As a personal trainer and woman invested in helping others to find confidence, empowerment and freedom via fitness, I was especially compelled to give our LaLaScoop support to Divas In Defense Celebrity Basketball Game at St. Mary’s Academy in Inglewood.

With a team of celebrity super-stars vs. the St. Mary’s very own team of highschool girls,  basketball game couldn’t have been more entertaining. It was apparent from the first jump, that the St. Mary’s team of young girls was out to crush the celebrity crew with ease. It was actually a bit astounding. But, I have to say they took it in stride and with humor. We were there for a great cause and to support great people, so how could they not have the best attitude, whether crushing it or being crushed.

“It is our mission to empower women of all ages with the training and tools imperative to their personal safety and the safety of their families. Through fun, instinctive learning, women gain the knowledge to protect and arm themselves while gaining confidence to be Fierce & Fabulous!”

Divas In Defense® was started by two brothers, Cole Parker and celebrity trainer Chris Britto, who most unfortunately witnessed domestic violence first hand. But, they broke the cycle of violence with the support of one another. Cole, ten years older than Chris, was effected deeply by the abuse he witnessed and did what he could do to shield Chris from feeling the same sort of pain. And now, as fathers with daughters and significant others, they’ve pledged to prevent the violence, which was witnessed by them, against as many women and girls as possible.

Cole and Chris were polite, gracious and enthusiastic hosts of their event and shared total gratitude for everyone who came out to support their important cause, from family and friends, Kday Radio to the celebrity players, co-hosts, and entertainers: Meghan James-VH1 Basketball L.A., Morgan Westbrooks-B.E.T. #Thewestbrooks (1 show in the country now), Dani Rey-Singer, Actress (Empire), Valenzia Alagrin– Actress (True Blood), Soulfia-Granddaughter of Grammy winner King Soloman Burke & was backup singer for Joss Stone, Nizhoni Cooley-Supermodel, Cecilia “The Mamasita” Kday Radio Personality, Natalie Nun– Conversation w/ Cordell Capone, Bad Girls Club, Michelle Mitcheno-Actress-Movie-Livin her dream, Rebecca Bloom-Actress-The peanuts movie, Samantha Estban-Actress-From Dusk to Dawn, the other side, and Rashia Whitlock – Actress (Django Unchained). It was an awesome evening with a super positive energy that compelled me to get involved.