Champions of Active Women

Jenné Blackburn has been at the forefront of innovative strategy and storytelling for more than 15 years, collaborating with brands such as VMware, WeWork, SONY, Location Based Technologies, American Idol /ABC, USA Volleyball, and numerous local, national, and global NGOs.   Recently, she launched her latest initiative and book, Always An Athlete, at the espnW Summit in partnership with the Center...

Emily Manning is a Figure Skating coach at the Lexington Ice Center with over 9 years of professional coaching experience. She is a triple U.S. Figure Skating Association Gold Medalist in Skating Skills, Adult Skating Skills, and Adult Singles. From figure skating to hockey; her coaching style emphasizes building a strong technical foundation while nurturing each skater's individual growth - wheth...

Karolina Kopyonkina is joined the Active Girls Healthy Women team as the Program Coordinator in June 2025.    Originally from Ukraine, Karolina moved to Kentucky at the start of high school and earned both her Master of Science in Medical Sciences and her Bachelor's in Neuroscience from the University of Kentucky. With experience in health research, teaching, and mentoring, she's passionate about...

Allie Riley earned her PhD in social work with a specialization in positive youth development in social settings from Ohio State University (OSU) and also holds a master's degree in social work with a concentration in clinical practices with children and youth from OSU, a master's degree in kinesiology from Purdue University and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Virginia. Wi...

Sarah Dwyer-Shick , founder of The Sports Bra Project, is currently an Associate Commissioner for the WPSL and trains the Vassar College goalkeepers. Since 2021 she has also contributed content and managed the Soccer Parenting   Youth Coach Advisory Group .   A multi-sport athlete in high school and college, Sarah holds a Master's degree in Sports Management from the University of Denver, an under...

Brandi Mitchell is the founder of San Diego Soccer Women, an organization that serves to increase opportunities for women to join, continue or return to soccer without the limits of age or gender. Positioned as an advocate for "Play at Every Age," Brandi is connecting and expanding the global community of recreational female soccer players of every ability level.    Growing up in Southern Californ...

Nicoletta Nerangis is the f ounder and Executive Director of Run4Fun with the inspiration of her son, Panagiotis. Nicoletta has completed 12 marathons, including the Boston and NYC Marathon. Nicoletta's life mission is to spread the powerful and healing impact of physical activity on children's mental health and sense of empowerment. Nicoletta, a LMSW , is a certified RRCA Coach, holds a BM in Ope...

In January 2013, following a transformative 72-pound weight loss, Shuntella Whitfield launched Fabulously Fit Fitness—a wellness movement rooted in her belief that fitness should feel empowering, not intimidating. Her journey inspired a mission to help others prioritize self-love and take control of their health, whether they're focused on losing, gaining, or maintaining weight.   By 2014, Shuntel...

Amy Barmore, Head Volleyball Coach, Transylvania University and Co-Director, Lexington United Volleyball Club Amy is from Louisville, KY and went to Georgetown College where she was a four-year volleyball player and graduated in 2010. After graduation, Amy coached at a few high schools in Lexington and Scott County. She began her collegiate coaching career at Georgetown College in 2012 and left Ge...

Dr. Ferrin Peterson is a multiple stakes-winning jockey, a licensed equine veterinarian, former NCAA Division 1 pole vaulter, humanitarian, and podcast host. Dr. Peterson earned her undergraduate degree from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. She started her career as a jo...

Dr. Ami Hampole is a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor who practices Sports Medicine and Neuro-Musculoskeletal Medicine. She is also a US figure skating triple gold medalist, former 8x Indian senior national figure skating champion, a World figure skating competitor, and a coach. She currently spends her time as the executive director for Chicago Youth Foundation, a Women-lead organizati...

Dr. Kimberly Clay, PhD, MPH, MSW, Founder and CEO, Play Like a Girl Dr. Kimberly S. Clay is the Founder and CEO of Play Like a Girl, a Nashville-based non-profit organization working to level the playing field for girls by leveraging the skills gained from sport to propel young women into male-dominated careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Since its inception, Play L...

