hard subjects!” -STUDENT, CENTRALIA COLLEGE THE facts ABOUT VIOLENCE Violence affects every community on earth. 1 in 5 young women will experience sexual assault in college. 1 in 6 men have experienced sexual assault. 91% of child abuse is perpetrated by someone known to the child. Every 68 seconds, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted. 56% of Native American and Alaska Native women have experienced sexual violence. 44% of lesbian and 61% of bisexual women experience rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner. 26% of gay and 37% of bisexual men experience sexual assault. 1 in 2 transgender people will be the victim of sexual assault in their lifetime. These numbers are higher for BIPOC communities. More than 1 in 3 women have experienced rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner. Approximately 86% of survivors know their assailants. Statistics sourced from : National Intima te Partner Violence Survey 2016 National Violence Against Women Survey 2000 Uniform Crime Report 2018 National Crime Victimization Survey 2003 Centers for Disease Control National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey 2010 Research over the last 40 years consistently shows that Empowerment-Based Self-Defense education (like Girls Fight Back programs) reduces women’s risk of experiencing violence, including completed and attempted sexual assaults by up to 50%! *Studies are limited regarding stats for men, non-binary, trans, and gender non-conforming communities. LEARN MORE GFB Founder & Inspiration Erin Weed FOUNDER Erin founded GFB in 2001 at the age of 23 in response to the murder of Shannon, who was her close friend and sorority sister. Erin has won many awards for her work in women’s empowerment and social entrepreneurship. She was a columnist for CosmoGirl and is the author of Girls Fight Back! The College Girl’s Guide to Protecting Herself (now available in its 3rd edition). She is the creator of the GFB seminar seen by over a million women, and also the GFB Speaker Academy. Erin sold GFB to Gina Polesetsky in 2013, and Gina sold it to Nicole in 2020. Shannon McNamara INSPIRATION Shannon was murdered on June 12, 2001, just a few days shy of her 22nd birthday. While the world lost an incredible human being that day, heaven gained one hell of an angel. Shannon’s story has inspired over one million women to become their own best defenders, and to live the badass life each of us was intended. And for that, we are so grateful. Friends of GFB Gina Polesetsky SISTER - FRIEND OF GFB Gina Polesetsky, M.A., LMFT, opened Kirkland Productions, Inc., a college entertainment/speakers agency, in 2000. In 2007, she opened her second company, KP Comedy, and in 2013, she purchased her third company, Girls Fight Back. She sold Girls Fight Back to Nicole Snell in 2020. Gina is currently a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, Nevada, and Idaho. Bree Swartz SISTE R - FRIEND OF GFB Bree is a graduate of Purdue University, where she studied Mass Communication and Theatre, was an ambassador for the College of Liberal Arts, and a Co-Captain for the Purdue Golduster Dance Team. “Nicole is such an engaging and passionate teacher, and the skills and strategies she teaches have really helped me feel more confident not only while I’m traveling as a woman on my own, but also doing the things I want to do in life in general, like hiking solo, and just walking home at night.” -STUDENT, CENTRALIA COLLEGE Business Certifications Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) SAM Registered NACP Credentialed Victim Advocate LA County Vendor CA Small Business Certification LSBE Certified by LA County Our Allies & Partners IMPACT Personal Safety Girl Scouts San Diego Interactive Advocacy Strand Squared She Dreams of Alpine Hush No More

