In a world where opportunities for women are expanding and the fight for equality gains momentum, there is a growing need for connection and community. Yvette Raposo, a passionate boxing trainer and keynote speaker, understands the significance of empowering women and the transformative power of collective support. Her journey within the sport, fitness, and speaking industries is a testament to the strength that comes from fostering connections and uplifting others.
Yvette's introduction to Women's LEAD came through her role as a boxing instructor, training Madison, the daughter of Nicola Wealth’s Managing Director & Chief Legal Officer, Danielle Skipp. The mutual respect for the confidence-building aspects of boxing solidified their bond, and Yvette became aware of the broader mission that Women's LEAD embodies. To her, Women's LEAD represents an opportunity to pursue and persist in encouraging young women to empower themselves while elevating others through mentorship, storytelling, innovative ideas, community engagement, physical exercise, and mindset training.
Yvette's personal and professional journey, in the ring and beyond, began with a profound connection to the TV series "Beyond the Glory." As a young teenager, she was captivated by the personal stories of professional athletes and their triumphs over adversity. Little did she know that these experiences would shape her future, fueling her passion for human potential and the psychology of sport.
Struggling with body image issues as a child, Yvette discovered the transformative power of fitness and found her true calling in boxing. The combination of sport, psychology, and storytelling resonated deeply with her. However, as a woman boxer in the early 2000s, her options were limited. Women's boxing was not yet an Olympic sport, and talent and access to proper training were scarce at the professional level. Fate intervened when a career-ending injury redirected Yvette's path. She embarked on a journey to share and speak about the health, personal development, and psychological benefits of boxing training.
Finding her entrepreneurial spirit at a young age, Yvette faced numerous challenges but believed it was necessary to carve out her unique career as a speaker and corporate performance trainer. From teaching in gyms to speaking center stage, her goal remained consistent: to inspire others through movement and educate using references from the boxing ring. Drawing parallels between life and boxing, she asks, "are you ready?"—encouraging individuals to embrace the challenges they face and strive for personal growth.
One of Yvette's proudest accomplishments is trusting her judgment at a young age and leaving university to pursue her own life plan, which demanded constant personal development alongside professional pursuits. Her entrepreneurial spirit has been a guiding force throughout her adult life.
Yvette has also faced adversity that she believes her male counterparts would not have encountered. At one point, while working as a ring announcer, rumours circulated that she had obtained the position because of a romantic relationship. This experience left her crushed and disheartened. The assumption that her success was not based on merit and hard work undermined her dedication and sacrifices in the sport. Yvette highlights the importance of knowing one's material and doing thorough research to combat such assumptions.
If Yvette could share one piece of advice with her younger self, she would emphasize the importance of embracing individuality and uniqueness. She would encourage her younger self to recognize that success does not require conforming to societal expectations or emulating others. Instead, she emphasizes that one's personality and passion naturally flourish over time, leading to incredible confidence and great character. The journey of self-discovery becomes the difference that makes a lasting impact on the world.
Reflecting on the current landscape, Yvette recognizes the immense potential for women’s representation across various sectors and industries. She sees the fight for equality and inclusion evolving into something more powerful than ever before. As a participant in an industry traditionally dominated by men, Yvette celebrates the progress she witnesses in boxing, which serves as a microcosm of societal transformation. The surge of positive change inspires her to spread the message of unity and empowerment. She believes that women have the momentum, staying power, and the support of each other to drive real-time change.
Yvette's personal experiences in boxing taught her the importance of connection and community for women. During her active years as a boxer from 1999 to 2003, participation from women in the sport was limited, so every opportunity for women to interact, learn, and support one another was cherished. They realized the significance of consistently showing up, not only for their individual training but also for the collective advancement of women. By helping each other develop skills over time, they earned the respect they deserved for their persistent determination. In a fiercely competitive environment where women were fighting for recognition and space, pun not intended, their unspoken understanding was clear: keep showing up and build each other up.
Yvette suggests, "recommending one another for opportunities, initiating powerful email introductions, and providing industry insights that may seem trivial but can significantly contribute to another woman's success," are impactful in fostering support among women. “These acts of collaboration and encouragement are catalysts for advancement and growth.”
As Yvette continues to inspire and empower others through her work, she represents the essence of Women's LEAD—women uplifting women and embracing the power of connection, community, and collective progress. With her relentless dedication, Yvette exemplifies the change that is happening in real-time and the boundless potential for women across all sectors and industries.
Learn more about Women’s LEAD and the inspirational women within this community here.