Sarah Chew is a Science Programs Manager at the Society for Women's Health Research, where she helps plan and execute a range of science programs, while supporting strategic planning and communications efforts across the organization. With a diverse background in public health, Chew has experience in non-profits, city government, and health insurance. She previously served as Special Assistant to...

Tara B. Blackshear is a distinguished equity scholar focusing on health, physical activity, and education. Currently an Associate Professor of Kinesiology and program coordinator for the Physical Education Teacher Education program at Towson University, she has dedicated her career to fostering inclusive and equitable educational policies and practices. Dr. Blackshear earned her bachelor's and mas...

Dr. Carrie Davidson is the owner of Elemental Yoga & Wellness in Versailles, Kentucky. Carrie has been practicing yoga since 2003 and first became certified in 2004.   Carrie's journey to wholistic living includes a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and a Master's of Divinity degree. Carrie believes that we are whole beings-a body, a mind, and a soul. Carrie completed a Doctor of Education deg...

Jenny Gaither is the Founder and a Board Member of the Movemeant Foundation, where she leads efforts to empower global fitness communities through virtual coaching, body-positive curricula, athletic scholarships, and the largest body-positive charity fitness festival in the country,  We Dare to Bare . With over 11 years as a Master SoulCycle instructor, she played a pivotal role in expanding the b...

Barbara Anthony is a licensed independent social worker for 20+ years in Ohio, and notably a Co-Founder and Executive Director of Play Gap, a one-of-a-kind women-led 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for women to access safe and inclusive recreational and competitive options in various sports and athletics. She earned her Bachelor's Degree with honors from Mercyhurst University and Master's Degree...

Kami Barth is from Sykesville, Maryland and is majoring in Equine Science and Management on a Research track. She is the president of the University of Kentucky Equestrian Team.   If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW , Instagram https://www.instagram...

Olivia Ferguson is a rising sophomore at the University of Kentucky studying nursing. She is from virginia beach, va and has lived there her whole life. She is on the UK chaarg executive board as a co-event coordinator! Her favorite ways to stay active include running, cycling, and weightlifting. During her free time, she enjoys   reading, hangingout with friends, and working out! If you enjoy thi...

Hadel Hanieh is an incoming Junior at the University of Kentucky. She is majoring in both Neuroscience & Psychology on the premed track. She is involved in the Premedical Fraternity Phi Delta Epsilon, S-STEM program, and is an active member of the movement mentor program.     If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us...

Khushi Patel is from Corbin, Kentucky and is majoring in Biology with a minor in Psychology on the Pre-dental Track at the University of Kentucky. She is involved in the Pre-Dental Society, Fellowship of Women in Dentistry, General Chemistry learning intern, Diversity Health Program, Dental Research and is a Movement Mentor.   If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen...

Cadee Pierce is from Charlotte, North Carolina and is majoring in Communication with a minor in Journalism studies. She's a Communication and PR Intern with UK athletics. She's also the director of tours as a tour guide at the University of Kentucky Visitor Center and a Bible study leader with CRU.     If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope...

Rama Shalash is a second-year Neuroscience major following the pre-dental track. She currently holds the position of treasurer for both the Pre-dental Society and the Fellowship of Women in Dentistry. Additionally, she serves as a learning intern in general chemistry and works as a pharmacy technician. Dedicated to community service, she has discovered a passion for fostering healthy, active habit...

Bella Bell started playing volleyball when she was 13. She played year-round on her school and club team in high school, and she committed to the University of Kentucky her freshman year of high school. She received a bachelors in community development and a minor in wildlife management while at UK along with winning 4 SEC championships and 1 National championship. She redshirted her freshman year...

Brooklynn Buboltz is from Sheboygan, Wisconsin and she is a Junior at the University of Kentucky majoring in Elementary Education. She is apart of the University of Kentucky Dance Team and also a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. In addition, she is also on the Programming Committee for UK's student-run organization, DanceBlue!     If you enjoy this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you...