  • TESTIMONIALS | Girls Fight Back

    Our clients love our programs! Check out these passionate testimonials from dozens of industries and experts who have invited GFB to train their communities. Testimonials PHOTO BY Stephen Martin VeryWellFit voted Girls Fight Back 2021-2023 Best Online Self-Defense Class for Groups & Organizations! GAVIN DE BECKER, BESTSELLING AUTHOR, THE GIFT OF FEAR: Your work reminds me of this important truth: Everyone might be a target at times, but not everyone must be a victim. I’m honored to be part of what you do. JOHN WALSH, FOUNDER OF AMERICA'S MOST WANTED: Erin has honored her friend by starting this program and empowering women. I really think women need to know they can fight back. Featured Testimonials “If you’re looking to spur positive c hange , inspire hope, and motivate courage in people’s lives then look no further. Nicole delivered an impact filled presentation on the importance of boundaries, using one’s voice, standing up for ourselves and others. She also presented thought provoking information on personal safety, awareness and other facets of human psychology. Her compelling training sparked stirring discussions and helped all of us understand the significance of our emotions, our interactions with others and intuition. She is a true advocate in every sense of the word. Our experience in working with her was professional and flawless from the start, even with the COVID-19 implications. Her adaptability in providing us with such an engaging and compelling virtual training was truly exceptional. We are grateful to have had this opportunity of working with her and highly encourage others to invite Nicole into their community for a truly captivating and passionate experience.” - TERESA LOYA, VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, SAPR VICTIM ADVOCATE Video Testimonials Testimonials Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search videos Search video... Now Playing 00:46 Play Video Charlotte Calli Testimonial- Students Fight Back Now Playing 01:08 Play Video Martha Chiok Testimonial- Boundaries for Personal Empowerment Now Playing 00:29 Play Video Dr. Vanessa Guyton Testimonial for Nicole Snell Now Playing 00:25 Play Video Danielle Lampkin Testimonial “Nicole is the best, most engaging presenter I have seen in a long time! STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF WI - MADISON “I thought it was really awesome that the speaker made sure to clarify that teaching self-defense doesn’t equal victim blaming , and that the criminal is the one responsible for the crime. I also liked that that the speaker discussed self-defense and assault/violence in a very empowering and compassionate way.” - UNIVERSITY OF RICH MOND “Nicole’s presentation went great! She was really engaging and interacting with the students. We enjoyed the step-by-step basic self- defense, she made everyone feel comfortable and created a safe space for students to be able to try it out! Her travel stories were also very engaging and captivating. Nicole is a GREAT speaker. Nicole was very helpful in creating a space for students to ask questions, I enjoyed the time she had with the students." Jocelin Crisantos Graduate Intern Women's Center Eastern Connecticut State University “We were so excited to partner with Girls Fight Back to host a virtual self defense training session as part of our Empowerment Summit Digital Learning Series, which is a program geared towards high school students who identify as female. From start-to-finish the process was informative, collaborative and seamless. Nicole is an absolute rock star and made a virtual event fun, engaging and empowering for all who attended. As a result of the session, young women in our community are now more equipped with practical and empowering options for violence prevention and self-defense.” Denver Broncos Community Development “Nicole is incredibly knowledgeable about self-defense and is generous in her approach. She focuses on risk recognition in a way that opens up possibility rather than shutting it down. She encourages discussion with a curiosity of spirit and a sincere interest in what participants have to say. Her enthusiasm and her warmth are contagious ; students invariably come out of her classes feeling stronger, happier, and more confident than when they came in. Nicole makes self-defense training fun as well as informative.” Student UCLA “It is not always that I send out a note of thanks following contracted training, but sometimes payment cannot cover the gratitude of great inspiration when flawlessly provided. Nicole’s unique style and passion for giving the world a fighting voice is amazing. I have received countless messages from all over the Coast Guard regarding your training and the positive message it contained. I wanted to personally thank you for sharing your talents with our members, and changing the conversation to one of empowerment, not fear. You are truly a leader in violence prevention, and we welcome you to share again with the United States Coast Guard. Thank you for a job well done!” Andrea Mckie, CIV, COMDT US Coast Guard “GFB is truly sensational and inspirational. I love that she didn’t make me fearful of attackers or of being attacked. Instead, it made me aware of my surroundings, and her techniques made me feel safer. This presentation is one that I would definitely see again.” Suzanne Smith Texas A&M University “Thanks for the workshop Nicole. I’ve done a bunch of training including defensive tactics instructor