ABOUT POWERUP
About PowerUp Moves
Our mission: “Empowering people through personal safety education to lead healthier lives. One move at a time.”
PowerUp Moves: Empowering You Through Choice and Community
Welcome to PowerUp Moves, a female-founded organization dedicated to fostering a world where individuality is not only respected but celebrated, collaboration is enthusiastically embraced, and community holds immeasurable value. Our unique approach is built upon the fundamental belief that each of us possesses the innate capacity to shape our own personal safety decisions – truly, no one understands your needs better than you do!
At PowerUp Moves, we equip you with an array of effective safety strategies, allowing you to explore and discover the techniques that resonate most with your unique preferences. Upholding your agency over safety choices is not an endorsement of shouldering harm that may come your way; rest assured, the full responsibility for any harm rests solely with the wrongdoer. Moreover, while you possess the ability to defend yourself, the decision to do so remains entirely yours.
Upon stepping into a PowerUp Moves class, we begin by meeting you exactly where you are in your life journey – considering your current life stage, physical capabilities, and mental well-being. The format is tailored to your desires: engage in one-on-one sessions or immerse yourself in a dynamic group setting, participate live or follow our meticulously crafted taped programs. As you become a valued member of our program, the option to join our vibrant chat groups further solidifies the sense of belonging and togetherness.
Your path to empowerment commences with seizing control over your learning of Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) – and at PowerUp Moves, this is your inaugural step.
Our Vision is for all people to have the ability to move safely through their lives.
Respect for individuality.
We recognize we are unique human beings and our differences are what make us stronger.
Respect for Community.
Being part of something larger than ourselves fuels our emotional and spiritual growth.
Education.
Always be a student. Be open-minded and curious about the world around you. Share information.
Integrity.
We walk the walk.
Collaboration.
Everything better happens as a group or a team.
TRAINING WITH THE BEST
Stephanie has trained with some of the world’s most respected and accomplished martial artists. Since 1991, she has studied Taekwondo under the school of Grandmaster Sihak Henry Cho, who is credited with opening the first commercial Tae Kwon Do studio in the United States and is the only martial artist to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition from President Obama. It was Cho who told Stephanie always to remain a student and encouraged her to pursue her interest in self-defense and to share it with others. In San Francisco, she continued her studies with Grandmaster Bill Dewart. She participated in developing his self-defense system called “Tiger Defeats the Bull,” which was featured in Black Belt Magazine and The Wall Street Journal. After competing for the last time at Cho’s All-American Open tournament (the first mixed martial arts competition in the United States), Stephanie then turned to other martial arts, including Brazilian Jiujitsu, American boxing, Muay Thai, Zen Budokai jujitsu, and Krav Maga to refine her self defense skills and deepen her understanding of different techniques and their effectiveness.
CERTIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology/Political Science, Rutgers University
- Certified Health Coach, Institute for Integrative Nutrition
- Juris Doctor with Honor, University of Maryland
- 6th Dan Blackbelt in Tae Kwon Do (Kukkiwon & AAU Certification)
- 6th Dan Blackbelt in Chang Moo Kwan
- Rank, Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiujitsu, Zen Budokai Jiujitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing
- Professor, Personal Defense, San Francisco State University
- Member, San Francisco State Women’s Coalition
- Member, SFSU Sexual Violence Prevention Collaborative
- Head of Committee on Dev of Higher Ed Curriculum for ESD Global
- Speaker at Violence Prevention Education Conference
- Member, Martial Arts Golden Gate Hall of Honors
- Member & Consultant, Association of ESD Professionals
- Team Leader, PAVE Prevention, MACRO first responders
- Guest Instructor at University of San Francisco, Tae Kwon Do Club
- Consultant, San Francisco Unified School District Physical Ed Program
- Instructor, Self Defense for Downtown Streets Team & Blooming Room Project
- Senior Instructor, Academy of Taekwondo San Francisco
- Member, AAU Positive Coaching Alliance
- Official, AAU Certification - State, National, Junior Olympic Events
- San Francisco Committee Member, The Joyful Heart Foundation
- Member, Wellness Board, Tamalpais Union School District
- Member, National Women’s Martial Arts Federation, Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors
- Exhibitor, Girls’ Festival 2019 by WorldWideWomen
POWER OF COMMUNITY
The power of people working together to prevent interpersonal violence in their community, be it a school, workplace, or home, cannot be overstated. Collective efforts and community engagement play a crucial role in creating safer environments and reducing the prevalence of violence.
Strength in Numbers
When individuals unite to address interpersonal violence, they form a stronger force against perpetrators and those who condone or ignore such behaviors. Communities can advocate for policy changes, implement prevention programs, and create support networks for survivors.
Awareness and Education
Collaborative efforts foster greater awareness about the various forms of violence, their impact on individuals and the community, and the resources available for prevention and support. Education initiatives can challenge harmful beliefs and attitudes, promoting a culture of respect and empathy.
Early Intervention
By working together, communities can identify warning signs and risk factors early on, enabling timely intervention. This is particularly important in schools and homes, where early identification and support can help break the cycle of violence.
Creating Safe Spaces
A united community can actively create and maintain safe spaces where individuals feel comfortable speaking up about violence they have experienced or witnessed. This sense of safety encourages reporting and seeking help when needed.
Breaking Silence and Stigma
Interpersonal violence often thrives in silence and stigma. By joining forces, communities can break this silence, encouraging open discussions and reducing the shame surrounding violence.
Challenging Social Norms
Working collectively allows communities to challenge harmful social norms that perpetuate violence. By promoting gender equality, consent, and mutual respect, they create an environment less conducive to abusive behaviors.
Support for Survivors
When people come together, they can pool resources to offer comprehensive support systems for survivors. This can include access to counseling, legal aid, medical assistance, and shelters for those in immediate danger.
Holding Perpetrators Accountable
Community collaboration strengthens the capacity to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. This may involve reporting incidents to the appropriate authorities, implementing restorative justice practices, or offering rehabilitation programs.
Sustainable Change
When communities collectively work towards preventing interpersonal violence, the initiatives and awareness tend to be more sustainable. Long-term commitment from a united community leads to lasting positive change.
Cultural and Systemic Change
Through collective efforts, communities can influence broader cultural and systemic changes. This may involve advocating for policy reforms, improvements in legal systems, and enhanced protection for vulnerable populations.
*Special topics on safety are offered as well. These can include safe travel, hiking alone, signs of human trafficking, bystander intervention, how to be an ally, and sports teams.