courses and this was the best, most affirming, and positive I’ve seen. Your approach is very empowering! You’re an awesome teacher and facilitator.” Brie Chartier “Nicole was amazing. She was high energy for both presentations, with a willingness to connect with the students and share more tips during lunch. I appreciated her from the first planning meeting over the phone to the day of her presentation. Her willingness to incorporate University of Redlands bystander information added an extra level of excitement.” Erica Moorer Title IX Coordinator University of Redlands “GFB is amazing at getting this important information to women in a way that is empowering and engaging. I don’t think that I have ever heard anyone speak about self-defense with that much enthusiasm and humor.” Stephanie Ahrens Baylor University “Nicole's Run Into Your Power seminar was empowering, effective, and approachable. In the course of 1 short hour, Nicole is able to transform any fears or anxieties her audience has towards personal safety into feelings of confidence and trust in oneself. What's even more impressive, is that she is able to do this with a mixture of warmth and compassion, that speaks from reason and credibility but does not invalidate any fears or anxieties her audience may have had about personal safety. Just two weeks after Nicole presented at our company, an employee who attended the seminar had an unfortunate run in where they had to defend themselves against another individual. Luckily they were okay, and afterwards they spoke to how Nicole's tactics helped them in that situation and how appreciative they were to have learned those tools.” - MALIRE LOZADA, PRODUCT MARKETING MANAGER, STRAVA “I was there with my 14-year-old daughter! So impressive. I am a fire and life safety educator for Massachusetts and can honestly say Nicole’s presentation was by far the best. What a phenomenal organization! Keep up the fantastic work.” Liz Shannon Nantucket Community Event “ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! Nicole was awesome and we look forward to doing more work with you all soon. I know our students were very interested in the Self Defense training class so we may be in touch regarding the course. But overall, everything was awesome. Thank you!” Darius Darling Student Life Coordinator Indiana Tech University “Nicole was wonderful, the students loved her! She is very warm and welcoming and has a great energy about her.” Shandy Stomieroski Assistant Director of Student Life Cascadia College “Thank you, Nicole. Your presentation was just what we needed—expert information and very engaging presentation. It’s not easy to find great content and a great presentation in one package, but you delivered both.” Andrea Grindeland PTSA Education Chair Monta Vista High School "I can’t recommend Nicole highly enough. She has led several workshops for me – one at my office and one for my teen daughter and her friends. She is the perfect mix of accessible and professional and highly engaged. I think these kinds of classes are more and more important these days than ever before." Shawn Lacy Partner & Managing Director Biscuit “You were graceful and patient, as always - and still brought your enthusiastic and authentic self. Thank you, once again, for an exciting, expert, sensitive, and informed evening of information sharing and skill-building. All of them had great things to say and learned much. One person stayed behind to chat and not only shared a good deal about their experience(s), but also told me they left being very glad they’d come. Thanks again for your critical and life-changing work.” Kimberly Schrader Title IX Coordinator Knox College "Nicole's presentation was remarkable! Her presentation ranked in the category of highest registrants coming in 2nd to our all time high. We have received nothing but positive comments and the employees found the information to be of great value. Our VAL's are looking forward to her training session next week. Nicole is a joy to work with and we look forward to many more future collaborations." Lori Newell, MS, HS-BCP, CA Workplace Violence Prevention & Response Coordinator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) “Students Fight Back was successful, our students got to learn Badass Basics, and that was very important. I personally liked it when she explained setting up healthy boundaries, when to say no. The audience interaction was great. I will definitely recommend this presentation to my colleagues. The Q&A time was enough and there was great student engagement during Q&A sessions. Lasty, I want to thank Nicole for being kind and humble and teaching something that was necessary for our students.” Bishal Adhikari Student Activities Council Director of Lecture Programming Northwest Missouri State University “Finding an acceptable Title IX compliant program for our New Student Orientation has been one of the most difficult tasks of my career. Some are seen as too flippant about the topics at hand, while others too dry and unengaging. Students Fight Back not only treats the topics with respect and perspective, but makes it near impossible to not be fully engaged. They bring relatable story telling and practical intervention and self-defense techniques in a way that is memorable and useful. We have finally found the right program for Carthage.” - ADMINISTRATOR, CARTHAGE COLLEGE BOOK NOW! BUT DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT... MORE TESTIMONIALS

View All

Events (1)

View All
bottom of page